The Christmas Parish Draw took place at week 35. Brendan McAnespie the site manager of Piperhill Construction, the company assigned to carry out the renovations selected the winning numbers.
The visit was also an opportunity to take a few photographs of the progress of the renovation of Mater Dei to date.
The new entrance hall brings more light into the church, and the beautiful mosaic window is the first feature to greet all those who enter. The entrance to the church has been reconfigured and the altar is now central to the main doorway. A complete new heating system has been installed with solar panels and gas heating adding warmth to the building. The new glass confessional room is a new addition.
The workmen were busy laying the carpet in the main area of the church during the visit. The Sanctuary has been reconstructed, and tiles will be laid as the next phase of the project. The door to the courtyard and Pastoral Centre has been moved and there is now access at the rear of the building, which will allow the children direct access to the building for Children’s Liturgy at the weekend Mass. The work is progressing to the next phase, and it is hoped that the building will be ready by March 2026.
The winners of the Christmas Parish Draw 2025 – 26 (Week 35) selected by Brendan were £1,000 Marie Therese Sloan (Upper Ballinderry), £500 Grainne McConnell (Ballyvannon), £100 Joseph Loughan (Upper Ballinderry) and £50 Ellen Forester (Glenavy). Congratulations to our winners.