If you’re in the ‘Little Italy’ of Five Dock and celebrating a 100th birthday party, what else will do for your post-Mass festa but pizza, pasta and gelato, and live accordion music for entertainment?
That was the scene at All Hallows church in Five Dock last weekend when the multicultural parish kicked off its centenary celebrations.
See related article: Belmore marks its 100 years in style
The festivities opened with Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney Tony Randazzo celebrating Mass at 5.30pm on 2 February with parish priest Fr Matthew Solomon.
That was followed by a casual dinner for around 200 in a marquee erected and decorated for the occasion.
The event was the official launch of the parish’s centenary year which will be dotted with lots of special events including a parish fun run and a community day and conclude with a feast day and gala dinner on 2 November.
“In the spirit of giving back to our community, at the beginning of Lent, we will launch our 100 League, which includes our All Hallows community donating to those in need,” Father Solomon told The Catholic Weekly.
“This centenary year is a great opportunity to celebrate the past 100 years and to build our future on the firm foundations of our Faith and the Grace of Almighty God.”
See related article: Heritage of 100 years celebrated at St Patrick’s
All Hallows has been an important fixture in the life of the Sydney inner west community since it was placed in the care of the first parish priest Monsignor John Joseph Peoples.
In its first 50 years the parish’s population grew from 620 to 6500 and produced 40 vocations while the church saw more than 3500 baptisms and 1100 weddings.
For details of more centenary events during the year, contact the parish office on 9713 7960.
