Holy Eucharist Parish – Thorhild

Holy Eucharist Parish in Thorhild began with the faith and sacrifice of Ukrainian settlers who arrived in the area around 1909 and were first served by visiting clergy before the parish was formally organized. In the early years, Fr. Basil Ladyka baptized children in the home of Henry Buhay and later celebrated Divine Liturgy in the open air at the newly acquired cemetery. As the community grew, the faithful organized themselves into a building committee and, in 1917, built the first church through voluntary labour, donations, and parish efforts.

By the 1950s, growth in the town and the surrounding area created a new need for a church in Thorhild itself. A new parish was organized in 1952, land was secured, and fundraising began through raffles, dinners, bazaars, memberships, and traditional parish events. With the support of clergy, lay leaders, and the women of the UCWL, construction of the modern church moved forward, and the new building was blessed by Bishop Neil Savaryn in 1969. The parish continued to grow, and the mortgage was burned in 1972, marking an important moment in the life of the community.

Holy Eucharist Parish stands as a witness to the perseverance of Ukrainian Catholic families who built parish life over many decades. From early baptisms in homes and outdoor Liturgies to the construction of a permanent church in town, the parish has remained a spiritual home for generations of faithful in Thorhild and the surrounding district.