Des racines vers le ciel | Grands projets de l'Église en Seine-et-Marne

Major projects in the french diocese of Meaux

The diocese of Meaux covers the department of Seine-et-Marne, in the Ile-de-France region, the most populous region of France. Close to the capital Paris, the diocese has a history that goes back to the first centuries of Catholicism. Today, the Seine-et-Marne is the largest department in Ile-de-France, and the most visited by tourists after Paris.

The department also has one of the highest demographic growth rates in France. Its population has multiplied by 2.7 since the 1960s to reach 1.4 million inhabitants in 2020 (which is significantly higher than the neighboring departments). The department benefits from a dense and diversified economic network of 84,000 companies

« Accompanied by my brother priests, I wish to transmit to the future generations of Christians the heritage necessary to continue the mission of evangelization »

JEAN-YVES NAHMIAS

Bishop of Meaux

Key figures

19 mission centers

551 parishes

120 active priests + 40 retired priests

49 permanent deacons and 15 seminarians

92 lay employees in charge

Over 100 adult catechumens per year

4160 baptisms per year

840 marriages per year

1044 confirmations per year

4410 funerals per year

The Saint-Colomban project in Val d'Europe

The project is located in Val d’Europe, an economic and tourist sector of the Seine-et-Marne. Situated in the north of the department, 30km east of Paris, Val d’Europe is a district of Marne-la-Vallée, famous for being home to Euro Disney. Today, this territory, which has experienced one of the strongest demographic and socio-economic dynamics in France in recent years, has a population of 55,000 inhabitants with 37,000 people employed, and should grow to 90,000 inhabitants by 2050. It receives nearly 40 million visitors per year, split between the Disney parks, its shopping malls and leisure and accommodation facilities.

A unique project in France :

Construction of a large-scale church for up to 900 people
Opening of a Catholic school under contract with the French State. It will welcome 1500 students from kindergarten to high school
Development of a cultural center which includes an auditorium for conferences, concerts, exhibitions… It will be a reminder of the history of Saint Colomban and will be a milestone on the Via Colombani, in connection with the 4 existing cultural centers in France, Ireland and Italy.

This new city could not remain without a church. This project responds to a vital need for a Catholic presence. Along with a large school, it will become a place of transmission and evangelization.

Main steps of the Saint Colomban project

December 2020 & July 2021: planning permission obtained and building permit
October 2021: acquisition of the land from Euro Disney
October 2021: signing of the construction lease with the town of Serris
October 9^th, 2022: blessing of the site by Bishop Jean-Yves Nahmias
November 2022: opening of the registration for the 6^th and 10^th grade
February-March 2023: call for tenders for construction companies
In 2023: beginning of the construction work
September 2023: opening of 3 classes of 6^th grade and 1 classes of 10^th grade (in a temporary building)

The Sainte-Bathilde project

General information on the projects

The architectural priorities of the Saint Colomban and Saint Bathilde projects

Buildings that respect the architecture and history of the area
High quality and sustainable materials
A quality setting for teaching and faith transmission
Modern and functional tools and infrastructure for teachers and students
Buildings designed in accordance with the Laudato Si approach, as respectful as possible of the environment and people.

Today, the Diocese of Meaux is working alongside supporters like you to:

Ensure a strong presence for the Catholic Church in the growing cities of Seine-et-Marne, where its presence is needed.
Be responsible in building churches that will spread the Gospel to future generations.
Train the adults of tomorrow’s world to be honest citizens, based on their personality and faith, capable of committing themselves to the service of the common good.
Meet the needs of the population who currently do not have a suitable place to pray and gather.
Highlight the history of the diocese and its Catholic heritage and make it known to the greatest number of believers and non-believers.
Build a new school is to meet the growing needs of families, as there is no private Catholic school in the new city.

Financing needs

The projects are financed by bank loans, but additional financing is necessary to begin construction.

To help us, please contact Jean-Baptiste de Maigret

The Diocese of Meaux established a partnership with the Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund, enabling donors to claim the maximum tax benefits allowed by U.S. tax law for their contributions. Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity that facilitates thoughtful giving to organizations that do not conflict with Catholic values.

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Des racines vers le ciel - Grands projets de l'Église en Seine-et-Marne