News of Church Renovation Project
| Architect: | Richard Hurley & Associates. | |
| Structural Engineer: | P.J. Tobin & Co. Ltd. | |
| Quantity Surveyors: | Noel J. Farrell & Associates | |
| Building Services Engineers: | Heavey, Kenney Associates. | |
| Project Manager: Integrated Project Management: | Fin Garvey. | |
| Contractor: | J.J. Rhattigan & Co. Ltd. |
See photos of the Walk-About Tour here
The €3.7 million renovation works to completely transform St Augustine's Church and Priory are nearing completion and the church reopened with a Mass on Sunday December 18.
In 2003 the Augustinian Community applied to the Galway City Council for permission to install new seating, floors, doors, lighting, and sanctuary furnishings, as well as providing disabled access and removing the Marian Shrine from outside the church.
St Augustine's was originally built in 1855 and its foundation stone was laid by the Galway historian James Hardiman on August 28 of that year. Although its old interior was much loved it had the disadvantage of reflecting a 19th century vision of Catholicism: that of a sanctified priesthood and a passive people - a vision no longer useful to today's laity or clergy.
As a result, prior to any planning application being made, the priests and laity of St Augustine's discussed the proposed changes. This became known as the Augustinian Project. The project looked, not only at changes to the churches interior, but at how to develop a better sense of spirituality and social interaction in Galway city; greater participation by the lay community, and the future of the church and its community.
The church's new 'antiphonal design' should have both a practical and symbolic effect creating a welcoming entrance sequence and presenting the conviction that the people too are sacred. It is also to be functional through the more effective use of space, be user-friendly by removing barriers, and to make available a venue for recitals and plays.
The changes to the Priory are designed to assist in fostering Galway's Christian community. These changes are designed to ensure safe practice in the workplace; facilitate lay leadership; offer a youth ministry; provide education services in theology, philosophy, and scripture; practice of the Children's Liturgy; to assist outreach services; provide counselling; provide a library, conference centre/public meeting rooms; to provide for small music recitals, and host and facilitate various support groups.
Work started in March 2005 and saw the Augustinian priests and their congregation move to St Nicholas' Collegiate Church to share this Church of Ireland church with its congregation. This sharing has strengthened ties and created new friendships. The event was marked by a candle lit parade from St Augustine's to St Nicholas' and featured clerics and lay people from both churches.
To mark the re-opening on Sunday December 18, 2005, a similar candle lit parade took place, this time from St Nicholas' to St Augustine's.