PARISH HISTORY
Mary, Help of Christians Parish was founded in 1994 after the amalgamation of Sacred Heart Parish, Pearce (founded 1968) and St Augustine’s Parish, Farrer (founded 1971). The two foundation parishes were formed at a time of rapid expansion of Canberra. Young families worked hard to build their churches, presbytery and school that stand as a testimony to their faith and pioneering spirit. Former Parish Priests were: Father Ailbe Conway, Father Tom Thornton and Father Joe Rheinberger (Pearce); and Father Parker Moloney and Father Tom Wright (Farrer) and Father Laurie Blake (01 July 2003 – 31 Dec 2013) and Fr Richard Thompson was our Parish Priest from 1 January 2014 until 11 January 2024. Fr Emil Milat began his appointment as our current Parish Priest 12 January 2024.
Sacred Heart Church was consecrated on 12 December 1976, and dedicated by Bishop Pat Dougherty DD. It is a simple rectangle-shaped building, with a magnificent Irish stained glass feature behind the altar. The stained glass incorporates:
- a Cross,
- a chalice (The Chalice of Salvation),
- the Crown of Thorns,
- two candles,
- two chains (representing our sins, misfortunes and battles),the hands of Christ, with the marks of the nails, coming from the Cross (embracing the world); and
- two outstretched hands at the bottom of the feature, symbolising our hands reaching up to the Lord with our petitions and prayers.
Other features of the Church are the inclusion of a Reconciliation Room and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, in which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed every day. The chapel is closed during the celebration of Mass in the church.
St Augustine’s
In October 1998 the administration of St Augustine’s Church in Beasley St Farrer was handed over to the Canberra Croatian community, although the church continued to be a Mass centre for the 8.30 am Sunday mass for Mary Help of Christians Parish.
The church has been progressively decorated to reflect the Croatian influence. Also included in the church are statues and ornaments by renowned Australian sculptor Tom Bass.
MASS TIMES
Density Limits and check-ins are terminated. Masks are optional.
Please remember to turn off or silence all electronic devices before the start of Mass. Additionally, a prayerful silence is respectfully requested as we gather to celebrate Eucharist. Thank you.
Weekend Masses
Saturday Vigil: 6pm
Goodwin Village: An Anointing Mass is celebrated at Goodwin Village for residents on the last Saturday of the month at 9.30 am.
The last Children’s Liturgy, offered during the school terms, is open to children K-Year 6 at 10.00am Mass.
Join us for morning tea in the Parish Hall, and meet some fellow parishioners – it is available after both these masses on the first Sunday of the month.
Weekdays
8.30am – Monday – Communion Service held
5.30pm – Tuesday
8.30 am – Wednesday, Thursday – followed by a cuppa in the hall.
9.30 am – Friday – followed by a cuppa in the hall.
The Pines Living Farrer, on the last Thursday of the month at 3pm.
Goodwin Village Ferrer, on the last Saturday of the month at 9.30am.
LET US HELP THE CHURCH LEAD THE WAY
Our Parish
Mary Help of Christians
Our Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Our Patron
Mary Help of Christians
Our Feast Day
24 May
Dedication of Sacred Heart Church
12 December 1976
by Bishop Pat Dougherty DD
Our parish acknowledges and celebrates the original custodians of this sacred land, the Ngunnawal people.
Please click here to read the Uluru Statement From the Heart – The Witness April 2023
OUR MISSION
“All the Church, all the Gospel, all the people, all the time”
We passionately strive to achieve this through our values.
All the Church – We will WORSHIP with an open heart.
All the Gospel – We will celebrate the WORD with joy.
All the People – We will care for the WELFARE of all.
All the Time – We maintain our WORKS with integrity.
OUR VISION
All the Church – we will WORSHIP with an open heart.
WORSHIP – We embrace the teachings and the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. The Eucharistic celebration is the source and summit of our faith. We seek to live and serve that faith with an open heart. Excellence in our worship honours God. We value open participation.
All the Gospel – we will celebrate the WORD with joy.
WORD – We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God. We believe the Gospel is the life of Jesus Christ breathed into our lives. The Word of God directs our journey of faith and brings us joy. We value joy.
All the People – we will care for the WELFARE of all.
WELFARE – We believe that our Baptism calls us into a family that is constantly nourished and renewed by all the sacraments. This teaches us to love one another as Christ loves us. We strive to build a culture of welcome and hospitality, caring for all members of our global family. We value each other.
All the Time – we will maintain our WORKS with integrity.
WORKS – We witness to Jesus mission by ensuring our structures and ministries are safe, inviting and open to positive change. Our parish is to reflect the humanity and the humility of the Church respecting the “temple of the Holy Spirit” that is each member. We are sensitive to our environment and to the planet which is in our care. We value this challenge.
Funeral Planning
Information from our parish around Funeral Planning