St. James Parish Center

The St. James Parish Center has always been more than just a building—it is a place where faith, friendship, and family come together. First envisioned by parishioners in the late 1980s, the center was created as a gathering place for our community to celebrate life’s moments, support one another in times of need, and grow in fellowship. The 2024 renovations honor that vision, renewing the space with beauty, flexibility, and modern amenities while preserving its purpose as the heart of parish life. From the welcoming entry and coffee bar, to the expanded hall, updated family room, and peaceful patio, each feature reflects our parish’s commitment to creating a home where all are welcome.

Guests are welcomed into the Parish Center through a bright, curved-glass entryway that mirrors the design in front of the baptismal font. Right outside the entryway to the Parish Center is our new coffee bar, where parishioners can enjoy a cup for $1 (or more by donation), creating a warm space to pause, connect, and begin every gathering in community.

The heart of the Parish Center is its spacious main hall, now expanded to seat up to 380. With elegant lighting, flexible table arrangements, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, the space was designed for parish meals, wedding receptions, and community gatherings.

Movable walls allow the large hall to transform into smaller rooms, offering the flexibility for education sessions, meetings, and small-group gatherings. Whether for an intimate gathering or a parish-wide celebration, the Parish Center adapts to the needs of our community.

At the front of the Parish Center, a curved glass window and the Holy Family statue draw our eyes to the heart of parish life—faith, family, and community. With a new integrated system controlling the TVs, projector, sound, and lighting, the space is now equipped to serve the parish for decades to come.

The updated kitchen was designed with hospitality in mind. Equipped with convection ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, an ice maker, and full dishware, it opens directly into the Parish Center and includes a rear entrance for caterers. This space ensures that every celebration—large or small—can be served with ease.

Just steps from the Parish Center, the patio opens into a beautiful courtyard with tables and seating. This outdoor extension of our gathering space offers a peaceful setting for parishioners to relax, share meals, and enjoy fellowship.

Once the parish nursery, the Family Room has been completely renovated into a welcoming and versatile gathering space. With new carpet, a fireplace, and a conference table with seating for eight, it’s perfect for ministry groups, leadership meetings, and Bible Studies. Comfortable couches, chairs, and a long table with mirrors also make this room an ideal bridal suite - providing brides and families a peaceful space to prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage.

The renewal of our Parish Center celebrates both our history and our future. May this space continue to be a home for fellowship, joy, and faith serving generations of parishioners in the spirit of the Holy Family.