BUNINYONG will see a new Catholic church built that will cater for a growing congregation and be an architectural gem in the community.
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Father Adrian McInerney said a new church was needed because there was an overflow of crowds in the old St Peter and St Paul’s churchs.
“We won’t knock down the old one, they will be totally connected and you’ll be able to see the glass from the old church in the new church, it won’t be hidden,” Father McInerney said.
“We wanted to build a church first of all, but we wanted something beautiful as well.”
The church architect, Richard Falkinger AO, has worked on 50 churches around the world and worked on the restoration of St Patrick’s and St Alipius churches in Ballarat.
“It’s inspired from the Ronchamp, a church in France,” he said.
“There is a beautiful glass facade, with glass that is imported from France.”
Father McInerney said planning began in 2008, soon after he travelled to Europe with Mr Falkinger to develop ideas.
“We expect to be in it for Christmas. We hope the building is finished in October, and to fit it out after then,” Father McInerney said.
He said the new building would cater for the growing congregation, and also be more flexible when it came to weddings, funerals and baptisms.
“Buninyong is a growing area with young families, and with more young families we have a lot of baptisms,” he said.
“When we have baptisms people have to stand outside.”
The church will feature a quiet prayer room after it was requested by the people.
“There will be a glass sculpture suspended between the ceiling and the alter, a floating figure of the risen Christ,” Father McInerney said.
“There will be narthex – a connecting walking space around the entrance.
“We’re going to landscape the gardens with the concept that it flows out into the world.”
Committee member Margaret McCarty couldn’t be happier with the developments that have been made so far.
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au