More than 1,000 past and present parishioners joined the friends and family of Father Jim Corcoran at Mater Christi, Yangebup on June 2 to celebrate his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.
The church was packed to overflowing at the 10am Sunday Mass as Fr Corcoran celebrated in thanksgiving together with his brother, Monsignor Tim Corcoran, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and local and overseas priests who have shared the journey of ministry with Fr Corcoran since coming to Australia.
A special choir led the congregation in some of Fr Corcoran’s favourite hymns
At the end of Mass, Fr Corcoran reviewed his experiences over the years, reminiscing about the many wonderful people who had been part of his journey.
Reminding everyone that he “wanted no fuss”, he invited everyone over to the parish centre.
Everyone was treated to a multicultural luncheon amid large banners showing pictures from Fr Corcoran’s life from his early days as a student at the seminary in Ireland, through scenes from parishes as far apart as Kambalda and Armadale to the most recent image, a 2.2m photo of Fr Corcoran at the recent Confirmation.
Everyone delighted in over a dozen food stalls including curries from India and Malaysia, a spit roasted pig and a barbecue.
After an exhibition of Irish dancing and a humorous speech by parish priest Fr Bryan Rosling, a few behind the scenes stories by Fr Steve Casey and a presentation from the parish, Archbishop Costelloe emerged from the crowd to pay tribute to Fr Corcoran who was clearly overwhelmed as he cut the cake and thanked all for their kind words.