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4 February2016
Edition #67
Our Lady Help of Christians celebrates 80 years of history By Caroline Smith
PARISHIONERS of Our Lady Help of Christians in East Victoria Park have last year had much to celebrate as their church reached the formidable milestone of 80 years since its opening. The anniversary celebrations included a Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton and a morning tea where members of the 380-strong congregation shared their favourite stories about the parish. A special prayer card was handed out to commemorate the occasion. The chairman of the organising committee, Dennis Kelly, said the celebration reflected both the changing demographics of the church community, and the caring approach it fosters. “The parish is extremely proud of its history and the way the community has endeavoured always to look after its members,” Mr Kelly said. “Over the years, the numbers of parishioners has fluctuated due to demographic changes and now we are seeing the return of younger members due to the suburb becoming more and more popular with city workers,” he added. Mr Kelly went on to state that Bishop Sproxton’s homily during the Mass had emphasised the benefits of this rise in youth attendance, referring to it as a gift for the community.
Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton holds a Papal Blessing next to parish priest Fr Arulraj Mulaguri at the 80th anniversary mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, East Victoria Park. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish opened in 1936 in an area steeped in Catholic history: the Sisters of Mercy have been present in the parish since 1899, opening St Joachim’s school and Our Lady of Mercy secondary college, together with the Christian Brothers’ school of St Francis Xavier College for boys. In 1990, the schools amalgamated to form Ursula Frayne Catholic College, which pro-
vides both primary and secondary education. Mr Kelly also explained that evidence of these historical connections could be noticed in the anniversary Mass and its attendees. “The congregation of approximately 380 was comprised of representatives from the Sisters of Mercy who founded the parish school, members of the Sisters of St Joseph who have often worked in the parish over
After Mass, attendees enjoyed a morning tea to celebrate the 80th anniversary at the East Victoria Park church. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
the years, and representatives of the Christian Brothers who founded the boys school in the parish at a later date,” he said. “The parish has contributed to religious life in Perth, producing three priests and three nuns. One delightful note was the presence of many exparishioners, some of whom were students in the school in its early years, including one who attended in the very first year.” Following the Mass, morning tea provided attendees with a repast, and an opportunity to talk about the church’s rich history. “The entire event was a great opportunity for people to talk about old times and meet younger parishioners,” Mr Kelly concluded. Full Text available at
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