About Sacred Heart · White Shield, North Dakota
Sacred Heart White Shield is part of the Tri-Parish Community with St. Nicholas Garrison and Immaculate Conception Max, forming one vibrant Catholic family rooted in faith, service, and community. Located near Lake Sakakawea and the Garrison Dam, the parish offers a spiritual home through Mass, sacraments, ministries, and fellowship. Its history traces back to 1904 with the founding of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Blackwater, evolving into a thriving parish with a modern church built in 1955. The parish is active in religious education, youth ministry, altar society, and Knights of Columbus, welcoming all who seek spiritual connection.
- Established
- 1904
- Patron
- St. Nicholas
- Rector
- Fr. Christy David Pathiala
- Diocese
- Bismarck Diocese
Why belong here
Join a community that lives faith together through religious education for all ages, fellowship gatherings, and active ministries like the Altar Society, Knights of Columbus, and Youth Ministry. Whether you’re new to the area or returning to the Church, Sacred Heart White Shield offers a warm, welcoming home rooted in sacraments, service, and compassionate outreach.
History
Founded in 1904 as Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Blackwater, the parish evolved into a formal church in Garrison in 1906 dedicated to St. Nicholas. The first church was a frame building, later replaced by a brick parish house and then a stone-and-cement school-church. During WWII, the parish house served as an observation post. In 1947, plans for a new rectory and church began, culminating in the current A-frame brick church built in 1955. Sacred Heart White Shield is one of three parishes in the Tri-Parish Community, united in faith and service.
Ministries
The parish is active in religious education for children, youth, and adults; the Altar Society cares for the sanctuary and liturgy; the Knights of Columbus serve the Church and community; and the Youth Ministry forms the next generation in joyful, sacramental Catholic life.
- Religious Education
- Altar Society
- Knights of Columbus
- Youth Ministry
Faith Lived Together
Sacred Heart White Shield’s life unfolds in small, faithful moments — week after week, year after year — through prayer, sacraments, and compassionate outreach. The parish welcomes all who seek spiritual connection, whether new to the area, returning to the Church, or seeking a spiritual home.