Rising From the Ashes

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

It was the early morning of April 21 when Tammy Schirado’s phone rang. It was Father Carlos Perez of St. Ann’s Catholic Church where Schirado worked. Their beloved place of worship was on fire. Later that day, the church building collapsed. It was a total loss.

St. Ann’s Catholic Church is home to approximately 160 families who worship there. Devastated, they questioned why and how this could happen in a town such as Bonners Ferry. It was ruled arson. To think someone intentionally set their church on fire made the loss even that much greater.

But with much faith and confidence that God would help them through this troubled time, their anger and despair soon turned to gratefulness as the community of Bonners Ferry and beyond came together to support them in their time of need. The United Methodist Church opened its doors and welcomed the people of St. Ann’s parish. Catholic mass is said there on Saturdays at 5pm and on Sunday mornings at 9am, unless the weather is warm in which case they will hold mass under the Pavilion. It is the actions of those at the Methodist church and many others in the community and beyond that has filled the hearts of St. Ann’s parishioners with deep appreciation and hope.

“We love Bonners Ferry because we are so wonderfully independent,” said James Robinson, a member of St. Ann’s. “There are so many churches here in Bonners Ferry that you don’t even know them all. But then all of a sudden something like this happens and we all become friends. We are a unique and blessed community.”

Schirado said they have many people praying for them and they have received donations from not only the local community but from across the country. It has been heartwarming.

Locally, places such as Les Schwab has helped with various tasks; Shopko has given them some of the dirt from their excavation; dry cleaners have stepped forward to help clean some of the items damaged; and logging companies have donated free lumber.

According to Schirado, who has worked as the secretary at St. Ann’s for nearly eight years, insurance will cover a large portion of the construction of the new church, but not all of it. The building committee currently meets once a week and they are working with an architect on a floor plan.

Robinson, who also is a member of the eight person building committee, stated that the new church will be slightly different.

“It will be similar, but now everything will be on one level. There will not be a basement,” said Robinson, who adds that they are currently working on a budget based on the information they have received from insurance. “We are meeting with architects to figure out what permits are needed.”

And because insurance will not cover the total cost of the rebuild, those on the building committee are also given the task of planning fundraisers.

With time comes healing. Now, two months after the tragedy struck, crews are still working on clean up and applying for building permits, but progress is being made. “We hope to break ground by this fall,” said Schirado.

Robinson said they have received many verbal commitments of donations of time, talents and treasures, but until they have a final plan to present, he will not know the total commitments.

And what many may not know is that it was not just the church that was affected; there was damage to the rectory as well. The home of Fr. Perez is a stone’s throw away from the church and its metal roof melted in the heat of the fire so that too will need repaired.

The loss of their church is devastating. The memories that have been made there over the decades, whether it’s weddings, baptisms or first communions, will all hold a special place in the hearts of the parishioners. But as they work together to build their new church, they look forward to the many more memories they will make in their new building.

“I hope that everyone will continue to pray that the process is as expeditious as possible,” said Robinson. “We really do miss having our church.”

To make a donation to help those at St. Ann’s Catholic Church rebuild their place of worship, please mail your check to: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 6712 El Paso Street, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.

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