St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, a beloved pillar of the Brecksville community for more than 60 years, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Thanks to the generosity of its parishioners, the church is receiving a long-awaited update that will enhance its beauty, functionality, and prayer. Over the years, wear and tear had taken a toll—faded carpeting, dim lighting, aging pews, and an outdated sound system were among the many areas in need of attention. This project includes new lighting, carpeting, pews and chairs, an upgraded sound system, and marble accents for the altar, sanctuary, and baptismal font area. Additional enhancements, such as elegant wooden architectural details, will bring a renewed sense of reverence and warmth to the worship space. These updates ensure that St. Basil remains a beacon of faith for generations to come. Fr. Ryan Mann, the pastor of St. Basil, emphasizes the deep history of the church and the thoughtful process undertaken by the renovation committee over the past two years. The project was shaped by extensive research, discussions with architects, and consultation with parishioners to honor both the church’s past and its future. “St. Basil has always been a place where people encounter Christ,” said Fr. Mann. “Our goal with these updates is to create a sacred space that reflects the beauty of our faith and draws people closer to God. This is about being grateful for our past and moving us into the future with beauty, tradition and a sense of awe when we enter God’s house.” One of the most remarkable aspects of the transformation is that this renovation is fully funded by parishioner donations. The Diocese of Cleveland held a Diocese’s wide campaign called, “Heart of the Shepherd,” where funds raised would help the Diocese as well as the local parish. St. Basil’s, which has been known for their sacrificial giving for many years, had a very successful campaign, enabling this fully funded renovation to take place. A Vision of Beauty and Worship The renovation project is rooted in both tradition and functionality. The new lighting system allows for better visibility, creating a brighter and more welcoming space. The improved sound system, as well as an installation of a new hearing loop device system for those who are hard of hearing, ensures that parishioners can fully engage in worship, whether they are listening to scripture readings, music, or homilies. One of the most anticipated changes is the installation of new pews. The existing pews, which have been in place for decades, were showing significant signs of wear. Rather than refurbish them—an option that would be even more costly—the church opted for brand-new pews with improved kneelers that will provide comfort and durability for years to come. “Most importantly, we are adding spaces in the main body of the church for those in wheelchairs or with walkers, so they don’t have to sit off to the side,” said Fr. Mann. “They’ll be able to be right in the midst of the congregation, as they should be.” Other key updates include: A redesigned sanctuary, featuring marble accents to enhance the altar space and sanctuary to provide a greater sense of reverence.Wooden architectural elements, which will add warmth to the space, soften the all-brick aesthetic, and allow the focus of people’s prayer to be on the Crucifix and Tabernacle.New flooring and carpeting designed to complement the blue hues in the church’s stained-glass windows while bringing a fresh and modern feel to the space. A Community Effort The renovation process has been deeply collaborative. The renovation committee engaged in months of research, visiting other churches in the Cleveland area, studying official Catholic Church guidelines on church architecture, and working closely with architects to craft a design that honors both St. Basil’s history and the broader Catholic tradition. “We wanted to create something that felt like St. Basil’s, something that fit with our community,” Fr. Mann explained. “We weren’t trying to build a European cathedral, but we also didn’t want to create something that felt like a conference room. We wanted a space that lifts our hearts and minds to God.” The designs were shared with the pastoral council, finance council, and parish staff, all of whom provided feedback to refine the project before unveiling it to the entire congregation. The Diocese of Cleveland also reviewed the plans and approved them as liturgically appropriate. A Sacred Space for Generations to Come St. Basil the Great Parish has been a spiritual home for thousands of families since its founding in 1960. From its humble beginnings—when Mass was celebrated in the high school auditorium—to today’s thriving community of more than 4,100 families, the church has continually adapted to serve its parishioners. “Our faith is rooted in tradition, but it also calls us forward,” Fr. Mann said. “This project is about honoring our past while making sure we are ready to welcome future generations of believers.” The renovations were completed in early April, and the newly updated church opened its doors just in time for Palm Sunday on April 13. Parishioners experienced the beauty of their refreshed worship space throughout Holy Week and Easter, marking a new chapter in the life of the parish. These enhancements ensure that St. Basil the Great remains a place of worship, reflection, and community for years to come. Fr. Mann invites Brecksville residents and visitors to experience the transformation firsthand. St. Basil the Great Catholic Church is located at 8700 Brecksville Road in Brecksville, and all are welcome to witness the beauty of the church’s renewal. For more information, visit www.basilthegreat.org.