South Woden grows to serve its parishioners

MARY Help of Christians Parish South Woden has entered its next growth phase with work beginning on a new parish office and expansion of its car park and parish hall.

The parish celebrated the 40th anniversary of the consecration of Sacred Heart Church last December.

Parish priest Fr Richard Thompson says by the feast of Mary Help of Christians, May 24, this year, the extensions should be about a quarter completed.

Fr Richard Thompson reviews the new car park and parish office plans.

“The new car park will make a huge difference for elderly and mobility impaired parishioners entering the church,” he said.

“It will also lead to a parish office entry and a levelled entry to the parish hall.

“The parish office is currently in the presbytery and I look forward to having a more appropriate work space for all the parish administration.”

The kitchen in the parish hall is being doubled in size and the hall will have overflow space to cater for outside functions. The parish hopes the hall will generate income to help meet project costs.

“The parish has never had a debt because of generous parishioners, but this project will incur a debt that the parish will need to manage,” Fr Thompson said.

“I am very confident that with some creative efforts we can meet all our financial obligations while building a stronger parish and celebrating our more diverse community.”

Fr Thompson said he hoped the project would be finished within 20 weeks. He has already taken bookings for use of the hall.