The St Mary’s Parish celebrated its 183rd Feast of Consecration on Sunday 7th July.

Celebrant and preacher was the Rev’d Bob George and speaker at lunch at The Souther Bistro was Louise Miller-Frost MP.

Awards were presented to several people including Op shop manager, Cynthia Reiche, for dedicated service to the parish, Geoff Hodgson, parish gardener for over 16 years and Stephen McGrath for his tireless work in the Picket Fence kitchen.

Thanks to a very generous donation by a parishioner, St Mary’s has been able to have repairs done to the salt damp damaged walls of the church.

Work began soon after Christmas 2023. A company was contracted to treat and repair the walls and a small but dedicated group of parishioners led by Project Centre Coordinator John McLean, removed the pews and other furniture for access to the walls, and is now painting the repaired walls before re-installing the pews.

The completed work, thanks to many volunteers.

Maundy Thursday

A shared meal in the style of the Passover began the Thursday night observance.

This was followed by a solemn service and the traditional foot washing.

Good Friday

Some of the younger members of the congregation took parts in the reading of the gospel.

Fr William carried the large cross forward and put it in place with the crown of thorns after having hammered in the nails.

Easter Day

Parishioners brought flowers to decorate the Good Friday cross, showing new life is provided through the cross.

Archbishop Geoffrey Smith presided at Holy Communion and the children of the parish sang as special Easter celebrations.

On Sunday 13th November Fr William and Linda’s son Wol was baptised by Fr David Covington-Groth at St Mary’s.

A congregation of Sudanese and Aussies welcomed Wol into the church.

On Sunday 11th September Jan was confirmed by Bishop Denis Ferguson and a group of children were admitted to first communion.

Late in 2018 St Mary’s Parish decided to try to make the site look more welcoming for visitors and community members.

A Mitcham Community Development Grant allowed for the project to proceed, and with the assistance of art teachers from Springbank Secondary College, four mural panels were created in 2019 to brighten up a previously unattractive wall in the parish car park.

The panels were completed and ready for installation early in 2020 but sadly Covid19 put an end to our plans to celebrate.

At last, in December 2020 we were able to hold a small ceremony attended by the Mayor of Mitcham, Dr Heather Holmes-Ross, Ulus Fuat, Youth Development Officer City of Mitcham, teachers and students from Springbank Secondary College, Fr William and Parishioners of St Mary’s and a number of Anglicare staff, volunteers and community members.

  

    

  

In April 2022 the St Mary’s Picket Fence Art Group added their panel to the rear wall of the carpark.