We want to share good news about two important building projects in our Parish. Last month, our Working Group met and agreed on a broad design for updating SS. Peter & Paul’s church. This includes earthquake strengthening, which will be an important health and safety upgrade to keep our church safe for everyone who worships there. At the same time, we are working on concepts for more room for gatherings after Mass, and offices for our priests and staff. More detailed design work will now begin, where we will be able to share some designs and seek your feedback.
We’re also pleased to announce that St Bernadette’s church will be getting a new roof, new toilets, and a new sound system. These upgrades will help ensure the building stays safe, weathertight, and comfortable for our community for years to come. Planning and building consent for this work is now underway, and we are looking forward to resources and finances for this project.
These are significant projects, and we are grateful to have some funds from previous property sales available towards them. However, these savings cover only around 22–24% of the estimated total cost, so there is still a substantial amount to be raised to complete the work.
We understand that many families are under financial pressure, and we do not want anyone to feel burdened by this appeal. Any support, no matter the size, will make a real difference and is greatly appreciated.
We need your support to strengthen and improve our churches and community halls so they remain safe, welcoming and available to serve the wellbeing of our parish and the wider Hutt Valley community.
Our churches and halls are not only places of worship and prayer, but also important community spaces for gatherings, cultural celebrations, meetings, education, family activities, social support and many other community needs.
For many years, our parish has had a special commitment to serving the poor, marginalised and those in need, alongside our pastoral and hospital care, education, social justice, support for refugee families, ecumenical initiatives, and care for people of all ages and backgrounds.
We are a community of communities, celebrating our diverse cultures, languages and ethnicities and seeking to respond to the needs of the wider Hutt Valley.
Your generosity will help us strengthen these spaces and continue our mission of welcoming, supporting and serving people, especially those who are most vulnerable and marginalised, for many years to come.
Gifts to our Property Development Fund stay 100% within our Parish. If you give using your Planned Giving number, your gift qualifies for a tax receipt, and you can claim back 33% of what you give as a tax credit each year. If you do not yet have a Planned Giving number, please contact the Parish Office, and we will help you set one up.
Thank you for your continued generosity and for supporting the future of our Parish family.
Parish Priest &
Te Awakairangi Parish Finance Committee