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This new church, seating up to 500, replaces and consolidates two neighbouring churches on the Central Coast of NSW and gives the parish a distinctive new identity for the 21st Century. Its plan symbolises the faith journey. From a prominent traffic intersection, a covered pedestrian way directs visitors toward the main entry, on axis with and in sight of the community's 'holy table' ... a Christian's 'destination'. But, upon reaching the building edifice, one discovers that entry to the church is not direct. Instead it requires a 'journey' through the ever widening, conch-shaped gathering space. Along the journey, a series of four devotional shrines 'feeds' and prepares the traveller for liturgy. At the end of the journey are the church doors, through which the path to the altar is announced by the waters of baptism and watched over by the Word.
The forms are bold, but simple, evoking maritime characteristics without literal reference. Sacred spaces are clad with natural zinc; circulation and support spaces with render. The new church was dedicated by Bishop David Walker on 18 November, 2007.
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