Extensive renovations at St. Mark’s Catholic Church of Marion are taking place. The church is part of the consolidated Holy Family Parish of Marion County.

According to church officials, the interior of the 50-year-old church is being remodeled with old sacristies converted into a large gathering area and new sacristies being built in other areas of the church.

Between the new gathering area and the sanctuary, double glass doors will be installed, surrounded by windows to allow viewing of the sanctuary from the gathering area.

The wall behind the altar will have new arches and new statues will be purchased.

Seating will be increased with new pews in a review pew layout. Confessionals will be relocated and will allow both face-to-face and private confessions with handicapped accessibility.

One bathroom is being converted into a handicapped-accessible facility.

An additional parking lot is planned on one side of the church with a carport and ramp into the new church entrance for increased handicapped accessibility into the gathering area.

An updated sound system, electrical wiring, plumbing, hearing/air conditioning units, carpet, tile, and paint also are planned.

The construction began Sept. 8 and will be completed by Dec. 10.