Renovation Project

Replacement of Pews

The existing pews have become very difficult to repair. Wood laminate is peeling, kneelers are worn out, and pews can no longer be secured properly to the floor. The damaged wood sometimes catches on people’s clothing and loose pews are becoming unsafe. New pews will be designed to look very much like the pews that were originally in the church.  They feature a classic end design which evokes images of the beautiful stained-glass windows of Gesu Church. They will be made of solid oak to match the existing doors and balcony wood. The seating layout will remain in the current configuration, radiating out from the altar.  The seating capacity will be reduced by creating a crossing aisle to provide better movement across the center of the church.  Also, several pews near the main entrance of the church will be removed, with a section of chairs added to allow better movement around the new baptismal font. Additional furnishings will include a new lectern and a welcome desk.

Replacement of Flooring

The current vinyl tile was installed almost 40 years ago and has not worn well. Individual tiles frequently peel up from the floor, creating a tripping hazard. For many years, these tiles have been tacked down with small nails, which can damage floor-cleaning equipment. The tile flooring will be durable porcelain, with different colors of tile to delineate the main aisle, seating area and border areas.  This type of flooring will be easier to clean and maintain than the current flooring material.

Accessibility and Functionality Improvements

Replacing the flooring will enable us to improve functionality and accessibility. This includes adding ramps to the front of the altar area to make it accessible for those with mobility issues. We will also move the tabernacle back to its original location, directly behind the altar and update the vestibule with more gathering space and a new layout for the steps. There have been numerous instances when a visiting priest, speaker or eulogist was unable to access the altar area due to mobility issues.  Ramps will facilitate altar access for many people.  It also serves as a statement of inclusivity so people know that all are welcome at Gesu.

The St. Joseph altar will be restored to its previous look, mirroring the St. Mary Altar.  The canopy and other adornments will be removed and another tabernacle will be installed at the St. Joseph altar to complete the restoration. The main entry of the church will be updated to provide a small gathering space on either side of the stairs, and the stairs will be aligned to better direct people around the large columns in the entry.

Repainting of Ceiling and Walls

The church was last painted almost 30 years ago and is showing signs of wear. Areas are peeling and cracking, in part due to past moisture problems which were eliminated during exterior repairs completed within the last ten years. Much of the cost is for the scaffolding to be able to reach the high ceilings of the church.  The new paint design will incorporate classic features appropriate to this style of church.  Most of the updated designs will be subtle.  However, a field of light blue (in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and invoking visions of Heaven) will be added to the peak of the aps, and the IHS seal at the peak of the church will be maintained. Scaffolding may cost up to $700,000 to rent.  By utilizing the scaffolding not only for painting, but also for other aspects of the project, it is expected that the parish will save up to $2,800,000 in unnecessary extra scaffolding rentals.

Sound System Upgrade

The aging sound system is beginning to show signs of failure. Unfortunately, many of the needed replacement parts are no longer available. By updating Gesu’s sound system at this time, the sound quality in the church can be dramatically improved and the parish can avoid an unexpected outage that may take longer to replace. Having scaffolding in place to paint the ceiling would allow sound system upgrades to be completed without additional scaffolding costs. The sound system will utilize speaker arrays.  These arrays are aimed more directly at the people in the pews, so the speakers are smaller and less obtrusive than the existing speaker system.  The actual speaker units will be colored to blend into the surrounding space.

Lighting and Electrical Upgrade

Similar to the sound system, much of our church lighting uses outdated technology that is prone to failure and costly operation. By upgrading the lighting now, to more energy-efficient fixtures that provide better illumination, Gesu would again save on scaffolding costs. This project will also benefit the worship experience with improved lighting. The lighting system will include hanging pendant lights similar to the original electric lights and in a style that fits better in the church, as well as small accent lights which will be installed so as to not take away from the aesthetics of the church.  The lighting design will provide enough light to be able to see and read easily, while not taking away from the other features of the church. The system will be programmable, allowing various “scenes” to be set up with dimmable lights set to different brightness.  Some scenes might include settings for Sunday Mass, funeral visitations, Easter Vigil, etc.

Baptismal Font and Ambry Installation

Gesu’s current baptismal font is somewhat hidden in the church’s east transept area. Installing a baptismal font in the church’s main area will allow more people to welcome our parish’s newly baptized. The ambry for the holy oils will be located nearby, signifying the connection with the sacrament of Baptism. It is helpful to do the installation in conjunction with other projects to properly configure new pews. There are very specific liturgical reasons for locating the baptismal font at the main entrance to the church (see below).  With the removal of pews immediately surrounding the font, it should not be difficult to access the main aisle. By repositioning and enhancing the baptismal font, we are not only aligning with the theological and liturgical insights of Vatican II but also restoring a fuller expression of baptism's significance in our lives as Catholics.

Hearing Loop (T-coil) Installation

A hearing loop allows those with hearing aids to connect to the church sound system for an improved worship experience. This system must be installed under the flooring; the installation of new flooring would provide the opportune time to add such a system. We have parishioners who currently use our FM-transmitter hearing assistance equipment, and there may be many more who would like assistance, but may not want to wear the headphones or may arrive too late to ask for assistance.  Having a system that integrates with hearing aids that people are already wearing provides an easy accommodation and makes all feel welcome.  We are exploring additional technologies, including Auracast, to ensure that people who want hearing assistance can access the system easily.  Most modern hearing aids are compatible with T-coil systems, but an audiologist would be able to confirm if a particular model is compatible. Newer technology, like Auracast, is not yet widely used, but is anticipated to supplement or eventually replace T-coil technology.

Fire Detection System Upgrade

The existing fire detection system is nearing the end of its useful life, and replacement components are very difficult to get. Notable fires at Notre Dame in Paris and Trinity Lutheran in Milwaukee are stark reminders of the need for a modern, functioning fire detection system. This upgrade will include a new main panel and additional detection units for better coverage of the entire church. Utilizing the scaffolding that will be in place for the other renovation components will save on costs. An updated fire detection system will cover a larger area and provide earlier warning than the current system.  The new system (like the existing system) will connect directly to Marquette University Police Department dispatch for the fastest possible response time and coordination with the Milwaukee Fire Department, if necessary.

Security Cameras

It is important that people feel safe when visiting Gesu. The addition of security cameras will allow the church to be open more often for tours, visitors and private prayer. Since this project requires new wiring, doing this work along with the other planned electrical work will realize significant cost savings. Like all other cameras on the Marquette campus, the security cameras at Gesu will be monitored by the Marquette University Police Department.  Being right on campus, the MUPD responds to any security need very quickly.