The following story appeared in the August 25 Idaho Catholic Register.
From left to right, Ray Ineck, Mark Jaszkowski, Steve Green, Donna Gordon, Mark McCormack, Tim LaMott, Dan Maloney, Deacon Chris Privon, Greg Metsker. (ICR photos/Emily Woodham)
By Emily Woodham
Staff Writer
The “Journey With Us” revitalization project for St. Mark’s Catholic School is complete.
“The new chapel is the highlight of the many tasks undertaken this summer,” said Tim LaMott, a life-long parishioner, school alum, parent and grandparent, and supervisor of the renovations for St. Mark’s.
When entering the newly renovated school, students and visitors look directly upon the chapel and see the tabernacle behind the altar. “Christ is truly at the center of our school,” said LaMott. From the chapel, a hall to the left leads to the middle school, while a hall to the right leads to the elementary school.
“The chapel is amazing,” said Donna Gordon, principal of St. Mark’s. “Most of the woodwork in the chapel was made by St. Mark’s families.”
Former school principal Dan Maloney helped produce the carved ornamentation on the chapel furniture using a digitally assisted process known as Computer Numerical Control. Mark Jaszkowski, a St. Mark’s parishioner and grandparent of students at the school, restored the presider’s and deacon’s chairs. The chairs were purchased by Father Paul O’Donnell, St. Mark’s pastor. Father O’Donnell also chose the new statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.
St. Mark’s parishioners, Greg and Grace Metsker, whose children attend the school, made the new credence table and chair rails using wood from the original pews. The chair rails extend throughout the school to help protect the walls.
The altar was made by Deacon Chris Privon who serves at St. Mark’s and whose grandchildren attend the school. Ray Ineck made the ambo, Mark McCormick made the tabernacle stand, Rob Green created the computeraided design and layout for the chapel, and Steve Green stained and sealed the chapel furniture. All of them are St. Mark’s parishioners and have children in the school.
Two stained glass windows are from the original St. Mark’s church and are back lit with adjustable lighting. The chandeliers in the chapel are custom-made and have adjustable brightness.
“Chairs are being used for seating to make the chapel space more flexible,” said Tim LaMott who oversaw the “Journey With Us” renovations. The space, he said, will be used for Mass, Adoration, sacramental preparation, theology classes and retreats.
In addition to the chapel renovations, numerous updates were made to other parts of the school this summer. LaMott spent long hours ensuring goals were met on time, while an army of volunteers worked alongside contractors to finish the work before school started in August.
The renovated school library features rolling book-shelves that make it easy to rearrange and clean the space. (ICR photos/Emily Woodham)
The renovated school includes a new library with a circulation desk. “The stacks for the library are on wheels, making it simple to rearrange and clean the space,” LaMott said.
The faculty lounge was enlarged and renovated with a dishwasher, cabinets and a bathroom.
Old ceiling tiles were taken down, making the entrance to the elementary brighter. Updates were made to the gym, which also serves as the cafeteria, where new cooking surfaces make preparing and serving food easier.
Even the school’s exterior was updated to unify the different construction phases, using a pattern of alternating brick and sandstone.
As the school’s enrollment grew, new safety issues arose. Limited space to drop off and pick up students became a concern, so a concrete plaza with a railing was created to ensure student safety and prevent traffic blind spots.
Although the construction phases are done, LaMott said the fundraising campaign still needs about $300,000 to cover final expenses.
To donate to the “Journey With Us” campaign at St. Mark’s, contact Kathleen Brinegar at kbrinegar@ stmarksschoolboise.com.
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