Since the original 1927 high school building on the Saint Mary’s College High School campus in Berkeley was razed in 1973, the school has made use of classrooms, the auditorium and other campus spaces for liturgies and prayer services.

Now, thanks to generous gifts from the extended Saint Mary’s community, a beautiful new Student Chapel is rising from the ground at the entrance to campus, the third home to Saint Mary’s since its founding in San Francisco in 1863.

Ground was broken last August and construction is on track for an early 2018 completion.

Set on a tree-lined hillside adjacent to the Brothers’ campus residence and Saint Joseph’s Hall, the chapel will be a focal point as students, staff and visitors enter the main entrance to campus. The distinctive design reflects the input and desires of students and staff who participated in early focus groups with the project architect. At 4,400 square feet, the chapel will be able to accommodate 200 people, large enough for an entire class to participate in a liturgy service. It will be used for a daily Mass or prayer service for the Brothers and members of the school community, as well as for alumni or small-group liturgies, memorials and prayer services. As important, the chapel will provide students and adults on campus a sacred space for quiet prayer and reflection.

Full story at The Catholic Voice.