St. Ann Catholic Church
Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota

Vision Statement: That Almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be glorified through the salvation of all peoples in the Turtle Mountains.

Mission Statement: As a Eucharistic family united in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, under the maternal patronage of Saint Ann, we strive to bring the healing Light of Christ to all in need of His Divine Love. Through our commitment to prayerful worship and works of mercy, we share our Catholic Faith so as to inherit the Kingdom of God. 

Location and History:
One of the original missionaries of the area, Father George Anthony Belcourt lived among the people of northern North Dakota from 1848 until 1859.  He went on the biannual buffalo hunts with the Ojibwe and Métis (Métis, also known as Michif, peoples are those of mixed ancestry–the fur traders of French heritage intermarried with people of the Ojibwe and Cree tribes). In honor of Father George’s presence among the people, the primary village on the Reservation was named “Belcourt.”

St. Ann’s Parish is located in the center of the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in Belcourt, ND. The first log church was built in 1884 under the direction of Fr. J.B. Malo of St. John, ND, which lies 10 miles to the northeast of Belcourt. Following Fr. Malo, two French Canadian priests, Fr. Joseph Quellette and Fr. Leonce Ducharme, arrived in 1894. The Benedictines took over the ministry at St. Ann’s in 1932. Fr. Hildebrande Elliot’s ministry lasted from 1932-1968 and the Benedictines remained in ministry here until 1995. Following their departure, the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity was assigned to the parish. St. Ann’s Indian Mission has been serving the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Metis Indians since 1885. 

Contact Info:
St. Ann Catholic Church
1115 Louis Riel Drive

Mailing:
P.O. Box 2000,
Belcourt, ND 58316
Phone:
(701) 477-5601
Email:
[email protected]