80^th Anniversary of St. Joseph’s Church and School, Biloela.

 An invitation from Parish Priest, Fr. Thadayoose Lazar resulted in a wonderful gathering of Parishioners on Sunday 23^rd June to celebrate the 80^th Anniversary of the Biloela St. Joseph’s Church and School.

Members of St. Joseph’s Parish said they cherished the support and long-term friendships they have formed with each other. Selwyn Bath, a Parish member who was married at the Church in 1969 said it was important to long standing members of the Church to celebrate 80 years.  He remembers celebrating the Parish’s 50^th Anniversary in 1989.

Parish member Tom Evetts said the Church had really been an integral part of his family’s life.  Tom arrived in Biloela from Mackay with his wife Desley and two children in 1958, subsequently becoming involved in the upkeep of the grounds.  Tom, who also volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Centre of Charity, will be celebrating with his wife their 60^th wedding anniversary next month with many of their friends from the Church.  “I think it’s the friendship and fellowship that has been great.  It’s good for the community to come together to celebrate events like this.”

Biloela resident, Ellie Verschaeren, who worked in the Parish Office for 10 years and was Secretary from 1999 to 2008, said she arrived in town in 1964 and has been a member of the Parish for 55 years.  “I was married here, had three children who were all educated at St. Joseph’s Primary School and our daughter was married here, so I have had a long association with the Parish. It is very important to celebrate these milestones in our small community.”

Parish Pastoral Council Secretary, Lynne Gleeson said that when we come together for these occasions it brings joy to people’s hearts. It uplifts everyone during these hard times, like the drought and shops closing down in the town. It gives hope for the future and allows us to support each other.  It’s just about talking to each other about all these issues – it helps.

After Mass, parishioners enjoyed ‘brunch’ after William Lees sang a blessing song.  MC Kev Banks introduced the school choir, then a piano performance including a duet with a young singer.  Then all the children sang Humpty Dumpty backwards which created a laugh from the audience.  A group of musicians playing the violin, piano accordion, mouth organ and a ‘drum’ set the tone for a thoroughly enjoyable morning. The loud clapping and shouts for the judging of the best dressed lady, gent, boy and girl decided the winners.

Les Lehmann and Joan Corfield cut the two-tiered celebratory cake made by Debbie Reid.

The hall was beautifully decorated with balloons, a banner and Australian flowering gum branches on the tables.  Everyone brought a plate to share.

Retired farmer, Carol Leighton shared memories of her family’s involvement with the Church and School and in particular her mother Joan Muller who played the piano for the School Ball held each year.  Roy Horchner also shared his memories of past events and people involved in the Parish.

Parish Pastoral Chair John Ramsey closed the morning’s proceedings with a joke after thanking everyone for their contribution.