The Friday Mass community at St Joseph’s Church in the Newcastle suburb of The Junction
invited the Sisters of St Joseph to a Mass on 23rd May to mark 100 years since the laying of
the foundation stone of St Joseph’s Convent.
Sixteen Sisters were the special guests at this joyful event where old friends met again in an
atmosphere of thanksgiving.
Father Greg Barker, presided with Fathers Bob Searle and Niel Orlano while Dr Anne Millard
and Sister Jeannine French provided beautiful hymns. Students from St Joseph’s Primary
School attended along with a large group of parishioners.
Fr Greg spoke of his long association with the Sisters of St Joseph in Tasmania and how well
the priests and sisters worked together. Sr Carmel Moore gave a reflection on the history of
the building, while a photo display recalled many significant events over the years.
Sr Carmel expressed the thought of all the Sisters when she said, An occasion like today
makes us Sisters realise how good the laity of this parish has been to us, those who built the
churches and convent and schools long ago before government money was involved. Those
who have worked beside us, those who have supported us and become our friends.
After Mass, the Sisters led a procession to the front verandah where Father Greg blessed
the foundation stone again, after which we went to the former chapel where an abundant
morning tea, beautifully set up, was enjoyed and a special centenary cake was cut.
The event was a testimony to the enduring bond between the parish and the Sisters, and to
the faith we share.
For slides and photos, see https://bit.ly/SJM-100yrs