Priests’ retirement villas site blessed in Christchurch

The project will see the development of seven two-bedroom units on Brougham Street, adjacent to St John Fisher House in Sydenham, and the renovation of the existing building to update two units and a chapel.

According to a fundraising brochure for the project, Christchurch Diocese currently has no dedicated housing for its retired priests, making the need for retirement accommodation critical.

“With 13 priests already retired and six more nearing retirement, we are facing a significant shortage of suitable living arrangements. While some priests reside in independent housing, rental properties or retirement villages, these solutions are not sustainable in the long term,” the brochure stated.

The new retirement villas will provide independent living in a supportive community.

“Each two-bedroom unit will offer a peaceful environment, including a kitchen, living area and garage, allowing our priests to retire in comfort with dignity while living among fellow clergy and continuing their fellowship and prayer,” the brochure stated.

At the blessing of the site on May 17, Bishop Gielen said that, in every age, the Lord calls forth shepherds. He recalled Pope Francis’ quote: “Be shepherds with the smell of sheep.”

A Facebook post from Christchurch Diocese stated that “ours truly are [such shepherds] – they share in our joys, support us in our sorrows, and walk with us through times of crisis”.

The project is estimated to cost $3.5million. As of last month, $2.7 million had already been raised.

A message in a recent parish bulletin for Christ the Redeemer (Christchurch North) stated “this is a tremendous milestone and a testament to the love and appreciation so many people have for the priests who have faithfully served”. But more support was requested.

The notice stated that Bishop Gielen was confident that there was momentum to raise the rest of the funds needed and that construction could start later this year.

In the fundraising brochure, Bishop Gielen said that he had personally donated to the campaign and several priests had done so too, as had “a number of generous lay people”.

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On Saturday, we celebrated the… – Catholic Diocese of Christchurch | Facebook (Facebook/Catholic Diocese of Christchurch)

Catholic Parish of Christchurch North bulletin April 27 (Catholic Parish of Christchurch North)

Priests Retirement Villas campaign brochure (Catholic Diocese of Christchurch)