Education Programs & Parish Workshops: Guiding Catholic Parishes in Creating Sacred Spaces



For over 50 years, Rohn & Associates Design, Inc. has partnered with Catholic communities worldwide to guide them through new church construction, renovations, liturgical furniture, and sacred art creation or restoration. With more than 3,500 projects completed, we have learned that a successful project empowers church teams, communicates a clear vision, and engages parish members, ensuring every sacred environment supports Catholic worship and devotional practice.

Our Education Programs provide church leaders, staff, and members with the knowledge and skills to understand liturgical requirements, sacramental workflows, and planning principles. Workshops focus on hands-on, project-specific guidance, helping your congregation apply that learning directly to the worship space. Together, they help your parish actively shape a sacred environment that nurtures the celebration of the Eucharist, prayer, learning, and sacramental participation.

Step 1: Defining Goals and Timelines
Each project begins with focused sessions led by our liturgical design experts:

  • Articulating a shared vision for the environment that supports sacramental life, communal worship, and spiritual formation

  • Assessing needs, resources, and constraints to align project goals with parish priorities

  • Translating that vision into actionable plans, including timelines, milestones, and strategies to complete the project efficiently and within budget

  • Identifying key contributors and stakeholders to ensure roles are clear and participation is broad

  • Establishing communication protocols to maintain transparency and cohesion across leadership and parish members

  • Documenting the vision in writing and graphics to guide all phases of the project

  • Building consensus among clergy, staff, and the congregation to ensure connection to the church's mission

Step 2: Holistic Space Development
This step focuses on developing and restoring every part of the sacred space to serve its Catholic purpose and promote full participation in worship:

  • Planning spaces to support the celebration of Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, weddings, and funerals while optimizing sightlines, flow, acoustics, and current accessibility requirements

  • Incorporating local history, traditions, and customs to make the space faithful to Catholic worship and catechesis

  • Designing, creating, and restoring liturgical furniture, sacred art, devotional features, and interior details that support Eucharistic worship, sacramental celebrations, and faith practices

  • Working closely with liturgical interior designers, artists, craftsmen, and contractors so every element is executed properly and in harmony

  • Integrating lighting, acoustics, and heating, ventilation, and cooling systems to provide comfort, protect sacred furnishings, and enhance prayer

Step 3: Ongoing Guidance and Support
During the project, we provide ongoing guidance to ensure smooth execution:

  • Encouraging collaboration among church leaders, staff, congregation, and professional teams to create a holistic environment

  • Scheduling regular meetings to review progress and maintain alignment

  • Ensuring all work meets liturgical standards and quality craftsmanship

  • Providing tools to communicate updates and support current project fundraising

  • Coordinating installations and overseeing all teams to confirm work is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards

Step 4: Planning for Future Scalability
Sacred spaces are for generations. Our programs teach communities to plan with foresight:

  • Avoiding costly revisions by considering long-term liturgical, sacramental, and pastoral requirements

  • Phasing renovations or additions, including artwork, to match budget, parish expansion, and liturgical priorities

  • Designing flexible worship spaces that can evolve as the congregation grows or liturgical practices change

  • Anticipating upcoming accessibility and climate-system needs

  • Planning and preparing for fundraising and capital campaigns to support future projects

Partner with Us
At Rohn & Associates Design, Inc., we believe every Catholic community deserves a sacred space that reflects its faith, traditions, and congregation. Our Education Programs and Parish Workshops equip your congregation to plan, communicate, and execute projects successfully—supporting the sacramental rites, prayerful life, liturgical engagement, inclusivity, and complete management of budget and project teams.

Contact us today to learn how your church can begin the journey toward a sacred, beautiful, and spiritually enriching environment.

Visit RohnDesign.com

(412) 551-7144