About Sacred Heart · Oakwood, North Dakota
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Grafton, North Dakota, is a Catholic community centered on worship, fellowship, and service. Founded in 1881 by French and Irish Canadian settlers, the parish began with Masses held in local halls and homes before its first church was built. The parish serves a growing community through regular Masses, sacraments, ministries, and outreach programs. It is part of the Diocese of the Dakotas, with its seat in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- Established
- 1881
- Patron
- St. John the Evangelist
- Diocese
- Diocese of the Dakotas
Why belong here
Join a community that welcomes, encourages, and shares faith through prayer, healing, and service. Participate in ministries like the St. John's Quilters, lector schedule, and faith formation. Connect with others through fellowship, sacraments, and parish events designed to build a strong Catholic family.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
About
Welcome to Our Parish. We look forward to sharing our faith, activities, and fellowship with you. We also look forward to getting to know you and your many gifts that will hopefully be shared with us! If you have not done so already, we invite you to register as a member of our parish.
History
The early historical accounts of St. John the Evangelist Parish are somewhat sketchy; however, we can note a series of 'firsts.' The first colonists to settle in Grafton, belonging to the Catholic faith were French and Irish Canadians. They began to arrive in the spring of 1881 at the time the area was first opened for settlement and platted. The first Mass was said by Father Jean F. Malo of the Oakwood parish, on December 25, 1881, in the hall over the Chicago Store located on the west side of Hill Ave. The second Mass was said by Fr. Malo in the farm home of John Kennedy. At this time the Catholic population was about 172 souls. On August 8, 1882, the 'Walsh County Times' confirms that a small church would be constructed. The building was going to cost about $1,500.00 and was built on land donated for the purpose to aid the churches in Grafton. First Baptism: John Joseph Descheses, born June 2, 1884, Baptised June 11, 1884. First Confirmation: A class of 13 on July 1, 1884 by Rt. Rev. Martin Marty, Vicar Apostolic of the Diocese of the Dakotas. (Seat of the Diocese was in Sioux Falls, SD).
Ministries
St. John's Quilters, Lector Schedule, Faith Formation, Parish Registration.
- St. John's Quilters
- Lector Schedule
- Faith Formation
- Parish Registration