The New Church Complex |
The office and immediate area of the narthex were created from the back third of the old church. A second set of double doors lead into the new hall, which was originally the remaining two thirds of the old church. A new central heating system, a complete repainting, and a heavy duty carpet, with new suspended lighting, transformed the new hall. Comfortable new chairs and tables were provided, and some colourful and attractive paintings of scenes from the life of Jesus by the Benedictine Nuns of Turvey were mounted and used to dress the walls.
The recessed sanctuary area of the old church was screened off (the screen matching those in the new church) to provide a 'quiet' room for Scripture and Prayer groups. Discreet lighting and spots were added to help with atmosphere and ambiance.
The new hall is used for a variety of meetings and activities and is able to provide for not only the parish's needs but also for activities of the wider community. Brownies & Guides, the Tuesday Toddler Group, the Over-55's Group, The Parish Ladies' Group, The SVP, The Ascent Group (for retired people), as well as Little Church on Sunday mornings. Aerobics and fitness sessions also feature. Tea and coffee after Mass on Sundays and catering for gatherings and parties and a thriving Luncheon Club are provided from a large and well appointed kitchen.
A management committee made up of representatives from the various groups who use this new facility manage the day-to-day bookings and administration of the new hall.
Essentially it provides the parish community with a wonderful new opportunity for developing its spiritual, pastoral and social activities.
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As you move through the spacious narthex you will see two sacristies - one for the storage of candles, flower arranging equipment and other items needed for the liturgy; and a second where the priest and servers vest.
A glass screen separates the narthex from the new church. This has central double doors and the ceramic tiled floor continues into the church - a kind of invitation - to form an apron around the baptismal font. As Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Church it was decided to place the font at the door.
The Catholic custom of 'blessing oneself' on entering and leaving a church was always seen as a reminder of our baptism, and so we decided upon an open baptismal font, rather than holy water stoops, permanently containing holy water which might be used as a reminder and renewal of our baptism. With the same significance, at a funeral, we are able to bless the coffin as it enters the church.
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