For over 140 years St. Mary’s Church in James’ Street has been at the heart of the community, a place to pray, to be married, to baptise children or to say farewell to those who have passed. Now, the parish needs your help, they’re asking you to ‘Buy-A-Slate’ to save the Church roof which is in need of urgent attention.
Although the building was extensively restored in the 1940s, work is now required on the western roof to ensure that St. Mary’s Church exists for future generations.
The roof slates date back to the 1880s and consultant engineers have calculated that St. Mary’s Parish needs to raise at least €500,000 if restoration of the Church roof is to be fully restored.
St. Mary’s contribution to the wider community of Drogheda and the Diocese of Meath and Armagh extends beyond its life as a centre of Christian worship. It is host to all manner of events and activities from dancing to samba. People may hire the parochial hall for meetings and other activities.
Groups of pupils from many local schools visit in the course of the year for class masses, communion or confirmation preparations. The Church is also widely used to learn about the rich history of Drogheda or be shown around the vibrant Church and relish in its beautiful interior, including renowned stained-glass windows which also gathers much tourism for the wider area.
Speaking on the ‘Buy-A-Slate’ campaign, local Minister of State Thomas Byrne TD said:
“St. Mary’s Church is a very important place for many in our community. These activities are only possible because our Church is loved and cared for by many people. Please now help us to ensure that our St. Mary’s Church continues to flourish as a centre of worship and activity for the community of Drogheda and the surrounding areas”.
If you wish to contribute to the St. Mary’s fundraising campaign, please find that sponsorship for a “Family Slate” is €200 per slate. If you wish, your name will be registered on our Slate-Sponsor Map and recorded with your consent on the Church’s “Virtual-Roof” on the restoration page of the Church website for the duration of the project. For more information, please visit the Church website, call into the Parish Office at 24 St. James’ Street, Drogheda, or phone +335 (0)41 9834587.
