Parishes
Kathy Orr-Nimmo
17 August 2011
Saturday June 11, 2011 marked exactly 100 years after the opening and blessing of St Anthony’s Church, Brooklyn (now St Bernard’s). Over the weekend of June 11, the parish celebrated the centenary of its church building, and the golden jubilee of the parish.
In early 1961 St Anthony’s became a parish in its own right after 50 years as part of St Mary of the Angels. It was renamed St Bernard’s the following year on the initiative of its first parish priest Fr Bernard Hehir.
The celebrations began on the Saturday evening with a lively parish social organised by Maureen Cahill who chaired the Centenary/Jubilee Committee). Archbishop John Dew was the celebrant at a packed Mass the following morning.
Fr Barry Scannell SM (moderator of the parish), Frs Brian Austin, David Dowling, Lou Leuthard, Bryan Montgomery SM, and Tom Sherry concelebrated.
A potluck meal followed with many parishioners and former parishioners from as far afield as Dargaville, taking the opportunity to exchange memories and view memorabilia organised by Margaret O’Sullivan, secretary, Centenary/Jubilee Committee.
Archbishop John returned at 5pm for Benediction which ended the Centenary/Jubilee.
For St Bernard’s Parish Perpetual Calendars ($10), Centenary Stations of the Cross ($10), and CDs of Jubilee photos ($5), email stbernardschurch@clear.net.nz or ring 04 389 3492.
Image: The newest adult parishioner Katé Dennison, left, who was baptised at Easter this year, is about to cut the centenary cake, made and iced by Pauline Nunns, together with Gabrielle Flavin. Nancy Grealish and Marie Ryan are pictured cutting the Golden Jubilee cake, made by Valda Ford. Both have been parishioners since arriving in 1961. (Photo: Dominic Roberts)
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