Blessing of the Bricks – St James Parish Community Centre

Stage 3 of the Master Plan

Sunday, 7 June – 10:30am Mass

Welcome & Introduction

St James Parish warmly invites all parishioners, friends, and supporters to this special Blessing of the Bricks for our new Parish Community Centre.

As we begin this exciting new chapter in the life of our parish, we gather in prayer and thanksgiving. These bricks are not just building materials. They are a sign of the welcome, fellowship, faith, and community that will take shape here for generations to come.

This celebration replaces the traditional “Turning of the Sod” ceremony in a meaningful and symbolic way. All are welcome to join us for this important occasion.

Remembering God’s Work Among Us

Let us pause and give thanks for how God has led us to this moment.

Stage 1: The Presbytery / Parish House

We thank God for our Parish House, where our priests are accommodated and where we meet with parishioners in pastoral care and hospitality.

Stage 2: The Church Extension

We thank God for the extension of our church, a place that welcomes our ever-growing parish into the house of the Lord. Here we gather for community, praise, and worship, and where we encounter the Lord in Word and Sacrament.

Stage 3: The Community Centre

And now, we look to Stage 3. Here we will continue to meet, to build community, and to experience and extend the reign of God in our parish and beyond.

Thanksgiving to God and to All Who Have Helped

First of all, we thank God, the source of every good gift, for guiding this project from vision to reality.

We thank:

Our Archbishop, the Archdiocesan Building and Property Commission and their Finance Team for giving us the go-ahead.

Dao Tran, Senior Advisor from the Archdiocese Property & Infrastructure Team, for his constant support and wise advice.

The architects, Smith & Tracey, for their design and vision.

The builders, Raysett, for their skill and dedication.

The Parish Building Committee for their tireless work and oversight.

The Catholic Development Fund for their financial support.

Joanne Ryan, the Federal Member of Lalor, for her support through the funding from Commonwealth Stronger Communities Program

And you, the parish community of St James, for getting behind this project and always offering your encouragement, prayers, and generosity.

Without each of you, this day would not be possible.

Scripture & Reflection

Reader: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1

We build not for our own glory, but so that the name of the Lord may be known and loved here. May this Community Centre be a place where people are welcomed as Christ welcomes us, where faith is shared, and where the love of God is lived out in everyday life.