Construction is under way for the new St. Stephen Catholic Church in Lacombe.

The official announcement came this afternoon, as the community came out to show their support for the new building which will include a well-sized worship and hall space along with a meetings spaces and an office.

The churches current priest, Father Schimit Abaraham, said he's excited the time has finally come.

“There is a great excitement. The Holy Spirit has worked and the prayers of the people brought us together and we are going to let it begin.”

Since the demolishing of their former church after a vicious 2015 hail storm, members have been using Father Lacombe School as their place of worship.

Annette Specht has been a member of the church for decades and said she is extremely happy to see it return.

“After I emigrated from Germany, the first Sunday we came to this church and for my three kids at the time, the church has been a second home and the partitioners have been my extended family.”

“This is very exciting”

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of November and open for the beginning of December.