St. Mark Parish works to build an inviting, sacred space for adoration
At St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Colwich, the foundation has been laid for a new Eucharistic adoration chapel – a tangible expression of the community’s deep and enduring commitment to Christ. This sacred space, designed to seat 12 adorers, will soon become a cornerstone of spiritual life for the parish, offering a place for quiet reflection, intimate prayer, and profound connection with the Blessed Sacrament.
For more than 15 years, St. Mark has been home to perpetual adoration from Monday through Friday, a cherished tradition for parishioners seeking solace and strength in the presence of the Eucharist. However, the current adoration chapel – a small, repurposed space – has long been a challenge.
“It’s very small. It’s a little claustrophobic,” acknowledges Fr. Brian Nelson, pastor of St. Mark. “And you can’t get very many people in there. If you get more than four people in there, it feels very full. It’s very intimate, but it’s not very inviting for people to come in and just spend a quick little moment in prayer because they feel like they’re intruding upon other peoples’ space.”
That is accurate, according to longtime parishioner Lynette Brittain. “The 6 a.m. hour before me has had five or more (people) in it, making it a bit tight when I show up at 7. I always hesitate to go into the room early because I feel like I am kicking out those praying,” Brittain said.
As part of the One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign – and strong support shown by the parish community – St. Mark broke ground on the new chapel in December, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The adoration chapel project at St. Mark is only one of the many “Individual Parish Needs” projects unfolding across the diocese. The “Individual Parish Needs” priority allows parishes to receive 20% of the campaign funds raised at their parish for a local project of their choosing.
The Fully Alive! campaign priorities are:
• Catholic School Teacher Salary Enhancements: $15 million to establish endowments supplementing teacher salaries;
• Restoration of the domes and windows in Wichita’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: $12 million for repairs to preserve this spiritual landmark;
• Individual Parish Needs: $10 million for local projects identified by each parish;
• Fr. Emil J. Kapaun Family and Youth Camp: $8 million for property redevelopment and operational endowments; and
• In Love of God and Neighbor Fund: $5 million to support outreach addressing mental health, hunger, and homelessness.
“I look forward to the chapel being a sign of the faith of our parish and the importance of having a worthy place to pray before the Lord in Eucharistic adoration,” Fr. Nelson said.
The new chapel will be located behind the parish’s historic grotto, which itself holds special significance. Built after World War II to honor parish members who served, the grotto remains a place of prayer and remembrance. Its proximity to the chapel creates a unified space for devotion, embodying the parish’s rich heritage.
The chapel will be an intimate, sacred space focused on the Blessed Sacrament. A restroom that doubles as a storm shelter has been incorporated into the design, ensuring the space is both practical and safe for all who visit. Construction is progressing quickly, and the parish hopes to dedicate the chapel this spring.
St. Mark parishioners are eager to see their vision realized, and they can see the effects of the Fully Alive! campaign on their parish.
“I think the biggest visible impact (of the campaign) is that we’ve started the chapel project,” Fr. Nelson said. “We had a great response from our parish community, and many people recognized or identified with at least one of the priorities in the campaign. It always helps to recognize that we are part of something bigger than just our parish community. It’s always good to recognize that the Church is bigger than me. It’s bigger than our little piece of it.”
The Brittains said they served as St. Mark’s Fully Alive! Campaign chairs “because we knew how committed our fellow parishioners are to adoration. (We) love the fact that the chapel will stand as the center of our parish life.”
Fr. Nelson emphasizes an overarching theme of the Fully Alive! Campaign. “All along, Bishop Kemme has wanted to make sure that we are keeping the Lord at the center of all that we do – and that’s what we want to do here,” he said. “Keep the Lord at the center of what we are doing, and the new chapel is going to stand as a symbol of that.”
Parishioners are looking forward to how this sacred chapel will give them a more inviting space to spend a few quiet moments of prayer during a busy day or a steadfast hour of adoration each week. The chapel will be a sanctuary of peace and renewal – a place where all are welcome to draw closer to Christ.
“The presence of Jesus in a beautiful yet simple chapel will only add to the beauty of our campus while giving Christ the honor and dignity of a special home that he deserves,” the Brittains said.
To learn more about the One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign, please visit OneFamilyFullyAlive.org.