The Millicent Catholic Parish has endorsed the listing of its St Alphonsus Church on the South Australian Heritage Register.

Although it is only 58 years old, the design of the modern brick building is representative of post-war changes in worship.

“The Millicent Catholic Parish is pleased the significance of St Alphonsus Church to the community is recognised,” stated the church’s submission to the SA Heritage Council.

“We do not believe the heritage listing of the adjacent parish office/presbytery is adequately justified as required by section 16 of the Heritage Places Act 1993.

“The exclusion of parish office/presbytery from the heritage listing of St Alphonsus will not adversely affect the church.

“Instead, the exclusion will allow the parish the flexibility to re-purpose the parish office/presbytery in a complementary way, so that it may continue to serve the good of the parishioners and provide for the changing needs of the wider community.

“Since the construction of St Alphonsus in 1965, migration has declined, industry has declined and the population of Millicent has declined.

“Consequently, St Alphonsus Church is much larger than is required by the Catholic community and is a more costly burden on a diminishing congregation.”

The Millicent Catholic Parish was the sole submission from the public to the SA Heritage Council about the provisional listing of St Alphonsus Church late last year.

It is expected to be considered when the SA Heritage Council next meets in Adelaide on March 31.