For the past 25 years, a man from Michigan USA has been building Catholic churches out of Lego bricks as a unique ministry that combines his deep Catholic faith with disability advocacy.

Each year, John Kraemer assembles around 30,000 Lego pieces into an original church design inspired by real-life architecture.

According to CNA, Kraemer’s 'Lego church project' began in 2000, and since then, he’s displayed his models in various parishes across Saginaw, Michigan.

He told the outlet: “I am thankful to God that I have a purpose in my life that goes beyond myself. Without God in my life, without the Church, I would not have anything to do.”

The church models, often measuring up to four feet in length, are carefully crafted on plywood bases for transport.

Each model is filled with "parishioners" to symbolise Kraemer’s hope for a revival in church attendance and includes special features like a visible tabernacle and a detailed pipe organ.

For Kraemer, who has a mild form of cerebral palsy, his Lego ministry is a way to express faith and advocate for the disabled community.

He includes figures with wheelchairs and guide dogs in his creations.

Building these models is a spiritual practice for Kraemer. Each “brick session” is a time of prayer, where he places his fears and challenges before God, using his hands to build not just a model but his faith.

Grateful for the support he's received, he’s committed to using his talent to inspire others and advocate for more inclusive church communities.

As he brings his 2024 creation to St. Helen’s Parish in Advent, Kraemer reflected on his journey, saying: “Without the support of those around me, this would not be possible.”