Diocese acquires new land at Lochinvar
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has confirmed its purchase of land and buildings located at Lochinvar, adjacent to and including St Joseph's College. This property was formerly owned by the Sisters of St Joseph.
The now completed sale has been planned for some time, with both land and accompanying buildings deemed as surplus to the Sisters' needs.
The diocese is committed to preserving the historic role of the site in the religious and educational life of the district, says Bishop Bill Wright:
"As a diocese we are pleased to honour the traditions of the Sisters, who have been educating students onsite for the last 133 years."
"The purchase of this land will see the diocese able to build on this history and ensure any future use is complementary to both the Sisters and St Joseph's College, also located onsite," Bishop Bill said.
The decision to sell the property to the diocese has been duly considered by the Sisters, says Congregational Leader, Sr Megan Brock rsj:
"The time has come now for us to sell the buildings and a portion of our land. We are happy to make this sale to the Diocese, thus ensuring that the educational enterprise begun by the Sisters at Lochinvar in 1883 will be continued into the future."
In addition to the purchase of property, the diocese will also be assuming management of the Tenison Woods Education Centre (TWEC) which is presently located onsite at Lochinvar. A ministry of the Sisters, TWEC was established in 1993 in response to a Diocesan Synod which expressed the need for adult faith formation for the people of God.
Following the established traditions of the Sisters of St Joseph, the diocese will continue to ensure faith formation opportunities are offered to all in a safe, accepting and comfortable environment.
Management of the onsite chapel will now sit with St Joseph's College Principal, Paul Greaves who can be contacted at the school on (02) 4930 7291.
