The Catholic Parish of Wyndham
Queen of Apostles Catholic Church,
PO Box 30,Wyndham, WA 6740
Tel. 08 9161 1242 or 0427470101
History
For many years the town of Wyndham and its surrounding cattle stations received annual visits from a priest stationed at Derby. Soon after his appointment as Bishop in 1959, Bishop John Jobst decided to spend one week a month in Wyndham so that he could better understand the pastoral and spiritual needs of the people. By the early sixties, a resident priest had been appointed and in 1965, Queen of Apostles' Church was opened.
Parish Outreach
It was the role of the Wyndham priest to minister to indigenous families on stations, construction workers on the Ord River Project and families of pioneer Kununurra farmers. Now, in 2006, the resident priest Fr Mark Connolly continues the outreach role. As well as supporting the people of Wyndham, Fr Mark travels to Doon Doon, Warmun, Halls Creek and Ringer Soak.
Current Parish Structure
Fr Mark Connolly CSSp is the resident priest and Sr Veronica Ryan (9161 2966) provides support. She is also the contact person in the absence of Fr Mark. Parish meetings take place after Sunday Mass when required.
The Church in Wyndham
The weekly focus is a coming together for Sunday Mass at 6.00 pm (5.00 pm May -October). Special liturgies are celebrated in connection with Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Advent and Christmas. During the months of May and October there is focus on praying the Rosary, while, on November 2nd families are invited to a memorial Mass at the cemetery. On this occasion, the memory of departed loved ones is honoured and people have the opportunity to bless and spend time at the graves of relatives and friends.
Mass is celebrated monthly with families at Guda Guda Community. The usual time for this celebration of the Eucharist is the third Monday of each month at 5.00 pm.
Pentecost Celebration
Each year the parishes of Wyndham and Kununurra come together to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. There is a richness in the liturgy with the Miriwoong people providing song and dance, school children contributing colourful and creative symbols, artists displaying their and the combined faith communities of Wyndham-Kununurra singing and praying together for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Family Group Prayer
At times eg. during Lent or in the months of May or October prayer gatherings take place in local homes. Often the prayer focus is enriched by the use Kimberley religious art and familiar hymns.
Baptisms
As Fr Mark has commitments to several outlying centres, it is important that people make an appointment to discuss the time and details of Baptisms.
Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation
After consultation with parents, those wishing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation will receive the necessary preparation. Parents will be invited to participate in their child's preparation for the reception of these sacraments.
Visiting the Sick
If members of the family are ill, please notify Fr Mark (ph. 9161 1242) or Sr Veronica (ph. 9161 2966). It is a strong custom of the Church to pray for and comfort those who are ill.
Funerals
It is important to make an appointment to discuss the time and date of a coming funeral, before finalising other arrangements.
St Joseph's School
St Joseph's School is an integral part of the parish. The school which provides a Christian education for its students, works in conjunction with the parish. Key, religious seasonal events, such as Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, Advent and Christmas are celebrated through art, drama, music and participation in specially prepared Masses.
Focus on Reconciliation
During 2006 there has been a special focus on Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. The twentieth anniversary of Pope John Paul's visit to Alice Springs has been spiritedly recalled by Aboriginal people throughout Australia. Then the indigenous people took heart from the public acknowledgement of their dignity, their spiritual values, their cultural heritage, their right to land and their right to a respected place within the Church. To mark the anniversary, the National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) decided to hold a week-long conference, ‘Dreaming from the Heart' leading up a special anniversary Mass at Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs, the scene of the Pope's visit.
As a parish community, we have re-visited the 1986 speech. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal parishioners have met, have studied the text and addressed soul-searching questions. On June 18th many gathered in the grounds of St Joseph's School to greet the Message Stick that would be taken in pilgrimage to Alice Springs. Janet Gallagher, Jean O'Reeri, Marjorie Hunter, Fr Mark and Sr Veronica were fortunate to be part of that week-long gathering, where people spoke of their difficulties and their new-found hope. Key aspects of the gathering were prayerful presentations prepared by each state and the willingness to share and learn from one another.
