Clergy, parish leaders and laity at St. Francis of Assisi in Saginaw, Our Lady of Hope in Clare and St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Reese partnered with local and national architects and contractors to transform church interiors and sanctuary space into more reverent, beautiful and prayerful environments that also meet the needs of the parishioners they serve.

Following the renovations, the parish communities each celebrated rededication Masses with Bishop Robert Gruss as the presiding celebrant. During each special liturgy, Bishop Gruss anointed the altar with Sacred Chrism oil (pictured left) and traced four crosses on the church walls. A saint’s relics were solemnly deposited and sealed in the altar, and incense was burned upon the altar as well. The three parishes and highlights from their renovation projects are featured below.

“Built for our upcoming Catholics”

Saginaw | St. Francis of Assisi | 3680 S. Washington

Pastor: Father Alberto Vargas

Architect: Tagget Design, Saginaw

Construction: William Bronner and Son Contractors

Rededication Mass with Bishop Gruss: Sept. 22, 2024

Relic in the altar: St. Francis of Assisi

Father Alberto Vargas describes the renovation of St. Francis of Assisi Parish as “more than a physical renewal.”

“It was a reawakening of the church’s spiritual heart,” he said. “The space now stands as a testament to faith, devotion and the enduring love of God, inviting all who enter to worship with greater reverence and joy.”

Established in 1955 under the patronage of St. Anthony of Padua, the largely Hispanic parish has a love of Jesus and a devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. They are also devoted to their church patron, St. Francis of Assisi, whose sacred relics were imported from Rome and solemnly deposited into the altar during the Dedication Mass on Sept. 22.

“The renovation of St. Francis of Assisi was truly a collaborative effort of all involved,” said David H. Tagget, the architect and liturgical design consultant who was instrumental in the renovation process.

“The previous worship space was dark and dim,” said Kelly Mahaffy, administrative assistant at the parish since 1992. “Now it is so bright; there’s more natural sunlight coming in – it’s an inviting and elegant place to worship Jesus.”

The project, which began to be discussed before COVID-19, required gutting it down to the floorboards and beams.

“When new windows were installed, some existing windows were discovered. They were uncovered and expanded. This offers more natural light,” said Matt Bronner, president of William Bronner and Sons Contractors, who started the renovation in January and finished in September 2024.  

The renovation planning team also recognized the need for more space for parishioners to gather before or after Mass without disturbing those in prayer. Tagget Designs created an architectural element of a more defined narthex leading into the church.

“The [glass wall] is an appealing feature,” Matt said. “One can stand behind it and look out into the church sanctuary space.”

It also provides space for community-building.

“We are like a big family here at St. Francis of Assisi,” said Kelly, who was present at the 1971 Dedication Mass. “When we haven’t seen each other in a week, we like to talk and catch up on what’s going on in our lives, so the new gathering space is ideal for that purpose.”

A mix of old, refurbished and new sacred items were integrated into the overall architectural plan. For example, the original crucifix from 1955 now hangs on a marble wall panel above the tabernacle that rests on a marble stand. New tile surrounds a flowing water, double-level baptismal font.

In the sanctuary, an ambo and altar constructed of wood and marble are eye-catching focal points, and a Lamb of God emblem on the altar reminds the faithful of Jesus’ sacrifice. New statues of St. Francis of Assisi and the Holy Family rest on wooden platforms on the sanctuary wall.

“The updated design, with its enhanced lighting, sacred art and thoughtful architecture helps direct attention to the altar and tabernacle,” said Father Alberto Vargas. “Parishioners are better able to focus on the mysteries of the Mass, experiencing a closer connection to Christ during liturgical celebrations.”

The original pews and kneelers were refinished, and there are also movable chairs which allow for handicapped accessibility.

The carved wooden Stations of the Cross arrived as gifts when Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw was sold to MyMichigan Health. As the faithful journey with Jesus to Calvary, they can remember the many patients and their families who prayed and meditated on the sacred artwork.  

The new shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe is particularly meaningful. Candles surround a beautiful statue of the Virgin with a smaller statue of St. Juan Diego kneeling nearby.

“When planning for the renovations at St. Francis of Assisi, Father Alberto Vargas put his whole heart into making sure every area was covered,” Kelly said. “He always spoke about how this new space is being built for our upcoming Catholics – the future families who will carry on the faith.”  

“This renewed space is not just a building,” Father Alberto said. “It is a sanctuary where faith is nurtured, prayers are lifted and lives are transformed.”

“The beauty is drawing people.”

Clare | Our Lady of Hope | 106 E. Wheaton Avenue

Pastor: Monsignor Francis B. Koper

Architect: Swanson Design Studios, Lansing

Construction: Harsh Construction

Rededication Mass with Bishop Gruss: Oct. 13, 2024

Relic in the altar: St. Anthony of Padua

Our Lady of Hope Parish music director Stephanie Terpening never dreamed she would be at two Dedication Masses in her life. In 1988, she attended the dedication Mass of the then-new St. Cecilia Church, and 36 years later, she directed the choir as Bishop Robert Gruss consecrated the newly renovated worship space.

As a fourth-grade student, she learned to play the piano and ukulele at the former St. Cecilia Catholic School. Her Catholic education instilled in her a love for church music. Stephanie became a music teacher and found her way back to her childhood parish where she now leads the choir. She sat in awe at the Rededication Mass on Oct. 13.

“It's a work of art now,” Stephanie said. “Not only is the interior space beautiful and picturesque, but the upgraded lighting and sound system transforms one's worship experience.”

She believes the new design and location of the sanctuary with a suspended crucifix above the altar move everyone's hearts toward the center of the Catholic faith.

“Jesus is just the absolute focal point, no matter where you're sitting.”

The renovation took a few decades to accomplish, according to retired Monsignor Francis B. Koper, who serves as pastor and has a knack for researching people and places. “I'm a historian, and learned much about the history of this project,” he said.

“The thing that spurred this whole renovation was the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM),” said Monsignor Francis, who finalized what a long line of previous pastors attempted to initiate. “Back in 2009, there was talk to bring this worship space up to snuff. It was created as a multi-purpose hall, not a church. It didn't look much like a church before. The sanctuary was in movable segments. Now, this new worship space transcends, raises and lifts your mind, heart and soul to the Lord.”

Two years of collaboration, planning and discussions with Dave Swanson of Swanson Design Studio, the Saginaw Diocesan Building Commission and Harsh Construction, along with 190 days of construction, brought forth beautiful fruit.

“Coordinating all of this takes a lot of time and energy,” Monsignor Francis said. “This is what energizes me.”  

Monsignor Francis and his parishioners are proud of their new renovations which include a newly designed sanctuary, cry room, reconciliation chapel, Good Shepherd day chapel, meeting rooms, a sacristy and office space.

Part of Monsignor Francis' vision includes more opportunities for devotion and prayer.

“The ambiance here is different,” said Monsignor. “You want to pray more in a space that lifts your heart.”

Three shrines were installed at the church, including a terracotta sculpture with a relic of St. Cecilia, patroness of the parish church, a hand-carved, painted Our Lady of Hope statue with kneelers and a statue of Bl. Carlos Acutis (who will be canonized April 27) to inspire youth to become saints. Beneath the altar, there is a relic of St. Anthony of Padua.

A visiting sister from the Archdiocese of Detroit was looking for a new home for pews from the closing of St. Louise Chapel in Metamora, offering them to the parish for free.

Rick Vogel of Quality Wood Products in Ubly refinished and reconfigured them to fit in the new worship space.

“What a gift,” said Monsignor Francis. “He did a beautiful job. Before all that transpired, we weren't sure what we were going to do about pews.”

Other customized woodwork includes the altar, ambo, presider's chair, credence table, cantor stand, tabernacle stand and a glass-enclosed ambry to house the holy oil vessels. The baptismal font also received an updated look with new tile.

The elegance of the worship space is complemented by accessibility features.

“There is a huge advancement in lighting and sound technology that we incorporated,” he said. “New lighting calls greater attention to sacred space in the church and adds beautiful new illumination to the Stations of the Cross, the holy oils, altar and sanctuary. Even the original stained-glass windows seem brighter due to the increased lighting system.”

Perhaps the most talked-about renovation feature is the sound system.

“We invested $16,000 in a telecoil (T-coil), or a hearing loop as they're called, to be installed in the flooring,” said Monsignor Francis. “This allows parishioners who are hearing impaired to hear every spoken word with clarity by adjusting their devices.”

Erika Hoogerhyde, liturgical coordinator, notices how the newly renovated space is drawing more souls to come worship.

“Since witnessing the ritual of the bishop consecrating the altar – which is a go-between heaven and earth – and walls with holy oil, it's like the solid foundation on which our faith is built has been brought back to life. We've had four baptisms and one wedding since the renovation,” she said. “The beauty is drawing people.”

Stephanie agrees. “It's exciting to see the growing number of children,” she said, explaining the parish went from three to 12 youngsters coming to Children’s Liturgy of the Word. “It's such happy news to see so many young people.”

Whether young, old, new or a founding member – Stephanie sees the renovation project and its signs of growth.

“The singing is stronger and there's a new warmth to the church that wasn't here before – physically and spiritually,” she said.

“Working together for the glory of God.”

Reese | St. Elizabeth of Hungary | Reese

Parochial Administrator: Father Josepaul Pasala

Architect: LutherGroup, South Lyon

Construction: Gilmour Construction  

Rededication Mass with Bishop Gruss: Feb. 15

Editor’s Note: The Rededication Mass was celebrated after press time. You can view photos on our website, saginaw.org.

When the renovation project at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish was kickstarted under the leadership of Father Andy LaFramboise more than two years ago, the order of business was simple.

“We wanted it to be beautiful, give glory to God and help people pray,” said Father Andy, who secured Catholic architect Ben Luther of LutherGroup to artistically redesign the liturgical space and convert an usher's room into an ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant restroom.

LutherGroup's work is evident in the new environment, which integrates a deeper sense of beauty and sacredness.

“The pendulum of designing more traditional and beautiful architecture is a desire I'm seeing more and more in the church building and renovation industry,” Ben said. “At the end of the day it's about our Lord and the Eucharist.”

For example, the tabernacle stand contains a carving of a lamb in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and his title as Lamb of God.

Other prominent Catholic symbols in art include the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet on the reredos (sanctuary backdrop panels) designed to be mindful of Rev. 21:6, when Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”  Two four-foot fiberglass statues of Mary and Joseph on wooden pedestals flank the tabernacle.

A floral border of roses stenciled on the backdrop of the renovated sanctuary are meant to draw one's attention to and honor the patron saint's love and charity toward the poor – and specifically the 1231 miracle of how bread hidden under her cloak was changed into roses when questioned. A new, flowing water baptismal font made of a large granite stone bowl invites the faithful to remember their baptism. Updated lighting and sound systems ensure the liturgy can be seen and heard by all.

The renovations and changes are also having an impact on parishioners’ worship experience.

“The physical enhancements seem to mirror a spiritual renewal, as people are inspired to engage more deeply in their faith,” said current parochial administrator, Father Pasala Josepaul.

Most noticeable is the yellow carpet that covered the floor, sanctuary and the pews has disappeared. No one is missing the worn carpet installed in 1970, when the church was built.

The sanctuary and main aisles have been replaced with durable porcelain tiles which create an aesthetically-pleasing ambiance. Although the carpeted pews were not salvageable, the parish was able to purchase discounted pews from another Catholic church undergoing renovations. The pews were refurbished with a conversion varnish to match the wood tones already in the sanctuary.

Father Pasala observes how the renovations are attracting more Catholics.

“Worshiping has improved as the space now feels more sacred and conducive to reflection and prayer,” said Father Pasala. “Improved acoustics allow hymns and prayers to fill the sanctuary beautifully, helping everyone feel more immersed in the liturgy. Better lighting and a well-organized layout have also enhanced visibility and comfort, ensuring that everyone can participate fully. The renovations have truly helped create an atmosphere where people can encounter God in a more profound way.”

Dramatic changes in decorative finishes and layout are not what architect Ben Luther considers the most impressive on this renovation project.

“I would say the real unique story about this project that stands apart from a lot of the other churches I've worked on, is the effort that was put in by different people on the team to deliver the project in a cost-effective way,” he said.

An anonymous parishioner was influential and did a lot of the work at no cost. Church personnel served as liaisons for much of the day-to-day management of the project.

“There is a sense of accomplishment, and relief, for taking on this project and working as a team to complete it,” said Ray Eickholt, who serves as the business manager.

“The renovation was truly a community effort,” said Father Pasala. “Parishioners of all ages came together, each contributing in their own way—some through fundraising, others by volunteering their time and skills. There were countless meetings, shared meals and collaborative planning sessions. This unity in purpose and teamwork has strengthened our bond as a church family, showing how we can accomplish great things when we work together for the glory of God.”