Historic groundbreaking draws 600 as Eagle County Catholic community nears capital goal
Courtesy photo
Eagle County’s growing Catholic community is nearing the finish line of a historic $23 million capital campaign to build permanent church homes for parishioners in Edwards and Gypsum.
With more than $22 million already raised, just $1 million remains to complete construction of St. Clare of Assisi in Edwards and St. Mary Catholic Parish in Gypsum, marking a major milestone for Catholic life in the Vail Valley.
“This campaign is proof of what happens when a community believes in something bigger than itself and actually acts on it,” capital campaign director Jenn Bruno said in a press release.
On Saturday, May 2, more than 600 parishioners gathered in Gypsum for the groundbreaking of the new St. Mary Catholic Church. A First Saturday Mass honoring St. Mary was followed by the groundbreaking ceremony and a community lunch.
Founded in 1911 by 22 Catholic families, the St. Mary’s community began with Mass celebrated in a private home before purchasing an old schoolhouse in 1916 for $1,100. With donated pews, an altar and a tabernacle, the parish slowly took shape.
Support Local Journalism
The first Mass in the permanent church was celebrated in 1917, the same year the statue of St. Mary, present at the groundbreaking, became part of parish life.
The new St. Mary Catholic Church will include a 5,000-square-foot nave seating approximately 400 people.
The campaign slogan “One Valley, One Community, One Vision for the Future” has united parishioners in support of building both St. Mary and St. Clare of Assisi churches. With construction set to begin soon, campaign leaders are inviting the broader community to help close the final $1 million gap.
Once completed, the two churches will serve as permanent spiritual homes for hundreds of families across Eagle County.
To learn more or contribute, visit: vailvalleychurchfund.org
