Calry Parish Sligo
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The Catacombs Project

Cosy Cats Staffing - Click [here] for details

We are thrilled to announce that the building of the Catacombs project, incorporating Casy Cats Provision, was officially opened on 17th June by Mr. Brian Lenehan, Minister for Children. The premises have been fully operational from Sepember 2006.

Canon Liz at the opening ceremony following the blessing of the project by Bishop Ken Clarke. Also included are Mr. Brian Lenehan, Minister for Children, Jimmy Devins, T.D. and Mayor Rosaleen O'Grady.	A Crypt in The Catacombs before .....	The Catacombs project the day before the opening on 17th June, 2006

The project entailed the development of five disused crypts under the church into a facility for the benefit of the parish and the wider community.

Mission Statement of Catacombs Project

–“To create a centre which will extend the care and support of the people in the church and in the wider community through focusing on family initiatives geared to providing quality programmes and facilities - particularly for pre and after school childcare and prioritising opportunities for disadvantaged.”

Project Details

The Catacombs under the church,offer approximately 3500sq. feet of space in a prime central location. Apart from the prime childcare function (Cosy Cats) during the day and holiday periods, a range of programmes are provided. These are available to the wider community - it is hoped that the transformed caverns will become a focal point for parents and families, seniors, support groups and for inter-generational activities.

Fundraising

The project would not have been possible without a major grant for the Equal Opportunities Childcare programme (2000-2006). Additional funding was provided by the church of Ireland Priorities Fund, St. Stephen's Green Trust, Ireland Fund, Better Ireland Programme (AIB), the Lottery, St. Vincent de Paul, the Diocese of Elphin and Ardagh, other churches, parishoners, friends and major fund-raising events. Funding was spearheaded by the vestry for this unique project.