A former Catholic elementary school in Kirkfield has been sold and will be refurbished as a parish hall.
The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has sold the property of St. John Catholic Elementary to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough.
The Diocese intends to repurpose the former school as a parish hall, rectory and office space.
Built in 1950, the school served the Kawartha Lakes community until it closed at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. The current building, which sits on 0.87 acres, was built in 1960 to house 100 students following a fire that destroyed the original school.
The board sold the property for $95,000.
“We are pleased that this property, which was built to meet the needs of the Catholic community nearly 70 years ago, will once again be a hub of faith-based activity for Kirkfield and the surrounding area,” stated PVNC board chairperson Michelle Griepsma.
The acquisition was a collaborative process involving the Bishop, the Office of Temporal Affairs and the local Pastor and parishioners.
“The parish community and the Diocese worked together along with the school board to achieve this positive outcome,” said Daniel Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough. “I am pleased with this high level of collaboration, which strengthens the faith community.”
Fr. Peter Seabrooke, Chancellor of Temporal Affairs, echoed the sentiments.
“This is good for the present and the future of St. John Parish in Kirkfield and its associated missions.”
The Diocese plans to begin renovation of the building this fall and hopes to have it completed and ready for parish activity by early 2019.
“This new space will provide a good sized parish hall, a rectory and offices — all located next to the parish,” said Fr. Anthony Ezeonwueme, Pastor of St. John Parish, adding he was excited by this prospect for the parish community.
“This is the best option for the current needs of the parish and going forward
into the future.”