It’s easy to dream about what could be, but putting it into action is another story. Many clients have little to no construction experience and limited access to reliable and trustworthy resources to guide them. While every project has its own unique challenges and quirks, the following list should provide a good framework for churches interested in considering their next major renovation.
1. What are your priorities for a renovation or restoration? If you could have it all, what would it be?
This is a very helpful step for you and those helping you. It allows everyone to understand your vision and goals, even if they need to be tailored for budget, time frame, or support constraints. Knowing details like whether you would like to move the tabernacle back into the sanctuary and why will help you understand why this project is important to the parish and the service of Christ. An idea of any biblical images or symbolic motifs you would like to incorporate is also useful in communicating exactly what you envision for your church.
This point can also include completing a rendering. Renderings help you and the parish envision and understand the intention of the project so that you can start fundraising and establish an end goal.
Sketch and watercolor for chapel dedicated to Padre Pio
2. What time-frame would you like this to be started or completed?
Think of a parish anniversary in a few years, a patron saint’s feast day, Easter, or Christmas. Knowing this from the start is very helpful to make sure large and small scope items stay on track for their start or complete dates
3. Understand your diocesan or community requirements.
Every Catholic diocese and Christian community has a different approach to projects, especially if a church is a historic landmark. Knowing what they are and anticipating potential delays in getting approval will help set you up for success long-term.
4. If a committee is assembled, is everyone on the same page?
To quote G.K. Chesterton “I’ve searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees.” In spite of his unfavorable view, committees can be amazing support systems that lighten the load of tasks ahead. But they can also be dread millstones – it all depends on the people. Ideally, a committee recognizes the pastor’s final authority, understands the vision and theological motivations for it, and is committed to helping realize it. Carefully and intentionally choosing who is in your support system is incredibly helpful to you and to the contractors who will work with the team.
The Archdiocese of the Military Chapel before and after renovation
Why Start?
Throughout Canning’s 50 years, we have seen the effects of a church renovation or restoration. Making a picture or idea come to life is nothing short of magic and making a church beautiful is one of the greatest gifts to a community that will last generations.
Change can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be isolating. If you are interested in getting a project started soon, our team is here to help every step of the way!
