The renovations of the chapel began with one thought in mind: a Catholic Church or chapel ought to inspire one’s intellect, will, and emotions to contemplate the majesty of God, and leave a person with a sense of awe and wonderment. In the sanctuary, stone statues of Our Lady and St. Joseph were replaced with larger, fully colored statues of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Another statue of St. Joseph was purchased, and a devotional space to him is being created in the back of the chapel. Tapestries were made depicting Mary and the image of Divine Mercy, and placed over the windows to the left and right of the tabernacle.
Next, a new altar cloth, six candles holders, a new altar crucifix (more befitting the size of the altar), and cloth to be made into the liturgical colors for each of the seasons were purchased. Around the tabernacle two new sanctuary lamps, an ablution cup, and statues of Sts. Peter and Paul were added. A tabernacle veil and linen for underneath the tabernacle are in the process of being made, as is a banner which will hang behind chair of the celebrant. A new paten for Holy Communion and a new ciborium for the tabernacle are now available for use in the chapel. Thank you to Deacon Ralph Wehner, Director of the Office of Divine Worship, for his direction and advice in making these renovations to the chapel. Also, thank you to Beth Livingston for generously donating her time and talent to the creation of the liturgical vestiture.
In order to create a distinction between the holy space found in the sanctuary and the nave of the chapel, a balustrade was installed on each side of altar with the help of Jake Livingston and his father, Mike. The metal altar server’s chair was replaced with a more ornate wooden stool, and a new Presider’s chair has been added. Two new credence tables were placed in the sanctuary, and linen coverings are being made for them. A Sacramentary stand is also now available for use by the priest. Kneeling pads are now on hand for use by the students and server, and the electrical outlet covers have been replaced with ones which match the decorum of the chapel.
Stations of the Cross were made and installed, the window on the chapel door was covered with brown blinds, and two holy water fonts have been placed at each entrance to the chapel. The locking system on the chapel’s main entrance has been replaced with a keyless entry system, allowing the students to come and pray any time. These improvements have been made in the hopes of aiding students as they lift their hearts and minds to God.
