The Southern Cross | June 2023

More than a building

More than 200 present and past parishioners from Hamley Bridge and the Northern Light parish gathered on Sunday April 30 to mark 100 years since the consecration of Our Lady of the Nativity Church at Hamley Bridge.

The occasion was also used to celebrate the contribution of the Sisters of Saint Joseph over the decades to the community. Several Sisters who originated in the area, had provided ministry or both, returned for the day. Former residents came from as far as Alice Springs.

Archbishop O’Regan presided and was joined by Fr Paul Angas who came from the area, Fr Jack Boog and Fr Peter Milburn who both ministered in the region, and Fr Mark Sexton, current parish priest.

Fr Sexton said Archbishop O’Regan’s homily dwelled on the idea of Church as family and how so many of the families present had found a home within the building.

“Events then moved to the bowls club where lunch was provided and many stories were shared – especially about the quirks of some of the clergy who had served there!” he said.