The Good Shepherd Community Centre in Townsville has celebrated its 25th anniversary, with parishioners past and present giving thanks to God for a quarter century of shared faith and continued growth.
Parish Priest, Fr Joseph Reddy SVD said the anniversary Mass and morning tea was a time of gratitude for all that God has accomplished through the parish community since its beginnings in 2001.
“For a quarter of a century, this Centre has been a sacred place where you have celebrated faith, formed lasting friendships, gathered as families and grown together in Christ,” Fr Joseph said in an anniversary message.
“Opened on 24th June, 2001, the Good Shepherd Community Centre has become much more than just a building.
“It has been the absolute heart of our parish life – a home where the Eucharist is celebrated, children are prepared for the sacraments, families find support, and countless memories are made. It is truly the place where the Good Shepherd continues to gather His flock.”
The Good Shepherd Parish has at its core, two Community Centres – The Ryan Community Centre at Kirwan and the Good Shepherd Community Centre at Rasmussen.
Each of these centres is equipped with small chapels where the Eucharist is reserved and are available for private prayer and reflection as well as for the celebration of the Eucharist.
The missionary nature of the parish is enhanced by the fact that the Community Centres are available for hire to community groups for various meetings.
Fr Joseph gave thanks for the vision and generosity of those who established The Good Shepherd Centre.
“We remember with gratitude Fr Dave Lancini for his years of dedication and selfless service, alongside the many pioneering parishioners and volunteers whose contributions have shaped our community into what it is today,” he said.
Fr Terry Lyons, priest of Townsville Diocese and 62 years ordained), was the main celebrant at the anniversary Mass, along with Fr Joseph.) The Centre was decked out with flowers as the community came together in thanksgiving.
Townsville Bishop Tim Harris was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, but sent a message offering his heartfelt congratulations to the parish community as they celebrated their anniversary.
“This anniversary is an opportunity to give thanks to Almighty God for the many blessings bestowed upon your parish community over these past 25 years,” he wrote.
“The Good Shepherd Community Centre has provided a spiritual home for many people and continues to be a place where faith is nurtured, friendships are formed, and the Gospel is lived and proclaimed. It remains a vital and vibrant centre of community life and ministry.”
Fr Joseph reminded those present that the Good Shepherd Parish Mission reaches far beyond the church walls.
“Through our partnership with four Catholic schools under our care, more than 3,100 students and 367 staff are part of our wider parish family. These are not merely numbers; they are lives touched daily by Christ through the ministry of our parish,” he said.
“At its core, the Good Shepherd Community Centre is known for being a deeply close-knit community where people know and love each other. This warmth is tangible in our everyday parish life – from our lively morning coffee catch-ups to our large community gatherings filled with meals, music, dance, and laughter.
“As I look out at this congregation, at the people and the individual lives that have been impacted by this community centre, I trust that we can see the Hand of God writing a message across our history: ‘I was here, I am here with you now and I will always be’.”
Fr Joseph called on the parishioners to look to the future with the same determination and faith as those who have gone before.
“We need to possess the same daring, bold faith that our pioneering parishioners, priests, and nuns had when this church was first envisioned and built,” he said.
“To step into the next 25 years, we must be courageous. We need to be ready to try new things, to adapt, and to let old things go when God calls us into renewal.
“Let us celebrate today with joyful hearts knowing that the same God who brought us this far will faithfully lead us into tomorrow.”
Parishioners Terry and Salley Feeney said the 25th anniversary celebration was “a special day”.
“The liturgy was conducted by Fr Terry Lyons and Fr Joseph, supported by our wonderful choir. The video presentation took the congregation on a wonderful trip back in time, acknowledging Fr Dave Lancini’s dedication. It was pleasing to see so many past and present parishioners,” they said.
Marion Maser said the celebrations was marked with beautiful decorations around the Centre, prepared by parishioners.
“The IT presentations were wonderful and gave the general audience and parishioners some of the memories of our parish. We need to also remember the wonderful contribution of the Good Samaritan Sisters to our parish and families,” she said.
And Vincenza Sorbello described the Silver Jubilee Mass as “a very moving experience”.
“The Mass concluded with the cutting of the Jubilee cake and the celebration continued with a morning tea where people spent time talking about the present and reminiscing about the past,” he said.
“The community spirit that was fostered 25 years ago is still going strong through the efforts of our priests and parishioners alike.”
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: Fr Dave Lancini, parishioner, Marian and Fr Joseph Reddy SVD at the anniversary celebrations.
TOP LEFT: Fr Terry Lyons, Fr Dave Lancini and Fr Joseph Reddy SVD a the Jubilee Mass.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Parishioners past and present enjoyed the celebratory morning tea after Mass.
BOTTOM LEFT: The Jubilee Cake.
