Bay Islands.
Articles about the Islands in general
The Church of the Holy Spirit on Macleay Island was ‘packed to rafters’ for its 20th anniversary mass on Pentecost Sunday, June 8.
Visitors from other parishes and St Rita’s Parish, Victoria Point, also attended the special celebratory service performed by by Father Bavin Clarke and Father Jose Panampuzha and served by David Moore.
The congregation filled the island church and included some islanders who were involved in the building of the church 20 years ago.
These included Henry Milne, David Moore, Maureen Peppernell, Peter Peppernell , Rev Bavin Clarke, Pat Ponting, Rev Jose Panampuzha CMI , Eileen Harrison, Julie Walace & Allison Hopgood (wife of Robert Hopgood, Architect, dec.)
The Church of the Holy Spirit was born from backyard BBQ fundraisers and community grit; the story of the church’s foundation is a testament to perseverance, generosity, and ecumenical spirit.
Built on privately purchased land and paid for by local fundraising and plenty of generosity, the approval process was tough, but the locals were tougher — navigating red tape, rallying donations, and teaming up with the Anglican community to make it all happen.
Designed and built by Robert Hopgood, the real soul of the church came to life through volunteer hands.
His wife Alison also played a valuable role as did parishioners Mavis Petersen, Elaine Sutcliffe, Lorna Manske and many others.
It was unfortunate that long-serving island priest Father Jim Browne could not attend the service due to poor health.
A deeply respected and loved priest, Father Browne played a formative role in supporting the island Catholic community.
He retired from active service in St Rita’s Parish in 2022, having helped lay the foundations — both literal and spiritual — for this island sanctuary, closing one cherished chapter and opening a new one marked by shared leadership.
The church also stands as a welcoming space for the wider community.
From gatherings of the Bay Islands Men's Shed to other community efforts, the Church of the Holy Spirit embodies the Catholic value of hospitality.
It even includes a beautiful columbarium, offering a sacred resting place — a quiet testament to the ongoing life of the faith community.
Mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit is held every second Sunday at 1:45 pm. On alternate Sundays, the congregation comes together for a Liturgy of the Word at 9:00am, often followed by a cuppa and conversation.
The Church of the Holy Spirit on Macleay Island was ‘packed to rafters’ for its 20th anniversary mass on Pentecost Sunday, June 8.
Visitors from other parishes and St Rita’s Parish, Victoria Point, also attended the special celebratory service performed by by Father Bavin Clarke and Father Jose Panampuzha and served by David Moore.
The congregation filled the island church and included some islanders who were involved in the building of the church 20 years ago.
These included Henry Milne, David Moore, Maureen Peppernell, Peter Peppernell , Rev Bavin Clarke, Pat Ponting, Rev Jose Panampuzha CMI , Eileen Harrison, Julie Walace & Allison Hopgood (wife of Robert Hopgood, Architect, dec.)
The Church of the Holy Spirit was born from backyard BBQ fundraisers and community grit; the story of the church’s foundation is a testament to perseverance, generosity, and ecumenical spirit.
Built on privately purchased land and paid for by local fundraising and plenty of generosity, the approval process was tough, but the locals were tougher — navigating red tape, rallying donations, and teaming up with the Anglican community to make it all happen.
Designed and built by Robert Hopgood, the real soul of the church came to life through volunteer hands.
His wife Alison also played a valuable role as did parishioners Mavis Petersen, Elaine Sutcliffe, Lorna Manske and many others.
It was unfortunate that long-serving island priest Father Jim Browne could not attend the service due to poor health.
A deeply respected and loved priest, Father Browne played a formative role in supporting the island Catholic community.
He retired from active service in St Rita’s Parish in 2022, having helped lay the foundations — both literal and spiritual — for this island sanctuary, closing one cherished chapter and opening a new one marked by shared leadership.
The church also stands as a welcoming space for the wider community.
From gatherings of the Bay Islands Men's Shed to other community efforts, the Church of the Holy Spirit embodies the Catholic value of hospitality.
It even includes a beautiful columbarium, offering a sacred resting place — a quiet testament to the ongoing life of the faith community.
Mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit is held every second Sunday at 1:45 pm. On alternate Sundays, the congregation comes together for a Liturgy of the Word at 9:00am, often followed by a cuppa and conversation.
The Church of the Holy Spirit on Macleay Island was ‘packed to rafters’ for its 20th anniversary mass on Pentecost Sunday, June 8.
Visitors from other parishes and St Rita’s Parish, Victoria Point, also attended the special celebratory service performed by by Father Bavin Clarke and Father Jose Panampuzha and served by David Moore.
The congregation filled the island church and included some islanders who were involved in the building of the church 20 years ago.
These included Henry Milne, David Moore, Maureen Peppernell, Peter Peppernell , Rev Bavin Clarke, Pat Ponting, Rev Jose Panampuzha CMI , Eileen Harrison, Julie Walace & Allison Hopgood (wife of Robert Hopgood, Architect, dec.)
The Church of the Holy Spirit was born from backyard BBQ fundraisers and community grit; the story of the church’s foundation is a testament to perseverance, generosity, and ecumenical spirit.
Built on privately purchased land and paid for by local fundraising and plenty of generosity, the approval process was tough, but the locals were tougher — navigating red tape, rallying donations, and teaming up with the Anglican community to make it all happen.
Designed and built by Robert Hopgood, the real soul of the church came to life through volunteer hands.
His wife Alison also played a valuable role as did parishioners Mavis Petersen, Elaine Sutcliffe, Lorna Manske and many others.
It was unfortunate that long-serving island priest Father Jim Browne could not attend the service due to poor health.
A deeply respected and loved priest, Father Browne played a formative role in supporting the island Catholic community.
He retired from active service in St Rita’s Parish in 2022, having helped lay the foundations — both literal and spiritual — for this island sanctuary, closing one cherished chapter and opening a new one marked by shared leadership.
The church also stands as a welcoming space for the wider community.
From gatherings of the Bay Islands Men's Shed to other community efforts, the Church of the Holy Spirit embodies the Catholic value of hospitality.
It even includes a beautiful columbarium, offering a sacred resting place — a quiet testament to the ongoing life of the faith community.
Mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit is held every second Sunday at 1:45 pm. On alternate Sundays, the congregation comes together for a Liturgy of the Word at 9:00am, often followed by a cuppa and conversation.
Jul 7, 2025
2 min read