Tuktoyaktuk, NT

Our Lady of Grace

• Pastor: Fr. Fredrick Omegoha (ofredrick224@gmail.com)
• Pastoral Leader: Sr. Fay Trombley, SCIC (faytrombley1@gmail.com)

Box 218, Tuktoyaktuk, NT X0E 1C0

Parish Phone: (867) 977 2421

Our Lady of Grace is a Roman Catholic church located in Tuktoyaktuk, a small Inuvialuit community on the shores of the Arctic Ocean in the Northwest Territories. The church belongs to the Diocese of Mackenzie–Fort Smith and has been part of the Catholic presence in the High Arctic for many decades, serving as a spiritual home for local Catholics in one of Canada’s most remote regions.

Historically, the church and mission were established about 75 years ago by missionary priests and brothers, particularly from the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who helped bring Catholic ministry to northern communities.

For many years, Sister Fay Trombley, SCIC (Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception) has been a key pastoral presence at Our Lady of Grace. After a long teaching and ministry career in southern Canada, she answered a call to serve in Tuktoyaktuk and has been deeply involved in sustaining the faith life of the community. Part of her work included leading efforts to repair and rebuild the church building, which reached a significant milestone when the renovated church was consecrated in 2015 by the bishop, celebrated by baptisms, confirmations, and Eucharist for the community.

Because Tuktoyaktuk is so remote, a resident priest is not always available. At times the parish has worshipped in local homes when the church needed repairs or when extreme winter conditions made heating and services challenging, and visiting priests come to celebrate Mass several times each year.

The presence of Our Lady of Grace in Tuktoyaktuk reflects the long-standing commitment of the Church to serve isolated and northern communities, adapting to local circumstances while maintaining sacramental life and community support.