Dear Parishioners and Friends,
St. Mary Immaculate Church holds a prominent place in the lives of numerous Catholic families in Tauranga, both now and historically. This church has served as a sanctuary in the heart of the city, and we are committed to preserving it as a sacred place where we can worship and grow in faith together. Many elements are involved to achieve this goal including ensuring that the church building is compliant with regulations, safe, culturally sustaining, liturgically correct, and inviting to accommodate the growing spiritual and pastoral needs of the Tauranga Moana area.
As you are already aware, work on the main church building area commenced several years ago, and we have accomplished a substantial portion of the project. This phase included replacing the fire system, repairing the roof, upgrading the auditorium lights, and completing necessary works in the presbytery. The primary objective of these initial works was to address health and safety, fire alarm, and other compliance issues to maintain the building warrant of fitness so that we could continue using the church building.
But our work is not done yet. The inside of the building is in need of our immediate attention. Most importantly, the lavatories and kitchen areas are in need of a facelift. There is also limited accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, there is a lack of adequate and safe spaces for children’s liturgy and pastoral meetings and gatherings.
With that in mind we are pleased to present to you what has developed after a comprehensive, and lengthy process, a review of our church and the needs of our growing faith-community, with the assistance of architects, engineers, volunteer parishioners, and input from our main stakeholders.
Fathers Arnold and Adam
List of works to be accomplished:
- Upgrade of kitchen and toilets according to Council code standards
- Relocation and upgrade of the Reconciliation Room
- Upgrade mobility access
- Extending the mezzanine area
- Replace fire alarm(old building area)
- Relocate parish office
- Relocate music area
- Creation of a devotional area in the Church (Shrine for the Blessed Virgin) and baptismal font area.