Write a commentSt Catherine's Dominican on Dominic Street has been a landmark building in Newry City since 1875 and a campaign has been launched to raise funds in the region of £1.5M for essential repair works to the Church and surrounds.
2021 marks 150 years of the Dominican Order in Newry. Throughout most of this time in Newry the Order has operated from the Priory and St Catherine’s Church in Dominic Street. From there they have provided support solace and comfort to many families from Newry and beyond.
The original site gifted by the Quinn Family Newry, with the late Anthony Patterson from Castle Street Newry making the Church Railings. St Catherine’s and the Priory have been at the heart of the community, and it's to that Community that the Order now turn to for help.
Speaking at the launch of Save St Catherine’s Dominican Appeal, Mrs Jennifer Malone Chairperson of the Save St Catherine’s Fundraising Committee said, “A Fundraising Committee has been established after detailed examinations of the roof of the priory revealed that there is substantial and extensive work needing to be done. We want to help to raise funds to ensure that the Dominican Order in Newry are able to continue their work for the next 150 years, Unfortunately, the repairs required are not something we can ignore, or put off. Parts of the roof are now exposed to the weather conditions and if left without major repair works being done will lead to greater structural damage”.
Jennifer continued. “So now 150 years on… the roof and the Priory need to be refurbished along with the Church and the grounds. We are appealing for your kind and generous support to raise funds towards the anticipated cost for the roof and the refurbishment of the priory and the church.
"This is a major two-to-three-year fundraising project for the Newry Dominican Order and has anticipated cost of £1.5 million. We understand that this last year has been a very difficult one for everyone with the COVID 19 pandemic, but unfortunately time and our climate are working against us and we need to start this major repair work.
"Needless to say, we are exploring all avenues of support and any grants that are available through the heritage lottery funding and the historic building fund, but we cannot get this off the ground without you, our benefactors. We need your support to help us to keep God’s House an open house and a safe home for the people of Newry to gather in, seek shelter and find peace."
The Church will be issuing special Save St Catherine’s Church Envelopes over the coming weeks and they are appealing for your support. You can donate online at SAVESTCATHERINES.COM
