Parish History

 

Historical Photo Gallery

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Parish History:

It seems the spiritual needs of Catholics in the Blackheath area were ministered to as early as 1842 by priests from St Bernard's, Hartley. This arrangement existed until 1890 when the Blue Mountains parish, centred in Katoomba, was established. It serviced the needs of the congregations of Blackheath, Mt Victoria and Megalong until 1943.

The Sacred Heart Church was opened and blessed by Cardinal Moran on Australia Day, 1902. In May 1943, a new Parish District with its centre at Blackheath was created. The newly appointed resident priest assumed responsibility for a rather large area including Blackheath, Mt Victoria, Megalong Valley and a church hall at Medlow Bath.

The Sisters of Mercy from Wilcannia ­Forbes diocese opened a small school in Blackheath in 1912. A larger school and convent followed in the early 1940s, allowing the intake of boarders. This was closed in 1970 and the schoolhouse has recently been refurbished as a church hall.

In the early 1990s the steady decline in the numbers of clergy dictated the need for changes in the Blue Mountains. In 1993, two Sisters of Charity took up residence in the parish house and as a result of diocesan consultation, the parish continued without a resident pastor. These Sisters left at the end of 2002 and a Dominican Sister was appointed in 2003 and continues to help the parishioners run the parish. A roster of priests lead the community and many visitors in the Sunday Celebration of Eucharist. This is one of the few groups who don't mind being called 'heathens' as long as you put the 'Black' in front of it.

 

Includes:

Sacred Heart Church: 18 Inconstant Street, Blackheath
St Joseph's Church: Megalong Road, Megalong Valley
St Paul'sChurch: Great Western Highway, Mt Victoria

See also_:

Full Historical List Of Sacred Heart Parish Priests and Pastoral Leaders

Rememberance Day Historical address - Julie Hodgkinson

Sacred Heart Heart Catholic Primary School - A personal acoount - Julie Hodgkinson

 

 Recent Events

Parish Life

Parish History

Sacred Heart Heart Catholic School - A personal acoount - Julie Hodgkinson

RCIA Easter Vigil 2005

First Holy Communion and Confirmation 2006

Ecumenical Service 2006

St Patricks Day Celebrations

Parish Social Life

2006 Parish Picnic

2006 Bushdance

2006 Bishops Visit & Birthday Bash

2007 Carols in The Park

2008 Parish Picnic

St Patricks Day Celebrations