Challenge

1. St. Thérèse parish in Appleton is historic—founded in the 1920s, with a modified Gothic style church, rectory, school, and convent in decades past. Over time, parish growth, a growing, culturally diverse community, and existing facility constraints meant the need for more gathering space, meeting rooms, and classrooms rather than simply worship capacity.

2. The old convent and other buildings had spaces that were under-utilized or not functional for modern parish ministry (meetings, classrooms, social gatherings). The parish needed to plan a building project that would integrate with the existing church campus (architecturally and spatially) and provide flexibility for multiple functions.
3. Timing and fundraising were also challenges: balancing the historical heritage of the church with the investment in new construction, ensuring community support, and coordinating construction without disrupting worship and parish life.

Solution

1. The parish initiated a Building Project, breaking ground in 2020, to add a new gathering / multipurpose building next to the existing church, and to renovate/repurpose the convent for classrooms and meeting rooms.

2. The design seems respectful to existing parish architecture—keeping connections to the church, retaining heritage, and integrating liturgical identity with functionality (i.e., gathering spaces, family rooms, kitchen, meeting rooms) so the new addition enhances parish hospitality. Photo albums show interior finishes and layout geared for fellowship and multipurpose ministry.
3. The project also included a blessing/dedication in Dec 2021, which signals the building was completed (or at least substantially completed) by then.

Impact

• Delivered a new gathering / multipurpose space for parish events, fellowship, meeting rooms, classrooms — expanding the capacity and function of parish ministry beyond what the original church building and convent allowed.

• Repurposed existing convent into classrooms and meeting rooms, which improves space utilization and reduces need for entirely new construction for every ministry program.
• Strengthened parish community life by creating spaces where meetings, social events, family ministry, etc., can occur with better amenities: newer gathering rooms, kitchen support, more accessible spaces.
• Demonstrated commitment to preserving heritage while growing—building next to the historic church, maintaining continuity of worship while expanding service to contemporary parish needs.