Mary of the Southern Cross Parish, Highfields |
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Contact: Fr Brian Noonan, Adm |
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| Phone: | 07 4630 8636 | ||
| Office Location: | Highfields Road | Postal Address: | PO Box 245 |
| Highfields | Highfields 4352 | ||
| Mass Times: | James Byrne Centre Chapel |
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| Sunday | 8:00am | ||
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| Parish Contacts: | Contact Number | ||
| Fr Brian Noonan | 07 4696 7094 | ||
Finance Committee - Paul Canavan |
07 4698 7442 | ||
Pastoral Council - Marisa Parker |
07 4632 8201 | ||
| Care & Concern Group - Patricia Hunt | 07 4698 7409 | ||
Highfields Parish HistoryThe story of the Highfields Catholic community began in 1869 with the celebration of the first mass in a private home. Building on the strength of that early faith-following we have continued to grow and have come a long way. Today our community is changing with the rapid expansion and increasing diversity of the Highfields population. Although we are moving forward, we have not lost sight of the importance of our history. In 2002, the Highfields Catholic community was moved from St Therese's parish to the Crows Nest parish. This was not our first boundary change as we have previously been part of both St Patrick's and Holy Name parishes. The move to the Crows Nest parish heralded the start of a new chapter of our community building. The change of Mass times and the influx of new residents have contributed to the changing face of the parish, but the flexible, adaptable spirit of the community has endured. Our place of worship has also moved several times until eventually settling at the Christ the King chapel at the James Byrne Centre almost 25 years ago. This chapel, with magnificent views down the valleys, has to be one of the most beautiful settings for worship in the Diocese. The setting sun, soaring eagles and panoramic vistas lend visual symbols to support the beauty of the Mass. Currently, two groups are recognised as the core components of our community. The weekly congregation gathers for a vigil Mass at the James Byrne Centre and the Mary MacKillop School, opened in 2003, is the first diocesan school to be opened in 30 years. The school, grounded in the rapidly expanding Highflelds population, is extending and enhancing our traditional rural community of family and friendship. The spirit of growth and change, which has characterised our parish over the 135 years since its inception, lives on. |
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