St Francis de Sales Church no longer has earthquake-prone status

WelCom October 2018:

Fr David Dowling

In 2013 St Francis de Sales Church building was classified as earthquake-prone after being assessed as only 21 per cent of the New Building Standard (NBS). The church remained open but the children and staff at nearby St Francis de Sales School were not allowed to access it.

Following a new structural assessment by engineers, Wellington City Council has confirmed the church is no longer considered earthquake-prone. The church has a new rating of 70 per cent NBS.

On Tuesday 24 July a special Pōwhiri and Mass were celebrated to welcome the children and staff back into the church.

It has been great to be finally able to take down the yellow warning stickers from the entrances!

Here are some quotes from children at St Francis de Sales School.

“It was pretty amazing to be back in the Church after so long. It brought back memories of six years ago.” – Ella

“It was like walking into an old home that hadn’t been touched for six years, because it hadn’t,” – Leo

“It felt very nostalgic and a lot of memories came flowing back and it was just good to be back.” – Will

“It feels good to go back to the Church as a School” – Eden