Parishioners left devastated as Catholic Parish calls final weekend Mass at Beerwah Church
By Sonia Isaacs
THE congregation of Mary MacKillop Catholic Church in Beerwah is reeling from the decision by the Caloundra Parish to cease its weekend Mass services.
For many long-term community members, Saturday, January 11, marked an emotional farewell as the church held its final Saturday evening Mass for its Catholic congregation.
The closure was required after the Caloundra Parish’s reduction from three priests to two. This brings an end to Catholic weekend services at the church, which had been a spiritual and social hub since its blessing and dedication on July 4, 1991.
Local parishioner, Beerwah Newsagent owner Les Townsend, questioned the reasoning behind the decision, pointing out Beerwah’s importance as a growing regional hub.
“It is difficult to understand why this thriving community is being neglected,” Mr Townsend said.
“We were very surprised when the decision was announced. We regularly get up to 60 people attending the weekly mass and so feel very disappointed an alternative couldn’t be found.
“This decision is a real blow, especially for some of our elderly members who feel they have lost their community.”
Gary Pike reflected on the church’s history and voiced his disillusionment with the decision, a sentiment echoed by others including founding members Frank Gibson, Graham Nicholson, Kathy Pike, and Joan Young (pictured). His wife Kathy Pike said the general feeling among the community is one of disbelief.
“Frankly I feel that our refuge and source of companionship has gone,” she said.
“This little church community has a special uniqueness about it.
“Parishioners and visitors alike comment on the vibrancy and welcoming attitude that they love and relate to, which they do not experience anywhere else.“
Mr Pike said the Beerwah and surrounding community had helped build and establish the church.
“There are very few church properties that have seen the level of direct community work and support that Mary MacKillop has had over the years,” Mr. Pike said.
Frank Gibson said he had shared many good times and fond memories.
“It has always been a friendly, vibrant and welcoming community,” Mr Gibson said. “What makes it so special has been all of the volunteers over the years and at present. It is so sad for all those hard workers who built this church and are no longer with us,” he added.
Approximately 100 parishioners attended the final Mass, followed by a time-honoured sausage sizzle and drinks. A video honouring both past and present parishioners was shown, along with a number of photo albums capturing the history of the Mary MacKillop community.
Following Mass, a video of the blessing of the church in 1991 was played as a poignant farewell.
When contacted by GC&MNews, a spokesperson for The Archdiocese of Brisbane explained the decision was required due to the reduced number of priests, following consultation with parish leadership and the community. “The changes to Mass times in Caloundra parish have come after a thorough consultation and discernment process, which spanned from November 3 to December 8,” the spokesperson said.
“The process included counsel from Archdiocesan leadership, the parish’s Senior Leadership Team and parishioners.
“The changes were prompted by the reduction from three to two priests in the parish. In accordance with Canon Law, priests are permitted to celebrate a maximum of three Sunday Masses; consequently, a change to Mass times were required across the churches in the parish.”
Parish priest Fr Joshua Whitehead acknowledged that the upcoming changes to the Mass times would not be easy for everyone.
“It is our intention that the changes become an opportunity for deeper engagement and solidarity. As our parish adapts to these changes, we have a chance to unite more closely, fostering a greater sense of shared mission and community,” he said.
Members are directed to attend services in Aura, Landsborough or Maleny.