After a summer of Masses in the school gym, parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano got their first look this week at the extensively renovated church.
“I think it’s going to bring more warmth to the church,” said the Rev. Luke Ferris, the parish’s pastor.
The old altar will be used for the final time this weekend, at the 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. Sunday services. Then it will be removed for the new altar. The new altar will be consecrated by Bishop Robert Banks of the Green Bay Diocese at the 10:45 a.m. Mass on Sunday.
Michael Smith of Smith Renovations LLC, Janesville, did the redesign that has transformed the church, which was built in 1951-52.
“You get a feel for the church and for what’s possible,” Smith said. “When you enter a church you should sense spirituality immediately.”
Steve David of Oakridge, Oregon, was the restoration artist and appreciated working with Smith.
“He understands liturgical placements and what to do and what not to do,” David said. “Mike and I both worked on what to do. I came in and offered a lot of ideas. It’s going back to more traditional Catholic roots.”
They both consulted with Ferris and a renovation committee.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Father Luke,” David said. “He understands art and design.”
A new altar and reredos (back altar) were built by Dave Myers, of New London. It has been described by those who got a sneak peek as impressive and welcoming.
Behind the reredos is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for private meditation.
The slope of the baptismal font has been changed to cut down on splashing and accents added to coordinate with those on the altar. The statues and stations of the cross have been retouched.
The pews and other wood in the church have all been stained a dark brown cherry with newly padded seats and new kneelers. Porcelain tile is under the pews and new carpeting in the aisles.
“We had to deal with every surface,” David said. “It was a lot.”
A few things were changed in the gathering space, which now holds Resurrection Jesus above the entry doors. A picture of the Sacred Heart was crafted from the mosaic pieces that were in the sanctuary. The gathering space windows were replaced with stained glass windows removed during the 2004 renovation.
A system for the hearing impaired was in the plans, but there was too much interference from materials in the floor. A radio system will broadcast the services. More energy efficient air conditioning and boiler systems have been installed.
Ferris is very pleased with all that has been accomplished and said the finished design is even more beautiful than what was drawn up.
“We were able to keep the original art work, design and integrity of the church, and bring a fresh look at the same time,” Ferris said.
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