Newsletter No. 4 – August 2025
Welcome to the final edition of the Parish Centre Renovation Appeal newsletter.
Our journey to renovate the Parish Centre is almost complete. Work on the renovations continued at a cracking pace through June and into July.
Now it’s time for the finishing touches (as these two images show). It is exciting and we are already looking forward to taking back a renovated Centre now fit for purpose – read on.
A 38-year old dream becomes a reality.
On December 6, 1960 Archbishop James Liston blessed and opened the new Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and the presbytery nearby to house the Parish priests. In 1987 when a new presbytery was built the original house was simply transformed into the Parish Centre with office space and was never properly fitted out as a working centre to meet the needs of a growing parish. For thirty-eight years it was the sole suitable gathering space for parishioners and visitors as well as the 'engine room' for the Priests and the office staff.
Over the years that followed there were several attempts to update it but nothing happened. Finally on September 24, 2024 the Finance Committee, led by Fr John, launched an inspiring fundraising campaign which was well received by the parishioners. The committee’s vision to upgrade and essentially renovate the Centre was enthusiastically endorsed by the whole Parish. The response was immediate and very generous – over $400,000 was raised. The renovations would be completed debt-free. Plans were approved, Diocesan and building consents were obtained. Shakthi Construction was appointed, took over the site in April and will complete the project in time to welcome Bishop Stephen Lowe who will officially bless and open the rejuvenated Centre on August 24.
The dream of a revitalised Parish Centre becomes a reality. Not a new building or a rebuild but a long established, well used and loved Centre, given new life to ensure it is fit for mission for generations to come. One day the revised history of the Parish should properly acknowledge the vital role that the Parishioners of the day played in supporting this vital project.
It’s time to celebrate
The Parish Centre will be officially blessed and opened on Sunday August 24 by Bishop Stephen Lowe following the 9am Mass. This, for many parishioners will be their first glimpse of the renovated Centre. See further details in the Parish Bulletin.
PROJECT RESULTS
Income - $406,240. This total includes $286,240 – donations and sponsorship of whiteware.
3 bequests – $45,000
$75,000 from the sale of a small strip of Parish-owned land on Walter MacDonald Street.
An outstanding result.
FINAL COST ESTIMATE – $403,000
Donor Acknowledgement
We explained in the previous newsletter that it was not our intention to publically acknowledge individual donors who supported the project and this decision was endorsed by donors. Rather a special plaque collectively acknowledging Parishioners’ support for the project will be erected in a prominent position within the Centre.
In advance of the opening we wanted to share with you the wording on this special glass wall.
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish gratefully acknowledges the Parish Community, whose generous donations made the renovations to the Parish Centre possible. Together, we have created a legacy for future generations to enjoy. May God bless you for your kindness and generosity.
Saint Joseph and Founding
Parish Priest honoured
For the first time the Parish Centre will include two named spaces. The main area will be named for Saint Joseph (Protector of the Holy Family, as he is of the Universal Church and therefore of our Parish) and known as ‘The Saint Joseph Meeting Room’. The second will be named ‘The Father Garin Meeting Room’ as a tribute for Father Antoine Marie Garin, our first Parish Priest (1848 –1850) – a saintly French missionary. Users of the rooms (including funeral and event organisers) will be requested to use the new names.
They can’t wait
We asked Fr John which groups are likely to be among the first to use the Parish Centre. His response illustrates the diversity of the groups using this facility and again emphasises its’ importance to the Parish.
“Usually, our Youth Group gather on the 4th Sunday of the month after 6.30pm for a time of Adoration in the Church until around 7.15pm then they would gather in the Parish Centre for an hour or so of social time afterwards – so potentially our Youth Group would be our first users of the Saint Joseph Meeting Room; the AA Group which meet regularly every Monday evening are anxious to return to the Parish Centre as are our St Vincent de Paul Food Bank which gathers on Wednesday mornings and the Divine Mercy Group who will now use the Father Garin Meeting Room. Let’s not forget the Parish Choir’s rehearsals (assuming the Piano has been moved to its new position)”.
So many people to thank
A project like the Parish Centre could not be attempted without the help of many people.
We would like to thank everybody who helped and guided us on this memorable journey of restoration – particularly the professionals and specialised volunteers who accepted the responsibilities that are essential for a highly technical project of this nature:
Bishop Stephen Lowe and Diocesan General Manager – James Van Schie.
Watershed Property, Projects & Aquatics – Project Manager Shyam Baird
Construction leaders Shakthi Construction – Rishi Singh, Nimesh Taylor
Designer/architect DLM Architects: Genevieve Koh, Joelle Tolentino
Parishioners who generously helped with the initial display and shared their opinions about the new kitchen design
Jeremy Gleeson – brochure design and marketing.
Parish Office Staff – Linda Van Heerden & Diana Mascarenhas
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish School for generously hosting the Parish office at the school during the refurbishment period.
To each and every one of the above people the Parish is eternally grateful.
One final message
Fr John’s theme throughout the campaign was always ‘We can’t do it without you’ and that is how we achieved the final result. Maybe one day, many years from now, our children and theirs, will reflect on your efforts and praise the Lord for your solidarity and sacrifice.
Thank you for enthusiastically supporting this project, your generosity and for all you do in service and love for our Parish. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
Fr John Fitzmaurice, Paul Gleeson, Jo Maria, Paul Kay
Note: All donations to the Parish Centre Renovation Appeal are tax deductible within the allowance set out in the current NZ tax legislation. For most donors this will result in a 33% refund.
ACTION:
Fill in the form above; it will be automatically sent to the Office and they will respond as soon as possible
or
Download the form here, print it out, and hand deliver or send it to the Parish Office.
Donations can be direct credited to the Parish Bank Account: BNZ, Auckland Branch, RC Bishop of Auckland.
Account No: 02-0108-0706005-000. Ensure your surname is included in the 'particulars' section and the word 'Centre' in the reference section of the online payment form. All donations will be acknowledged.
ALTERNATIVELY:
Phone the Parish Office or a member of the Appeal Committee (numbers are in the brochure) who will arrange to collect the form and/or answer any questions.
Our Lady Star
of the Sea Parish