In 1927, four Sisters took up residence in an attractive weatherboard cottage and began primary classes in a wooden church / school.
With the passing of the years, the parish grew to encompass three churches – at Charlestown, Gateshead and Redhead, two primary schools, St Joseph’s Charlestown and St Paul’s Gateshead and St Mary’s College, Gateshead. All had been staffed by the Sisters.
On Saturday 9th August 2025, MacKillop parish church was packed for a wonderful Mass for the feast day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, presided over by Father Tony Potts with Father Greg Barker and Deacon Anton Perera.
The liturgy was lovingly prepared by the parishioners as both a thanksgiving for the last ninety-eight years and a farewell to Sister Brigid Linehan, the last of a throng of Sisters who had served in the area.
We were all then invited to St Mary’s College, Gateshead for a lavish lunch, entertainment and speeches in which the warm and generous spirit of the parish was obvious.
Mr Brad Fitzsimmons thanked Sister Brigid for her selfless ministry, calling her a great listener with a caring heart.
In replying, Sr Brigid said, “for the last ten years I have been privileged to live and work in the Mackillop parish. It has been a special time in my life, and I am grateful to you, the parish community for the many ways you have entrusted me with your friendship, your joys, hopes, griefs, anxieties, triumphs, disappointments and expectations.”
Sister Patricia McCarthy, Congregational Leader, was presented with a painting of the old and new convents; each Sister was given a memorial gift and those who have gone before us were honoured in a photo display.
Sister Patricia thanked everyone for the way the work of preparation had made the day so special for us.
Though it had its touch of sadness, there were also smiles as many Sisters and parishioners re-connected. There was happiness and the sure hope that the spirit of St Joseph will long live on into the future.
Sr Carmel Moore rsj
