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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The spire of the Sacred Heart Catholic church may not always be visible on Fort Simpson's skyline.

Built in 1923, the condition of the church is deteriorating. Last October the congregation began holding its Sunday services in the basement of the rectory.

The demolition of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Simpson and the construction of a new church is an option that the Sacred Heart parish council is seriously considering. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The winter move was a cost-saving measure because of the difficulties of heating the structure, said Martina Norwegian, a parish councillor.

"It's like heating the outside," Norwegian said.

The church has high ceilings and large windows.

It has also developed many holes and cracks over the years, she said.

Faced with this reality the parish council determined that renovations alone are no longer sufficient, said Norwegian.

A new church will have to be built.

This decision hasn't been easy especially for the older congregation members, said Father Wes Satanski.

"The older people have beautiful memories of the church," he said.

The church has been an important part of the lives of members who were baptized and married there, Satanski said.

"It will be very hard for many people to let it go."

Members of the parish council also feel strongly about the building but have had to consider the safety of the congregation, he said.

"The church is deteriorating," said Satanski.

The council is now examining how to move forward, including what building options are available and how to fund the project.

"The first thing people say with regards to the church is call the Vatican," said Norwegian.

People make this comment as matter of fact statement without realizing the Vatican is a whole city and not just one person that can be easily called, she said.

The council is considering contacting the Holy See through the proper channels to discuss the church's need.

The significance of Pope John Paul II choosing to visit the village will be raised, Norwegian said.

The council also met with Bishop Murray Chatlain of the Mackenzie-Smith Diocese on March 3 to discuss different options.

The Bishop has some pots of money available but they are "just a drop in the bucket," she said.

The possible costs for a new church varies.

When Kugluktuk replaced its church, which was destroyed in a fire, with modular units it cost $200,000. The church that is being constructed in Whati has an approximate price tag of $900,000.

The council is looking for feedback and suggestions from members of the congregation as well as the wider community about the project.

"This involves the community, it's a community thing," Norwegian said.

The next parish council meeting will be held on April 23 at 7 p.m. in the rectory trailer.

"We welcome prayers and support of any kind," Satanski said.

The council knows a new church will cost a lot and it will be a big project.

"It will be a long journey for us but we will do our best. I believe we can do it together as a congregation," he said.