Bible

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Chapel

simple yet beautiful!

With persistent prayer and your extraordinary generosity, JPCatholic will build a magnificent campus chapel in this historic building, which we purchased in 2016. Our goal is to ramp up fundraising during 2024 and begin renovation by mid-2025.

5000 sq. ft.

Structure

1925

Designed by Architect Louis Gill

300

Seat

$5M

Cost

The Need for a Dedicated Chapel

Our Catholicism forms the core of our day-to-day lives. Classes are structured around daily Mass, and Confession is offered on campus frequently. A small Blessed Sacrament chapel is located within our academic building, providing a constant opportunity for prayer and reflection.

We currently hold daily Mass in our largest classroom, and while students are able to transform it into a sacred space, we are striving to provide a more beautiful and dedicated space for worship–and one that can accommodate our expanding student body.

As a creative arts school, it’s vital to cultivate in our students a sense of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. Your contributions toward a dedicated chapel can help our students connect their artistic imagination to the beauty of our Faith. To create a deep sense of the sacred and the beautiful–the Real Presence of Christ in the tabernacle will be the focal point of the chapel.

Our Campus

Campus Map of JPCatholic

Purchase of an Historical Building

In 2016, thanks to the generosity of many benefactors, JPCatholic acquired an impressive 5,000 sq. ft. structure located right across the street from our Academic Building. The structure was built in 1925 in the Mediterranean Revival architectural style, which was popular in California in the 1920s and 1930s, and drew heavily on the style of Mediterranean palaces and seaside villas. The rectangular building features a large, symmetrical primary facade with stucco walls and a red tiled roof.

Architect Louis Gill is considered 'as one of the greatest architects in San Diego’s past.' He was nephew and one-time business partner of Irving Gill, another famous San Diego architect.

Named by Terry & Barbara (†) Caster

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Chapel was named at the request of Terry & Barbara (†) Caster. The Casters were introduced to Mother Teresa in 1988 and began supporting her Mexico ministry; together they built an orphanage and shelter for homeless in Tijuana.

The naming honors the Caster's extraordinarily generous gift to the University, which enabled us to acquire another large and critical piece of downtown Escondido real estate which will house our film studios, an auditorium, library, and faculty offices.

Chapel Renovation Goals

The Chapel renovation will cost $4M, all of which must be raised before we begin construction.

Derry Connolly

“We are truly blessed with the opportunity to purchase this beautiful historic building in the center of our expanding Escondido campus. Your gift will allow us to design and build the Chapel.”

— Dr. Derry Connolly, President

Schedule a Call

Connect with our Development team to learn more about the Chapel and ways you can support the project!