Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church re-opens after renovations

Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church re-opened on Sunday with Fr. noel Kehoe welcoming back parishioners after the building had been closed for eight weeks for renovations. Fr. Kehoe thanked parishioners for their patience during the mass.

“We are delighted to return to the church after eight weeks. i take this opportunity to thank you for your patience during the renovation. it will be rewarded with the stunning new interior.

“Planning for this work began over three years ago from the initial concept design to completion. the initial programme involved simply replacing the lighting to LED. However, upon inspection, it was discovered that the electrical wiring and fire systems were in a very precarious state and major maintenance became obligatory.

“Being a popular and busy church, the next challenge was to get the work completed in a very tight timeframe. ten electrical companies from Co. Louth, armagh and Down were invited to tender. Six expressed an interest, but disappointingly only two companies submitted tenders.

“We are very grateful to adair Electrical for completing an extremely complicated programme within eight weeks to a very high standard. We thank them also for accommodating all our local subcontractors and allowing building works to the sanctuary and church to happen at the same time to address damp and dry rot.

“as we return to the church for worship, i am very conscious of the skill and talent of workmen and women who over the past 150 years created this beautiful church of St. Joseph’s.

“i am sure that you will agree that the new lighting not only will be environmentally more responsible but will enhance and highlight the beauty of the stone work, mosaics and woodwork. Like the prayer in the psalm, ‘i will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help,’ let us raise our eyes in thanksgiving for the salvation that has inspired such beauty, art and workmanship.

“We are delighted to welcome Bishop Michael Router who will bless and consecrate the newly refurbished altar on Sunday 19th March at the 11.00am mass. this is the feast of St. Joseph,” he stated.