2025-26 CHURCH ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

360° Walkthrough

Proposed Enhancements:

  • 1. Sanctuary

    Expansion of the raised sanctuary to better accommodate larger gatherings of clergy and to address ADA/handicapped accessibility requirements.

  • 2. Confessionals

    Create two new confessionals with one being ADA accessible.

  • 3. Music Ministry

    We have the gift of many incredible musicians at our parish. The Pastoral Council has looked at ways to accommodate the growing needs and permanance of the music ministry.

  • 4. Pews & Kneelers

    To recognize our growth and permanence as a parish and also to honor the requirement of our Archbishop, the church enhancement will provide pews and kneelers.

  • 5. Sacred Art

    The enhancements will include the addition of a few, select pieces of sacred art such as icons and statues.

  • 6. Sacristy

    For ease of access, the enhancement will also relocate the sacristy into the church.

CONTEXT

Looking to the future

As our attendance continues to grow and our ministries expand, our Pastoral Council developed a Strategic Plan which set the vision for St. Francis. This Plan identified the need to study improvements to our church worship space in order to enhance the overall worship experience.


In the wake of this realization, our pastor, Fr. DeAscanis, organized the church enhancement committee (CEC) with representatives from the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, the former Building Committee, Faith Formation and parish staff to study these enhancements.


The resulting plan from this dedicated group are here before you. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the CEC, Fr. DeAscanis, staff, clergy, and parishioners who have supported the planning of this project.


We now enter the Capital Campaign stage of this project. We are relying on God's grace and you, our beloved parishioners, to further cement our parish's history and to become a beacon of light and the Gospel in the Maple Lawn community. Check out the details below to see how you can contribute to this landmark project!

Budget

Our Capital Campaign is in full swing! Please prayerfully consider contributing a pledge and being an integral part of enhancing our worship space! The intention is to create an even more beautiful church to worship the Lord in. And YOU can help make that happen!


GOAL: have a fully funded Capital Campaign by April 2026.


Click below to set your pledge in stone!

Give

$1,000,000

Preliminary Budget Estimate

5-6 months

Estimated time to complete construction (May - September 2026)

Architectural Renderings

  • When is the project happening?

    The project dates are Monday, May 18 to around September 16, 2026. During that time, the main worship space will be closed to the public as construction takes place. 

  • Will St Francis have Masses during the enhancement?

    Yes. Weekend Mass will resume in Room 106 on Saturday, May 23. Weekday Mass will resume in Room 106 on Monday, May 25. The current Mass times will not change.

  • Will the project affect St Francis space and room reservations?

    Yes. During the project, Room 106 will be a worship space and the layout will remain as such. Also, Rooms 101, 102, & 103 will be used for storage and off limits for public use. Our front office is working to accommodate and resolve any room reservations affected by these changes.

  • Where will regular Monday evening confessions take place?

    In Room 106 (worship space). We will use the room partitition to provide a private and confession-like environment.

  • Anything else we should know?

    St Francis will still be active during the enhancement. Whether it be outdoor parish events, Jubilee Year of St Francis activities, or using St John's Hall for large meetings, we are here for our pastorate's Sacramental, family, service outreach, and social needs. We will update you on the progress of the project via our communications channels. 

FAQs

  • What will the seating capacity be?

    Our church currently seats between 450-500 people. We will keep that number as a minimum requirement, though we will likely be able to seat more than that with ease of seating in pews.

  • How will construction affect the celebration of Mass?

    Many of the proposed enhancements can be completed without disruption to the main worship space (music ministry, confessionals, storage space, sacristy, etc.). The only disruption would be during the replacement of the flooring and installation of pews. We can more adequately describe the impact of this once we hone the scope of the project.

  • Is lighting a consideration?

    As of now, lighting is not inlcuded in the scope of this project. We welcome feedback on lighting and desired improvements, but it may not be a part of the coming enhancements.

  • Are there plans to improve the sound system and acoustics?

    Acoustics and sound is something we have received feedback on and are taking into consideration. Please fill out the feedback form or email our Parish Coordinator directly (parishcoordinator@instrumentofpeace.org) to submit your suggestions!

  • What will the accommodations to ADA requirements be?

    ADA requirements are something we have taken into serious consideration during our brainstorming. There will be cutouts in the pews to accommodate wheelchairs, a ramp up to the altar and an ADA accessible confessional.

We want to hear from you!

As a valued parishioner, we want your input. Fill out the form below with your comments, questions, or concerns. Thank you!

2025 Church Enhancement Project Feedback