On a glorious autumn day, close to 300 faithful from near and wide travelled to the wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St Joseph’s parish on 1 May.
Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton of Perth concelebrated the Mass with St Mary’s, Merredin parish priest, Fr Stan Bendowski SDS, who administers the Kellerberrin parish; Regional Superior of Salvatorians in Australia, Fr Karol Kulczycki SDS and former Kellerberrin parish priests Fr Geoff Aldous and Fr Steve Casey.
Visitors from Melbourne, Geraldton and Albany attended the centenary celebrations as did past and present parishioners and former students of St Joseph’s Convent, School and Preventorium.
A large contingent of Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart – who were instrumental in providing education to local children – made the trip to Kellerberrin, which added to the special significance of the occasion.
The Knights of the Southern Cross were also represented.
The luncheon following the Mass provided a great opportunity for everyone to reminisce and catch up with old friends, including many who had not seen each other for more than 40 years.
Bishop Don remarked on the enduring faith of the small number of local parishioners, now fondly described as “the faithful remnant”.
The Kellerberrin parish was established in 1910 with Fr John O’Reilly appointed the first parish priest.
Prior to his appointment, Mass was celebrated at either the Agricultural Hall or the private residence of Mr and Mrs Woods between 1903 and 1910.
The first Catholic Mass celebrated in Kellerberrin took place in 1903 at the Woods’ house.
St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Kellerberrin – built for a cost of 1,135 pounds – opened on 15 October 1916.