Chefornak - Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
Chefornak is a Central Yup'ik village on the Kina River, a little southeast of Nelson Island in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
First mention of a Catholic community in Chefornak came in 1937 when Fr. Paul Deschout, S.J., recorded baptisms of many children and adults. The first church was built around 1952. However, it burned to the ground in 1972 and was rebuilt as a parish-community center. An interesting aside is that funding for the building came from both Church and State resources. Later in 1975, a traditional church building was constructed and paid for by the local villagers under the direction of Fr. Francis Fallert, S.J., who was pastor at the time.
Since 1937, the following Jesuits have served Saint Catherine's community: Frs. Deschout who served for 19 years, Paul Linssen, James Jacobson, Francis Fallert, Norman Donohue, Thomas Provinsal, Paul Cochran, Eugene Delmore, and Mark Hoelsken. Diocesan priest, Fr. John Hinsvark served the Chefornak Catholic community from 1966 to 1974 between the tenure of Frs. Jacobson and Fallert.