The three components of the Saint Colomban Project

Saint-Colomban Project – A beacon of Faith

« The Church of France, often regarded as the older sister of the Church,’ has been a great builder for centuries; it has always raised the bell towers of our towns and villages, sculpted our landscapes and enriched our architectural heritage. It has given the village a heart, a soul: its church. Villages have been shaped both materially and spiritually around it. It is part of their identity.

The Catholic Church has always been a social actor fostering gatherings transcending geographical boundaries and the sharing of values; it is a dynamic of socialization and integration. It is also an important player in the education of younger generations, with its Catholic schools that have educated many generations across the world and will continue to do so.

We endeavor to leave our mark on the 21st century by building the Church of today, responding to new needs emerging from societal changes, and enabling future generations to grow both Humanely and spiritually.

Just as our faith unites believers across continents, The Saint Colomban Project, with its unique cultural, educational and spiritual components, calls upon the entire Catholic community to participate in building our Church’s future. Whether in France or beyond, we are all stewards of this sacred mission. This project must express our humble pride in being Christians ».

Carte Église en Seine-et-Marne

« We invite you to join us in this
new journey that is the Saint Colomban Project and become a builder of this beacon of faith. »

Mgr Jean-Yves Nahmias

JEAN-YVES NAHMIAS

Bishop of Meaux

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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CHURCH

The Saint Colomban church aims to create a parish that provides spiritual guidance, community support, and a welcoming space for people to gather and grow in faith. Through worship, fellowship, and outreach, this church will become a beacon of hope and unity, fostering a deep sense of belonging and spiritual growth for all who enter its doors.

On October 9th, 2022, the land was blessed by The Most Reverend Nahmias, Bishop of Meaux, marking the sacred beginning of the Saint Colomban Church project. With faith and dedication guiding its construction, we hope to celebrate the first Christmas Mass in the completed church in December 2026, presided over by the Bishop of Meaux.

CULTURAL CENTER

Adjacent to the new church, the Cultural Center will serve as a hub for all local communities, fostering open dialogue and intellectual engagement. With a vision of creating a dynamic space for discussion, it will function as a think tank for contemporary issues, exploring theological, philosophical, religious, and economic matters through the lens of Christian values. This Center will provide a welcoming international environment for people of all backgrounds to come together, exchange ideas, and seek deeper understanding, reinforcing the church’s mission of faith, community, and service.

Renowned Italian artist Casanova has been chosen to create a series of illustrations for the Cultural Center, bringing to life the story and legacy of Saint Colomban through his artistic vision.

SCHOOL

The new school will play a vital role in shaping the future of the community by providing quality education rooted in Catholic values. With a strong focus on foundational catechism education and international exchange, the school aims to foster both the spiritual and intellectual growth of its students. In collaboration with partner schools in the United States, the institution will offer exchange programs that enrich students’ cultural and academic experiences, strengthening global connections in faith and learning. Addressing a pressing need in the area, it will offer much-needed space for middle and high schoolers, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education that nurtures their faith, moral integrity, and academic excellence. The Institution Saint Colomban opened its doors in temporary buildings in September 2024.

Stones that speak to the heart

This philosophy guideCd the design, which evokes an atmosphere reminiscent of historic abbey centers, once hubs of education, culture, and spiritual growth.

Primary materials such as stone and wood, when transformed through human, artistry transcend their physical form to become living entities. These materials, shaped by creative vision, do not merely serve a structural purpose—they participate in the life of the community, expressing its values and aspirations.

Renowned Italian architect Pier Carlo Bontempi leads this extraordinary project, bringing his exceptional vision and expertise to Saint Colomban Church. Collaborating with Carol Jenny, a specialist in architectural design for schools, they have also designed the Saint Colomban School, ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition, functionality, and timeless beauty.

Pier Carlo Bontempi is the recipient of several awards in the US :

2001
First Prize of the CNU Charter Awards, Congress of the
New Urbanism, CNU IX – New York
2008
Palladio Honor Award for
Excellence in Traditional Design – Boston
2014
Richard H. Driehaus Prize – Chicago

City of Serris

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 and building permit obtained
  • October 2021: acquisition of the land from Euro Disney
  • October 2021: signing of the construction lease with the town of Serris
  • October 9th, 2022: blessing of the site by Bishop Jean-Yves Nahmias
  • November 2022: opening of the registration for the 6th and 10th grade
  • February-March 2023: call for tenders for construction companies
  • September 2023: opening of three 6th grade classes and one 10th grade class in a temporary building120 students enrolled
  • October 2023: beginning of the construction work
  • September 2024 : Completion of structural work – 240 students enrolled in temporary facilities
  • September 2025 : Integration of students into the permanent buildings

General information on the projects

The architectural priorities of the Saint Colomban project

  • 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.

 

DONATE 

Discover the photo albums of Saint Colomban,

 

the back-to-school season,

 

 

Rentrée 2025 à Saint Colomban, Serris – Crédit DDEC 77

 

and the opening Mass.

 

Photo de la rentrée 2025 à Saint Colomban – Crédit DDEC 77

Saint Colomban (Church & Parish Center / School / Cultural Center)

Total investments:
$ 50,000 K

Remaining to be financed:
$ 5000 K

Total investments:

Remaining to be financed:

Project stakeholders

Project stakeholders

  • Churches and parish centres: The Diocesan Association of Meaux
  • School: AIEC 77 (Real Estate Association of Catholic Education)
  • Cultural centre : Association for the promotion of Saint Colomban in Seine-et-Marne

Parish priest

  • Saint-Colomban Val d’Europe missionary centre : Father Gérard Pelletier

Institutional and financial partners

  • Public Development Establishment of Marne-La-Vallée, Val d’Europe Agglomeration Community, City of Serris,  Eurodisney Associated Real Estate Development, the department of Seine-et-Marne, the Ile-de-France region…
Bishop Guillaume de Lisle

Bishop Guillaume de Lisle

Auxiliary Bishop of Meaux
Tel: + 33 (0)1 64 36 41 00
pgdelislevg@catho77.fr

Segolène Xavier-Miller
Fundraising USA
Tel: +1.917-603.1251
partnership@desracinesversleciel.org

 

Jean-Baptiste de Maigret

Jean-Baptiste de Maigret

Sponsorship Manager
Tel: + 33 (0)6 03 09 61 11
jbdemaigret@catho77.fr

contact@fondationsaintetienne.fr