Glenbrook Parish recognising past, present and future

By Mary Brazell, 28 September 2022
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv (centre), Parish Priest Fr Joseph Lam OSA (right), St Finbar's Primary School Principal Robyn Clarke (centre right), Trish Murnane (second right) and junior and senior altar servers are seen during the 110th anniversary celebrations at St Finbar's Parish, Glenbrook. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

 

It is important to tell the stories of the past in order to strengthen our future.

These were the thoughts of local parishioner and historian Patricia (Trish) Murnane as her beloved parish of St Finbar’s, Glenbrook, celebrated the 110th anniversary of its first parish church.

On the parish’s patronal feast day, Sunday 25 September, parishioners young and old gathered for a joyous Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and Parish Priest Fr Joseph Lam OSA.

The first Catholic church in Glenbrook was built on 25 August 1912 in response to the need of the growing community of Irish Catholic railway workers in the area, under the tenure of Penrith priest Fr Thomas Barlow. Local parishioners Mr and Mrs Norrie donated the land for the church, and parishioners generously donated and fundraised for its construction.

A history display during the 110th anniversary celebrations at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Trish, a parishioner all of her life, wrote a booklet for the anniversary titled Glenbrook’s 1912: St Finbar’s Catholic Church – Its Context, Building and Inauguration.

“Celebrating the anniversary of the first church helps people to understand the thread of our parish, it’s DNA,” Trish told Catholic Outlook.

“If we know a little bit about the origins of our parish, why it exists and why the church was built, we can fortify our present and it helps us to move towards the future.”

“Over the last few years, the parish community has changed with older people passing away and welcoming new people. With that, there can be ongoing education about who we are as a parish, and give the newcomers a sense of belonging and that they are part of a continuous and organic storyline.”

Local parishioner and historian Patricia (Trish) Murnane speaks during the 110th anniversary celebrations at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

During his opening comments at Mass, Bishop Vincent congratulated the parish for 110 years of being “the presence and the sign of God’s empowering love in the lower Blue Mountains.”

“We stand on the shoulders of the men and women who have preceded us who built this community with great dedication, sacrifice and a sense of service, and we continue that legacy today as we move into the future.”

In his homily, Bishop Vincent reinforced the notion that although the day’s celebration was for the physical building, the Church is more than that.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, speaks during the 110th anniversary celebrations at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

“We celebrate above all the witness of this community through its commitment to worship, education, support and outreach that has made a difference to so many families and individuals.

“Our celebration of this milestone anniversary is a time of gratitude, trust and joyful hope in the future. We are grateful for what has been achieved.

“But we are also confident of a hope-filled future knowing that God will guide our efforts to model the Kingdom community and bring them to fruition.”

RELATED: ‘Dear friends’ – Bishop Vincent’s Homily from 25 September 2022

Following Mass, parishioners enjoyed a morning tea alongside a history display and fun games and activities for the young and young at heart, with Bishop Vincent and Fr Joseph seen competing in a basketball shootout.

Martin Rogers, Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council, and parishioner for 12 years, was grateful for the opportunity for the parish to gather in celebration.

Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council Martin Rogers speaks with local primary school students during the 110th anniversary celebrations at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

“St Finbar’s is really about community and a place for all ages, bringing with them enthusiasm and wisdom, which is what makes us so special.

“We’re a parish community that does things together, both socially and spiritually. We grow and deepen our faith together, but we also celebrate with one another and have a good time.”

Having joined the parish only a year ago, local parents Mark and Jessica Karatovic see St Finbar’s as a very strong and welcoming community.

“We wanted to bring faith to the kids, and we found that St Finbar’s had a lot of children and families. They also have a strong affiliation with the school, which is a positive.

“They’re a really nice community. After I had my daughter, the pastoral care team offered to deliver meals and other support to us – it was such a nice offer.”

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv speaks with children during the 110th anniversary celebrations at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

And what do the parishioners hope for the next 100 years?

“I hope that the parish keeps its stories and keeps adding to it – by coming together as a small community, we have strength in that,” Trish said.

Martin added “I hope we’re still contributing to the wider community and the fabric of what our St Finbar’s community is all about – providing education and providing the pathway and the connection to deepen one’s faith.”

Jessica added, “I hope that they stay enriched with their faith and the faith remains strong.”

The original church of St Finbar’s is now part of St Finbar’s Primary School, with the current church where Mass is held opened in May 1995.

View images from St Finbar’s 110th anniversary celebrations here or below:

St Finbars 110th Anniversary Glenbrook 50

 

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