Gothic-Inspired Liturgical Redesign at Good Shepherd Home of the Aged Enhances Sacred Space

Rohn & Associates Design recently completed the liturgical design for the Chapel at the Good Shepherd Home of the Aged in Wheeling, West Virginia, which was dedicated on December 23rd. Like we always do at the beginning of a project, we first identified the client’s vision: the chapel should be easily accessible to all residents and the existing separate sections should be unified into one harmonious space. It was also our goal to have the aesthetics and ambiance of the environment provide inspiration, quiet comfort and peace to the residents using the chapel, all while embracing the glory of God. 

We worked closely with Monsignor Kevin Quirk to develop all of the liturgical furniture, appointments and statuary, ensuring that they were of quality, noble, and natural materials in harmony and scale with the Gothic architectural style of the building and that they convey a sense of permanence that would endure while maintaining simplicity and functionality. The altar, ambo, Tabernacle throne and statue pedestals for the existing retouched Holy Family were all executed in White Carrara and Rosso Impero marble. Special touches such as more substantial furniture pieces specifically designed for the elderly, ADA handicapped accessibility to the sanctuary area, the showcasing the Oil of the Sick, and distinctive locations for a Book of Memory and Book of Intentions were added. We also restored a faded set of priceless Stations of the Cross to a new glory. 

After months of collaboration and hard work, the chapel reached its potential to be a place of extraordinary comfort and great meaning. We were able to create an interior whose liturgical and aesthetic qualities comply with Church and Diocesan guidelines as well as the residents’ needs.