KL Archbishop opens new parish centre

Some local news:

Archbishop opens new RM3mil building

By ESTHER CHANDRAN
Photos by T.K LIM

IT was a moment parishioners of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Jalan Peel, Kuala Lumpur, had waited for as the opening of the impressive five-storey building, adjacent to the church was celebrated with a thanksgiving mass, a hearty meal and performances on Saturday.

The driving force behind the project was parish priest Rev Fr Anthony Thomas, who was described by Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Datuk Murphy Pakiam as the builder of community centres.

“Rev Thomas has built community centres in Sentul, Seremban and now here at the Sacred Heart church.

He rises to the call to build community centres,” the archbishop said before unveiling the plaque, marking the opening of the Dominic Vendargon Building.

Blessing: Archbishop Murphy (with the bishop hat) and Rev Fr Thomas (next to him) officially opening the new community centre.

Also present was Penang Bishop Rev Anthony Selvanayagam.

The pat on the back for Rev Thomas was well deserved as the priest also generously contributed his life savings to the building fund.

The building project committee chairman Peter A. Das said the fund raising project was initiated six-years ago.

“It cost about RM3mil and houses a community hall, 15 classrooms, kitchen, AV room, piano room and store rooms, an open space for events on the top floor, the church’s office and the parish priest’s residence,” said Das.

Gathering of faith: The congregation awaiting the opening of the new community centre.

He said parishioners were encouraged to donate towards the cause, while breakfast sales, a jogathon, jumble sales, open and family days as well as a fund raising dinner were organised to beef up the coffers.

“There were pledges by parishioners and also donations from well wishers,” he said.

Das said the hall could be used for events and dinners and when not in use for functions, would be utilised as a badminton court.

“The classrooms will cater to Sunday school classes and Bible classes for Form Four and Five students, meetings for the RCIA groups, Legion of Mary and St Vincent De Paul,” he said.

Das said the church hoped to re-start its kindergarten, which used to serve the community.

“Kindergarten classes took place at the one-storey building but had to make way for the construction of the new building,” he said.