Although onsite renovation isn’t slated to begin until the coming summer, some off-site woodwork will begin in the coming months. Additionally, our iconographer continues preparing her masterpieces to adorn the walls of the chapel next Fall. In the meantime, we asked some of our students to share their thoughts about the chapel.
What does the chapel on campus mean to you?
To me, our chapel is a place of rest unlike any other place on campus. At Hope, my semesters have always been busy and at times overwhelming. At chapel, I find myself putting aside the to-do list and I can just spend time resting with the Lord for as long as I need. Even if there are people in the chapel at the same time, I am able to feel alone with the Lord and can talk to Him about my day, joyful events, or struggles. Not many places on campus allow me to have this time and peace. I am thankful for this restful place.
-Kimberly Paquette (Senior)
What are your expectations for the chapel renovation next summer?
I'm hopeful that the renovation will make the chapel even more well-suited for the needs of the Catholic Mass and community. As Mass attendance increases, there's a need for more seating. The table that serves as an altar could be replaced with something more solid and appropriate; the crucifix -- currently a Protestant wooden cross with a corpus stuck to it -- could be replaced with a true crucifix. The carpeted floor could be replaced with something that is safer in case the Holy Eucharist were to fall. The current redecoration is superficial, but the renovation can address the deeper incompatibilities.
-Emily Downs (Alumnus)