Williston, N.D. (AP) The Roman Catholic Church in western North Dakota is being transformed by an influx of Hispanic parishioners who have moved to the area to work in the oil patch.
The great need to better serve this population, many of whom speak little or no English, has led to the relocation of a group of sisters from Mexico to Williston thanks to a five-year grant.
The Rev. Russell Kovash with St. Joseph's Catholic Church says the oil country is being considered mission territory.
The sisters will spend nine weeks studying English at the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas. They'll then return to Williston to help in the church with sacramental preparation, music and lectors involved during mass, among other responsibilities.