Helping faithful Catholics keep historic churches as true houses of worship.
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Rock Springs, Wyoming — a National Historic Landmark built by Slavic immigrant families in 1925 — is under threat of being relegated and possibly sold. A dedicated group of more than 250 parishioners has already filed hierarchical recourse with the Vatican.
Current Status In October 2025, Bishop Steven Biegler of the Diocese of Cheyenne issued a decree relegating Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church to “profane but not sordid use.” Parishioners, led by Mary Hamilton as canonical procurator, promptly filed a petition to revoke the decree and then hierarchical recourse to the Dicastery for the Clergy in Rome (submitted through the Apostolic Nuncio).
The decree was suspended from November 19, 2025, through February 15, 2026, to allow further discussion. The hierarchical recourse remains active. A private Facebook group of more than 250 members continues to lead the local effort.
Why This Church Matters
Built in 1925 by Slavic immigrant coal-mining families who wanted a parish that respected their language and traditions.
Designed by local architect Daniel D. Spani; features a distinctive 125-foot bell tower.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
Placed on the Alliance for Historic Wyoming’s Watchlist of Endangered Places.
Continues to house the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, a vital community ministry
Timeline of the Fight
October 2025 – Relegation decree published.
Late October 2025 – Petition to revoke filed by Mary Hamilton on behalf of concerned parishioners.
November 19, 2025 – Decree suspended until February 15, 2026; meeting with the bishop scheduled.
Ongoing – Hierarchical recourse proceeds before the Dicastery for the Clergy in Rome.
(We will update this section as new developments occur.)
Key Points Being Raised: Parishioners argue that no sufficient “grave cause” has been demonstrated under canon law, that the building remains structurally sound, that its historic and cultural value is significant, and that alternative arrangements (such as maintaining it as a shrine or chapel under independent Catholic stewardship) were not adequately explored.
How You Can Help
Join the private Facebook group Preserving our Sacred Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church is leading the effort.
Pray for a just and favorable decision from Rome.
Share the story of Sts. Cyril and Methodius with others who care about preserving sacred spaces.
Contact us if you have media inquiries, legal/canonical experience, or if your own parish is facing a similar situation.
With Bishop Biegler, it is always about the Money
Did you go to the bishop's, $250 a plate, Christmas Eve mass
At the 4 Seasons Hotel in Jackson, or did your money go there
For the billionaires' Christmas Eve bash.
Got any more listings like this built over Ground Zero for the Chinese massacre in 1885, as well as over an abandoned coal mine with a subsidence risk?
The Rock Springs Massacre https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/rock-springs-massacre
Just ask Grok if 363 Bridge or Avenue in Rock Springs, Wyoming, is built over an abandoned coal mine.
Yes, 363 Bridger Ave. in Rock Springs, Wyoming, is built over an abandoned coal mine. The area along Bridger Avenue has a documented history of underground coal mining from the late 1800s, leading to subsidence risks.
Sold by High Country Realty $133,000
High Country Homes sold this for the Bishop for $133,000, what a deal, considering all the benefits of the neighborhood.
Is this picture to your satisfaction?
Archbishop Fulton Sheen: “Who is going to save the Church? Not our bishops, our priests and religious. It is up to the laity. You have the minds, the eyes, the ears to save the Church. Your mission is to see that your priests act like priests, your bishops act like bishops, and your religious act like religious.”