A Fresh Take: The Transformation of St. Peter's Basilica in Hasselt, Bedburg-Hau
Strategies for Rooting Church Presence in Rural Communities and Securing Their Endurance
In our ever-evolving world, the need for innovation is paramount. Particularly in the realm of religion, the church has faced its fair share of challenges, notably a decline in attendance and disinterest among the younger generation. St. Stephanus Church in Hasselt, Bedburg-Hau, though, has taken an audacious leap with its transformation into the Children and Youth Church of the Kleve region. Here's the story of this progressive move, now the only one of its kind in the Lower Rhine region.
A village church built in 1933, requires some tender loving care, and this isn't an unusual scenario for churches in the region. St. Stephanus Church in Hasselt, like many others, was grappling with the decision whether to foot the bill to keep the church alive or face closure or repurposing. Enter Theo Kröll, the leading pastor of the parish of St. John the Baptist in Bedburg-Hau since 2019, who saw an opportunity in this conundrum, not just to save the building, but to offer the entire church life in the village a future.
Forging Ahead Together
Ideas for this transformation were first floated in 2017, and it was two years later that Pastor Kröll and choir leader Stephan Billen presented their plan to the local community during the parish festival in neighboring Schneppenbaum. Billen had developed a model that encouraged active involvement from the people of Hasselt, with roles ranging from the altar servers to the youth choir, the marksmen, and rural youth. The response was overwhelmingly positive. "We have many young people here, and the entire pastoral area has contributed," the pastor rejoiced at the support. Hasselt's central location within the parish, consisting of seven churches, further strengthened its case. Convinced, the Diocese of Münster agreed to the concept, and renovations could commence in 2019.
Transforming the Sacred Space
To cater to children and young people, Stephan Billen felt it crucial to create a space that reflected this. To achieve this, the altar was moved, designed to imply transparency, with space made in the rear altar area for the children's musicals and the active youth choir. For a more modern look, the ambo was placed behind glass, allowing the altar to shine in liturgical colors, while spotlights throughout the church could bathe the space in all the colors of the rainbow. A large, biodegradable screen was installed behind the altar, ensuring the church remained recognizable while embracing digital transformation.
Dynamic and Community-Focused
"The church can now be transformed into a cinema using a projector," explained Kröll, as they worked on various film projects. The Hasselt church has been specifically tailored to cater to children and young people. Behind the large screen, there's now a retreat space for the youngest church visitors, which Pastor Kröll invites, along with their parents, to children's services. The cross and small altar were designed by the children themselves, and special features have been included in the niches next to the church benches, including spots for confirmation candidates, communion children, and even newlyweds.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity
With approximately 220 altar servers in the Bedburg-Hau community, there are nearly 20 Protestant children, non-baptized individuals, and Yazidis who belong to the group. "Why shouldn't we let them participate?" Kröll asked, highlighting the openness that drives the Hasselt church. Through active involvement, young people have even taken part in the renovation of the entire pastoral space.
A New Chapter for the Hasselt Church
As they continue to host family services every Sunday at 11 am, the Hasselt church now also offers a standing café on the first Sunday of each month. Young and old members can converge over standing tables, fostering conversations. Hasselt church was the host for the "Small Catholic Day" last year and organizes children's Bible days. The future holds exciting prospects, with the pastor revealing their next project: replacing the pews with chairs, a decision that will once again involve community feedback.
As the Hasselt church continues to evolve, it illuminates a path towards a more inclusive and engaging religious community for the younger generation. Time will tell if Hasselt's radical approach will become a blueprint for others in the region.
- Embracing the concept of a home-and-garden model, the Hasselt church has transformed its space to be dynamic and community-focused, creating a welcoming atmosphere where people of all ages can gather, learn, and grow.
- Recognizing the need for a modern lifestyle that appeals to the younger generation, the Hasselt church has taken an audacious step by remodeling its interior to cater specifically to children and young people, reflecting a new era in the transformation of religious institutions.
