History
St Vincent’s Parish Surfers Paradise was originally part of the neighbouring Parish of Southport from 1934 and was cared for by the Vincentian Fathers. The accommodation was a wooden building for approximately 60 people
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1946:
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The Parish of Surfers Paradise was established on 12th August with Rev Fr Neal Shannon as the first Parish Priest—affectionately known as “Brickie” for his catch cry “be a brick and buy a brick”. Due to the growing numbers of parishioners and visitors, a marquee and sometimes the local picture theatre was used to accommodate the overflow.
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1948:
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A single storey brick church/school building was opened on the same block as the original Church.
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1949:
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The St Vincent's School opened 6th July 1949 with 30 children under the guidance of the Sisters of Mercy. Foundation Principal: Sr Mary Flora Heaney RSM.
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1949-51:
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The Parish obtained access to the entire block of land after the removal of two private homes to other locations.
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1952:
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New Presbytery, facing Hamilton Avenue, blessed and opened by His Grace Archbishop Sir James Duhig, 25th January.
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1954:
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A second floor added to the 1948 building. The top storey became the school and the ground floor, used as the Church. The first Mass celebrated in the new building was the Silver Jubilee Mass by Fr Shannon on the occasion of his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood...8th December, 1954.
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1955:
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Official opening of St Vincent’s Church/School by His Grace Archbishop Sir James Duhig.
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1960:
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Land was presented for Religious purposes on the Isle of Capri. Four neighbouring sites set aside for Catholic, Anglican & Presbyterian Churches and a Synagogue.
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1963:
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Church moved to Broadbeach originally named Sacred Heart now known as Stella Maris Church.
Blessing of the foundation stone 23rd October 1963—St Vincent’s Church. |
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1964:
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St Vincent's Church was opened (facing Gold Coast Highway) on 19th July 1964. The Church accommodated a congregation of approximately 750 (60 families).
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1969:
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Land (10 acres) purchased by Fr Keith Turnbull PP (Southport Parish) for St Kevin’s School which was built in 1978.
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1978:
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Fr John Neal Shannon died: 29th November 1978, aged 73. He was the Parish Priest of Surfers Paradise for 33 years.
St Kevin’s School built by Fr Kevin Cunningham PP Southport Parish. |
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1979:
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Appointment of Fr Charles Casey, as new Parish Priest of Surfers Paradise Parish.
St Kevin’s School, Benowa, opened 11th March 1979. Foundation Principal: Mrs Elizabeth Newlands. Appointed by Southport Parish. Parish Boundaries divided, St Kevin’s established as part of the Surfers Paradise Parish. |
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1983:
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Fr Owen Oxenham new Parish Priest (died 1991). A man of courage and vision. He provided the impetus to proceed with the largest undertaking by any Parish in Australia to relocate and establish a community apart from visitors and tourists.
Establishment of Parish Finance Board. Establishment of Deanery. |
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1984:
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Sr Carmel Dwan RSM appointed as Parish Pastoral Associate.
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1985:
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St Michael's College established. Foundation Principal: Mr John Lamb.
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1986:
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Under the leadership of Fr Owen Oxenham Parish buildings decentralised--
Appointment of Fr William Morris, Parish Priest. |
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1989:
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Official Opening of Neal Shannon Park by Alderman Gary J Baildon, Gold Coast Highway (North & Beach Road), 14th October, 1989.
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1991:
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Ordination: Anthony Randazzo, 29th November 1991—St Stephens Cathedral, Brisbane.
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1992:
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Establishment of Parish Pastoral Council.
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1993:
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Fr William Morris—ordained Bishop of Toowoomba—10th February.
Appointment of Fr Michael McCarthy, Parish Priest—January (Dean of South Coast). Appointment of Mr Russell Addley. Parish Manager—14th September 1993. |
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1994:
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Deanery Multicultural Group formed.
Ordination: James O’Brien, 17th November 1994 —St Stephens Cathedral, Brisbane. |
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1995:
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Parish Meeting Room established. Situated between the Sacred Heart Church and the Presbytery and Parish Offices
— Clear Island Waters. |
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1996:
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St Kevin’s Pre School established at Benowa.
Opened & Blessed by Fr Fran Burman OSA Vicar for Education, 13th August 1996. Appointment of Fr Daniel Ryan, Parish Priest - 1st July 1996. The Surfers Paradise Parish Golden Jubilee. 12th August 1946-1996 celebrated in three places of Worship: St Vincent’s, Stella Maris and Sacred Heart Churches—10th-11th August 1996. |
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2009:
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Appointment of Fr Timothy Harris as Parish Priest - 1st July 2010
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2014:
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Original Stella Maris Church demolished. Building of new church commenced following donations of over $3.1 million from parishioners and friends.
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2015:
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New Stella Maris Church dedicated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge on 27 February, 2015.
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2016:
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30 year Anniversary, Dedication of Church and new Altar, Sacred Heart Church, 3 July 2016 celebrated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge. Sanctuary refurbishment includes altar, ambo, new tabernacle funded by generous donations from parishioners.
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2017:
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Appointment of Fr Peter Dillon as Parish Priest on 17th April, 2017
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Additional historical information about our Parish
History of Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church
History of Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church