a launch team through the Association of Related Churches, the congregation quickly grew, meeting first in an elementary school, then a wedding venue, and eventually returning to the school. By 2018, continued growth led the church to purchase seven acres and renovate a 10,000-square-foot metal building in nearby Caddo Mills— an unlikely location that nevertheless became a thriving center of ministry. Rapid expansion soon strained available space. Even with seating for 400 and multiple worship services, attendance surged— particularly among young families— creating urgent demand for additional children’ s ministry areas and gathering space.“ On any given Sunday, we’ ll have 400 kids in our classes,” Sparks noted, underscoring the need for significant expansion.
# 10: ARCHETYPAL ARCHITECTURE AT WORK
How St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is harnessing the allure of old-world design for modern-day ministry
By RaeAnn Slaybaugh
Partnering with Master’ s Plan Church Design & Construction, One Church developed a master plan to renovate the existing building for children’ s ministry while constructing a new, 900-seat sanctuary and expanded lobby. The redesign prioritizes connection, comfort and visibility, including tiered seating that allows the pastor to see congregants clearly and hear unified worship:“ It feels like the room hugs you,” Sparks said. Effectively, usable space on the campus will triple to 30,000 square feet while remaining cost-efficient— as of press time, Phase 2 was already $ 500,000 under budget due to strategic planning and early material purchasing. Beyond construction, Sparks emphasizes stewardship and long-term wisdom in facility planning. He advises church leaders to engage trusted builders early— even before purchasing land— so they can evaluate usability, zoning and infrastructure. This counsel proved valuable when a potential adjacent land purchase was wisely declined after expert review. Today, One Church operates two campuses with roughly 2,400 weekly attendees and dozens of salvations each Sunday, many among previously unchurched individuals. Yet Sparks insists buildings are never the true focus:“ My passion isn’ t buildings; it’ s people.” Facilities simply create environments where individuals can encounter Jesus and experience life change. Looking ahead, leaders are already praying about future expansion, including a possible 1,500-seat auditorium and additional campuses. Reflecting on historic European cathedrals that took centuries to build, Sparks draws perspective and patience for the journey ahead. The church celebrated its new building’ s grand opening in October 2025— another milestone in a story defined by faith, partnership, stewardship, and a relentless commitment to reaching people with the gospel.
After 46 years of priestly ministry— nearly 14 of them at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano, Texas— Fr. Bruce Bradley has guided the parish through the creation of a new, highly traditional church home that now serves as both a spiritual landmark and a catalyst for parish growth. When he arrived in 2011, plans already existed for a modern-style sanctuary, but parishioners expressed dissatisfaction and asked to reconsider. Bradley waited several years to assess economic conditions and parish readiness, then confirmed the congregation’ s desire during a 2015 town hall where, despite a tornado alert, 200 attendees voiced a clear preference for“ a church that looks like a church.” The parish selected HH Architects to design the $ 26-million project in a Romanesque style rooted in Catholic tradition yet arranged with a contemporary layout. Built in a cruciform configuration, the new church establishes a strong visual presence on a previously overlooked campus. Inside, an 1,100-seat sanctuary features arches, vaulted ceilings, stained glass, statuary, and sacred furnishings crafted in Italy, all intended to create a calm, reverent environment. Bradley describes the space as“ peaceful” and“ calm,” with artwork that“ surrounds and comforts.” Advanced acoustics ensure clarity for music and spoken word, while architectural focal points— including the Adoration Chapel’ s domed apse and central tabernacle— reinforce theological symbolism and worship focus. Exterior and connecting spaces were equally intentional. A prominent bell tower, narthex, gallery, courtyard, and daily Mass chapel unify the campus and encourage fellowship, allowing parishioners to linger, gather and engage in community life. Many legacy liturgical elements from the previous church were preserved, honoring parish history while integrating the new design. Strong congregational generosity made the project feasible. Of the $ 26-million total cost, $ 18.5 million had already been paid as of press time through pledges and memorial gifts, leaving a manageable loan balance. Parishioners even supported commissioning sacred art in Italy, demonstrating what Bradley calls a“ profound love of space, art, and the meaning of these sacred items.” The completed facility was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, widely praised for its beauty, serenity and practicality. The new church has already produced tangible ministry impact. Baptisms and new-member receptions have increased significantly, young adults are exploring faith, weddings are booked years in advance, and visitors frequently enter simply to experience the space. Bradley says he believes the building’ s sacred character contributes meaningfully to this spiritual openness. Ultimately, the project represents more than architecture. For St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the new church stands as“ a legacy for the future”— a noble, enduring structure designed to deepen worship, strengthen community, and invite generations yet to come into the life of the Church.
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