Most areas of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano are unrecognizable as it undergoes an extensive renovation. Work started on May 13 and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1.
The renovation is being financed by $432,000 that was raised 10 years ago for the second phase of a reconfiguration of the church.
“It was repurposed toward this simplified renovation,” said the Rev. Luke Ferris, pastor at Sacred Heart.
However, another $68,000 needed to be raised to complete the project. A letter campaign asked parishioners to consider donating $200 each. The money was raised within four weeks.
“Thanks to the grace of God and the goodwill and generosity of many people, we’ve achieved our goal,” Ferris said. “It’s the grandparents of people in Shawano that built this church in 1952, and now this generation has contributed their part.”
During the renovation, Mass and church services are being held in the school gym.
Smith Renovations, a firm based in Janesville that specializes in church renovations, is doing the work.
The ceiling has been repainted, rafters re-stained, lighting refurbished and pews refinished. The carpeting has all been removed and replaced. The floor under the pews now will be tiled rather than carpeted.
The altar area has been repainted, and there will be a new back and front altar. The statues and stations of the cross have been retouched.
New boiler and air conditioning units that are more energy efficient will be installed.
Six stained-glass windows removed on the south side of the church during a renovation in 2004 will replace regular windows in the Gathering Space.
When the work is completed, Ferris expects Bishop David L. Ricken or one of the Diocese of Green Bay auxiliary bishops to consecrate the altar at a Mass.
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