Shrouded in red texture brick stands Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church. Its 45-foot brick tower once a minor landmark. We’re about to uncover its story.
Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church began with a vision. Father Hutson from Maroubra saw the need. He wanted to serve the growing population of Pagewood in 1956.
Monsignor Conaghan started the land purchase. Father Hutson completed it. The original plan included a school. But there weren’t enough teaching nuns or brothers. So Father Hutson built a church. It would double as a parish hall.
He hoped the four-acre block would later house a boys’ school and a Brothers’ monastery. The estimated cost was about 19000 pounds.
The Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation was more than just bricks and mortar. The building has an overall length of 90 feet and can seat 400 people. Tallow wood formed the flooring. Terrazzo steps lead to a seven-foot-wide tiled porch.
Inside Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, pastel shades grace the rendered walls. A moulded timber reredos backs the sanctuary. It features a built-in canopy. Priest’s and working sacristies flank each side.
White ceilings contrast with black steel beams. These beams are encased in plaster. Fluorescent tubes provide lighting. Incandescent fittings adorn the walls. The glazed porch offers shelter. It is accessible from the main entrance.
A hand-carved crucifix hangs above the altar. A stainless steel cross tops the brick tower of Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church.
Today Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church continues to serve its community. Weekday Masses are held at 8 am on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A Tuesday evening Mass takes place at 7 pm.
Weekend Masses include a Saturday Vigil at 5.30 pm. Sunday Masses are at 8 am and 10 am. The Rosary is recited after every weekday mass. A Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows Wednesday’s 8 am Mass.
Cenacle Prayers take place on Fridays from 5 pm to 6 pm. The Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament is on Saturdays 4.15 pm to 5 pm and First Fridays of the month 11.30 am to 12.15 pm. Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 4.15 pm to 5 pm. Anointing of the Sick is on every first Friday during the 8 am mass.
Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church has dedicated parking spots. These are near the entrance for wedding and funeral vehicles. The outdoor Mary Statue has been restored.
The First Collection supports the Archdiocese of Sydney’s clergies’ stipends. It also supports presbytery expenses. The Second Collection supports the church’s expenses. This includes liturgical needs, running costs, repairs, and maintenance.
From January 2023 Our Lady of the Annunciation Primary School merged with St Agnes Primary School Matraville. They formed Sacred Heart Primary School.
Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope in Pagewood. Remember its red bricks and soaring tower. They symbolize community spirit.