Parishers of St. Stephens Catholic Church are getting excited, as construction on their new church is set to begin in a few weeks.

Their former church that had been standing in Lacombe since the 50's had to be torn down after the hail storm that swept through Lacombe in 2015 started showing the buildings age.

Tom De Forge Chair of the Pastoral Council says they've started the tendering process, which will finish up in about a week, with construction starting shortly after that.

"So sometime towards the end of March, and beginning of April at the very latest. Scott Builders is our contractor and they've guaranteed that construction will be completed by the end of November."

De Forge says he can't say exactly what they're most excited for in the new building.

"There were many problems with the old building, and we've expanded the building in terms of capacity. We have everything on one level to make it more accesible for all parishioners. We also have a new audio system, and all of the things that come along with a new building, we're really looking forward to."

De Forge says he's happy and impressed with the quick 2 year turnaround the Church will have.

In the meantime, they'll continue to hold mass at the Father Lacombe School.