We’ve been reflecting lately on some of the work that has stayed with us over the years, and one that continues to inspire is the interior renovation of St. Ann Catholic Church in Staten Island, NY. Liturgical Designer Rolf Rohn and his team worked closely with Reverend John Kostek, Pastor, and parish leadership to create a space that would reflect the congregation’s mission of drawing the faithful closer to Christ through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and sacramental life. St. Ann’s commitment to worship, formation, and outreach—to bringing people to Jesus, nurturing disciples, and sending them to transform the world—informed every design choice we made.
Custom Altar Design and Last Supper Relief
What continues to capture people’s attention today is the custom altar, designed as a spiritual and visual heart of the sanctuary. Crafted from warm Carrara marble with rich burgundy columns, it quietly emphasizes the sacred action at the center of the Catholic liturgy. Our studio carefully integrated an existing Last Supper sculpture into the altar’s design, preserving its three-dimensional relief and the expressive faces of Christ and the Apostles, which convey the sacred intimacy of that final meal. From the pews, parishioners can enter into the story, joining spiritually in the Eucharistic moment and contemplating Christ’s self-giving love. The altar harmonizes with the custom tabernacle, presider’s chair, and deacon’s chair, forming an environment that allows the clergy to celebrate the Eucharist in a timeless and dignified setting.
Sanctuary Restoration and Liturgical Enhancements
But the altar was just one part of a sanctuary restoration that respected tradition while meeting the needs of a living parish. We restored the beloved main crucifix and brought warmth and vitality back to existing statuary so that these sacred images could continue to encourage personal devotion and communal worship. Interior decoration was refreshed to highlight the beauty of the church’s sacred artworks and architectural details. In addition, updated liturgical lighting design enhanced focus during Mass, illuminating these elements to deepen engagement and support worship.
Parish Sacred Art and Statuary Renewal
Throughout the project, Rolf guided parish leadership and building committees through fundraising, design decisions, and the challenges of church restoration, ensuring that the work remained on schedule and within budget. Their collaboration honored both the Catholic tradition of sacred art and the spiritual life of St. Ann’s vibrant parish community. The completed worship space invites parishioners into prayer and full participation in the divine mysteries, serving as a lasting testament to the power of thoughtful liturgical design and sacred art.
Project Collaboration and Liturgical Design Consulting
Interested in transforming your own church with professional liturgical design consulting? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
