Invitation to all Parishioners
xxxxxI want to share with you some exciting news. Our Parish Centre is part of what was the original home (presbytery) of the priests. In the 1980’s the new residence for the priests was built and the old presbytery was turned into what we know today as the Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Centre. It contains the Parish Administration and Finance Office, a small room for the use of our Youth Group and Sacramental Programme Leaders, the Parish Priest’s Office, the Kitchen space, a large Meeting Room and a smaller meeting room at the rear.
xxxxxWith current and future Health & Safety requirements our Parish Centre is long overdue for a substantial refurbishment and redesign to bring it up to a satisfactory standard for contemporary use. Currently, our Parish Centre has a high volume of use by parishioners for things such as Youth Group activities, post-Baptism/Marriage/ Parish sector group gatherings, St Vincent de Paul Food Bank, Alcoholics Anonymous, senior parishioner gatherings, and after the many funerals and so forth held here every year. It is in fact the only meeting space we have for the parish outside of the Parish Church itself.
xxxxxThe substantial and long overdue total interior upgrade and refurbishment project (see the new layout below) has been costed at an estimated $350,00,000+ and we have received approval from the Bishop and Diocese subject to parishioners raising the necessary funds. We intend to open the Parish Centre Appeal formally over the weekend of 31 August/01 September 2024 and invite parishioners (and families of deceased parishioners) to contribute to the fund.
xxxxxI commend this important Parish project to your generosity. Our Lady Star of the Sea has an enviable record of generosity that has been established over many years. It provides the opportunity for families and individuals to leave their legacy for future generations. Donations of any size will be welcomed and there are more details in the appeal brochure and donation form (below). We can’t do it without you.
Yours sincerely,
Father John Fitzmaurice
PARISH PRIEST
Renovated Parish Centre layout
The current Parish Centre which formerly housed the parish priests was built in 1960. It was transformed into the Parish Centre with office space in 1987 when the new presbytery was built. At the time the emphasis had to be on the nev,i church so there was no discussion about changing the design. As a result, it was never fitted out to match the needs of the day nor renovated during the 37 years that followed.
It remains the sole suitable gathering space for parishioners and visitors. More importantly it houses the Parish 'engine room' - the working offices of Fr John, the Parish and Finance Officer and the Youth Ministry, catering for 16 parish organisations as well as the people who gather for post-funeral functions and celebrations. The building is now 64 years old — despite serious attempts fo update it nothing to date has been achieved.
The Need for Change
We see this 'fit for mission' upgrade as one of the principal legacies Of the 175th Anniversary. The aging Centre faces increasing Health and Safety challenges which must be addressed urgently. It would almost certainly fail some Of the current Council public space laws. For some time, it has been the Parish's number one priority and the time to act is now!
The key was to enable greater flexibility in how the space is used and help accommodate the Parish groups who regularly use it. The vision to upgrade and essentially renovate the Centre was shared with The Bishop and Diocesan planners as well as past and present users of the facility. It was unanimously accepted as a reasonable and practical plan — not a new or a rebuild, simply to give it new life and ensure it is fit for mission for generations to come.
The Plan
Significant preparatory work has already been completed under the watchful eye Of the Parish Finance committee - architects have redesigned the interior spaces, Diocesan approvals obtained and engineers have checked the current building is sound. Our brief to our planners, DLM Architects, was simple — refresh the existing function room, kitchen and WC facilities by creating a more modern, functional and open space that is inviting, comforting and welcoming.
Everyone who studied the redesign drawings and space images have been delighted. The plan includes the removal and replacement of floor coverings, wall framing and GIB linings to suit the new layout; insulation of exterior walls in the kitchen, function and toilet areas; relining, stopping and painting all walls in the kitchen and function spaces; complete upgrade of the function and kitchen spaces (includes fire system and projector); compliance upgrade Of existing toilets and a complete kitchen upgrade with new cabinetry, appliances and whiteware.
Total Parish Support
This is a well—overdue parish project that will benefit families and individual parishioners for years to come. Work is planned to commence in December and be completed 4-6 months later. There will be significant costs - $550,000 is the current estimate. The committee have several initiatives to help raise Parish interest and financial support, which include naming rights to essential functions, meeting and kitchen areas, and the invitation to 'sponsor' new kitchen whiteware items.
All donations are tax-deductible within the allowance set out in the current NZ tax legislation.
Father John Fitzmaurice
Your Legacy
The unique opportunity for families and individuals, past and present, to leave their legacy for future generations of parishioners to enjoy.
Our Lady Star of the Sea has an enviable record of generosity that has been established over many years. Please complete the Donor form enclosed to confirm your support. We can't do it without you.
An important fundraising strategy will be 'Project 100' a campaign aimed at encouraging at least 100 parishioners/ families to donate $1500 which is focused on ensuring the Centre is debt free on completion.
All donors will be acknowledged on the 'Project 100' Donors board to be erected in a prominent position in the Centre.
Contact the Parish Office
[email protected]
Contact member of the Parish Centre Renovation Appeal Committee:
Paul Kay: xx 027 206 0788
Paul Gleeson: xx0275 944 534
Jo Maria: xx027 436 4872
Mike Fairweather: 021 050 9744
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