The Church in Parmelia: April 2004-April 2014

The community within the parish shifted into top gear to get things going. A building committee was established so a design brief could be prepared for the architect. The design reflected the wishes of the Parish. Having experienced limitations of the old Medina Church for 40 years, the parishioners had a fairly definite idea on what was wanted in the new church.

Seating was designed to bring the congregation closer to the altar, with a pre-determined location for the choir and Our Lady’s Shrine. The overall church layout was to have a “Priest/Server sacristy in the back and a “work” sacristy behind the altar. A special room for Reconciliation was also on the agenda. Another important provision the parishioners required was an area for socialising, with an attached kitchen. This feature has proved to be an outstanding functional facility, promoting friendly personal contact between parishioners.

Various items of “heritage furniture” from the old church was able to be re-used in the construction of the new church. These items include –

·        Large Cross with the Risen Lord now hanging high above the altar

·        Large marble altar

·        Stations of the Cross

·        Statues of Our Lady and St Joseph

·        The Baptismal Font, Lectern, Pews and Holy Water Font (all refurbished) 

There are also four “stained glass” panels in the wall of the Reconciliation Room, along with two panels at the side of the church entrance doors. These were also recycled from the old church. These stained glass panels were originally made to decorate the double side doors of the Medina Church in the connection with the “Great Jubilee Year 2000”. The stained glass at the entrance of the church doors also represent the history of Kwinana, with images of the industry that brough so many to the community along with the original ships that sailed into the coast.