St Mary’s Parish members have been busy preparing for their anniversary among other events such as hosting St Joseph’s Caritas Ks.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
With two months left until May, St Mary’s Parish Echuca is busy preparing a weekend of celebrations for its 150-year anniversary.
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The celebrations will begin on Friday, May 23 and run until Sunday, May 25.
St Mary’s parish priest Fr Novie Lim is in his third year on the job and said it was an honour to be a part of the major milestone.
“The purpose of this is to just really remember the 150 years of existence of the St Mary’s community and the people who have worked hard for where we are now,” he said.
“It is really an honour to be the parish priest while we are celebrating the 150 years, being able to witness the growth that they had.”
Parish priest for St Mary’s Catholic Parish Fr. Novie Lim.
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Fr Novie added the rising migrant population in Echuca and the parish had been one noticeable change over the years.
“Many people have mentioned the difference from many years ago, you notice a growing migrant population,” he said.
“It’s so different, but it’s still great because (church) connects the migrants and the locals and that’s what church is all about, it’s welcome to everyone.”
On Friday at 5pm, the celebrations will kick off with a meet and greet event for visitors and parishioners to enjoy each other’s company over wine and cheese in the church hall.
The following Saturday guests can learn more about the church’s rich history and take part in a mini pilgrimage.
Church members will be present at St Mary’s parish from 1pm to hand out flyers and answer any questions.
From 3pm onwards, guests can visit St Joseph’s chapel to tour the church and enjoy a cuppa.
In the evening, there will be a 5.30pm vigil held with the Bishop of Sandhurst Shane Mackinlay alongside the Augustinian priests and the Brigidine sisters.
Following the vigil, a formal dinner will be held at Moama Bowling Club at 7pm.
On the final day of celebrations, mass will start at 10.30am led by Bishop Mackinlay.
After mass there will be a parish picnic at St Mary’s Primary School Echuca with food, bands, singers and plenty of entertainment for the kids.
St Mary's Parish in Echuca.
Fr Novie said the event was only possible through the support of the church and community.
“I think one of the strengths of this parish is volunteers, there’s lots of volunteers,” he said.
“There is a lot (happening), but if no-one would like to help, this (event) will not happen.”
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