Dreams Become Reality at Atlantic Parish

by Diocese of Des Moines | February 9, 2026

By Jennifer Willems

Members of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Atlantic have a way of turning dreams into reality.

They started by restoring the church in 2016. Then the community that prays well together, turned their old gymnasium into a contemporary meeting space with up-to-date technology for diocesan gatherings, wedding receptions, and parish events.

The new community center at Ss. Peter and Paul is the culmination of a dream that was more than 30 years in the making. Planning for the project started in 2021, with construction accomplished for just under $1.4 million last spring. It was dedicated by Bishop William Joensen last November.

“We’re exceptionally pleased with how this turned out,” said Father Trevor Chicoine, who was pastor at Ss. Peter and Paul from 2019 until recently when he became parochial administrator of the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines. He also serves as Vicar for Divine Worship for the Diocese of Des Moines.

While everyone thinks of the building first and foremost as the place where religious formation takes place, he said it has an important function as the place where the parish community can come together to grow in their mutual friendship and bonds of support – especially to support a life of discipleship.

“This is a tool for evangelization,“ Father Chicoine said. “And if it isn’t a tool for evangelization, we just wasted a lot of money.”

Accessibility, safety, community

The architect for the project was Kelsey Vetter of Farnsworth Group, with Ball Team Construction doing the work. Father Chicoine said they were able to use local subcontractors for windows, glass, stonework, mechanical, and plumbing.

The first order of business was moving everything into controlled storage in a house the parish owns across the street from the community center. “The few times we needed something we could get to it; we didn’t have to move it that far,” he explained.

A major part of the renovation was removing the flooring, which had asbestos. There was also asbestos in the tile and the glue that was used for the carpeting on the second floor.

Two tall windows were cut into one wall of the former gym, providing natural light. Bathrooms were updated and a family bathroom that is handicapped accessible was added. This can also be used for a bride’s room.

There are two drop-down screens with two different projectors, allowing the new community center to be oriented in different ways. The drop ceilings incorporate sound absorbent tiles, and there is a modern sound system. Father Chicoine said all the technology is user friendly.

An important safety feature was bringing the fire alarm system up to code.

In addition to the new flooring on the second floor, the cinder walls were painted, new dividers were installed to form the classrooms for religious formation, as well as meeting spaces, and new shades replaced the curtains. A golf outing last year provided the funds to buy new classroom furniture.

A handicapped accessible bathroom is now available on the second floor, too.

Father Chicoine said to keep costs under control, they were “smart” about spending. For example, it was decided to delay some upgrades parishioners can make themselves, such as installing new doors and remodeling the kitchen.

In the end, Ss. Peter and Paul was able to turn the gym into the community center and renovate the second floor without incurring any debt. That was possible with funds saved and donated by the Council of Catholic Women over 30 years, money returned as part of a diocesan capital campaign, and a pledge drive held at the parish.

“We raised between $700,000 and $800,000 and only took half of it out of reserves. That’s a very healthy balance,” according to Father Chicoine.

Incredible change, improvement

Father Bradley Robey, who succeeded Father Chicoine at Ss. Peter and Paul in January, said it was “incredible to see the change, and how much of an improvement was made to the building.”

“The renovated multipurpose room with new lighting and windows has really allowed for a space that is more welcoming than ever,” he said.

“The parishioners here are very happy; it’s been great to have faith formation classes in the newly renovated classrooms, and we’re looking forward to having our fish fries in the new space,” Father Robey said.

He also looks forward to how the parish will be able to serve the community in other important ways.

“Since it was built in the late 1960s, the parish center has proved to be an invaluable tool for the Catholic Church here in Cass County and for the Diocese, as we continue to teach the faith and strengthen our community,” he explained. “With the renovations, the parish center will continue to be that essential tool for evangelization as we move into 2026 and beyond.”

^{Monsignor Lawrence Beeson with parishioners JP and Hannah Freund of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Atlantic.}

^{Photo by LaNette Freund}