Summer is well underway at the Catholic Center, and this summer it’s pretty different.  We have begun a three-phase chapel renovation project, and currently we are in the middle of some of the most important changes.  The project has been underway for almost three weeks now, and it has disrupted our Catholic life, but the students are doing well and are very excited.
 
The three phases of our project are as follows:
 
Phase 1:  Installation of pews, resurfacing our floors, changing the lighting in the nave of the chapel, and refinishing the ceiling.  Anticipated completion: September 2018
 
Phase 2:  Renovation of the Sanctuary.  Resurfacing the floors of the sanctuary; removal of some cosmetic dry wall.  Installation of a permanent ambo/pulpit; New tabernacle and reredos and renovation of the main altar.  Statuary and lighting and sound in the Sanctuary.  Anticipated completion: August 2019
 
Phase 3:  Perimeter walls of the chapel, including changing the southeastern wall to have a symmetrical window with the southwestern wall.  Installation of stained glass in the windows.  Renovation of the emergency exit doors.  Decorative painting throughout.  Anticipated completion: August 2020.
 
Every portion of this project which can be done ourselves will be done ourselves.  Thus far, 100% of the work has been completed by the students, alumni, some parents, and me.  In the end, this will make the project even more special.
 
On June 11, we began removing carpet in the Nave.  It was quite the operation.  The glue from the carpet was very difficult and required four pretty substantial machines to remove.  During this process, we began to prepare our replacement tiles for the ceiling.  We tested different paint combinations for weeks leading up to June 11.  Eventually, we purchased tiles for the drop ceiling and began the painting process. The inspiration for the ceiling was the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, which is where St. Catherine of Siena is buried. One of our students designed a stencil for us and cut it with the laser cutter in the design lab.  Hundreds of student hours later, we had a finished ceiling filled with stars. The final product is more spectacular than any of us anticipated, and the pictures simply do not do it justice. 
 
As I write this note, we are in the middle of floor installation: a beautiful ceramic tile in a light cream color.  We anticipate that portion of the project being complete in about 10 days.
 
We also changed our chandelier lights to something more in keeping with the newly envisioned space, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our newly manufactured pews and kneelers and presider’s chair, which should arrive in September.  Installation of the pews will only take a couple of days, so while it will be during the school year, it will not affect Masses. 
 
We are in the process of preparing a prospectus with all of the phases and drawings of our anticipated results.  Phase 1 is completely funded.  Phases 2 and 3 are completely unfunded. If you feel called to help us with this important project, please make a donation to our Chapel Fund. All donations will be used towards our renovations as part of our new Rebuild The Temple Campaign, which you will soon hear more about. In the meantime, we’re excited to announce our 2019 Helluva Catholic Gala and Silent Auction planned for March 1 of next year. Please save the date to come out and support The Catholic Center and our Chapel renovations!
 
Most of all, I welcome you to come and see how things are coming along—especially after the tile is done.  Thanks to all of our generous donors who have made Phase 1 possible and all of the  students who have contributed their labor!