Panhandle church celebrates improvements

Parishioners of Church of the Good Shepherd, in the Panhandle town of Boise City, recently celebrated the completion of upgrades to their church building and facilities.

The celebration May 31 included an open house, games and a performance by traditional matachines dancers. Father Don Wolf, who began his priesthood serving the Panhandle parishes, celebrated the vigil Mass. Afterward, all were treated to a dinner of hamburgers, hot dogs, side dishes and desserts.

Good Shepherd began a series of upgrades in May 2024. The project included covering a portion of the building’s exterior with stucco, laying a concrete drainage pad around the perimeter of the building, laying new tiles for an outdoor gathering area, repainting and patching of interior walls and ceilings, and installing new lights and an improved sound system for the church.

A Parish Facilities Grant from the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma covered about half of the $65,000 cost. Information about grants available through the Catholic Foundation can be found at www.cfook.org/grants or by calling (405) 721-4115.

Photo: (Above) Fr. Don Wolf

Longtime Church of the Good Shepherd parishioners Ed Desbien and Beth Hathaway point to new lights inside the church. Photos Owen Canfield.