Phase 2 Fundraising Leaflet 2016 Click Here to Download Leaflet.
Dear Parishioner,
The year of St. Columbanus made clear the importance of Bangor. Many pilgrims and visitors came and will continue to do so in the future.
It was a source of great pride to the parish that the sanctuary area of St. Comgall’s had been refurbished in time for the year of St Columbanus celebrations in June.
However the parish church is primarily for you, the parishioners. Sincere thanks are due to you as the first phase of the refurbishment costing £210,000 has been carried out and fully paid for.
To control costs it was decided to phase the works and it is now proposed to start the second stage. This will include tiling the floor in the main body of the church, rewiring and upgrading the lighting along with updating the central heating. Blackening of the walls should thus be prevented.
In this year of Mercy it is also proposed to construct a visible Confessional in the church so that the pivotal role of the Sacrament of Reconciliation can be made clear.
In your submission to the Living Church Listening process you emphasised Welcome as one of your desired hallmarks. It is proposed that the entrance foyer will be enlarged, revealing natural light through a stained glass window, at present hidden, and creating an inviting open space allowing us to celebrate our historical tradition by highlighting the medieval holy water font.
Many parishioners have expressed delight at the architect’s vision for what has already been achieved. I hope that you will continue to generously support your parish in terms of participation and financial contribution and so allow the beauty of the church to be made more evident. Beauty is welcoming because as St. Augustine said “Love of Beauty is next to love of God.”
Please help us to enhance the beauty of this holy place so that the hearts of all those who enter may be lifted up to God in whose honour it was built by your forebears and maintained by you so that it can be handed on to and treasured by your children and grandchildren.
I am well aware of the present economic situation and acknowledge that things are not easy at this time but I would appeal to you for your wholehearted support for Phase 2 of the refurbishment programme.
I thank you for your contribution to our appeal.
May God bless and reward you for your generosity.
Yours sincerely,
Fr Joseph Gunn PP