The Proposed Upgrades
For the Centenary in 2024, we would like to make some significant upgrades to enhance the experience of all of our parishioners and those who visit our beautiful church including;
- Seating
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Following extensive consultations, it was decided to replace the existing seats in the church. The new seats will be in keeping with the original style of the church and will be shorter to allow for side aisles to be introduced. This will facilitate more ease of movement and flow in our church.
Existing Seats
Proposed New Seats - Doors, Flooring, Painting etc
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The original doors are in a poor state of repair and need to be replaced. We plan to restore the original entrance for use on special occasions.
New flooring - The present carpet has been down for almost 40 years and needs to be replaced.
Painting - The church will be completely repainted inside.
Repairs to window fittings and walls as required.
- Sanctuary area
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The Sanctuary area will be modified to make better use of the space it occupies. The altar and steps will be adjusted and a new Ambo, Lectern and Communion Step will be introduced.
Ambo €4,000 Lectern €2,000 - Candle Shrine
- A new Candle Shrine will be installed to the right of the sanctuary.
Candle Shrine €4,000 - Baptismal Font
- The Baptismal Font will be relocated to the opposite side of the church and the glass door and frame will be removed to facilitate this.
How much will this cost?
We estimate that this will cost in the region of €150,000.
How can you contribute?
- - you can donate directly using IBAN
Sacred Heart Church Belclare
BIC Code: BOFIIE2D
IBAN: IE29 BOFI 903971 12781772 - - or you can also increase your regular envelope contributions
- - or alternatively we have an iDonate page https://www.idonate.ie/belclare100 (please note commission will be charged so church may not receive 100% of donation)
Further details available from Fr. Ciarán or any member of the Committee.
Many Thanks for your support.
- Church of the Sacred Heart, Belclare 1924 - 2024
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The church of the Sacred Heart in Belclare was dedicated by Dr. Gilmartin, Archbishop of Tuam on Sunday, August 31st 1924. It was designed by Mr. R. M. Butler, Architect in the Irish Romanesque style. It replaced the older church of St. Michael the Archangel which was situated just 200 yards away in Churchfriar on the northern slope of Knockmea. This church was built on the site of an old Franciscan Monastery once affiliated to Ross Errilly Abbey near Headford, which was founded in 1291 with the help of the De Burgo's.
Belclare is in the parish of Cummer and Kilmoylan (Corofin) which was known as the Claretuam Union prior to 1800. It included the ancient parishes/churches of Cummer, Kilmoylan, Claretuam and Killower. The longest serving curate was Fr. Varden (1919 - 1931) whose tombstone is the only one beside the new church.
The first curate, Fr. Pat Canavan served as C.C. in Claretuam as it was then called, 1812 - 1816, when he became P.P. of Corofin until his death in 1856, spending most of forty years in Belclare and his fine tomb is in Churchfriar, beside the ruins of the old church which he reroofed after it was stripped on the Night of the Big Wind, 6 Jan 1839.
One of the many other curates to have served here is the recent Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev.Dr. Michael Neary who was here 1975 -'76.
- 1974 – 50 Year Upgrades
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In 1974, we commemorated 50 years since the new church opened by undertaking some major work to upgrade the church. A new front porch was added and the original entrance was closed. This was later converted for use as a Confessional room. A new ceiling was added and the altar was moved forward from its original position to accommodate the new liturgy, as the priest now faced the people when celebrating Mass. A side door and porch was added to the left of the sanctuary and the church was painted. The seats were repaired, sanded and varnished and some years later a new carpet was laid over the floor tiles.