‘Men Who Can Cook’ to help St Mary’s

The effort is aimed at raising funds to renovate the 75-year-old St Mary’s RC Church at St James.

“Preserving our Heritage” is the theme of the event and the goal is to raise $5million. A series of other fundraisers are also planned for this year.

Fund-raising for the church’s restoration began some 15 years ago.

It was stressed that after 75 years, the church has deteriorated to a great extent.

The floors and the columns have begun cracking and there are signs of major structural deficiencies. The building is said to be shifting as a result of water impression,” said the organising committee.

These defects, together with the damage caused by normal wear and tear, have spun the community of St Mary’s into action.

Both the interior and the exterior of the church are in dire need of repair.

Additionally, the vision has been expanded to comprehensively meet the need of the growing parish.

There are plans to upgrade the parish centre with meeting rooms, office and conference facilities and install a new sound system in the church.

In addition, the windows will be changed and the pews upgraded.

At this stage, the parish is awaiting the approval of plans by the Town and Country Planning Division and has begun to look for alternative accommodation, as it is envisaged that the restoration and repairs will take at least 18 months.

Tickets for the “Men Who Can Cook” all inclusive event are priced at $150 for adults and $75 for children.

St Mary’s promises an event of excellence, with fine food, drinks and entertainment.

A special appeal is being made to corporate citizens as well as the wider St James community to extend a hand in order to ensure that St Mary’s RC Church is preserved.