Restoration of St. Patrick Church in O’Neill complete

Parishioners of St. Patrick Parish in O’Neill are once again worshipping in their church and taking in its beauty following months of restoration.

Their pastor, Father Bernard Starman, said that the renovations have had the intended effect, “that when people entered into the church, their hearts and spirits would be lifted up to the Divine.”

Weekend Masses were moved to St. Joseph Parish in Atkinson during the June-to-November renovations.

While the church was updated over the years, parishioners sought a more inspiring look. Critical maintenance issues also needed to be addressed.
The 2025 improvements come in time for the parish’s 150th Anniversary in 2027.

They also come after a difficult period in the life of the parish. In October of 2024, an early-morning explosion destroyed the parish center and damaged St. Mary elementary and high schools, Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital and several homes. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Plans for a new parish center are underway on the former site. Though the explosion caused millions of dollars in damage, parishioners, school families and the O’Neill community have grown closer since the tragedy, Father Starman said.

ST. PATRICK PARISH

ST. PATRICK PARISH

ST. PATRICK PARISH

A version of this story originally appeared in the January 2026 edition of The True Voice magazine. Copies of the magazine can be found at parishes across the archdiocese.

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