Owensboro Catholic High School marked the dedication of its new Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel on Friday during a service led by Bishop William Medley. The chapel now serves as a permanent place of worship on campus.
School officials said the dedication formally opened the chapel, which was created through a renovation of a former gymnasium. The project was completed with support from donors and the broader Owensboro Catholic community.
School officials said every student visits the chapel at least once each week, with many returning more frequently for prayer, reflection, and the celebration of the sacraments.
Principal George Powell said the completion of the chapel enhances the school’s ability to place faith at the center of student life.
“We are very excited to have our chapel project completed. This space will allow us to dive deeper into sacramental life and let students become closer to God. The chapel will now allow us to have mass in a more reverent space and have students more engaged as we celebrate the Eucharist,” Powell said.
As part of the overall project, Owensboro Catholic is also nearing completion of a new steel prefabricated practice facility. School officials said the facility will primarily serve the band and will also be used by athletic teams and other student programs that were displaced during the chapel renovation.
The projects were funded through a targeted fundraising campaign led by Director of Advancement Natalie Hayden. School officials said when initial fundraising for the chapel fell short, a group of donors stepped forward and raised the remaining $1 million in one month.
In recognition of the school’s Catholic heritage, Owensboro Catholic entrusted the project to prayer, including a nine-day novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe, followed by a second nine-day novena to St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patron saint of students. The fundraising goal was reached on February 27, the Feast Day of St. Gabriel.
Together, the chapel and practice facility represent a $2.4 million investment in the school. Owensboro Catholic officials thanked donors and community members for their support, noting the new spaces are expected to serve students for decades to come.
