Many memories as Havelock church farewelled

by CATHIE BELL 

Memories of the role of the Sacred Heart church in the Havelock community in Marlborough were re-told at the final Mass in the earthquake-prone building held last month. 

Wellington archdiocese vicar-general Msgr Gerard Burns led the Mass, attended by about 60 people, saying it was a sad occasion.  

However, while it was sad for the Sacred Heart church building, it was not the end of the Church or the end of the community in Havelock, he said.  

Torrential rain fell outside throughout the Mass, and Msgr Burns said that was a sign of blessing. 

“In the Catholic community, we see water as a blessing, at times such as baptism.” 

A message from parish priest Fr Giltus Mathias was read out, as Fr Giltus is stuck in Sydney awaiting a visa. He said his heart was broken that he could not be with the parish and the Havelock community as the 96-year-old church was closed. Marlborough’s Star of the Sea parish has begun closing some of its churches as the changes in how the parish is run are implemented. 

Originally “seven churches, one community”, Star of the Sea parish lost its St Peter Chanel church in Ward after the 2013 Seddon earthquake, and its St Joseph’s Church in Picton after the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. Both buildings are made of unreinforced concrete masonry. 

Since then, the archdiocesan synod in 2017 prompted a review of all churches and presbyteries. 

A letter to Star of the Sea parishioners from the parish council in May said the Havelock church would be sold.  

Ward’s land has been valued and will be put up for sale and, in Seddon, a boundary adjustment is needed before the adjacent land next to the church will be sold.  

Renwick’s St Francis de Sales church has had its last regular Mass, with no more Sunday Masses or Liturgies of Word and Communion to be celebrated in that church from June 30. A date for the final Mass in the building has yet to be set. The future of the building is yet to be decided, but the vacant plot of land next to it has been valued and will be sold.  

The letter said Star of the Sea parish is the only one in the archdiocese to have Liturgies of the Word and Communion on Sundays.  

“This is something the cardinal has tolerated in Marlborough out of respect for (the late) Fr John Pearce, and in the interim while we await Fr Giltus’ arrival as new parish priest.”