A symbol of Christ’s Resurrection often seen in Christian iconography is the mythical creature known as the phoenix. This legendary bird dies in a flurry of flames only to be reborn from the ashes. The May 29 fire at St. John the Baptist Church in Maria Stein destroyed the sanctuary’s two stained glass windows, one of which displayed an image of the phoenix.

The church’s parish community, part of the Christ Our Light Family of Parishes, is now rising from the ashes of their historic church. Signs of hope and new life are visible as the community discerns its next steps.

“Some of our youngest parishioners call it ‘the broken church,’” said pastor Fr. Ken Schnipke, C.PP.S. “Other parishioners tell us that their heart aches each time they pass by.” St. John’s shell still looms large over the community, a reminder that, while the building might be “broken,” it remains at the heart of the Maria Stein Community. And there is much activity on its behalf off-site.

“The remaining church is now dormant,” Fr. Schnipke said, “but like the winter wheat being planted in the surrounding fields, new life and hope are already sprouting.”

Those seeds of hope were planted by the people who stepped forward to help. From the fire department, who valiantly fought the fire to save as much as they could, to Archbishop Robert Casey, who called on that fateful day and has since visited the community. FIRST ONSITE, a firm that specializes in such situations, has been instrumental in securing the site, removing the debris, pulling out sacred items, and helping with other contractors working at the site.

“Each parish in the Christ Our Light family has been graciously welcoming our parishioners and supportive in many ways,” said St. John parishioner Michelle Ashman, parish council president and member of the newly formed building committee. Precious Blood Church in nearby Chickasaw deserves commendation for taking on St. John’s Masses and other scheduled events, offering a temporary home away from home. And the parish family’s other seven churches have shown support in various ways.

Since the fire, over 200 tons of debris were removed from the site, some of which was placed on a cart for parishioners and local people to take as a remembrance of the 1891 church. And many salvaged sacred items, such as vestments, candlesticks, crucifixes, and statues are being stored.

Through the reclamation process, signs of hope appeared amid the ruins. The statue of St. Joseph remains perched on a side altar. Christ, hanging on a cross above the organ, still stretched out his arms embracing the community. His hopeful Presence was also found in the sanctuary’s rubble when the intact tabernacle was found with sacred Hosts still inside.

In midsummer, the community hosted a special Thank You Prayer Service for the firemen and other first responders who battled the blaze at St. John. Recovered sacred items were available for parishioners to see and touch.

“A building committee was formed in late July to help the parish discern the future of St. John the Baptist Church,” Fr. Schnipke said. It is dedicated to bringing back a sacred space, the heart for the community, where the faithful can gather to encounter Christ through the sacraments.

Recalling the unique mission and traditions of St. John the Baptist Church, the committee’s “focus is to serve and represent St. John the Baptist Parish, the Marion Catholic Community, and the Christ Our Light Community for generations to come,” said Ashman.

But should the parish rebuild from the brick shell or start with something new? The answer is not easy and the committee is still gathering information, weighing options, and communicating with the community to make the best decision.

“A structural assessment in early August revealed that significant portions of the walls would need to be disassembled from the top down until a section is reached that has no damage,” said Fr. Schnipke. The parish will enlist an architect to help assess possibilities with the current structure and review the insurance estimate’s 400 line items. It is a monumental task.

Patience has been key in rising from the ashes. “It will take months to discern the future direction and design of St. John the Baptist Church,” Fr. Schnipke said. But the parishioners and staff have a patient and helpful mindset, and meetings continue with the local community to share new developments and hear their input.

The hope-filled expectations of St. John’s members fit well with the liturgical calendar’s Advent themes. “Hope is found in so many who have shared their prayers and support with us,” said Fr. Schnipke. The community recognizes the signs of hope in this experience and as they await the next steps for the church building. And these signs strengthen them to rise from the ashes, like the phoenix that graced their sanctuary and like Christ on the third day. ✣

This article appeared in the December 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.