Proposed New Parish Centre Plans

 The vision of a parish centre for the CPoNP

 (Presented to parishioners February 2021)

We need a new building that represents the vision and functioning of a missional parish for the 2020’s and beyond. It would have the capacity to give priests and parish staff; offices; meeting rooms for RCIA; Children’s Liturgy; St Vincent de Paul; Liturgy/Finance, Health & Safety Committees, and the multitude of groups that meet within the parish. It would contain a welcoming and hospitable reception with private, friendly, accessible places to meet. Possibly with a chapel for winter weekday Masses/ prayer and a connection to the church foyer. With the St Joseph’s Church and hall, it would serve as the Catholic mission centre for the city.

Our two-storey parish office and presbytery has served us well for 63 years. However, it is designed as a residence for 4/5 priests and has been turned predominantly into offices and meeting rooms. This is an awkward combination to live with. It was not designed for this purpose and can be a maze for people to navigate. The decision was made 3 years ago, to build a new presbytery which is now completed, at the former St Philomena’s site. This was intended to be stage 1. Stage 2 was for a parish centre. When the priests move into their new presbytery, the St Joseph’s presbytery/parish office will effectively become a temporary parish centre.

The challenge we face with the St Joseph’s presbytery/parish office is that it has passed its economic life: It requires earthquake strengthening, does not meet fire safety code, the electric wiring is no longer serviceable by electricians. The plumbing burst on a Sunday morning last year. Internet facility requires some management. Built in 1958 it represents the vision and functioning needs of a parish from the 1950’s.  I do not think this is healthy for the parish or its visitors.   -  Father Simon Story

View the plans here