Newport, NH – St. Patrick Parish Celebrates Blessing of the Grounds and Groundbreaking for New Parish Hall
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, following Mass, St. Patrick Parish gathered for a Blessing of the Grounds and groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its future parish hall.
Father Michael Sartori led parishioners and attendees outside to the area where the new building will be constructed and offered a blessing of the grounds. The ceremony marked an important milestone as the parish moves forward with the project on a beautiful day in Newport, New Hampshire.
The new St. Patrick Parish Hall will be located at 40 School Street adjacent to the existing church. The approximately 7,200-square-foot, two-story building is designed to include a large assembly hall accommodating approximately 180 people, as well as a kitchen, bathrooms, storage areas, stairs, and an elevator. The lower level will include offices, meeting rooms, a reception area, and additional support spaces for parish operations and activities
The project was designed by Matt Giffin of Banwell Architects, whose plans for the new parish hall will provide St. Patrick Parish with additional space to support its programs, gatherings, and day-to-day operations.
The Blessing of the Grounds ceremony provided an opportunity for the parish community to gather at the future building site as the project prepares to move into construction.
Eckman Construction is honored to partner with St. Patrick Parish, Banwell Architects, and the many stakeholders helping bring this project to life.
Photography by Derek Tremblay
