Parish News

     FIRST MEETING ST BRIGID'S CHURCH 150TH ANNIVERSARY WORKING PARTY

150 years ago, construction of a very significant building in Gisborne, St Brigid’s Catholic Church, was completed. We owe so much to the past parishioners and priests who brought the faith to this district and grew it and sustained it, and it’s important that we recognise with gratitude this 150th anniversary of our church and what it offers us today.

Father Vincent asked for volunteers to form a Working Party to start planning for this special event for our faith community of St Brigid’s Parish. A faith community that encompasses three places of worship, St Brigid’s, St Patrick’s and St Ambrose and two Catholic Primary Schools, St Brigid’s and Holy Cross as well as a number of pastoral groups that support wellbeing and care of those in need.

The Working Party is made up of Fr Vincent, Jenne Wallace, Eddie Gardiner, Joanne & Craig Holmes, Bernie Floreani, Paul Lawry, Gerard Carroll, Joe Farrugia and Trish Armstrong. Each person shared their name, involvement in the parish and aspirations for wanting to be a part of planning for this special and significant event.

As we talked, the common goal of promoting and building a sense of belonging and ownership across our parish became very evident as well as promoting ongoing awareness and knowledge about our parish in its past, present and into the future. What also became very evident as we talked, was the importance of broadening the support base for our Parish Faith community and that this important event would give us an opportunity to open up to members of our Parish to share their gifts and talents.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 25th. This gives us time to investigate some of the directions/actions we listed through our discussions: confirmation of historical dates, some possible events or installations that would befit the occasion [eg. Installation of the gate which is the only remaining part of St Colmcille/St Columbus gathering place at Bullengarook], meeting with the principals of St Brigid’s and Holy Cross, meet with members of Bacchus Marsh church anniversary committee to learn from them and most importantly, to hear from members of our parish who have ideas to offer that will add to making this a special event for all members of our parish faith community.

We ask all members of our Parish Faith Community to take time to think about possible ways that we could mark this very special occasion. Maybe something you have experienced or seen in another place and time or it may be linked to your skill set and could ensure that the success of the day is guaranteed by what you can offer. To help us plan for moving forward please write your idea down and email to trishannarmstrong@gmail.com or phone on 0417 526 945. 

Many thanks

Working Party for 150th Anniversary of St Brigid’s Church, Gisborne