Church preparing to celebrate 125 years

GERRINGONG'S St Mary Star of the Sea Church is turning 125 in August and you're invited to the celebrations.

The celebrations to mark the milestone include the annual ball, a historical display chronicling the church's history, a Mass celebrated by Bishop of Wollongong Peter Ingram and a picnic.

On Friday, August 10, the 125th anniversary ball will be held at Gerringong Town Hall from 8pm.

As a nod to the heritage of the church founders, the town hall will be decked out with Irish decorations, while guests are encouraged to come in Irish dress.

Well-known local band Short 'n Horny will play at the ball while the Jennifer Bird Irish dancers will wow the crowd from 9pm.

Entry is $25 and guests should buy tickets by Monday, July 30.

A ball to celebrate the church's opening has been held every year since the church was opened.

Ball organiser Geoff O'Sullivan said it was hoped that 200 people would attend and that a crowd double that would attend the Mass and picnic.

"We have about 400 people at Mass every Sunday and hopefully we will have that during the celebrations," he said.

"We would love for them to stay for the picnic " there will be races and games for the kids. It's great to have so many young people involved with the church."

A historical display will be held in the church meeting room from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12.

The church celebrated its centenary in 1982, complete with a re-enactment of the horse-drawn procession that took Cardinal Vaughn from Omega Station to the church.

By 1996, due to a growing population, the church capacity was doubled by the construction of a parallel wing on the southern side of the building.

To book for the ball phone Rosalie Cronin on 4234 1540.