St. Hubert to host first Mass in remodeled church

The wait ends today for St. Hubert Catholic Parish in Hoffman Estates as the church celebrates its first Mass in its remodeled sanctuary.

For the last 15 years, the parish has talked about how to give the building a proper facelift. Built in 1967, renovations to electrical and plumbing systems were needed. Officials weren't sure if they should remodel or raze the building for a new church.

"We couldn't afford a new church," Rev. Robert Rizzo said.

Church officials finally moved forward last year and decided to renovate the building at a cost of $4.6 million. As a result of construction, the church has been holding services in its multipurpose room, and that transition did have an effect on the number of parishioners in attendance. Rizzo estimated 250 to 300 fewer have been showing up at Mass.

He hopes to see some familiar faces return as St. Hubert breaks in its new quarters, adding everyone is welcome regardless of why they may have stayed away before.

Rizzo calls the work a marriage of the old and the new.

"All of this has created a lot of excitement," Rizzo said.

Church officials planned on unveiling the new addition in August, but engineering and duct work delayed that.

Rizzo said he's happy with the renovations, though work was scaled back from the original plans as the church couldn't raise all the needed money, coming up about $2 million short. Items like a new chapel and a more advanced HVAC system were scrapped.

Churchgoers will also have to get used to new entrances, rounded pews and improved lighting.

"The lighting is far superior, 100 percent better," Rizzo said.

With some work remaining, a formal rededication Mass has not yet been scheduled.

Today's Mass begins at 4:30 p.m.