After a year-long closure for extensive renovations, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Pakenham has joyfully reopened its doors to parishioners.
The new altar and church were consecrated by Bishop Greg Bennet of the Sale Diocese during a Mass celebrated on Sunday 25 August, attended by approximately 500 parishioners.
“Our beautiful sacred space invites people for prayer and worship and to celebrate weekend and daily Masses, baptisms, weddings, and other sacraments,“ said Parish Priest Fr. Janeesh Jose.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church has a rich history, with the first church on this site dating back to 1872, making it the first Catholic Church in Gippsland. This small rendered Tudor Gothic church served the community for over a century until a larger church was constructed in 1975 to accommodate the growing parish.
The design of St. Patrick’s Church was intended to complement the surrounding countryside, with a focus on natural lighting and a harmonious colour scheme.
“With considerable daily use over the last 50 years, a renovation and modernisation were required,“ said Herbie O’Flynn, secretary of the Parish Building Committee.
New features include: a stain glass window at the entrance of Patron Saint, Saint Patrick of Ireland, rosette window behind a new crucifix located behind the altar, new Stations of the Cross, improved heating and cooling, upgraded sound system and hearing loop.
Planning for the renovation began in 2018 but faced delays due to the pandemic and rising costs. Under the guidance of Nick Russo, architect of Branch Studio, modified plans were finalized, and tenders were called in August 2023.
The $3.8 million renovation project was undertaken by local builders MDC Building, who commenced work in September 2023.
The project has been funded by the local faith community. To help cover the costs, the parish community rallied together through various fundraising activities, including a market day, sausage sizzles after Sunday
Masses, carols at Christmas, and other social events.
Parishioners were invited to contribute by ‘buying a brick,’ sponsoring the Stations of the Cross, or sponsoring a church pew.
Through these efforts and a loan from the Catholic Development Fund, the renovation project was successfully completed.
St. Patrick’s Parish welcomes everyone to have a spiritual experience in their renovated sacred space. Weekend Mass times are Saturday 6pm, Sunday 9am, 10.30pm and 5pm.
