Catholic Churches In Gooloogong, Woodstock And Wyangala To Close Permanently

St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Wyangala.

St Raphael’s Catholic Parish has announced its churches in Gooloogong, Woodstock and Wyangala will close for masses permanently by the end of the year.

The final mass at St Malachy’s, Gooloogong, will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday 3rd December.

St Brigid’s in Woostock will host it’s final mass at 9am on Saturday 9th December, and St Vincent’s in Wyangala sill hold it’s last mass at 9am on Saturday 16tth December.

Each service will be followed by tea.

Fr Dong Nguyen, Parish Administrator, St Raphael’s Catholic Parish, wrote the below letter to confirm the news:

“It is with heavy heart that I share some important news regarding our churches in Wyangala, Gooloogong, and Woodstock. After much prayerful contemplation and consultation, the decision has been made to close these churches for worship. This difficult decision has been prompted particularly by the low and declining church attendance, as well as the ever-increasing maintenance costs associated with these beloved places of worship.

I understand that these churches hold a special place in the hearts of many, and the prospect of their closure is undoubtedly met with mixed emotions. I want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly and was done with the long-term sustainability and well-being of our entire parish community in mind. I acknowledge the memories, traditions and spiritual significance associated with these places, and I am committed to providing support and guidance as we navigate this transition. Bishop Michael McKenna will come to celebrate the final Masses at each of these churches, to bid a proper farewell to these cherished sanctuaries, and to honour the history and memories they hold.

The dates for these Masses are:

St Malachy’s Gooloogong: 2.30pm, Sunday 3 December 2023, followed by afternoon tea.
St Brigid’s Woodstock: 9am, Saturday 9 December 2023, followed by morning tea.
St Vincent’s Wyangala: 9am, Saturday 16 December 2023, followed by morning tea.

Everyone who has had a connection with these churches are most warmly invited to these Masses.

The spirit of our parish will endure, and I encourage everyone to stay connected and active within our broader faith community. Your presence and participation in our other churches remain crucial to our shared spiritual journey, and I look forward to strengthening the bonds that unite us.

Thank you for your understanding and your continued commitment to our parish family.

Yours in faith,
Fr Dong Nguyen, Parish Administrator

Acr48261569889281841647 IMAGE: St Malachy’s Catholic Church, Gooloogong.