New Grotto dedicated to the Holy Family to mark parish anniversaries

18 Apr 2024

By The Record

Ballajura 35th Anniversary Pre-event
Then Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey consecrates the altar at St Mary MacKillop Catholic Church in the new parish of Ballajura on 25 March 1999. Photo: The Record.

A new grotto dedicated to the Holy Family will be unveiled this Friday 19 April at Mary MacKillop Church, Ballajura Parish.

The Grotto will be unveiled by Ballajura Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow and City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson at 6pm, followed by a free community celebration.

In celebration of the parish 35th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Church, Fr Jegorow is calling on all parishioners, past and present to unite for the significant milestones.

The parish will also come together for Mass on Saturday 27 April at 6pm.

Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow holds the foundation stone for the new Ballajura Church in 1999. Photo: The Record.

Under the guidance of inaugural beloved Parish Priest, Fr John Jegorow, the community will reflect on the journey that began in December 1988 when Archbishop Foley issued a call for “Expressions of Interest” from priests within the Archdiocese of Perth to establish a parish in the burgeoning suburb of Ballajura.

From those humble beginnings, their community has flourished, guided by the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith.

As they commemorate this momentous occasion, all are warmly invited to join them for a series of special events planned for the day.

Then Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey knocks on the doors of the new Church of St Mary MacKillop in the new parish of Ballajura, 25 March 1999. Photo: The Record.

This sacred space will serve as a focal point for prayer and reflection, reminding us of the importance of family and faith in our lives.

Following the unveiling ceremony, there will be a gathering in the school hall featuring a classic Australian tradition – a sausage sizzle.

The festivities will also include a lively ‘Mucky Duck’ bush dance, where you can kick up your heels and dance the night away in celebration of Ballajura parish’s rich history and vibrant Catholic community.

All members of the parish community, past and present, as well as friends and neighbours, are invited to come together and rejoice in this milestone anniversary.

It is a time to give thanks for the blessings received and to look forward with hope and anticipation to the future of the parish.

For more information about the event, please feel free to contact Fr John Jegorow at marymackillop@bigpond.com.

Then newly appointed Ballajura Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow anoints the walls of the new Church of Mary MacKillop on 25 March 1999. Photo: The Record.