The 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Sandhurst was celebrated at St John the Evangelist in Euroa on 2 March 2025 by a joy-filled gathering of the three Euroa parish churches, writes Mary Murphy.
By Mary Murphy
When Euroa parish celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Diocese on 2 March, the immediate emotion arising to the fore was joyous gratitude. We gathered together in prayer to give thanks for the faith which we received from those who have gone before us and on whose shoulders, we stand, and the legacy we are charged with to take into the future.
More than 75 people attended the celebrations which commenced with Mass celebrated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay who spoke of the important role the Euroa Church communities have played in the development of the Diocese. Significantly, Readers and participants in the Mass were from all three Churches of the parish: St Patrick’s, Longwood, St Attracta’s, Violet Town and St John the Evangelist, Euroa.
The memorabilia table held great interest with the take-home books and bookmarks giving an historical account. Brian and Mary Kelly’s beautiful ‘sacristy set-up’ used in preparation for the Mass Station gatherings at the Kelly homestead in the early 1850s, before the Longwood church was part of the Sandhurst Diocese; held great interest and attention.
The finale and fun part of the day was the joyous gathering under the big tree to continue the celebrations with food, drink, and great opportunity to enjoy the life-giving companionship of parishioners. For all of this we say THANK YOU.
A special book, which includes signed attendance and apologies; photographs; a copy of the Prayer of the Faithful; and Bishop Shane’s letter of greeting acknowledging the significance of Euroa in the Diocese, was later displayed for some time at St John the Evangelist Church, Euroa. This book will soon be displayed at St Patrick’s, Longwood and St Attracta’s, Violet Town. In time the book will go into the parish archives to mark this important event.
