KUCHING: The Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA) has approved the expansion project of St Mark’s Catholic Church in Batu Kawah here.
“St Mark’s Church has held a jogathon (to raise funds for its expansion project).” said Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian , adding,”this is timely, as the estimated RM20 million five phase expansion was approved by SPA last week.”
“Therefore, thanks to the congregation and supporters of St Mark’s Church coming together on Labour Day, a public holiday (to raise funds) for Phase 1 of the church expansion (costing) about RM5 to 6 million,” he said in a Facebook post.
Dr Sim, who is also the Batu Kawah assemblyman said everyone can come forward to help in the fund raising.
Also present at the jogathon was Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Simon Poh.
Meanwhile, the development of the church to be done in phases, will see the construction of the parish office and rectory, the construction of a new four-and-a-half storey classroom block for meetings and Sunday School, a multi-purpose activity hall will be constructed, followed by the extension of the existing church for worship purposes.
The construction of the present building started in 1997 and was declared open in 1999. It remains one of the fastest growing Catholic communities in Kuching, with over 2,000 Catholics attending Mass every Sunday.
The church is currently under the pastoral care of Sacred Heart Parish, Kota Sentosa.
Public can make their donations to St Mark’s Church Batu Kawa Development
Fund at Maybank account number 561033138377.
For more information, the public may contact David Hii at 013-8306068.
