A new chapel is set to become the spiritual heart of Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita. The chapel will be blessed by Bishop Carl A. Kemme on Thursday, Jan. 25, marking an important milestone for the school community.

According to President Rob Knapp, the new chapel is the result of consolidating two existing chapels into a single worship space. The original chapel, built in 1961 for Mount Carmel Academy, had a capacity of about 60 to 65 people and served the school for many years. About 15 years ago, a temporary chapel was built in the basement to accommodate larger gatherings for sports team Masses and other activities.

"When planning began for KMC's Spirit and Strength capital campaign, a new chapel was identified as a top priority," Knapp explained. The design and construction of the chapel took place as part of the campaign, with the new chapel occupying the location of the original chapel, off the rotunda, which is the main entrance to the school.

The new chapel, which can seat 250 people, is a purpose-built space that will serve the school community for generations to come. Knapp expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are very excited and pleased that we will have a chapel that will seat 250 people in one location at one time. It's a purpose-built chapel that will survive for generations to come."

The location of the chapel is strategically chosen to inspire prayer and become the home for liturgy within the school. Knapp emphasized its central position, stating, "It exists right there in the heartbeat of the school, right in the rotunda, the main entrance to the school, where the students pass by every single day on their way in, on their way out, on their way to lunch, and on their way to class. It's a very nice centralized location for the chapel."

The new chapel at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School represents an important addition to the school's facilities. It will not only provide a space for worship and prayer but also serve as a symbol of unity and spirituality for the entire school community.