- Speaking to parishoners of St Gerard's Parish, Antrim Road Belfast at Masses on Sunday 16th October, Fr Cornelius Casey, Provincial Leader of the Redemptorist Community in Ireland made the following statement regarding the future use of St Clement’s Retreat House on the Antrim Road, Belfast.
- Given these many difficulties we have now come to a decision. From October 16th 2005 the process of closing the physical facilities St Clement’s will begin. We will shortly be submitting an outline planning application for residential development on part of the site.
- Our missions throughout Ireland and the developing world need to be supported and strengthened. We are delighted that at present we have eight young men in training for the Irish Redemptorist Mission (and others will hopefully join them) and they will need to be supported through their period of formation. At the same time, many of our priests and brothers, after a lifetime of dedicated service have reached retirement age and it is just and fitting that their needs are provided for.
- All of the above activity has led us to refocus our strategic financial commitments. We believe that the sale of part of the St Clement’s site will help us to continue our mission more effectively. We have appointed a team of professional consultants to advise us on the most appropriate way to realize the value of the site while retaining and respecting the natural beauty of the area.
- t is important to note that St Gerard’s will continue as a Redemptorist Parish church and our commitment to Belfast remains as strong as ever
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