“Did you know that the \u00c9glise Saint-Joseph-Saint-Raymond isn’t just one structure but two?” We’re standing before a unique blend of history and faith. This is the \u00c9glise Saint-Joseph-Saint-Raymond. It is more than just a church. It’s a testament to a growing community’s needs.
Let’s delve into its story. Initially, there was only the Chapelle Saint-Raymond. It was built in 1936. This chapel accommodated 200 people. It featured a simple metal frame. The exterior was coated in plaster and rubble. A small office and sacristy completed the structure.
As the number of worshipers grew, Father Bertrand Dufourmantelle took action. In 1955, he decided to build the current church. Jacques Le Saint assisted him from 1962 to 1963. The \u00c9uvre des Chantiers du Cardinal aided in its construction.
Due to limited space, the \u00c9glise Saint-Joseph-Saint-Raymond faces north-south. Churches traditionally face east-west. To compensate for the lack of natural light, a large glass window was built on the east side.
Cardinal Maurice Feltin laid the first stone. This happened when the main construction was nearly complete. Mgr Jacques Delarue and Mgr Guillaume de Vaumas inaugurated the new \u00c9glise Saint-Joseph. This marked the second parish church in Montrouge.
Since a redrawing of parish boundaries, the \u00c9glise Saint-Joseph-Saint-Raymond serves as a place of worship for the Parish Saint-Joseph-Saint-Raymond. It is one of 81 parishes in the Hauts-de-Seine. This parish is part of a pastoral group under the care of a priest. The group includes two parishes and three bell towers. It falls within the deanery of the Portes.
Even today, the former chapel remains in use. Parish activities such as catechism classes take place there. The parish actively engages in community support projects. These include literacy courses for adults and tutoring for younger students. Every Sunday morning, a breakfast is offered to all. This provides a warm space for prayer. It fosters fellowship and offers a hot meal. Parishioners collaborate with various organizations.
In 2019, the church square underwent renovations. The project included new green spaces. It added pedestrian walkways, benches and community garden plots.
Today, the \u00c9glise Saint-Joseph-Saint-Raymond stands as a beacon of faith and community. It started as a small chapel. Now it is a complex of faith and service. Its doors are open. You are invited to experience its rich history.