“Malo e lelei, Bula Vinaka, Talofa lava” These welcomes reflect the diverse community that gathers here at Maria Assumpta Catholic Church. This is a place known for its strong community spirit. It also has multicultural diversity. Maria Assumpta Parish in Beach Haven has a history that stretches back long before it became its own parish in 1972.
Until 1919, Beach Haven was part of the large parish of Devonport. Priests from St Patrick’s Cathedral served it first. Later, priests from Northcote parish served Beach Haven after 1930. Early masses occurred in humble settings. One was a fruit shed near Lancaster and Beach Haven Roads. Another was in the back of Dean’s store at Beach Haven Point.
In 1957, a significant step was taken. The church bought a property of three and a half acres for just 300 pounds. An old cottage on the land transformed into a church and meeting place. Even without their own parish, the local Catholics had a strong community. In 1966, Fr Purcell from Northcote called a meeting “historical”. Northcote parish was dividing into four areas. These areas were Northcote, Beach Haven, Glenfield, and Albany.
A committee formed to organize many activities. These activities included planned giving and path laying. They also included morning teas. Discussions covered various topics. Letting the section for horse grazing was one. Selling trees for cash was another. Even bees in the old building came up. Plans for a Mass center were considered. It could also function as a parish hall. Financial reasons caused these plans to be dropped. Archbishop Liston opened the new church on May 7, 1967. The steering committee disbanded. Parishioners resolved to elect a permanent committee. This committee would assist the parish priest. It would also serve parishioners.
By 1968, religious education classes grew. More than 111 children attended from northwest of Verrans Corner. A separate CCD began at Beach Haven School. It had a full executive committee. It also had 37 drivers and 10 teachers. Children received rides to and from the 6.30pm classes.
CCD later became ECL. ECL stands for Education For Christian Living. For 22 years, it was the parish’s main educational effort. It involved many people. Over 1000 children learned about their faith. More than 150 adults gained faith through teaching. At one point, 225 children from 108 families attended 13 classes each week.
On November 8, 1970, the first AGM of a parish council took place. In 1971, the council addressed important issues. One was the New Mass. Another was the form of the “kiss of peace”. Tongs were provided for hygiene. They transferred hosts from basket to ciborium. Women readers were approved and publicized. A petition requested guitar music at one of the Masses. This followed tension between organists and guitar players.
Fr Purcell said the council’s function was to care for people. The old house served for baling paper. The ladies of the parish did it weekly. Parishioners brought their papers on Sundays. In 1972, Maria Assumpta became its own parish. Fr Harry Jillings became the first parish priest. He lived at Northcote.
Our name commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was taken into heaven. The church views this as a symbol. It symbolizes Jesus’ promise to all faithful Christians. They too will be received into paradise. Maria Assumpta Parish continues to be a welcoming community. It is a place where faith and fellowship thrive. Sunday Mass times are 8 am and 10 am.