Stepping into Our Future
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Church Repairs & Preservation Activities (2024-2027)
Since opening its doors in 1895, St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church has been a welcoming community in a traditional and Eucharistic setting focused on prayer, service, and life-long faith formation on the values and teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Why Stepping into Our Future?
Most sacred Catholic places were built to last lifetimes. Indeed, numerous are the most beautiful and oldest structures in the places they inhabit, constructed long ago by people who used stone, brick, and massive timbers as a demonstration of the longevity of their faith.But even the most solidly built Catholic churches require regular maintenance and repairs for them to remain for future generations. As time passes, roofs leak, foundations crack, heating and cooling systems fail and building codes / requirements change that require us to review our existing church conditions. The responsibility of providing a safe and secure environment for church members, staff, and visitors is a top priority for St. Patrick Church. Effectively identifying and managing risks and reducing hazards not only safeguards the welfare of all involved but also helps our church maintain an environment favorable to worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
As we all continue on this journey of Stepping into Our Future, we encourage you re-visit this section of our website to learn more about the project and to keep you informed of the construction progress, pictures and updates from Father Dennis. Most importantly, it is because of YOU that will make this project successful! Thank you for your support.
A Church Repairs and Preservation Committee consisting of Father Dennis, parish staff, and parishioners have been meeting periodically over the past two years to review the needed renovations to our church. With the guidance of an architect experienced in church renovations and with the approval of Diocesan of Manchester, Real Estate & Construction Council and Bishop Libasci, we are ready to begin renovations at the beginning of January 2025. This start date will not impact Christmas Masses & other related activities.The committee was guided by the following goals:- Consistent, budget-friendly design and construction
- Creating welcoming, convenient and safe ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design) repairs/improvements to Saint Patrick Church
Project StakeholdersDiocesan of Manchester, Real Estate & Construction CouncilFather Dennis, Parish PastorMr. John Cormier, PM, Project Committee Co-ChairMr. John Turner, PE, Project Committee Co-ChairMs. Pauline Nepveu, Business Manager & AccountantMrs. Diane Bergeron – Parish AdministratorSt. Patrick Finance / Buildings & Grounds CommitteeSt. Patrick Parish CouncilStepping into the Future Project CommitteeUdelsman Associates Architectural, Project ArchitectChapman Construction / Design, Construction ManagerMrs. Sarah Currid, Project Asst & Parish Website
Project Phases
PHASE / STAGE 1
New ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design) restrooms and convenient staircase between the church hall and narthex. Removal of preservation of stained glass from narthex and preservation / placement in choir loft.
Start Date: 01/06/2025 – Approval and signed contract has been received from Diocese.
Duration: 8 weeks
Impact: No church hall restrooms but St. Patrick center/office building bathrooms will be open, downstairs church hall will be closed for entire 8 weeks.
Elevator
Efforts are currently underway to ensure all safety aspects are met, to include a smoother ride when using the elevator and establishing a yearly maintenance service program.
**Construction Photos Coming in January 2025**
PHASE / STAGE 2
New front stairs/handrails, new raised upper landing to allow visitors to walk out of church, without having to step down. A new 20 x 50 storage will be created, under the upper landing, to be used for preparing church flowers, refrigeration storage and storage of holiday and Christmas decorations.
Start Date: Quarter 2 (Q2) 2025
Duration: 6 to 8 months
Impacts: Mass will still be held inside the church, but entrance will be by the new staircase between the narthex and the church hall. Elevator will be available for use.
PHASE / STAGE 3
Replacement of the granite retaining wall. Along the side of the Center, provide a pedestrian walkway from the back parking lot, leading up to a bridge crossing over to the upper landing.
Start Date: 2026 - 2027
Duration: 3 months
Impacts: TBD, Limited elevator access from exterior
Download the Project Presentation
Downloadable PDF document includes estimated project costs, high-level construction details, pictures and conceptual drawings (Last updated on 10/15/2024)