The namesake of the small town of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, rises 800 feet above the land. In all seasons and times of day, Scotts Bluff National Monument stands tall, steady and beautiful—a testament to the majesty of God’s creation.
Five miles away, another landmark stands tall and steady against the wide Nebraska sky. Although it is hardly more than two stories high, the steeple of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church rises far above the blocks of small, low-lying houses that surround it.
But it is beneath the steeple, beneath the pews and altar, that the heart of this parish can be found. Although basements are not known as glamorous places—often associated with cobwebs and junk—they often serve as essential places of gathering. In Scottsbluff, the basement of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a critical base of operations.
The space hosts not only church-related activities such as religious education classes, cultural events, funeral receptions and parish council meetings, but also the food pantry and weekly soup kitchen. Up to 150 meals are served out of the parish basement every Monday, and boxes of food are provided to households in need.
Anyone who walks down the stairs will find a space free of judgment and full of love.
However, time took its toll on the basement. The floor tiles, lighting, walls and furniture were in desperate need of repair. The space did not reflect the beauty, warmth and welcome of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
“We form a family here”
The basement had not been renovated since this sturdy brick church was built with support from Catholic Extension Society in 1953. The first church structure had been built in 1923 with no outside support—only the dreams and hands of the faithful.
Monica Amaro has been a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe for 30 years. Just as she was welcomed into the community many years ago, she now loves to open the doors of the church for new arrivals. “We form a family here,” she said.
She continued,
The church is a refuge. It is a place of support. … Here one finds peace.”
The pastor, Father Joseph Thambi, always tells his flock, “This is your home.”
In the 1970s, the parish opened a “Guadalupe Center” just down the road to provide cultural and educational programming and to host larger community events to welcome the entire town. One such event is an annual Thanksgiving dinner, which the parish has hosted for 40 years.
“We can see people from all social backgrounds coming together on that day,” said parishioner Pilar Ebel.
Another parishioner, Katherine Hernández (pictured below), arrived in Scottsbluff as a small child with her family not long after the church was built.
Many parishioners at that time worked in the sugar beet fields. Over time the community has grown, and although some continue to work in the fields, others work in the sugar factory, construction or department store jobs. Hernández said that the parish has always been lively and active—a home to countless fiestas. These fiestas, of course, were hosted in the basement.
Many hands make repairs
The parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish have always lovingly maintained and repaired their church to the best of their abilities. In the photo below, men at the parish repair the altar flooring.
But after 70 years, the basement—this epicenter of hope and help in the town—needed more than a quick fix. Parishioners dedicated extensive time, money and energy to fundraise for a renovation.
Adriana Saenz is a part of a group of women who call themselves “The Martas.” They sell tamales, empanadas, fruit and more to fundraise for the church.
“I don’t have much, but I help how I can,” she said.
Saenz, pictured below with her husband, son and pastor, wants ensure the church continues to be an uplifting and safe environment for future generations.
Catholic Extension Society heard the call for help from the families at Our Lady of Guadalupe. We provided a matching grant to ensure this project crossed the finish line.
Now, the basement has shining white-tiled floors, much improved lighting, fresh paint and tables and chairs that aren’t at risk of falling apart.
For the parish and the wider community, the renovation confirms the value of this space. Although this church basement is less conspicuous than the towering landmark five miles away, it is no less significant. For the parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe, their below-ground sacred space is a beautiful testament to their love for God and their neighbors.
Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor in the poorest regions of America. We need your help to build and repair more churches like Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Scottsbluff! Please support our mission!
