Holy Spirit Church

11 Strele Crescent, Casuarina

THE STORY

The Parish began in 1974 dividing off from Nightcliff Parish.  Sunday Mass was celebrated at Wagaman Primary School.  After Cyclone Tracy, Mass eventually resumed in early 1976 at the new Wanguri Primary School.  It was decided to build a combined presbytery and Mass Centre in such a way that when a church was eventually built the Mass Centre could become part of the presbytery.  The Mass Centre would be able to seat 140 people inside, while the breezeway and verandas would be able to accommodate more.  The building was opened in July 1977.

Holy Spirit School began in early 1979 with 434 pupils.  The sisters of Mercy accepted responsibility for the school.  The sisters lived in Wanguri Terrace and moved into their convent during 1981 on the corner of Gsell Street and Strele Crescent.

Built on the eastern side of the car park, the current church was opened in May 1986.  After the sisters completed their time at the school, the convent became the presbytery and parish office.  St. Martin de Porres community, begun in 1988 by the Aboriginal Catholic community, now uses the original parish building.  On 31^st October, 2004, a Covenant was made between Casuarina parish, St. Martin de Porres Community and the Bishop of Darwin.  A memorial wall (columbarium) has been built on the back wall of the church.

Faith, Life and Mission of the Parish

The people of the parish seek to worship together as a united and welcoming Catholic community, valuing diversity, caring for each other and for all people, joyfully embracing their roles as baptised Christians, and striving to influence the wider community.

The parish is served by the following groups, activities and volunteers:

Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, Weekly Bulletin, Liturgy Group, Four Choirs, Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, children’s Liturgy, Altar Servers, Roster Organisers, Gardening and Maintenance Volunteers, Sacramental Preparation, Catechetics in State Schools, RCIA, Communion Rounds (SVDP), Church Cleaning, Care of Linen and Vestments, Flower Arrangements, Rosary and Devotions, Money Counters, Accounts, Memorial Wall Administrator, Book of Remembrance, SVDP Conference.

The People

Fr. Jack Otto SJ, Parish Priest

Fr. Paul Webb, retired within the Parish

Mrs. Bernadette Morriss School Principal

Mr Tony O'Brien Pastoral Council President

Mass and Sacrament Times

Eucharist (Mass)

Saturday Vigil:  6.00pm

Sunday; 8.00am, 9.30am, 5.00pm

Tuesday: 6.30am

Wednesday: 7.00pm

Thursday: 12.30pm (in Casuarina Square - February to November))

Saturday: 8.00am

Baptism, Marriage and Reconciliation

By appointment.

Anointing of the Sick during Mass

11.00am last Tuesday of each month.

Sacraments for Children

The parish provides material and support for the preparation for these sacraments to be run by parents at home.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The parish has been running this programme for many years, which starts in August and concludes at the Easter Vigil.

Contact Details

Postal address:  PO Box 40241, Casuarina, NT 0811

Office Location:  43 Gsell Street, Casuarina, NT 0810

Ph:  (08) 8945 3633

Fax:   (08) 8945 3700

Email:  holyspirit.casuarina@tpg.com.au