Diocese_Of_Sandhurst_YearInReview_2021

49 Sr Shirley Gallagher (left) and Sr Lee Davidson, the last Sisters to serve in Elmore, were guests of honour at the Commemorative Mass. Heartfelt Farewell for Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart The departure of Sr Shirley Gallagher and Sr Lee Davidson from Elmore early this year marked the end of almost a century of service to the Elmore Community by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH). The Sisters have played a crucial role in the provision of Catholic Education and in the broader Elmore region since 1929. More than 30 sisters spent part of their religious voca- tion in the Elmore community and called the township home. Although in recent years the sisters have not played a hands-on role at Our Lady of the Sacred Hearth Primary School, their presence in the community and prayerful support and encouragement of all the children has been highly regarded. The legacy of these remarkable religious women continues to live on in the history of the school and parish, and in the lives they have shaped and influenced over many years. The Sisters were farewelled at a Commemorative Mass on Tuesday 5 January 2021. A large congregation of parishioners, including past and present students; and OLSH Sisters from across the state, including home- grown Sr Mary Batchelor, and recent Elmore resident Sr Lorraine Ryan, gathered for the Mass which was celebrated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay and concelebrated by Episcopal Vicar Fr Brian Boyle, Parish Priest Fr Ashley Caldow and other priests of the Sandhurst Diocese. FAREWELL Some of the OLSH Sisters who attended the Commemorative Mass, with Bishop Shane Mackinlay and Elmore Parish Priest, Fr Ashley Caldow. Seated is former student of Sacred Heart Primary School Elmore, the late Sr Mary Batchelor.