Four years ago, a bold vision took shape at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood — one that would leave a lasting imprint on generations of young Catholics. The Leslie Chagra Karam Education Center, named after Jerome Karam’s wife and to honor the Karam family’s deep faith and heritage, stands today as a source of hope, learning, and spiritual growth.
At the heart of this transformative project is Jerome Karam, founder of JMK5 Holdings, whose personal commitment to revitalizing spaces and uplifting communities extends far beyond his professional achievements. By investing his time, resources, and unwavering faith, Karam created more than a building — he fostered a sanctuary where students could grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
As we reflect on the center’s impact four years later, it’s clear that this gift to the Friendswood community has become a vibrant cornerstone of faith-based education.
The Inspiration Behind the Center
The story of the Leslie Chagra Karam Education Center begins with a simple but profound idea: to bring youth closer to their Catholic faith by offering them a place they could truly call their own. For Jerome Karam, this mission was deeply personal. A longtime member of Mary Queen Catholic Church, Karam recognized the need for a space where students could learn, gather, and find inspiration within the walls of their faith.
Driven by this vision, Karam personally funded the project without accepting outside donations, choosing instead to make it a direct expression of his commitment to the community. His goal was clear — to create a vibrant and welcoming environment that would nurture students spiritually and emotionally, while strengthening the broader parish community.
With guidance from church leadership and architects, and with a vision grounded firmly in faith and family values, Karam transformed a once-underutilized space into a lively hub of Catholic education and youth formation, laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy.
Transforming a Vision into Reality: The Renovation Journey
Turning vision into reality required more than just imagination — it demanded faith, dedication, and meticulous craftsmanship. Under the leadership of Jerome Karam and with the direction of Father Jim, Father Sibi, Chuck Turner, and other collaborators, the old building underwent a stunning transformation.
Every corner of the Leslie Chagra Karam Education Center was designed with intentionality and purpose. From the structural foundations to the smallest decorative details, the renovation was both comprehensive and faith-driven. New walls, state-of-the-art air conditioning, a modern sprinkler system, an advanced sound system, brand-new floors, vibrant paint colors, and colorful furniture brought the building to life. Each breakout room was thoughtfully configured to foster community and learning among the students.
But beyond the technical upgrades, the center became a sacred space. Walls adorned with images of saints, a Holy Rosary Hallway, and the Stations of the Cross turned ordinary halls into passages of reflection and inspiration. The thoughtful inclusion of the Holy Spirit Wall, themed classrooms named after saints, and a welcoming Cucina San Pasqual gathering space created an atmosphere that made faith feel tangible.
Through this project, JMK5 Holdings’ mission of revitalizing communities found profound spiritual expression, exemplifying the power of using one’s talents and resources to serve a higher purpose.
Lasting Influence on Faith-Based Education in Friendswood
Today, the Leslie Chagra Karam Education Center stands as one of Friendswood’s most cherished faith-based education hubs. It is more than just a meeting place — it is a living testament to the Catholic Church’s teachings, traditions, and values, carefully woven into the fabric of daily student life.
The center is home to youth group gatherings, sacramental preparation classes, fellowship events, and quiet moments of personal reflection. Students, many of whom are navigating some of the most formative years of their lives, are immersed in an environment where faith is not merely taught but lived. The Holy Rosary Hallway invites meditative prayer, while the vibrant depictions of saints like Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Maria Goretti offer relatable role models for modern youth. The Holy Spirit Wall, prominently positioned, reminds students of the spiritual journey toward confirmation that awaits them.
By connecting young people to Catholic traditions in a space tailored specifically for them, Jerome Karam and JMK5 Holdings have helped foster a generation more deeply rooted in their beliefs. Families across Friendswood speak of the center’s positive influence, noting how it has strengthened their children’s understanding and commitment to their faith.
The education center also serves as a broader symbol of what can be achieved when philanthropy and faith intertwine. It reflects a vision that transcends business success — it demonstrates the lasting value of investing in the spiritual development of a community’s future leaders. Four years later, its impact continues to grow, shaping lives and strengthening the Catholic identity of the parish for generations to come.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
As the Leslie Chagra Karam Education Center celebrates its fourth anniversary, it stands as a lasting testament to Jerome Karam’s vision of faith-driven community building. Beyond his achievements in real estate through JMK5 Holdings, this project reflects a deeper calling — one rooted in legacy, tradition, and service to others.
The center’s impact is not confined to the present; it is an investment in the future of Friendswood’s Catholic youth. The hope is that the center will continue to nurture young minds and hearts, offering a steadfast foundation of faith as they face the challenges of a modern world.
Looking ahead, there are aspirations to expand programming, enhance spiritual formation opportunities, and ensure that the center remains a vibrant part of the parish community for decades to come. Guided by the same spirit of generosity and faith that inspired its creation, the Leslie Chagra Karam Education Center is poised to be a beacon of Catholic education and community strength for many years.
A Lasting Gift of Faith and Community
Four years after its transformation, the Leslie Chagra Karam Education Center continues to inspire, educate, and elevate the youth of Mary Queen Catholic Church. It is a place where faith is not only taught but experienced — a gift from Jerome Karam that reflects a profound belief in the power of education, community, and spiritual growth.
Through his leadership and the work of JMK5 Holdings, Karam has demonstrated how one act of generosity can ripple across generations, strengthening families and fortifying faith. As Friendswood’s Catholic community looks to the future, it does so with gratitude for the foundation laid at the center — a foundation built on faith, hope, and enduring love.
