For more than 130 years, the Church of the Gesu has stood toward the center of Marquette’s campus as a place of worship, reflection and tradition. Now, after being partially closed for nearly a year and millions of dollars in improvements later, the Church of the Gesu’s upper church is open to the community.
The church, located at 1145 W. Wisconsin Ave., is fresh off a $10.1 million overhaul that includes a long list of interior renovation and restoration projects:
- New pews
- Restoring the tabernacle to its original place behind the main altar
- New flooring
- ADA compliance
- Repainting the ceiling and walls
- A new sound system with a T-coil hearing loop
- New lighting
- Fire detection and security upgrades
With its beauty renewed and its doors open wide, members of the Marquette community are invited to come, celebrate and experience the sacred space that has long been part of the university’s spiritual heart. The updated Mass schedule is available on Marquette Today.
Rev. Michael Simone, S.J., pastor of Gesu Parish, says although parishioners won’t recognize all the renovations outwardly, like water damage repairs on the roof and ceiling, there will be several changes that will make a big difference in the Mass experience, including a new sound system.
“We have a sound design company that’s done work in old churches like this — they understand the problems,” Father Simone says. “They’ve used adaptive sonics that will make a big difference. I’m putting a lot of emphasis on this because if that goes well in the minds of many people, this renovation will be worth it. So, I’m begging God that this goes well!”
The new sound system includes a T-coil hearing loop that will allow parishioners with hearing deficits who have up-to-date hearing aids to tap into the sound system like an audio earbud.
Another big upgrade is all new electrical wiring throughout the church.
“A lot of the wiring was left over from the time around World War I,” Father Simone says. “And the insulation on it used to be silk cloth — and it dissolved by the 1980s. A lot of it was just bare wire. So, we got it completely rewired. All the electricity is new and up to code and with safety in mind.”
Parishioner Laurie Panella has been attending Gesu Parish since she was a student at Marquette and currently serves on the Pastoral Council as the Marquette University liaison. Panella, Marquette’s chief information officer, says the church’s renovation is a testament to its enduring role in Milwaukee’s faith community.
“These updates will make the church more welcoming and accessible, ensuring that future generations can experience the same sense of beauty and belonging that has meant so much to me,” Panella says. “I am honored to play a small part in supporting Gesu’s mission during this exciting time.”
The phase one renovations were paid for by money raised through the “Encounter Jesus” campaign, other fundraising and additional loans.
Phase two
Next up, the parish will be transitioning to a second phase called “Together for Gesu,” focusing more on community outreach.
“We’re looking to expand our ability to serve the needs of the poor and also to serve the needs of youth in this part of Milwaukee,” Father Simone says. “Both of those things are necessary especially with cuts in government, churches and other nonprofits feeling the need to step into that gap.”
Recently, the parish has seen success with a free Sunday morning breakfast for community members who need a hot meal and fellowship.
“We get a lot of people, especially senior citizens, who I think are just living on very limited means and benefit from a free breakfast with other people around,” he says. “I love being able to provide that.”
Another focus will be their youth program, which currently has about 50 kids in attendance.
“We have a full-time youth minister, and she does sacramental preparation,” Father Simone says. “She does all sorts of youth retreats and other kinds of spiritual growth for kids.”
The public will also notice new security upgrades that will help keep the church doors open throughout most of the day where parishioners and community members will be able to pray whenever needed.
“To put it simply, I need a place that’s beautiful when I pray to help me pray in places that aren’t beautiful,” Father Simone says. “When I can spend at least part of my day in some place that just fills me up spiritually, then it’s much easier to pray when I’m in tough or dangerous situations. I think a lot of people experience that.”
