Applecross parishioners will this weekend come together to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the parish.
Officially declared in 1952 by then Archbishop Prendiville, the parish actually first began forming some time before 1950, when a special bus took parishioners to Mass at Palmyra.
From 1950, Mass was celebrated in a schoolroom at Kintail Road State School, and the following year, an announcement was published in The Record that a new site for a Church and School had been acquired by Fr Albert Lynch while acting as Locum Tenens at Palmyra.
By February 1952, Mass began being celebrated at the District Hall in Applecross.
Current Parish Priest Fr Nelson Po said the community has a rich and diverse history and welcomes all past and present members to come together for this unique occasion.
“It is a privilege for myself as Parish Priest and for all of us as a community, to celebrate this occasion, realising the strength and unity of our parish, while understanding how we can continue to grow,” Fr Nelson said.
“We give thanks to those before us, especially our parish priests – Fr Albert Lynch, Fr Rodney Williams, Fr John O’Reilly, Fr Peter Whitely and Fr Phillip Fleay, who led the community in announcing the gospel,” he said.
Parishioner Bev Piché, who is part of the liturgy team and the anniversary committee, said the parish is well known for offering something for everyone, whether it be from the youth to the elderly, we are a very welcoming community.
“The occasion will be a beautiful time of celebrating the longevity of the Church and the growth of the parish community,” Ms Piché said.
“I feel it will also be a memorable moment to come together, inclusive of all, celebrating our faith, as well as the close relationship we have with all within the community, whether that be the parish or the school,” she said.
The Mass will be celebrated this Sunday at 9.30am, St Benedict’s Church, 115 Ardross Street, Ardross.