Parish and School News

Golden Jubilee for Holy family

Wednesday 25 July 2012

By Joe Marvin
Kairos Catholic Journal

ON the feast of the ‘Body and Blood of Christ,’ earlier this month, Holy Family, Doveton celebrated half a century as a parish and a school.

Just a bare paddock back in 1960, it has since developed to become the present modern church and primary school.

The parish celebrated God’s continuing blessings, and the dedication of the faith-filled community that has contributed to the parish over the years.

We were privileged to have some of the original founders of the parish present at the anniversary Mass, and the church was filled to capacity to mark the occasion.

Parish priest, Fr Michael Shadbolt, was the principal celebrant of the Solemn High Mass, together with Fr Declan O’Brien, parish priest of St Mary’s, Fr Guelan and Fr Peter Conroy, who concelebrated the Mass.

The homily by Fr Declan, was inspiring as he spoke about the history of Holy Family Parish and school.

He spoke with admiration about the migrant founders from many European backgrounds, who shared a common love of their Catholic faith, for which they used their skill, dedication and time in order to lay the foundations of the parish and school.

Fr Michael noted that the parish’s first priest Fr Patrick Fitzpatrick, did a tremendous job in bringing the community together, supporting fund raising programs and eventually getting the parish and school up and running.

Following the Mass, the reception was held in the parish hall and was attended by almost 500 friends of the parish and school, as well as distinguished guests, Hon. Anthony Byrne, Federal member of Holt and Holy Family School Principal Steve Twomy, who addressed the guests.

True to the historical roots of the parish, migrant families continue to come to Doveton and join Holy Family Parish.

A souvenir and booklet of the history of the parish and its achievements, was released by Fr Michael on the day.

Marking the 50 year milestone of our parish community made for a great celebration!