Star of the Sea, Gladstone, celebrates its Centenary
20 November, 2024
Dedicated and opened on 16th November 1924, Star of the Sea Church has stood for 100 years as a visible landmark of faith in Gladstone.
Centenary celebrations began with a pilgrimage walk on Saturday morning 15th of November led by Sister Noreen. The importance of the stations was read and everyone was welcome to respond to the questions about the changes in the integral areas of the church and share stories of personal experiences at each station. This was a time of reflection, gratitude and mindfulness.
This was followed with formal dinner that evening at the Reef Hotel. Bryan Jordan, one of Star of the Sea Church’s altar servers, gave us a speech recounting the time when he was in church on the 15th of August 1945 – Our Lady’s Feast of Assumption and a person ran up the hill announcing, ‘The war is over!’ Everyone clapped.
Our beautiful church has witnessed births, deaths, immense joy and continues to be the ‘hope’ of our world.
The Celebration Mass was held the following day in a Church that was overflowing with hardly any standing room. Bishop Michael gave a beautiful homily and also showed us the Crozier that was presented to Bishop Shiel by his students in Ireland. It was so special to see the same Crozier a hundred years later. Thank you, Bishop Michael. Bishop Michael also told us that Fr Peter has been sleeping with the Crozier next to him. Lots of ‘envious’ laughter could be heard around!
Bishop Michael also blessed the newly installed Baptismal font. A moment of real pride and joy for the parishioners.
And the choir was magnificent!
After Mass everyone was welcome to browse the historical timeline display board and check out the winners of the art competition.
Soon it was time for BRUNCH! There was a long queue for food but no one was disappointed! Least of all for Bishop Michael, there was Ap-pum made with rice flour, his favourite. And, of course, the celebration had a big birthday cake.
We received this message from Natalia Miszkat , Deputy Mayor Gladstone Regional Council:
This morning Mellissa Holzheimer, Councillor Gladstone Regional Council, and I joined the Centenary Celebrations for Star of the Sea Church.
We enjoyed the solemn Anniversary Mass presided by Bishop Michael McCarthy and the Centenary Brunch celebration full of kind hospitality and friendship.
Congratulations to the Centenary organising committee and all the members of the Star of the Sea Catholic Parish for this amazing milestone. And thank you for your continued service and love for our community.
