Hope, prayer & reflection inspired by St Mary MacKillop 

On August 9, pilgrims gathered at the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre & St Joseph’s Church for a day of prayer, reflection, and fellowship inspired by St Mary MacKillop — and led by Fr Peter Zwaans.

From exploring the historic schoolhouse to engaging in talks on The Jubilee Year and Providence & Hope, the day was filled with personal prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a peaceful Rosary Walk, Eucharistic Adoration, and a beautiful Vigil Mass.

A grace-filled reminder that prayer is a living dialogue with God — and a source of hope for the journey ahead.

"Last Saturday we were blessed with beautiful weather for our retreat in Penola, and the sunshine added to a wonderful day. It was a relaxing time spent in prayer and fellowship with each other. Life comes at a frenetic pace these days, and sometimes we need to put everything down and step away from the day-to-day to find some quiet time to pray and reflect. I hope that it was a fruitful day for all those who participated. I would like to offer a sincere thanks to all who made the day possible." Fr Peter Zwaans.

Celebrating 140 Years of Faith at St Paul’s – A Joyful Milestone

On Sunday, May 26th, 2025, our parish community gathered in joy and gratitude to celebrate the 140th Anniversary of St Paul’s Catholic Church in Mount Gambier.

We began with a beautiful Thanksgiving Mass, led by Fr Peter Zwaans, to praise God for the countless blessings poured upon our parish over the past 140 years. The liturgy was made especially meaningful through the dedicated service of our readers, altar servers, sacristans, and choir—each contributing to the reverence and beauty of the celebration.

After Mass, the celebration continued in the parish hall for a luncheon. The hospitality team prepared a delicious meal, and the hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion. But more than the food or decorations, it was the presence of our community that made the afternoon truly memorable.

We were honored by the presence of special guests, including Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, Lynette Martin – Mayor of the City of Mount Gambier, and Kylie Boston – Mayor of the District Council of Grant. Parishioners from our neighbouring parishes also joined in the festivities.

As we look back with gratitude, we also look forward with hope. In his homily, Fr Peter reminded us: 

"We [Catholics] live a sacramental life – that means visible signs communicate to us invisible grace. Our church of stone, wood and glass is in fact a sacramental sign of the invisible church which is us: flesh and blood, saints and spirits."

"...God has not finished building this Church because new, living stones need to be baptised into her... The 140-year-old beauty of this church needs to be a mirror of the young, vibrant Church that we are as disciples of Jesus."

"Am I a builder [like them]? Do I spend my time, talent and treasure for the building up of the Church for future generations?"

"I pray our example will challenge those that follow, as much as those from 140 years ago challenge us."

You can listen to Fr Peter’s full homily here: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/OOceX6tzWTb 

In the coming days, we’ll be sharing highlights, photos, and special acknowledgements from the celebration. For now, we give thanks for all who made this anniversary so meaningful.

Here is to the next 140 years of faith, community, and service at St Paul’s.