As many of you will have seen, work on the
new church complex is now well advanced. The church's steel roof
covering with its glass apex is almost complete, and when it is the main
scaffolding can be removed to allow more work on the interior and the North
side to proceed. The presbytery, hall and meeting-room areas are virtually
finished.
There have however been some
delays, and as a result the handover by the builders may have to be
deferred until early May. This should still allow the blessing and dedication
of the church by our Bishop to take place on St Bede's feast-day, the
25th May. The full consecration will take place later, probably in the
autumn.
The New Church Project Group felt
that the original pricing of the furniture and furnishings needed for the
interior of the church was rather high, so we approached other suppliers for
quotes, with some success. In particular, we were impressed by the quality - as
well as the lower prices - offered by a company in Ireland, and they will be
providing our pews, kneelers, candlesticks and some other items.
Among the more important, and costly,
furnishings are, first, the Sacrament House, containing the tabernacle
for the Blessed Sacrament. The approved design for this resembles the "burning
bush" described in the book of Exodus, and we are seeking detailed designs and
quotes for this from some ornamental blacksmiths. It will be nearly 2 metres
high, and will stand in its own niche directly facing the main door to the
church from the cloister, so that it will be the first thing to be seen upon
entry.
Secondly, the crucifix, again
nearly 2 metres tall, which will hang behind the altar, will represent Christ
with His arms outstretched (a mixture of Christ the King, Christ Crucified, and
the Risen Christ). A painting of this was on show in the Holy Ghost church
foyer. It has been designed by the sculptor Peter Eugene Ball, who has provided
similar figures for St Michael's Church in the Town Centre and Winchester
Cathedral.
Lastly, the statues of Our Lady
(inside the church) and St Bede (outside in the courtyard) will come later, as
will the Stations of the Cross, but their plinths have already been designed
and will be installed by the builders.
The fund-raising for the furniture and
furnishings is going very well - to date nearly
£40,000 has been donated or promised. Many thanks to
those who have already given so generously. More events are planned for the New
Year, and we shall continue the special second collections on the second Sunday
of each month - which have so far raised nearly £4000 - for those who
prefer to give by instalments. If any such donor is a taxpayer, please do
remember to use a numbered Gift-aid envelope (obtainable from the Parish
Office), and so increase the amount given by 28% at no extra cost to yourself.
