A sacred space renewed

BLG chapel renovations bring new life to the spiritual center of the school

When you walk through the main entrance of Bishop Ludden-Grimes Jr/Sr High School (BLG) and head slightly to the right, you’ll find a bright, welcoming space: the school’s chapel. Located literally in the center of the building, the chapel serves as the heart of the school community.

“As a Catholic school, our mission extends beyond academics. We are called to help students grow not only in knowledge but also in their relationship with Jesus Christ,” said BLG campus minister Kristen Popov. “And at the heart of our chapel is the presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Our students have the extraordinary opportunity to step away from their busy school day and spend time with Him.”

Popov shared that her grandmother lived under an authoritarian regime in which Christians had to practice their faith in hiding. The BLG students’ ability to practice their faith openly throughout the school day is something we should never take for granted. “It is a powerful reminder that the freedom to practice our faith is a gift and that we have a responsibility to pass that faith on to the next generation,” she said.

Current seminarian and former BLG theology teacher Alex Van Tassel works on the chapel’s back altar. Photo submitted by Kristen Popov

Over this past summer, the chapel was fully renovated, and on Oct. 21, after the Mass for Life held in the BLG gymnasium, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia celebrated a rededication and blessing of the space. BLG principal Kevin Murphy explained several reasons why the renovation was necessary. He said the original 1963 chapel design was mostly intact, with a small upgrade sometime in the 1980s, but the configuration allowed only about 50 people in the chapel at once. The diocesan Safe Environment office raised concerns about the confessional booths at both ends of the chapel, which created areas of concealment, and the Chi Rho symbol from the circular skylight was removed to let in more natural light and brighten the chapel.

“When we began to look at how to configure the chapel after we removed [the confessionals], we started to think bigger,” said Murphy. “We came up with a plan to remove the confessionals, the center platforms, and replace the altar to create more usable, bright space,” adding that the school consulted with diocesan Vice Chancellor Father Christopher Seibt to ensure the renovation process was handled with the utmost reverence for the sacred space.

Teachers, staff (including the leadership team), alumni, students, and their families all chipped in to help make the renovations a success. BLG director of development Jeff Detor said he knew many members of the school community wanted to help, but weren’t sure how to get involved. At the same time, many parents and families expressed the need for the school to bring a stronger focus on forming students’ Catholic faith. The chapel renovations were a great opportunity for people to get involved, and a Catholic Identity Committee was formed to help continue the vision of keeping faith at the center of the school’s mission.

“I brought folks in [to the chapel] after we had taken the confessionals out and said, ‘Look at this space,’ and asked them, ‘What kinds of things should we highlight?’” said Detor. “And the feedback was awesome, which is great.” He added that several families were great supporters throughout the renovation process. The donations were so generous that the $25,000 worth of renovations were completed almost entirely with gifted funds.

“One of the most beautiful aspects of the chapel renovations has been the way the entire Bishop Ludden-Grimes community came together to make it possible,” Popov said.

One person who was central to the chapel renovations is Alex Van Tassel, a former BLG theology teacher who is now one of the diocese’s seminarians. The project began under his leadership, and Popov shared how he personally built the back altar and continued working in the chapel until the day before he left for seminary over the summer.

Seventh-grader Evelyn prays her afternoon Rosary in the renovated chapel during her study hall.

“There is something so meaningful about a man preparing for the priesthood building an altar for the school community he served. His dedication is a beautiful example of what Catholic education is meant to inspire: a faith that moves beyond the classroom and becomes a life of service,” said Popov. “Alex reminds us that holiness is not something distant or unattainable. We are all called to use our gifts and talents in service to God and others.”

Throughout the school year, the newly renovated chapel is used for weekly Lectio Divina, First Friday Adoration, monthly Rosary recitation, and prayer services. The maximized space has also opened up new opportunities to hold larger gatherings in the chapel. “In September, we were able to hold a Mass for all fall athletes to participate in. We were able to have 138 student athletes and 14 coaches in the space,” said Murphy.

Recently, members of the original Bishop Ludden graduating class of 1966 toured the building. The chapel was a highlight they couldn’t stop talking about, Murphy said. “One of the most heard comments is about how bright and welcoming [the chapel] is. Others tell us they had no idea it was that big until they saw the new layout. We sincerely thank all those who contributed to making the new chapel the heart of our building!” he said.

The space isn’t entirely finished yet, however — those who contributed funds, ideas, and hard work to make the chapel what it is today will continue adding new details in the weeks and months to come, Detor said. Murals, additional statuary, and more are envisioned, and the remaining glass windows will be installed very soon.

Popov shared how an interesting turn of events led to a portion of the renovations funding coming from an unexpected source: the sale of vintage chairs that had been stored and unused in the convent portion of the school.

“We discovered that these chairs had considerable resale value, and their sale helped make the chapel renovation possible,” she said. “It is a fitting reminder that sometimes the resources needed are already within our community, just waiting to be rediscovered. God will provide!”