Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Carryduff

Rooney & McConville were appointed as architects for a new replacement church to accommodate a congregation of 400 on the outskirts of Belfast.

The interior is centered on the altar which in turn is in the middle of the sanctuary. The symbol of a worshipping community gathered around the altar is central to the Roman Catholic faith and is here made manifest in form and space. A generous central rooflight crowns the sanctuary flooding it with natural light.

The congregation can literally gather around the table of sacrifice at its centre. Wide aisles and generous space around the sanctuary support a dignified liturgical celebration. The sanctuary furniture was designed by Richard Hurley. The square perfectly symmetrical altar is carved from a solid block of Portland stone. It's symmetry means that is has no front, back or sides, no clergy side nor congregation side. The altar is complemented by an ambo and baptismal font also in Portland stone. The presider's chair is carved in oak.

Cast bronze door panels by Elizabeth Ryan depict the archangels and serve as door handles at the main entrance doors. in this way the first physical contact with the church building itself is a transcendent act.

An abstract painting by Fr Kim En Yoong serves as the backdrop to the sanctuary - an abstract meditation on liturgy and worship.