LAPLACE — A new Chapel is going up quickly at St. Charles Catholic High School.

The Chapel is set among mature trees in the center of the campus in a courtyard used by students during their lunch and off period. It is also in clear view from the classroom building and the athletic complex.

The 2,500 square foot Chapel is designed for celebration of the Mass by an entire grade level, something not possible in the converted classroom that was the school’s original Chapel.

“Of all the recent improvements at St. Charles,” says campaign co-chair Louis Authement, “the one that will have the greatest impact that will outlast us all is — the Chapel.”

The contemporary brick and stucco exterior materials relate the Chapel to the newly renovated exterior walls of the classroom building. According to architect and SCC graduate Michael Roussel, “The scale and proportions identify the building as a place of worship, which will include grand wood and glass entry doors with a rosette window.”

There will be a subtle interior palette with neutral colored plaster and masonry walls, polished concrete floors, and a stained oak ceiling which slopes up to the skylight above the Altar.

The Crucifix will suspend below the skylight and above the Tabernacle at the Altar. Natural light from clerestory windows near the ceiling of the Sanctuary will promote prayerful focus within the active courtyard.

The Stations of the Cross, handmade of oak by a devoted patron of the school, will add to the solemnity of the new Chapel. Stained oak Altar furnishings and Sanctuary seating matching the wood ceiling and Stations of the Cross will complete the Chapel.

“We are called St. Charles CATHOLIC High School for a reason: faith is the cornerstone of our mission, and the addition of this chapel creates another easily accessible atmosphere for students and faculty to grow and cultivate their faith either individually or collectively,” Student Council President Claude Hill III said.

The school is hosting a Chapel Preview from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Parents, friends and community members are invited to preview the new Chapel at St. Charles Catholic High School. Guests are asked to enter through the new front entrance of the school anytime between 4-6 p.m.

The sidewalk to the Chapel was poured last week.

Everyone is invited to visit the Chapel for a first-hand look at the construction of the stand-alone Chapel.

Visitors on Tuesdaywill be treated to a preview, wine, cheese and fellowship. There will also be memorial opportunities available.

A blessing and dedication event for the new Chapel is scheduled Jan. 30 at 9 a.m.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of the renovated school will follow.

This will be an extra special event and will allow the Comet community to enjoy tours of the new and renovated facilities.