Our new chapel is here!!! It is a wonderful place to celebrate Mass.

 

 

• IN PROCESS - Increase size of Credence Table
• Find a wall hanging (Triptych) on the large bare wall.
• Make a smaller ambo
• Find an appropriate altar crucifix
• Two stained glass windows that go floor to top of window on either side of the door.

• Awning for outside of chapel door and lettering.
• Lighting for outside of chapel
• Landscaping for outside of chapel

 

In 1956 when the convent for the school was complete, a group of 4 to 5 sisters took residence to teach and serve the students at Collins Catholic School at our parish, Immaculate Conception. As part of their convent, stood a chapel in which they could pray and participate at Mass.

 

Today in 2012, we use the convent as an office and the chapel as a place for parishioners to participate in Mass and spend some time in prayer.

With the advent of our renovation project and with the distinct possibility of not having the Church available up to three months, the parish council and I decided to make an update to the chapel that served the nuns so well.

By removing the window and placing a door in its place, reorienting the altar to the opposite side of the chapel, and redoing the lighting, floor, paint, and seating, the chapel will become a place that can be more readily used by the parish.

What are some benefits of redoing the chapel.

1) First, by creating a door to the outside, the chapel becomes a place that can be used frequently without office interference. Prior to this the chapel would have been used only for Mass and the office staff would have to leave their positions so not to interfere with the celebration of the Mass. By having the door to the outside, the chapel can be accessed throughout the day and night and can be done so without disturbing or risking the safety of the office. (to the right is a temporary door)

2) A second immediate benefit is that it will allow for the public prayer before the Eucharist while the Church is shut down for the summer.

3) It provides another space for a group to meet. If a group was planning on having a spiritual talk or prayer service, they can meet in the chapel. Our parish is

short on spaces for people to meet. By making an outdoor entrance, the parish gains another meeting space for the gatherings.

4) It will make a great place for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. As the parish grows in her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, the new chapel will make for a great place to adore Jesus Christ.

5) The Chapel had not been updated for many years. The paint was dirty and unable to be cleaned. The carpet contained much dust and debris and the lights burned extremely hot. All of these were in need of updating.

The steps for the renovation our as follows.