ST. MARY’S • TWO INLETS
Faith, Perseverance & a Beloved Grotto
A Catholic community in Two Inlets with a history shaped by resilience, local dedication, and a distinctive outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE
A Church Rebuilt by a Faithful Community
St. Mary’s first church was built in 1907. After it burned, the community rebuilt in 1913. In 1920, Father Joseph Decker became the first resident pastor, but after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve the church was once again destroyed by fire.
With local support, determination, and faith, the present church was rebuilt in 1934. That history of perseverance remains an important part of St. Mary’s identity in the Two Inlets community.
Milestones
1907 — First church built • 1913 — Church rebuilt after fire • 1920 — Father Joseph Decker becomes first resident pastor • 1934 — Present church rebuilt
GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
A Place of Prayer Beside the Creek
The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is nestled below the hill near St. Mary’s Church and beside the creek. After a visit to Our Lady of Lourdes in France, Father Joseph Moylan was inspired to create a place of prayer in Two Inlets modeled after the beloved Marian shrine.
Construction began in 1959 and was made possible through prayer, the work of St. Mary’s parishioners, and the talents and financial support of the surrounding community. The finished Grotto remains a memorial dedicated to the pastors who have served St. Mary’s over the years.
History of the Grotto
The life-size statues of Our Lady of Lourdes and Bernadette are carved from white Carrara marble and were created by an Italian sculptor. The Stations of the Cross were also incorporated into the devotional setting, reflecting the experience of the shrine at Lourdes.
In 1981, Father Alto Butkowski proposed expanding the Grotto to include a Rosary Shrine. A large Rosary designed for Living Rosary devotions was incorporated into the grounds and dedicated on July 10, 1981. The tradition continued in 2022 when a walking Rosary was completed as an Eagle Scout project.
We invite you to the Grotto. Enjoy the beauty of God’s creation as you walk the grounds, and be refreshed in mind and spirit. All are welcome in this place.
THE GROTTO IN TWO INLETS
Scenes from the Grotto
Stations of the Cross
As at Lourdes in France, the Stations of the Cross are an important part of the devotional setting at the Two Inlets Grotto, inviting visitors to prayerful reflection as they walk the grounds.
Jesus is condemned to death
Jesus takes up His cross
Jesus falls the first time
Jesus meets His mother
Simon helps Jesus carry the cross
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Jesus falls the second time
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Jesus falls the third time
Jesus is stripped of His garments
Jesus is nailed to the cross
Jesus dies on the cross
Jesus is taken down from the cross
Jesus is laid in the tomb
VISIT ST. MARY’S
All Are Welcome
St. Mary’s welcomes parishioners, summer visitors, neighbors, and pilgrims to worship, pray, and experience the beauty of the Two Inlets community and Grotto.
Church & Contact
55744 County Hwy. 44
Park Rapids, MN 56470
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 353, Park Rapids, MN 56470
Two Inlets — 12 miles north of Park Rapids on Hwy. 71, then 3 miles west on Two Inlets Road.
Phone: 218-732-4046
Email: sm2inlets@stpeterpr.org