Context and Background

The Oratory, which is part of the Centre under the Trusteeship of the Diocese of Elphin, since its construction onto the existing building in the 1920’s by the Mercy Order, has been used by both residents and guests as well as parishioners for personal prayer, Mass, Marriages, Baptisms and Funerals. 

The Oratory has a seating capacity for approximately 130 people and has external access for the public and internal access through the Centre for residents and guests.

Due to the significant decline in public practice, the shortage of priests, etc. the Oratory is currently in use less than 0.5% of the time in any given week, notwithstanding the occasional Marriage, Baptism or Funeral which account for no more than twenty additional hours in any given year.

With the ongoing successful operation of the Centre, we have recognised the untapped potential of this space should it be integrated more into the day-to-day schedule and programming of the Centre, while still making it available to parishioners for prayer, weekly celebration of Mass and other ad hoc occasions.

To facilitate this integration the Oratory needs a significant refurbishment and upgrading so that, while still protecting its sacred nature, it will become a more conducive, versatile, flexible, comfortable, energy efficient and warm space, with independent services and utilities that will allow it to operate not only as an integrated part of the overall Centre but also as a standalone venue for faith development, evangelisation and mission outreach. 

This would mean that the Centre can operate with dual outreach on any given occasion, accommodating residential groups as well as non-residential gatherings simultaneously.
 

Future Preservation, Conservation and Heritage Impact Assessment     

The proposed adaptation of the building for use as a more versatile and flexible facility, in addition to its original function as an Oratory, will help to guarantee the future sustainability and viability of the         Oratory for public use as a place of worship and prayer.

This new use will not only enhance the building's functionality but also ensure its continued maintenance and conservation for future generations, preserving its historical and architectural significance.

The existing configuration of the Oratory is to be utilized as much as possible with interventions kept to a minimum. Any interventions where possible will be fully reversible and of a high standard of material specification and design to complement the existing building.

The protected structure will be retained and conserved in accordance with the Architectural Heritage Guidelines for Planning Authorities published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government 2004.

There are several compelling reasons to adapt the Oratory’s function, namely:

1. To extend the Centre’s capacity for mission and faith development.

2. To support the Centre’s economic stability and future viability.

3. To preserve the existing and future use of the Oratory as a place of public worship and for celebration of the Sacraments.

4. To carry out necessary structural repair and remedial work on interior walls.

5. To enhance and modernise the Oratory, while conserving key architectural aspects, so that it can adapt to the changing demands of the Church in the 21st Century.

Given its underutilization, as previously noted, introducing an alternative use is recommended to ensure the building’s continued maintenance and preservation.