WelCom April 2021
Veronica Sawers
This year, 2021, marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of St Brendan’s School and the 70th anniversary of the appointment of the first parish priest, Fr Heavey, in Heretaunga, Upper Hutt. We marked these events in our parish and school in late February. We also celebrated Our Lady of Grace Church, which opened in 1960.
At Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Church on Friday 26 February, the words of the song ‘Standing on the Shoulders’ acknowledged how our community stands on the shoulders of those who came before us.
Special guests shared personal reflections and celebrations, including Sr Kathleen Ruck smsm and Fr Kevin Connors – both foundation students, and Fr James Lyons, parish priest 1992–1995. Joining us from the Archdiocese of Wellington office were Jenny Gordon, Vicar for Education; Frank Wafer, Leadership Consultant; and Chris Duthie-Jung, Director, Marriage, Family and Young Church Ministries.
Jonny Greaney Assistant Rector Pastoral and senior students from St Patrick’s Silverstream, as well as past students, families, colleagues, friends, current families, parishioners and friends all attended our Mass.
After Mass a pōwhiri was held at St Brendan’s School, followed by the cutting of a birthday cake and the opportunity to share memories.
Our success criteria at school was for everyone ‘to have fun’! Our students had a fun-filled day and in the evening we gathered for a ‘mix and mingle’ event to connect and reflect. On Saturday night our school hall was filled for the ‘Fundraiser’ quiz. However, during the evening news came that alert levels were changing, which meant the Sunday celebration Mass couldn’t be held.
The events were all well attended with enthusiasm and joy. We are grateful to all who helped celebrate a wonderful time of sharing memories and making new ones.
Veronica Sawers, Principal, St Brendan’s School, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt.