"THE AUGUSTINIAN" August 2000

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Dedication of St Augustine's Church Kyabram

Bishop Noel Daly presided at the Rite of Dedication of St Augustine's Church in Kyabram on Friday 28 April, a splendid occasion for the parish and a great celebration of what has been achieved in the completion of the new worship space.

Over 500 people attended, including parishioners, diocesan and religious clergy, religious sisters and brothers, representatives of other denominations and the local community. The Provincial Fr Pat Fahey and 10 other Augustinians were present. Fr Paul Dempsey, parish priest during the design phase, addressed those gathered at the end of the ceremony.

The project is the culmination of five years of discussion and discernment by the parish community and effectively completes the original cruciform design of the church which was begun in 1910 and opened in 1911. The old section is now a gathering space for parishioners to meet before and after Mass and at other times.

Inspired by the liturgical renewal since Vatican II, the new space incorporates unique materials in the design of the altar, font and lectern. The altar consists of a concrete base incorporating Gothic arches and a concrete octagonal top with four wood inlays of red gum, the same wood material used in construction of the lectern.

A special feature is the baptismal font constructed of concrete with galvanised bands. Water flows continually from the font where parishioners bless themselves and where infants can be baptised by immersion. Underneath the surrounding wooden platform is the step-down, baptismal pool for the immersion of adults at the Easter Vigil.

Completion of the church and the wonderful opening are a credit to the energetic commitment of the parish committees responsible for guiding the project, the Building Committee chaired by Pat Godfrey and the Liturgical Arts Sub-Committee chaired by Maria Corry.

Parish priest Fr Dave Austin is quite relieved that the project is complete and parishioners can now worship in an attractive and prayerful setting after more than a year in the plain surrounding of the parish hall.

'It is good that we have our home back again,' he said, 'but there was certainly a great sense of community and spirit of friendship when we were in the hall. Everyone agrees that we have to hold on to that and indications so far are that we are.'

The beauty of the new space and the strength of the symbols are already making an impact on all who worship at St Augustine's and there is a true sense of achievement and satisfaction with the work that has been done.

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