Work on the new Church is proceeding well
and, despite a number of delays, the target hand-over date of
11th April 2006 still currently
stands. The Bishop will bless and dedicate the church and complex on the
feast of St. Bede, 25th May which
coincides with the feast of the Ascension. The Consecration will take place
later in the year at a date yet to be set.
Work on the stainless steel roof is about
to begin. The exterior of the hall, presbytery and west side of the
cloister is complete. As soon as the scaffolding is taken down on the
completion of the glazed atrium and roof, the north side of the cloister, where
the offices are situated, will be completed and work on the interior of the
church can proceed. At present the baptismal pool and font/holy-water stoop are
in place.
The New Church Project Group felt that the
original pricing of items for the interior were very high and
approached various companies for their quotes. A company in Ireland has been
visited by members of the committee and they were very impressed with the
standard of their work. They have, therefore, been appointed to supply the pews
and candlesticks and possibly hassocks and chairs.
The Sacrament House is being designed to
resemble the 'burning bush' in the Book of Exodus. In this will be the
tabernacle to hold the Blessed Sacrament. This will be positioned in its own
place directly opposite the main door from the Cloister so that it will be the
first thing seen as one enters the church. Quotes for this are being sought
from various companies.
The main Crucifix - which will
hang behind the altar - is being designed by Peter Eugene Ball. It will be a
figure of Christ with arms outstretched (a mixture of 'Christ Crucified',
'Christ the King' and the 'Risen Christ'). Peter Eugene Ball designed the
Christ figure in St Michael's Church (Town Centre), also one in Winchester
Cathedral and also the 'Madonna and Child' in Winchester Cathedral which was
commissioned and presented to the Cathedral from the parishioners of St.
Peter's Catholic Church in Winchester.
Statues of Our Lady and St. Bede
will come at a later date as will The Stations of the Cross but plinths for all
these will be installed by the builders.
Fund-raising is proceeding very well
and, as at the end of the first week of October, £32.000
has been raised. Very many thanks to all those who have given so
generously.
The special collections on the second
Sunday of every month continue and to date have raised
£2,627. Please remember, if you are a taxpayer, how valuable it
is to Gift Aid, the amount you give is increased by 28%. Details can be
obtained from the Parish Office.
There will be a concert of
Christmas and other music on Saturday 17th December.
The display board of photographs
of the progress of building work is regularly up-dated and is taken round to
each of the Mass Centres.
