St. Thomas to celebrate 125 years

COEUR d'ALENE — Father Mariusz Majewski is the new priest on an old block.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Coeur d'Alene, where Majewski has been serving since July, is celebrating its 125-year milestone during a gala at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn later this month.

“For me, it is very humbling to be here at this very important time for our community,” Majewski said. “I’m new to this community, so I’m honored to be able to celebrate this even though I’ve only been here a few months.”

He said the gala is an opportunity to "celebrate our faith and our traditions that have nurtured us here in Coeur d’Alene for so many years.”

“We are heading into the future filled with great hopes and dreams," he said. "We will pray, we will educate ourselves and we will celebrate that great milestone in this parish life.”

With its landmark spire and glorious stained windows, it's no surprise that the craftsmanship of St. Thomas has withstood the test of time and taken away many a breath with its beauty.

“In my humble opinion, it is the most beautiful building in northern Idaho," Majewski said. "When you enter it, you can see how beautiful it is."

The gala will also be an opportunity to celebrate the people of St. Thomas, past and present.

“We want to thank all the pioneers, our ancestors who came, who have been here putting their grain of sand and vivifying the work that belongs to God," he said. "So many people who came before us built this parish. And (it is also a time) to thank our benefactors, people who have given out sometimes, really, from their hearts, to provide for the work of the church and the work of God.”

Majewski came to St. Thomas the Apostle Church following the unexpected death of Father Bill Crowley, who was pastor at the church for 10 years before passing. Majewski is originally from Poland and was recruited to serve in the United States by SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Michigan. He graduated from the Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon in 2007 and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Boise in June 2008. Becoming a priest was something Majewski said he felt called to do.

“It’s really impossible to explain entirely when you think of different religious vocations, because you are dealing with the mystery of God’s call,” he said. “It’s a mysterious call from the Lord, and really, how are we to explain the ways of God, how he acts in our hearts? We can try, but we will always fall short to totally explain the mystery of this call.

“I’m deeply grateful for that call. A priest is a person who is called, consecrated, ordained and sent to serve the people of God, to be that conduit of God’s grace.”

The public is invited to celebrate St. Thomas' milestone Nov. 22. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for youths ages 6-12 and free for age 5 and younger. The event will begin with Holy Mass at the church at 10 a.m. with special guest Bishop Peter Christensen and will continue with brunch and celebrating at the Coeur d'Alene Inn. Reservation deadline is Nov. 16. Tickets can be purchased in the parish office, 919 E. Indiana Ave.

And Majewski said if anyone is curious to see the historic building, all they have to do is call and stop by.

"If anybody would like to visit, we are always open," he said. "We can give them a tour and accommodate."