ONE of the longest-serving churches in La Rochelle, the parish of St Patrick’s Church, has yet again upgraded its church for the members of the public.
The church has a rich history which details and reflects its existence of 113 years. The upgrade was more specifically for the windows of the church which portray Jesus’ ministry while he was on earth. This project of the windows and the four mysteries of the Holy Rosary are shown beautifully across the church.
One of the church members, Dominique Byrne, said the parish has seen many changes, but moreover has been the spiritual home of many southerners.
“Recently there was much to celebrate at the diverse parish and of utmost importance was the blessing of the stained glass windows and the unveiling of the plaque of sponsors. We want to make this church a place where people can come and worship the Lord and make this their home,” said Byrne.
The church also aims to unite faith communities to strive in serving others through outreach programmes. The church reaches out to the community of La Rochelle through the soup kitchen and charity groups.
Also, the church conducts sewing classes to assist women to support themselves and their families. The soup kitchen runs every Thursday at noon for La Rochelle residents and neighbouring residents.
Brilliant and rich history
The original plans, around 1904/5, were drawn up for the construction of the church, and the property stand purchased.
Soon after, a galvanised iron building was erected to serve as the first church (previously the Rosettenville Central Schoolhouse), this would be the first of three parish churches to stand on the site now known as St Patrick’s.
The cornerstone of the second church was laid in 1906.
A year later, in January 1907, six Dominican sisters set on their way from Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, to establish a convent at the new parish of St Patrick’s, La Rochelle, (St. Rose’s Convent) at the invitation of His Lordship Bishop Miller OM,I.
For many years the original galvanised iron building served as the convent school for the sisters during the week and parish for mass on Sundays.
The original convent building (a two-roomed cottage), which housed the six sisters, existed roughly where the current parish hall now stands.
In 1969 the ‘old’ church was pulled down and in 1971 the new church was completed and mass celebrated by the Right Reverend Hugh Boyl DD, Bishop of Johannesburg.
Links have been maintained with the old church in such forms as the marble holy water fonts at the entrances, the beautiful crucifix now hanging in the new sanctuary, the unusual baptismal font, candlesticks and chalices.
Church services are as follows:
Tuesdays at 9am in Portuguese and at 6pm in English
Wednesdays at 8am in English
Thursdays at 8am in English
Fridays at 6pm in English
Saturdays at 5.30pm in English and at 7am in Portuguese
Sundays at 8am in Portuguese, 10am in English and 2pm in Sotho
