The original, iconic Regis Christ the King Chapel has been restored to its former status as the “heart” of the Stayton campus.
“The completion of the Regis Christ the King Chapel project, like the other projects completed this past summer, were both transformational and created positive synergy,” said Mike Bauer, a Regis icon in his own right. Bauer, who is coming up on 50 years on the Regis faculty, added, “The rediscovered chapel brought people together in the planning process that has led to rich discussions and a shared vision of the value of this sacred space.”
The background behind the transformation begins with the opening in 1963 of Regis High School, a Catholic campus that as Bauer said, “has graduated countless students who have gone on to become contributors to their communities.”
In early 2000, the school added on to the existing gym, resulting in Mass and other religious activities being moved to the new Regis Student Center. Bauer said the original chapel in the original library/administrative center fell into disuse, “save for a few team prayer services and as a useful storage area.”
In 2014, the creation of the Regis Aspire Center adjacent to the chapel and the installation of a stained-glass cross between the two brought new energy to restore the chapel to its former use.
According to Bauer, the original project completed in 2015 was minus glass doors that would have allowed the chapel to be used for school liturgies up to 150 individuals. Due to budget constraints, the project was not fully completed, but the interior of the chapel was “beautiful and functional for small gatherings and class Masses,” Bauer said.
Regis graduate Keith Kintz completed two masterpiece-quality stained glass windows as a chapel highlight. The original plan included foldable glass doors that provided a line of sight to the altar for school Masses and other large liturgical celebrations from the dome area. The remodel was completed without this final addition and put on hold for a future date.
“This past summer, a group of alumni secured funding and glass doors were installed to make the space usable for large groups,” Bauer said. “The chapel project has given the larger Regis/St. Mary community a chance to be involved and contribute to the spiritual growth of our student community.”
The Regis Theology department is using the restored chapel as part of its curriculum, helping students develop their faith, he said.
“With the return to a more normal school experience for students, the hope of an enhanced-faith experience for our students that has been missing these past months has been provided,” Bauer said. “We have already had several Masses, prayer services and activities in the chapel, thanks to Jim Tabor and his determination to use the chapel as the center of his theology classes. Students seem to be embracing and appreciating the new sacred space.”
The chapel will be able to serve small intimate gatherings of 40 or under when the space is configured as an adoration chapel or larger groups of up to 150 when configured as a church, Bauer said.
“We will have all school Masses for students, staff, and open to the community,” he said. “There will be a variety of prayer services, speakers and private time. The adoration chapel will be open to individuals whenever not in use.”
The project started with a goal of a little over $15,000 which Bauer said was supported “with a few generous donations.”
“But as building costs grew over the summer almost $38,000 was needed to complete the project,” he added. “Once again more generous donors joined the cause.”
Funding was also secured to upgrade the rest of the administration building, he added.
“One of the true miracles of the remodel and upgrade is how so many really good ideas have been blended to produce excellent office spaces for administrative personnel, a new board room for meetings, a new counseling and career center, and an efficient use of all the space in the original dome-shaped building,” Bauer said.
“A truly modern space has been created suitable for the next 60 years of the school’s existence.”
Regis St. Mary Catholic School held a dedication ceremony for the new chapel Nov. 17, with former principal Monsignor Tim Murphy and former chaplain and counselor, Monsignor Greg Moys as the co-celebrants.
