First Anniversary of our Parish Centre

Saturday 3rd August marked the 1st Anniversary of our 1st Mass in the restored Mary Immaculate Church and our new Parish Centre.

Parish Party after the Anniversary Mass

Sue Moorhen, Chair of our Parish Pastoral Council,

cuts our anniversary cake.

Pat Kelly, our Redevelopment Project Manager, invited those present to peruse the original Parish Project Brief given to the Architects. The brief was the result of extensive parish consultations.

You can read the brief here Project Brief

The Blessing of our Parish Centre

by the Archbishop of Melbourne

Sunday 1st October

Watch our YouTube slide show of the Pontifical Mass and Blessing of our Parish Centre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnZXu_MGJxY

Homily by the Archbishop of Melbourne: Most Rev Peter A Comensoli        

We began our Mass today with these words: “Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is a day of rejoicing.” And indeed, it is, as we have come together to offer to God this newly renovated Church, along with the new Lady Chapel.

The very same sentiment was experienced by Zacchaeus on being recognized by Christ: “He hurried down [from the tree], and welcomed [Jesus] joyfully.”

Pope St Paul VI described joy quite succinctly as that disposition when a person finds his or her peace and satisfaction in the possession of a known and loved good. Joy is an experience God has made just for people. It is deeply human encounter, where, in our finite and limited reality, we can experience something of the infinite life of God.

Joy is a sign of God’s presence in us, and a sure hope that our lives have a meaning far beyond the mere physical. In joy, and with joy – in Christ, and with Christ – we find the peace that is our purpose.

We can each understand the kind of experience Zacchaeus felt – a heart that was bursting that he was recognised, even in his troubled existence. His neighbours did not wish to acknowledge him for the injustice and corruption he exhibited among them.

But Jesus did acknowledge him – not for what he had done, but for the life he might have with him. Jesus wanted to stay with Zacchaeus in his home because he had come to save those who were lost, to other and to themselves.

Joy was the right response to this invitation, for joy is a way of living, not just an outcome of an experience. Joy is rightly a gift of the Holy Spirit, who always drives us out. The spirit drove Mary to seek out Elizabeth; the Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert; the Spirit drove the disciples out of the upper room.

The Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, drove Zacchaeus to his home, rejoicing as he went.

The same Holy Spirit has driven the work of this renovation, and driven us into this temple dedicated to God. Joy ought to be the sign nailed to the doors of this place, for it is a place where we are reconciled with God and each other; a place where we are nourished in Word and Sacrament; and a place from which we are driven to go out to our neighbours with the charity of God.

No one is excluded from the joy of the Lord, and this place ought to be an inviting home into this joy.

As we rejoice in today’s re-dedication of Mary Immaculate Church, might we recognize that Jesus is inviting us into a share in his life. You have honoured this building with your work of beauty, not because of any inherent value in its brick and mortar, but for who is honoured here, Jesus Christ, who says to you, “come down, I wish to stay at your house today.”

May today – in this House of the Church – be for you a day of rejoicing in this Lord.

Speech by Sue Moorhen

(Chair Parish Pastoral Council)

Good morning and welcome all to the Blessing of our new Parish Centre. Thank you to the Archbishop for honoring us with his presence and for his words of blessing and Welcome Fr Michael Buck and welcome back Fr Thang Vu.

I would like to reflect briefly on the journey we have been through to get to this point. I will attempt to put into context the efforts of key players but I am sure to leave some people out and ask forgiveness up front. 

The Parish of Ivanhoe was built and expanded through the labour and the vision of the early priests and parishioners of this area. The Ivanhoe Parish first became independent as the parish of the Immaculate Conception under Fr Bernard Geoghegan in 1940 who then expanded both East and West helping to buy the land, build the school and church infrastructure and the establish independent parishes of Mother of God in 1958 and St Bernadettes in 1961. I would like to also recognise the families and parishioners of that time who assisted with the work and the fund raising for these works.  Fr Geoghan worked hard to meet the needs of the time: expanding post-war populations in this area with strong Catholicism, a desire for local community and a need for schooling. I also acknowledge the role of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition who served in the Parish schools for 26 years as part of the rich life of the three parishes.

By 1997 however, along with the naturally maturing demographics of the area, and with the number of priests and attendance at church falling Fr Maurie Cooney instigated discussions about combining the three churches into one cluster under one priest. Fr Cooney was active not only in our Parish but throughout the Archdiocese encouraging parishes to plan for the future, to think about sharing resources, and to do this in a way sensitive to the local communities and their needs. 

The Ivanhoe cluster was I believe the first formed in the Archdiocese and was established under Fr John Rogan in January 1999 who sadly died 17 months later and was succeeded by our beloved and longest serving Priest Fr John Cunningham. In the March after the establishment of the cluster a plan and review of the needs of the parish began and is exemplary of the strong role of the leadership teams throughout the cluster and Parish’s history. In 2005 the move to one parish was proposed by a Parish Development Group which again included Fr Maurie Cooney, with feedback and consultation also arranged by Pat Kelly and the new Catholic Parish of Ivanhoe was created in September 2005. 

A vision to create ongoing income from our rich land and facility assets as well as challenges with maintaining aging infrastructure was tackled by the Parish Leadership Team, then chaired by Maria McGarvie. The driving force was always a desire to keep the parish viable and vibrant and with the resources to be true to our vision of mission, service and hospitality. The implementation of the vision for one renewed mass centre ultimately took from 2005 to 2023 as you well know! and I will invite Pat Kelly to speak about the last phase of that Journey. 

Speech by Pat Kelly

(Parish Redevelopment Project Manager)

Your Grace, Father Bill, guests and fellow parishioners

My name is Pat Kelly and I have been assisting Fr Bill as the Parish Project Manager for the redevelopment. It is my pleasure this morning to thank our architects and builders for the delivery of this project. 

FPPV are our architects and are represented here by Tim Neil and Van Nguyen. Raysett Construction are our builders, represented by Chris McGregor, Tim Peavey and Steve Beshara.

If you have ever been involved in construction, perhaps renovating a kitchen or bathroom or something larger you know of the challenges that can arise. This project had some unique challenges. A few examples of the challenges the project team encountered.

For our architects, our requirements that the church had to remain and steps were to be avoided, set the floor levels for the entry from Waverley Avenue, the gathering space, the drive way and the entire site. Our desire for a street level entry from Upper Heidelberg Road to our office and Chapel and the natural slope of the land added to the challenge. Working to established levels on the sloping site was a significant constraint.

Further, the presbytery is a residence integrated with a public place of worship, the church, something which is not generally done and which required particular consideration for planning approval, fire control and other items. The fact that what you see is a functional integrated site is a testament to the skills of FPPV. I believe that our objective of a quality functional Parish Centre has been provided by the FPPV design.

The challenges for Raysett Constructions to deliver the project were huge. Raysett commenced construction on the 9th March 2021 with a completion date of 24 February 2022.  And then Covid.

The impact of covid on the construction industry and our project was immense. There were periods of lock down with no site activity permitted, then there were periods of only one trade with limited numbers on site, times when subcontractors picked the jobs they would support and did not meet commitments and other subcontractors that went out of business. Through all this, Raysett pushed on and delivered what we see here today. We received our certificate of occupancy on the 28th July 2023.

The realisation of the Parish Centre as you see it now is a tribute to those who contributed to its development from the three former parishes, St Bernadette’s, Mother of God and Mary Immaculate and many parishioners who are no longer with us.  It is also a tribute to those who developed the specification of our requirements, the design expertise of FPPV and the construction and project management skills of Raysett Constructions.

On behalf of the parish, I thank FPPV, Raysett Constructions and those behind the scenes who contributed to the realisation of our new Parish Centre.

Speech by Fr. Bill Edebohls

(Parish Priest)

Thanks Sue and Pat.

Your Grace, special guests, brothers and sisters in Christ.

It falls to my lot to thank three people from our Archdiocesan Property and Infrastructure Office: Dermot Canon, Dao Tran and Grace Dean.

The support I have received, and therefore the parish has received, from the Archdiocese throughout our redevelopment project has been extraordinary.

Dermot, as past Director of the Property and Infrastructure Office, you have been with us on every step of this journey – and the fact that you don’t just see another building project but an opportunity for a parish to grow its mission through the way in utilises its buildings and assets – has helped drag this parish through a journey of over 20 years. You will be much missed in this Archdiocese, but I wish you well in the greener pastures of the Diocese of Sale.

Dao, your support, not just at site meetings, but whenever I needed expert advice or just reassurance that we were on the right track, has been a godsend. Priests were not ordained to be architects or builders and your wise counsel and expertise has ensured that this priest didn’t run entirely amuck on this project – just a little amuck!

Grace – I’m not sure where to begin. Many people won’t realise that this project has not just been about this building. As a cash poor, asset rich parish, this project has only been possible because it involved a massive rationalisation of our property assets. If I had been left to deal with real estate agents, property leases and property sales, and sudden surprises like interim heritage orders slapped on a church about to go to market, I would have given up on this project long ago. Despite my countless phone calls and emails, you have calmly resolved everything I threw at you - and steered me through what was often a bureaucratic maze with land mines to right and to left.

In one despairing late-night email to Dermot and Grace, concerning the effect the Council heritage order had on the marketing and sale of MOG Church, I wrote in exasperation “what Ivanhoe needs is an exorcism not a redevelopment.”       

Dermot, Dao and Grace, our Architects, our Raysett team, and Pat Kelly (who for three years has walked with me and supported me every step of the way) I cannot express how grateful I am for the support you have all given to me and to this parish. May God richly bless each one of you.

We now have a Parish Centre that is something to be proud of – but in the end it is but bricks and mortar – now the real work must begin and we as a parish community must now take responsibility for how we use this place as a resource for the building up of the Kingdom of God in this place. 

Finally, let me thank all those who have assisted with today’s celebration:

Your Grace – first an apology – I have never had to cancel an archbishop so many times – and you have no idea how nervous I was finally deciding to put today’s date and your name on our new commemoration plaque out the front of the church – thank you for being with us today and leading our celebrations.

Fr. Michael (our Archdiocesan Master of ceremonies), Fr. Thang, one of my predecessors who has shared in this long journey of redevelopment, our music director, choir and organist, our altar servers, and all who have assisted with the liturgy – thank you.

Those who helped out at our working bees, Eugene and his team of helpers at the bar. Too many to thank personally for it has been a great team effort to get us to this moment. Thank you.

Now, before the Archbishop sends us on our way with his blessing, let and stand and say together our parish prayer.  

Prayer for our Parish

Father, pour out your Spirit upon the people of this parish, so that inspired by your word, nourished at your altar, and graced by your empowering love, our lives may be devoted to the service of our brothers and sisters, and the building up of your Kingdom. May our parish community, under the Patronage of Mary, Mother of the Church, truly be for this place and time the body of Christ your Son, through whom we make this prayer. Amen.      

Mary, Mother of the Church:

Pray for us.

Parish Centre Redevelopment 

Project Updates

Update 30 July 2023 - BREAKING NEWS

I am pleased to announce that at long last we have received the Certificate of Occupancy for our redevelopment. From next Saturday (5^th August), Masses will resume at the Mary Immaculate Parish Centre at the new Mass times. (See Below)

The project has been a long time coming with delays during Covid, shortages of materials and resources and more recently, waiting for the Certificate of Occupancy. The waiting is over.

While we have occupancy there are some items to be completed.  Due to an objection to the location of the air management plant on the garage by a neighbour, use of the heating and cooling in the Church is delayed. This may take some time to resolve but we have a planning consultant assisting us. The adjacent Gathering Space is fully air conditioned with a permanent coffee machine in operation.

Like any new home there will be things that are not quite right.  If you notice anything requiring attention, can you please advise Fr Bill or Pat.  We have a procedure that needs to be followed to raise any defects with the builder. The defects period for the project is 12 months so there is time to address any issues.

After next weekend’s Masses (5/6 August) there will be a BBQ and an opportunity to visit the complete redevelopment. Members of the Parish Pastoral Council will show parishioners around, take questions and provide feedback to Fr Bill and Pat.

The Parish Office will open on Tuesday, 8 August for the usual hours Tuesday to Friday 9am – 2pm). The Chapel will be open during office hours.

Building the new Parish Centre has been a major commitment for us, supported by you, the present community and the work and commitment of parishioners who are no longer with us. We now begin the next stage of the redevelopment, using it to promote our values for the Ivanhoe community. Please be involved in this new phase in our new Parish Centre.

New Mass Times from Saturday 5 August

Sunday Mass Times

Saturday          5.30pm        Mary Immaculate

Sunday             8.30am        St. Bernadette’s

                          10.00am     Mary Immaculate

Weekday Mass Times

Tuesday            9.15am        Mary Immaculate

Wednesday     9.15am        Mary Immaculate

Thursday          9.15am        Mary Immaculate

Friday               9.15am        St. Bernadette’s

Saturday          9.15am        Mary Immaculate

 Weekday Masses at Mary Immaculate are in the Chapel

enter via the Parish Office on Upper Heidelberg Rd.

  -------------------------------------

The Blessing and Official Opening

of our Parish Centre

by the Archbishop of Melbourne

will be celebrated on Sunday 1 October 2023

at the 10.00am Mass

   -------------------------------------

Update 2 July 2023

If there was ever any doubt that procedures and processes are the way of the modern world, trying to bring our redevelopment to completion has truly removed it.  Process has won. Getting the last bit of information or the last necessary inspection is challenging. It is of little comfort to be advised that resources are constrained and all projects are in the same state. Please be assured that all involved are working for us to occupy our redevelopment as soon as possible. Until the processes of inspection and review are complete, I am unable to give a date.

Our new Memorial Garden at Mary Immaculate Church

with its first crop of olives

Update 28 April 2023

Please Note!

The move to our new Parish Centre has again been delayed.

All Masses will continue to be celebrated

at St. Bernadette’s according to the current schedule

Today we received advice from our Architects that our Certificate of Occupancy would not be forthcoming in time for us to move into our new Parish Centre, or celebrate Mass at Mary Immaculate, on the weekend of 6/7 May as planned.

This is very disappointing news for all of us but it is something that is beyond our control. Before our Certificate of Occupancy is finalized we must allow those agencies that are responsible for site inspections, checking regulatory requirements are met, and the ticking of boxes on paperwork etc, to complete their tasks.

As a consequence, the start date remains unknown until we have confirmation of our Certificate of Occupancy - though all involved in the project hope this is just a short delay.

Update 12 March 2023

Progress and disappointment. Works are continuing with the one hundred and one items to be completed advancing well. Many trades are doing the final touches to their work.

It was confirmed at our site meeting this week that we cannot guarantee to have the certificate of occupation in time to prepare for Easter. Therefore Easter will be celebrated at St Bernadette’s.

We are planning for the first Mass in the newly restored Mary Immaculate Church to be celebrated on Saturday, 6 May 2023, at 5.30pm. Our occupancy date and details of moving into the parish centre and office will be advised as soon as it is possible.

Update 5 March 2023

It is good to see some of the finishing details fall into place. Mary Immaculate Church has been painted, the heating and cooling system installed and the carpet laid. After safe storage, the Matcham Skipper Stations of the Cross are again around the walls.  The pews have been placed into position with protective covering over the carpet. The Mother of God Chapel is complete. It is a quiet and reflective area with the altar and seating yet to be installed.  The perimeter fencing and gates are well advanced with the remote controls remaining to be fitted. Thanks to all who assisted with the final clean at the Mother of God Church last Saturday.  The sale was finalised on Wednesday 1 March 2023. Material supplies remain a challenge, determining when our project will be completed.

Update 26 February 2023

While we wait for completion, a reminder of what the redevelopment will provide for us. The redevelopment comprises: refurbishment of the Mary Immaculate Church with heating and cooling; a new Mother of God Chapel; a Gathering Space for community activities; an office on Upper Heidelberg Road; a presbytery; offices for the Parish Priest and Pastoral Associate; new sacristies; internal toilets; and a garage for the priest’s car. The main areas are designed for use independently or as joint areas as required. For example, when the office is open it will provide access to the Mother of God Chapel. The Church can be selected for access only or jointly with the Gathering space. The Gathering Space provides for Mass to be televised should the Church capacity be exceeded. External features include the Memorial Garden, an outdoor entertainment area adjacent to the Gathering Space and a secure car park. Thanks again to those who assisted with the last weekend working bee. A photo of the pews from the Mother of God Church shows them in good use in Mernda Parish, temporarily in St. Mary’s Whittlesea while waiting for their new Church of Christ the Light to be built. Our occupancy date remains uncertain.

Update 19 February 2023

The completion phase of the project is very evident as the doors to the church and gathering space are in place, the carpet is being installed in the church and the builder’s clean has commenced. A highlight of the week is the mounting of the Stations of the Cross from the Mother of God Church into the Mother of God Chapel.  Each Station is now on a clear backing which complements the openness and light of the Chapel. (The photos do not do justice to the real thing) Thanks to all who assisted at last Saturday’s working bee, moving the crockery and glasses from Mother of God into the new kitchen area. All parish property has now been removed from Mother of God and the temporary Parish Office is established at Fr. Bill’s home. Unfortunately, no update on when we can occupy the site.

Update 8 January 2023

Redevelopment works have resumed after the Christmas - New Year holidays. Packing of items at Mother of God church is progressing. The pews will have a new life at Mernda Parish. They are planned to be removed by the first Sunday in February. The completion date for the redevelopment remains uncertain so there will be an interim period from 31 January when all Masses will be at St. Bernadette’s. (See timetable below)

Interim Mass Schedule from Tuesday 31st January

Tuesday 9.15am St. Bernadette’s

Wednesday 9.15am St. Bernadette’s

Thursday 9.15am St. Bernadette’s

Friday 9.15am St. Bernadette’s

Saturday 9.15am St. Bernadette’s

Saturday 6.00pm St. Bernadette’s

Sunday 9.30am St. Bernadette’s

Update Christmas 2022

There has been good progress with the construction of our redevelopment at the Mary Immaculate site but our objective of being able to use the site for Christmas this year has not been realised. The effects of Covid are still with us. 

Work is proceeding but has been hampered by the availability of sub-contractors, a shortage of glass, the fire control system and the weather. The presbytery is nearly complete with bathroom fittings, flooring and joinery installed and the area painted. Internal ceilings and walls for the chapel, gathering space and the new sacristies are complete. The levelling of the carpark and access to the garage is near complete. Preparation of the ground and kerbing for the driveway concreting has commenced. 

The heating and cooling system for the church is well advanced. Painting and carpet laying are yet to be completed.

The final form of our redevelopment in Upper Heidelberg Road is now clear. The view includes the office entry, windows of the Lady Chapel and the wall to the memorial garden with the new sacristies adjacent to the gum trees on the corner of Waverley Avenue. The Madonna and Child statue that was previously high on the church wall now stands predominantly above the entrance to the office.

Sub-contractor resources are constrained as the overall construction activity in Victoria has increased. The delay in obtaining glass has had a significant impact on the project. Sub-contractors scheduled for various works have not been able to access the site and have diverted to other projects. Having them return to the site is a significant challenge. All builders are in the same position as our builders, Raysett Construction.

The fire indicator panel is an issue due to component availability. The shortage of electronic components is an international issue. An alternative panel or different technology is being explored.

External works have been hindered by the wet weather. The installation of the new water main is complete. Some drainage work is to be completed.  Dry weather is required for the completion of the earth works and the concreting and asphalting. 

Raysett Construction is doing all it can to complete the project and work will continue at the site throughout the Christmas - New Year period. The uncertainty of sub-contractor resources and the weather remain major challenges.  

We are grateful for the openness, effort and support Raysett Construction, our architects FPPV and our Archdiocesan representatives are providing to us as collectively we endeavour to bring the project to completion. Unfortunately, the completion date remains uncertain but there are some dates that are currently being locked in as we enter this final transition stage and prepare to move into our new Parish Centre.

Pat Kelly

Project Manager

Update 27.11.22

Work is proceeding on the redevelopment project but has been hampered by the availability of sub-contractors, a shortage of glass, the fire control system and the weather. Progress in the presbytery is good with flooring and joinery installed and the area painted.  Internal ceilings and walls for the chapel, gathering space and the new sacristies are complete. The levelling of the carpark and access to the garage is near complete. Compaction of the ground and kerbing in preparation for the driveway concreting has commenced. 

Sub-contractor resources are constrained as the overall construction activity has increased. The delay in obtaining glass has had a significant impact on the project. Sub-contractors scheduled for various works have not been able to access the site and have diverted to other projects. Having them return to the site is a significant challenge. All builders are in the same position as our builders, Raysett Construction.

The window and glass installation is now progressing well, but is not yet complete.

The fire indicator panel is an issue due to component availability. The shortage of electronic components is an international issue.  The panel should be available in four weeks but it may be delayed.

External works have been hindered by the wet weather. The installation of the new water main is complete. Some drainage work is to be completed. Dry weather is required for the completion of the earth works and the concreting and asphalting. 

Raysett Construction is doing all it can to complete the works. The uncertainty of sub-contractor resources and the weather remain major challenges.  

We are grateful for the openness, effort and support Raysett Construction, our architects FPPV and our Archdiocesan representatives are providing to us as collectively we endeavour to bring the project to completion.   Unfortunately, the completion date remains uncertain.

Pat Kelly

Project Manager

Consequences of the above Report!

Because the completion date of our new Parish Centre remains uncertain Masses will continue to be celebrated at Mother of God Church at the usual times until further notice.

Update 20.10.22 - Blessing of New Parish Centre Delayed

We are all aware of the difficulties that have been faced throughout the building industry these past two and half years as the industry has battled to deal with the Covid pandemic and the consequent lockdowns, labour shortages and supply chain issues.

As you all know, our own Parish Redevelopment Project has not been immune from these difficulties and the impact they have had on the expected completion date of our new Parish Centre.

In Raysett Constructions, the firm responsible for building our Parish Centre, we have been blessed with a Company and tradesmen of integrity and professionalism who have, throughout these difficult times, always gone the extra mile to prioritise our project and have done everything possible to ensure that it is completed as soon as practicably possible without compromising quality or our budget. 

We were all hoping that we would be able to celebrate the blessing and opening of our Parish Centre by the Archbishop on December 8. After this week's site meeting, I have decided that wisdom dictates that the formal blessing by the Archbishop should be delayed until the first available and convenient date in the new year.

Despite our best-efforts, labour shortages, supply chain issues and now the weather have conspired against us. It is my firm opinion that the date of the official blessing is a minor issue in these circumstances. Even Archbishops have to be flexible. What is important is that we support our builders and architects as they complete this project and deliver us a resource that will astound, inspire, and resource our community into the future.

We still plan to be in before Christmas and the upside is that the extra time we will now have, before the official blessing by the Archbishop, gives us a little more time to move in - remember we have both a presbytery and a church that must be packed, moved and unpacked. And labour shortages in the removalist industry even makes that part of the project problematic.

As we enter the final weeks of our redevelopment project, we will keep the parish community informed of the timing of our move to the Mary Immaculate site. Meanwhile, please keep the staff of Raysett Constructions, FPPV our architects, and all the tradies working on our site in your prayers.

Whatever the date we move back to the Mary Immaculate site the Farewell and Closing Mass of Thanksgiving at Mother of God will still be celebrated on Sunday 4 December at 2pm.

Parish Redevelopment Project - New Beginnings

Update 7.08.22

On July 17 our Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Committee and representatives of each of our Parish Groups, met to discuss issues relating to our new Parish Centre which is nearing completion. Over the next three weeks there will be a report on each of the three agenda items discussed at that meeting in our newsletter.

1. Tasks and Task Management

2. Mass Times once we move to our new Parish Centre

3. Engaging the Community

As rain, Covid labour shortages and supply chain issues continue to impact progress on the building site it has become obvious that the completion date is creeping up on the date proposed for the Archbishop to bless the new Parish Centre, 8 December 2022. 

Recognising that Covid has taught us that nothing is certain, and we have to be prepared to be flexible, we are proposing the following celebrations to commemorate our new beginnings. Save the dates in your calendar now. 

Honouring and Closure of Mother of God Church

Sunday 4th December at 2.00pm

Mass of Thanksgiving

Opening and Blessing of our new Parish Centre

Thursday 8th December at 7.00pm

Solemn Mass celebrated by Archbishop Peter Comensoli 

Parish Centre Community Open Day

Saturday 10th December 10.30am - 2.00pm

Public Tours, Displays, Sausage Sizzle & Refreshments 

Tasks and Task Management

Five task management groups have been set up to assist in the planning and accomplishment of the following tasks that are central to our celebrations.

1. Moving Day (Date to be confirmed): To coordinate the work of the professional removalists on the day we move furniture, equipment, archives etc back to the new Parish Centre - with follow up assistance in unpacking. Coordinator:

Eugene Ballao

2. Final Mass at MOG (Sunday 4^th December at 2.00pm): To plan and facilitate the closure of MOG Church, celebrate its past and its transition to our new Parish Centre. Coordinator: Carlo Beltrame

3. Blessing of new Parish Centre (Thursday 8^th December at 7.00pm): To plan and facilitate the celebrations of the Blessing of the new Parish Centre and the Opening Mass. 

Coordinators: Maxwell Gratton and Sue Moorhen

4. Community Open Day (Saturday 10^th December 10.30am – 2.00pm): To plan and facilitate a community open day when the general public will be invited to visit and inspect our new Parish Centre. Coordinator: Sue Moorhen

5. Communications: To take responsibility across all three events for publicity, invitations and communications. Coordinators: Lucy Dal Pozzo & Isma Chiera

Each coordinator has a team of assistants appointed at our July 17 meeting but there will be a call out to parishioners for further volunteers and a variety of ways you can join in and assist. There is much to be done and the success of our celebrations will depend on the effort and support we are all prepared to offer. If you are interested in assisting with one of the above groups, please contact the parish office and we will pass your name on to the group coordinator.

To view Plans of our new Parish Centre

https://cam-parishwebfiles-public.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/0012w00000LOj5WAAT/Parish-Centre-Plans-6018.pdf

Developing the Future - April 2021

Realising in 1999 that Mass attendance across the Ivanhoe Parishes was falling and that there would not be the number of priests to support the Melbourne Archdiocese, the parishioners agreed to the formation of the Cluster of the Parishes of Mary Immaculate, Saint Bernadette’s and Mother of God.  The Cluster merged into the Catholic Parish of Ivanhoe in July 2005.

In 2007 the Parish undertook a review1 of its assets concluding that without major changes the Parish will not have the resources to implement its mission or maintain its properties. The drivers for change being:

• Falling numbers at Mass

• One priest and no pastoral associate

• Financial support from parishioners could not maintain our properties (three churches, three presbyteries, three schools, a convent and tennis courts). 

The Parish is asset rich but cash poor and unable to address serious issues of maintenance of its properties. Good stewardship and a desire to reinvigorate the mission of the Parish requires a rationalization of property and assets. In 2008 FPPV Architects were engaged to develop a master plan for the rationalization of Parish assets.

From 2007 until 2018 various proposals were considered, including moving to one Mass Centre and the sale of the tennis court site for community housing. Further options were considered over time with the position confirmed in 2018 and outlined at meetings after Mass to inform parishioners.2

The agreed way forward was the redevelopment of the Mary Immaculate site into the Mary Mother of the Church Parish Centre. The redevelopment to be funded by the proceeds from the sale of the St. Bernadette’s tennis courts, Mother of God Church and Mother of God Presbytery.

Rationalisation of the schools was also required with the number of pupils at the Mother of God School falling below a viable number. The school closed in December 2017 and the site is now leased to the adjacent State School. It is planned that once we pay off the school debt, inherited by the Parish, the income from the lease of the school will support a pastoral associate and new ministry initiatives within the Parish.  

The Requirements

Parishioners were firm that the future for the Parish must incorporate a number of features. These included:

• Ivanhoe Catholics should have a visible presence in Upper Heidelberg Road

• The Mary Immaculate Church must remain

• The amenity in the church must be improved especially the heating, cooling, lighting, and toilet facilities

• The Centre should be open and welcoming with good facilities for hospitality

• An office facing directly onto Upper Heidelberg Road 

• A chapel available and open to all when the office is open

• A gathering space and hospitality area for parishioners integral to the church

• A modern presbytery for the Parish Priest

Current Status

The Parish, its architects (FPPV) and consultants have met all requirements of the Archdiocese and the planning and building authorities leading to the award of a contract to Raysett Construction Pty Ltd for the redevelopment project. The project is underway with a target completion date of February 2022. The Archbishop has also approved the sale of Mother of God Church and Presbytery to both fund the project and rationalise our assets to future proof the Parish and its mission.

The Redevelopment

For plans of the redevelopment see centre pages. The redevelopment comprises refurbishment of the church, a new Lady Chapel, a Parish Centre, new office fronting Upper Heidelberg Road, a new presbytery, memorial garden and other areas.

The Church (see A on plan)

The church is to be modernised with carpet throughout, heating and cooling and a new reredos (area behind the altar). Stained glass is a feature of the new reredos. New lighting and audio-visual systems are included. Maintenance is also addressed with roof repairs to prevent water ingress and damaged timber under the eaves.

The Lady Chapel (see B on plan)

It was a strong desire of parishioners to be able to visit the church for prayer and reflection throughout the week, not just when the church is open for Mass. The new Lady Chapel is separate to the church and accessed through the Parish Office. During office hours, anyone will be able to visit the chapel. The chapel is designed for 30 persons and will meet the needs for most weekday Mass. The Lady Chapel will incorporate many of the sacred objects from Mother of God Church.

The Parish Centre (see C on plan)

A new Parish Centre (Gathering Space) is connected to the western side of the church.  Entry to the Centre is from Waverley Avenue which also provides disabled access to the church.  The design provides for the street access to be to the church only, the Centre only or to both areas. The areas can be secured separately as required for church or social purposes. During special occasions, the audio-visual facilities will enable Mass in the church to be relayed to screens in the Centre. The Centre will accommodate 120 persons seated at tables and has full kitchen and catering facilities. Internal toilets are provided.

The Office (see D on plan)

The presence of Catholics in Ivanhoe is reinforced with the Parish Office facing Upper Heidelberg Road. The office is to have signage and a display to advise and promote Parish events. The statue of Our Lady and the Infant Christ on the east wall of the church is to be relocated to a prominent position adjacent to the office. The office provides entry to the Lady Chapel, the inner office facilities, meeting rooms and the presbytery.

The Presbytery (see E on plan)

The presbytery is on the floor above the Parish Office. It is a self-contained three-bedroom residence in compliance with Archdiocesan guidelines. There is a two-car garage at the rear of the building, accessed from Waverley Avenue.

Sacristies (see F on plan)

New priest’s and server’s sacristies are constructed on the east side of the church. These are part of the reconstructed eastern entrance to the church. The purpose is to support the principle of the priest and servers entering and leaving the church in procession. Toilets are also provided near this entrance. 

A working sacristy for liturgical items and preparation is adjacent to the Gathering Space, accessible only from the church.

Memorial Garden (see G on plan)

Between Waverley Ave and the Lady Chapel, facing Upper Heidelberg Rd, there is a memorial garden. A sacred space for quiet reflection and the interment of people’s ashes.

Car Parking

Redevelopment of the site requires compliance with the current car parking standard. A secure car park is provided between the Gathering Space and the western property boundary. 

Environmental & Landscaping

Insulation, water tanks and solar panels will ensure a high standard of environmental care and protection. A full landscaping plan has been developed and approved by Council. Landscaping will be one of the last activities on the site.

The Future

Please join with us as we build the future of Mary Mother of the Church assets through our redevelopment project. This project sits on the legacy provided by parishioners long passed.  Our objective is to ensure that the Church in Ivanhoe has a strong footing for decades to come.

Pat Kelly 

Project Manager

Fr. Bill Edebohls

Parish Priest

April 2021

Footnotes

1. The decisions taken by the Parish Leadership Team after the 2007 Review were circulated to parishioners in September 2007.

2. The 2018 presentation was published and circulated to parishioners in May 2018. Updated presentations at Mass and an updated print out of the presentation were provided to parishioners in February 2019. 

Parish Redevelopment Project – Christmas 2021 Update

Our Parish Redevelopment Project has a long history. From the initial considerations in 2007 through to the present day we have been struggling with the issue of how to prepare the Parish for the future. Our current facilities are inappropriate and the support that a large parishioner base provided to three churches, three schools, three presbyteries and a convent has diminished. After long consultation we set out to redevelop the Mary Immaculate site and to rationalise, that is, sell assets we could no longer afford. The property sales are funding the redevelopment.

Mary Immaculate Site Redevelopment

A view of the Mary Immaculate site from Upper Heidelberg Road clearly shows the progress of our redevelopment. The foundation for the new entrance, sacristies and toilets is adjacent to Waverley Avenue. Major drainage works are between this foundation and the internal structural walls of the Lady Chapel. The opening for the doorway to the office and Chapel entrance is evident. The concrete ground and first floors are cast and the steel work for the roof structure is erected. Brickwork for the chapel and the front fence will be installed later.

Most preparatory work within the church is complete. New high-level windows are cut into the walls and repairs to the roof near complete. The sanctuary is being prepared for tiling and the overall floor prepared for new carpet. On completion the church will have new lighting, heating and cooling and audio/video system. 

The area for the Gathering Space is viewed from Waverley Avenue. The ground level is set for the concrete floor with construction in the new year. 

The redevelopment includes all the items that parishioners considered important. These are:

• Ivanhoe Catholics should have a visible presence in Upper Heidelberg Road

• The Mary Immaculate Church must remain

• The amenity in the church must be improved especially the heating, cooling and lighting

• The centre should be open and welcoming

• An office facing Upper Heidelberg Road 

• A chapel available when the office is open

• A gathering space for parishioners integral to the church

• A modern presbytery for the parish priest

Our architects FPPV, builders Raysett Constructions, Archdiocesan representatives, Fr Bill and myself meet fortnightly to review progress and address any issues.

The building industry was affected by the Covid-19 restrictions. With these removed, Raysett has prepared a revised project program. The project completion is now July 2022.

Asset Rationalisation

Some years ago, the former tennis club site was sold. The funds have been held in investment and are now being applied to the redevelopment. The next step was the sale of the presbytery in Wilfred Road which has just been sold and after settlement (at the end of February) will be leased back to the parish until the new presbytery is ready for occupation. Once the Mary Immaculate site is complete with an Occupancy Certificate issued, all our facilities from East Ivanhoe will transfer to the site and the church will be sold. Our financial plan shows completion of the redevelopment will be fully funded by the sales of the properties.

In recognition of the parishioners who developed and supported the former Mother of God Parish, the Stations of the Cross, memorial plaques and other items are being incorporated into the redevelopment.

Summary

The objective of our Redevelopment Project is to provide the facilities for the future where we can meet and support each other as a strong Catholic community. Each day now brings us closer to realising this objective. 

If you would like further information, please contact me.

Pat Kelly

Project Manager

December 2021