About Our Lady of the Pines · West Yellowstone, Montana
Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in West Yellowstone, Montana, is a Roman Catholic parish serving residents and visitors in West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Island Park, ID, Big Sky, and surrounding areas. Founded in 1948 by local postmistress Alice Hansen, who vowed to build a church after her sons returned from war, the parish was consecrated in 1950. Originally used only in summer, it became year-round after a winter chapel was built in 1972. The church has grown with community support and has undergone several renovations, including new stained-glass windows installed for its 50th anniversary. The current pastor, Fr. Val Zdilla, serves both Our Lady of the Pines and St. Joseph Mission in Big Sky.
- Established
- 1948
- Patron
- Our Lady of the Pines
- Rector
- Fr. Val Zdilla
- Diocese
- Diocese of Helena
Why belong here
The parish offers a welcoming community for both locals and tourists, with ministries that include sacramental preparation, retreats, and seasonal Masses. Volunteers and parishioners support the church through fundraising and maintenance, and the parish provides spiritual care through confessions, baptisms, and weddings. The church’s unique setting in the mountains and its stained-glass windows reflect its deep connection to nature and faith.
Mass times at Our Lady of the Pines
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Before most Sunday Masses
- By appointment
About Our Parish Beginnings
In the spring of 1948, Alice Hansen, the local postmistress in West Yellowstone, approached Bishop Joseph M.Gilmore with the idea of building a Catholic church. Her sons had enlisted in the war effort, and she had promised the Lord if they were to return safely, she would build a church. Her faith moved the Bishop to approve the project. Father Joseph Oblinger was sent to provide Mass and consult on the project. The church was completed and consecrated in the spring of 1950 under the name Our Lady of the Pines.
Growth and Development
The church was used only in summer until the 1970s, when increased tourism required additional Masses. A winter chapel was built in 1972. In 1980, the church underwent a re-roofing project and construction of an office area. In 1998, radiant heating was installed, and new stained-glass windows were installed for the 50th anniversary. The parish has been served by various priests and administrators, including Fr. Joseph Oblinger, Father John Kirsch, and Sister Anne Marie Burke, before Fr. Val Zdilla became pastor in 2020.
Ministries and Sacraments
The parish offers sacraments including Baptism, Marriage, and Reconciliation. Baptisms are offered the second weekend of each month. Weddings are arranged by appointment. The parish also offers a retreat ministry called the 'Living Water Contemplative Center' and has a parish council with pastoral and finance committees. The parish community relies on volunteers and outside support for fundraising and maintenance.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Joseph Oblinger1996-2002
Volunteered to take care of weekend Masses and sacramental needs; later served as Administrator.
- Sister Anne Marie Burke, SCL1998-2002
Pastoral Administrator for both communities.
- Sister Patricia Toeckes, SCL2002-2019
Pastoral Administrator until retirement.
- Fr. Frank Wright, SMA2019-2021
Appointed Parochial Vicar and Administrator; returned to religious community in 2021.
- Fr. Val Zdilla2020-present
Current pastor since July 2020.