Restoration Appeal
Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many, all restoration items have now been completed. However, there is still an opportunity to support the Cathedral Restoration Project through a tax-deductible donation.
To make a contribution online via BPOINT please click here.
The initial building work on the Cathedral commenced in 1857 and was completed in 1861. The Cathedral was dedicated in 1865. The renewed Cathedral of St Michael and St John, Bathurst, officially reopened on Tuesday 23 March 2021.
The restoration of the Cathedral is a momentous occasion in the history of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst. It represents the most significant restoration project in the building’s lifetime, taking more than eight years to complete. For nearly 160 years, the Cathedral has stood at the heart of the Bathurst community and the centre of religious life for the Diocese—particularly for the Cathedral Parish—and holds great cultural and historical significance for New South Wales.
The reopening celebrations were a time to give thanks to God for the dedication and passion of all those who worked to preserve this sacred place. The Cathedral’s rich and layered history reflects that of the wider community—it has been a place of faith, hope, solace and love, witnessing generations of families passing through its doors.
Although the major restoration works are now complete, ongoing support will help maintain and enhance this sacred space into the future. Sponsorship opportunities remain for components of the interior renovations and landscaped grounds, including the large deciduous trees, sandstone entry pillars, and the outdoor liturgical gathering space.
The generations before us built and cared for this Cathedral—now it is our turn.
You can support the Cathedral Restoration Appeal by donating online via BPOINT today please click here.
Restoration Project detail
A series of videos have been created to help tell the story of the Cathedral of St Michael and St John. You can leary about the history of the Cathedral and take a tour of the Cathedral with master stone mason, Ron Lodewijks:
Partners in the restoring the Cathedral of St Michael and St John
The Cathedral Restoration Fundraising Committee acknowledges the generous support of CKM Law, Raine & Horne Bathurst, Westfund and Stereo 2BS/B-ROCK as Visionary Partners of the Cathedral Restoration Appeal.