a sacred renewal
In 2012, Catholic Central High School unveiled its newly renovated chapel—a sacred space reimagined to honor the school’s Catholic heritage. Nestled within the bustling high school, this 1,600 sq ft liturgical space was transformed into a luminous haven for prayer, adoration, and Mass.
AMDG’s architectural design team helped transform this compact, outdated space into an intimate, sacred space working collaboratively with the client, Rockford Construction, and interior designer, Rebecca Ballema. The design reoriented the chapel and adjoining sacristy to create a fan-shaped seating arrangement that focused on the centrality of the altar while also harnessing natural light, to create both an inviting and a serene atmosphere. Budget-conscious solutions were implemented to meet code and egress requirements while ensuring every square inch of the space served a purpose. The use of specialty glass within the corridor wall provides a visual connection to the sacred interior while maintaining privacy for worshippers.
The design reflects the centrality of the Eucharist, with every element—flooring, ceiling, and furnishings—focused on the
altar. AMDG designed custom liturgical furnishings, crafted by a local artisan and school alumnus, using natural materials to create a tactile connection to faith and tradition. The serene, yet versatile environment invites both communal worship and personal reflection, reinforcing Catholic Central’s mission to prepare servant leaders for Christ-centered lives.
This project exemplified the power of partnership. Seamless coordination between the construction and design teams ensured the renovation unfolded smoothly, even as the school remained operational. The slim margins for error required the entire team’s effort and strong communication and teaming. Every detail of the chapel was crafted with input from stakeholders, creating a space that truly belongs to the Catholic Central community.
The renewed chapel serves as a beacon of light and faith, embodying AMDG’s commitment to creating spaces that serve not just a function, but mission.
