News
26 January, 2025
Catholic church holds last weekend service
Catholic Church members from the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast hinterland have joined the Beerwah community in saying fairwell to the Mary MacKillop Catholic Church weekend service, as it held its last mass on January 11.
The church held its final Saturday evening Mass following a decision by the Caloundra Parish to cease its weekend Mass services. This closure, caused by a reduction in the number of priests from three to two, brought an end to weekend services at the church, which had been a spiritual and social hub since its blessing and dedication on July 4, 1991.
Local parishioner Les Townsend shared that the closure affected more than just the Beerwah community, extending its impact to the neighboring regions in Moreton Bay and Somerset. "The Mary MacKillop community stretched far and wide," he said.
Around 100 people attended the final Mass, which was followed by a time-honored sausage sizzle, drinks, and a cuppa. A video honoring past and present parishioners was shown, accompanied by photo albums capturing the history of the Mary MacKillop community. After Mass, a video of the church's blessing in 1991 was played for all those interested.
Kathy Pike expressed the general feeling of disbelief in the community. "Frankly, I feel that our refuge and source of companionship has gone," she said. "Parishioners and visitors alike comment on the vibrancy and welcoming attitude that they love and relate to, which they do not experience anywhere else."
A spokesperson for The Archdiocese of Brisbane explained the decision, saying it was a necessity due to the reduced number of priests, following consultation with parish leadership and the community. "The changes come after a thorough consultation and discernment process, from November 3 to December 8," the spokesperson said.
In accordance with Canon Law, priests are permitted to celebrate a maximum of three Sunday Masses, so changes to Mass times were required across the parish churches.
