Happy parish celebrating 75th birthday
For St Theresa’s, it’s as much about looking forward as it is celebrating the past.
The Plimmerton-based Catholic parish, which also takes its congregation from Pauatahanui, Whitby and Paremata, will celebrate 75 years in June with three days of activities.
Parish priest Father Bill Warwick said the programme being planned would give members a chance to come together and celebrate.
Sunday Mass will be conducted by Cardinal John Dew.
‘‘We have a great team of people here at St Theresa’s who are handling the administration side of things and we’re hoping it’s going to be a fabulous few days,’’ Warwick said.
Congregation member Dave Wootton said the parish was tightknit and had good reach in the community.
Celebrating the 75th was as much about the future as what had happened in the past, he said.
‘‘It’s a great chance for this fantastic group of like-minded people to reflect on what has come before.
‘‘We’ll pause and take the time to socialise, but there definitely needs to be thoughts around the challenges ahead and what the future holds. I’m excited and hopeful about what that might be.’’
Warwick said the parish had not changed significantly in the past 25 years, although the number of priests around the archdiocese of Wellington had dropped and lay preachers had been introduced.
The size and character of the Plimmerton parish had remained steadfast, he said.
People spoke their mind and were ready to tackle issues and jobs, Warwick said.
‘‘Our geography is pretty wide and we have a number of young families and older members too. There are people from overseas in our congregation now, too.
‘‘No matter how modern the times become, and busy our lives are, plenty of people will always have time for the church.
‘‘I love the friendliness of this parish, the practicality and willingness to get their hands dirty.’’
Events that are planned for the June 5 till 7 celebration include a meet and greet on Friday, a tour of the region on Saturday, a remembrance mass on Saturday night and Sunday Mass.