About Immaculate Conception · Max, North Dakota
Immaculate Conception in Max, North Dakota, is part of the Tri-Parish Community with St. Nicholas in Garrison and Sacred Heart in White Shield, united under one vibrant Catholic family. Rooted in faith and service, the parish offers sacraments, ministries, and fellowship to parishioners and visitors alike, with a history dating back to 1904. Located near Lake Sakakawea and the Garrison Dam, the parish serves a rural community with a strong tradition of Catholic life, volunteerism, and spiritual outreach.
- Established
- 1904
- Patron
- St. Nicholas
- Rector
- Fr. Christy David Pathiala
- Diocese
- Bismarck Diocese
Why belong here
Join a community that offers religious education for all ages, active ministries like the Altar Society and Knights of Columbus, and fellowship gatherings that foster spiritual growth and connection. Whether you’re new to the area or returning to the Church, you’ll find a welcoming, faith-filled environment rooted in service and sacramental life.
History
Founded in 1904 as Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Blackwater, the parish was established by Catholic homesteaders from Illinois and Minnesota. The first Mass was celebrated in 1906 in a frame church built with donated labor and funds. The parish house was built in 1906, later serving as a mission center and observation post during WWII. A school was added in 1915, and a combined church-school building was constructed in 1921. The current church was built in 1955 as an A-frame brick structure. The parish has been served by Benedictine monks and visiting priests, with a long history of community involvement and faith formation.
Ministries
The parish offers a range of ministries to support spiritual growth and community life, including Religious Education for children, youth, and adults; the Altar Society, which cares for the sanctuary and liturgical linens; the Knights of Columbus, serving the Church and wider community; and a Youth Ministry focused on forming the next generation in joyful, sacramental Catholic life.
- Religious Education
- Altar Society
- Knights of Columbus
- Youth Ministry
Parish Staff
The parish is led by Fr. Christy David Pathiala, Parochial Administrator, with Deacons Ryan Nelson and Tom Magnuson. Parish Secretary Pam Wilcox and DREs Stephanie Trautman (St. Nicholas) and Peggy Bingham (Immaculate Conception) support parish operations and faith formation.
- Fr. Christy David Pathiala
- Deacon Ryan Nelson
- Deacon Tom Magnuson
- Mrs. Pam Wilcox
- Mrs. Stephanie Trautman
- Mrs. Peggy Bingham