On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the people of the Catholic Parish of Sacred Heart (Wetaskiwin), re-opened their church after seven weeks of renovations this summer.
Built in 1996-97 and dedicated on September 14, 1997, the church was showing significant signs of wear and tear and needed to be freshened up: the carpet was dried out and warping, with seams starting to come apart; the drywall had major settling cracks and damage from chairs; and the ballasts in the fluorescent lights kept needing to be replaced. The renovations cost approximately $160,000.
In God’s providence, financing came together over the winter through a significant anonymous donation, and a plan was presented to the Archdiocese for approval. The plan being accepted, it was presented to parishioners with conceptual images and additional funds were sought to proceed with the three stages of renovations, which include the parish offices and meeting rooms.
Phase 1 began in the last week of July, replacing the flooring and lights, and giving the church a new paintjob. It was also an occasion to refurbish the sanctuary furnishings built by a parishioner (Regis Lemieux) and bring back the historical reredos to its rightful place in the sanctuary to be used as the tabernacle. Phases 2 and 3 are being undertaken as finances permit.
“I started imagining some ideas about four, maybe five years ago, because it was obvious things needed repair” said Fr. Roger Rouleau, current pastor at Sacred Heart, “but the timing wasn’t right.”
Through prayer, many conversations with parishioners, and with the assistance of Miles Doyle, an architect with formation in Church design, those ideas matured into a unified concept last fall.
“The goal wasn’t simply to redo what was already there: I wanted to honour our current building, highlight its existing beauty, and then kick it up a notch”, said Father Rouleau.
As the church windows were covered during the renovations, parishioners were in for a surprise as they re-entered the nave. Awe and joy were the prevailing sentiments, with a hint of (good) pride in their renewed Parish church. “I feel like I’m going to have to dress up to come to church now,” said one young mother.
“If I had to sum it up in one word: breathtaking,” said Kelly Hilhorst, chair of the pastoral council.
“The renovations have drawn me into deeper prayer and reflection — the longer and closer you’re able to stay there with Jesus, the more profound the experience becomes. Every finishing touch invites reverence. All of it comes together so beautifully, tying the whole church into a space of sacred renewal.”
And indeed, that has been the goal! The renovations have completely transformed this place of worship truly making it a temple that raises the heart and mind to God.
During the re-opening Mass, Father Rouleau blessed the refurbished Altar, explained the theological symbolism of the changes in the homily , and consecrated the parish to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “Now we need to build on this energy and excitement in the renovated building to further the spiritual renewal of our Parish.”
Following Mass, Father Rouleau thanked those who made these renovations a reality, especially parishioner Jeff Schmidt who generously took on the role of project manager. A reception was help in the parish hall.