Hi, and welcome to St Mary’s parish. My name is Mauro Conte; I am the Pastor here at the Parish. And we are so delighted that you came to visit us. If this is your first time at St Mary’s, I want to extend a special warm welcome to you, it’s great to have you visiting us. Our parish is made up of people from different nationalities and backgrounds who are on different places on their journey. However, we are all united by a common desire, that is to have an encounter with the living person of Jesus, become His disciples and be transformed by that encounter. We believe that each person has a unique role to play in building God’s kingdom, that each person is called to be on a journey and take the next step in life and we’d love to help you find your place of service and connection within our church family. Please take a moment to register with our Parish community by simply scanning the QR code below. This will also allow you to receive our weekly e-newsletter. We hope that in this webpage, we can find all the information you need to start connecting and begin a life journey of purpose and transformation.
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Our Parish
Our Mission
St Mary’s Parish exists to grow disciples who make other disciples, so they may love God and love others.
A disciple is…
- Someone who FOLLOWS Christ
(A willingness to follow Jesus is evidence of our love for Him, with an evident and growing obedience to His Word); (head)
- Someone who allows himself to BE CHANGED by Christ
(Not only must we make a mental decision to follow Christ; there must also be a process of transformation in which a work takes place in our heart and affections); (heart)
- Someone who is COMMITTED to the Mission of Christ
(Transformed and inspired by Jesus, we seek to love people and tell them what we have found in Him); (hands)
Our Vision
That as brothers and sisters we all have a taste of GOD’s KINGDOM on earth.
Safeguarding in our Parish
Safeguarding is the measures taken to protect the safety, human rights and well-being of individuals, which allow people to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.
At its core, safeguarding is about promoting the safety and well-being of others, creating and maintaining safe activities and environments, and preventing abuse and harm.
National Catholic Safeguarding Standards
The Archdiocese has adopted and adheres to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. The Standards apply to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop.
The Standards are drawn from the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and came into effect in 2019.
The Standards are endorsed by the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Catholic Religious Australia.
Parish Policies & Forms
Saint Mary’s Coomera is a Catholic Church under the direction of the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Please click on the links below to review the policies
Policies
- Brisbane Archdiocese Privacy Policy
- Whistleblower Policy
- Safeguarding children and vulnerable Adults Policy
Forms
Please click on the links below to download Parish Forms
We are blessed to have three Schools within the boundaries of our Parish.
Assisi Catholic College
Assisi Catholic College is a vibrant Prep to Year 12 learning community committed to academic excellence and holistic education. Located in a serene and picturesque setting, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment where students are inspired to grow – intellectually, spiritually, and personally.
Our innovative curriculum is designed to challenge and extend learners at every stage, with a strong focus on high academic achievement, creativity, and critical thinking. From the early years through to our senior pathways, students are encouraged to pursue their passions and achieve their personal best.
Grounded in Catholic values and the Franciscan tradition, our community fosters compassion, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. At Assisi, every learner is known, supported, and empowered to shape their tomorrow with confidence.
For more information go to https://www.assisi.qld.edu.au
St Joseph’s Catholic College
At St Joseph’s, we focus on providing students with a holistic education that meets their needs and equips them with the knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to the community as a St Joseph’s College graduate.
We are dedicated to fostering a love of learning and personal excellence in our students. Our committed teachers provide excellent educational opportunities and a deep understanding of the Catholic worldview. We uphold high standards and expectations, ensuring every student is invited and supported to reach their highest potential and make a meaningful difference in the world.
For more information go to https://www.stjosephscoomera.qld.edu.au
Jubilee Primary School
Jubilee Primary School is one of Brisbane Catholic Education’s three Ecumenical Schools. Jubilee is founded on a partnership of students, parents, staff, pastors and parishioners at a local level within the broader mission of the four associated churches: St Mary’s Catholic Community, Coomera; City on the Hill – Apostolic Australia Church, Maudsland; Gold Coast North Anglican Church; Gold Coast Uniting Church, Coomera.
Jubilee is a living vision of local churches!
Our school community works together – united in our belief in Jesus Christ and His values and supporting each other in many different and important ways. It is this partnership that develops a feeling of family and pride in our school.
For more information go to https://www.jubileeprimary.qld.edu.au
Matthew 18:19-20
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?
Healing
Anxiety
Finances
Addiction
Marriage Family Relationships
Grief & Loss
Pregnancy & Conception
Depressive Thoughts
Protection
Faith & Hope
More…
If there’s anyone or anything in your life that you would like prayer for, please fill out the form below, and our Parish Prayer Team will lift up that person or intention in prayer.
Person requesting prayer:
First Name(s) *
Last Name *
Person and/or intention to pray for
Write your request here below (create a box)
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PARISH HISTORY – 1866 to 1926
The first recorded coming together of Catholics in the Coomera River District was in April 1866. The church building was erected in 1890 at Upper Coomera. It was then extended and transferred to Oxenford in 1935, and Church1890moved to the present site at Upper Coomera in 2005.
St Mary’s became a separate parish in late 1997. St Mary’s Catholic Community is a growing vibrant parish catering for a diversity of age groups and ethnic backgrounds. Our two Mass centres are welcoming and community based..
Significant dates for the Catholic Church in the region
- 1860’s to early 1870’s – Occasional pastoral Visits By Fr. Denis Fouhy.
- 1865 – First Catholic Church in Logan Reserve district(near Woodridge)
- 1870’s – Mass at Binstead Homestead Coomera
- 1875 to 1884 Part of Logan Mission
- Logan Mission covers from Stradbroke Island ,St Helena Island and Cleveland to NSW border , Beaudesert and to Boonah
- 1875 – Fr. Benedict Scortechni,a botanist, buys Masonic Hall in Yatala and converts it to the first Catholic Church in the Beenleigh District, It was opened by Bishop Quinn. Churches >opened in Tallebudgera 1878, Southport 1882,and Nerang 1882. Visit the Council of Heads of Australian Herbaria for a detailed biography of Fr. Scortechni
- 1875-1884 – Fr. Scortechni visits the Coomera River on a 3 monthly circuit. Masses, baptisms funerals and weddings held at Siganto Home,Upper Coomera
- 1884-1891 Pastoral Care with Fr. Enright and Fr. O’Reilly
- 1884-1887 Fr. James Enright baptises in Coomera on his Circuit (he resides in Beaudesert)
- 1887-1891 Fr. Enright and his new assistant priest Fr. James O’Reilly baptise in Coomera on their circuits.
- 1888 Fundraising for new Church on the Coomera well underway (25/2/88 The Southern Queensland Bulletin)
- 1890 New Church at Upper Coomera
- 1892-1980 Part of New Southport Parish
- 1892 Logan Mission divided- Southport, a new parish including Upper Coomera Church and Beenleigh; Waterford part of Beaudesert Parish; Cleveland and Dunwich were attached to Brisbane
- 1935 Transfer of Upper Coomera Church to Oxenford
- 1980-1993 Part of new Runaway Bay Parish
- 1980 St Mary’s Church reopened after local working bees (after having been closed for nine years)
- 1993 Bishop Cuskelly (November 10th) invites Vincential Priests to establish Oxenford Pastoral area. Vincentians agree on November 15th RCIA begun locally Church ramp constructed
- Priest residence/office/meeting space rented in Helensvale (and later changed to rental at Oxenford until end of 1997)
- 1994-1997 Oxenford Pastoral Mission
- 1994 Fr Brian Spillane, Fr Bill Irwin, Sr Marie, Sr Fran Weekend masses increased from one to three
- Formation of mission leadership team ‘Vision’ Team
- Ministers Circle formed. Ecumenical Pastoral Group formed
- Care and Concern Group and Finance Group formed
- 1997 to present – Oxenford becomes a separate parish (December 1997)
- 1997 Gerry Hefferan is appointed Parish Priest November
- 1998 Parish office/residence moves to Xanadu, Upper Coomera in January
- 1998 Parish twins with Soibada parish in East Timor
- 1999 Establishment of St Mary’s St Vincent de Paul conference
- 2000 Sr Moira begins as Pastoral Associate
- 2001 Local Covenant signed May 20th with St Mary’s Catholic Community Oxenford, Gold Coast North Anglican Church, Apostolic Church Australia, Uniting Church Coomera – Helensvale Linked Congregations
- Opening of Jubilee Primary School
- 2005 Church building moved to the present Upper Coomera site
- Opening of Assisi Catholic College
- 2006 Opening of St Mary’s Child Care Centre (run by Centacare)
- 2007 Fr Patrick Lim appointed administrator in November 2007
- 2008 Fr Adrian Sharp appointed Parish Priest
- 2010 Fr Antony Vadakara appointed Parish Priest in August 2010
- 2016 Fr John Echewodo appointed Parish Priest in June 2016
St Mary’s Columbarium
Church Cremation
Christians have always treated the remains of their loved ones with the greatest reverence. By her constant practice of burying the departed, the Church affirms her belief in the resurrection of the body. This being the case, the Church permits cremation which was reinstated by Vatican Council II in 1962.
St Mary’s Columbarium
A columbarium consists of a number of niches wherein the ashes of the departed are reserved. It is available for parishioners, their family members and for those with ties to our Parish.
Upkeep and Access
To safeguard the dignity and honour of the deceased, the Parish will maintain the columbarium and its surrounds. The columbarium may be freely accessed at any time for prayer and meditation.
Pricing and Plaques
Niche (Single Urn) $1,900 (includes GST)
Memorial Plaque through Legacy Monuments Yatala Unit 8/38 computer Rd Yatala QLD 4207 – Plaque and Engraving at the Family Cost, depending on choice of words – Price advised at time of Plaque Proof.
A niche may be purchased when the family is planning for a loved one’s funeral or may be purchased when pre-planning your own funeral to take some logistical and financial stress off your family after your death.
For more information, please contact the Parish Office on 07 5558 0110.
St Mary’s Memorial Wall
Our Parish St Mary’s Memorial Wall is situated at the back of the Church, surrounded by nature. It is a wonderful way to honour and remember loved ones who may be resting in peace interstate or overseas.
Bronze plaques, to be placed on the Memorial Wall at the back of the church, may now be ordered.
A maximum of 5 lines included for each plaque.
- Plaque only: $500
- Plaque with vase: $600.
- Please contact the Parish Office on 07 5558 0110 to order.
Leadership Team
St Mary’s Leadership Team exists to achieve our parish Vision and Mission and to offer guidance and consultation to the Pastor on behalf of the parishioners
Coming Soon
Our Church
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Upper Coomera
Address: 185 Billinghurst Crescent, Upper Coomera QLD 4209
Office Hours : Monday to Friday: 9am – 2pm;
Telephone: 07 5558 0110
Parish Secretary: Kim Manouk
Email: [email protected]
JOIN A MINISTRY TODAY!
We are always looking for volunteers!
WHO WE ARE
If you are in Highschool years 7-12 Encounter is for you! Here at Encounter we want you to know that you BELONG. Encounter is a home for high schoolers at St Mary’s Parish, Coomera. It’s a place where students can connect with friends, faith filled leaders and encounter something and someone greater than themselves.
WHAT DOES ENCOUNTER LOOK LIKE?
Encounter will happen EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT of the school term from 6:30PM – 8:30PM. Join us for our Launch Night Term 1, Week 1. A night of games, great music, an engaging speaker and small groups.
Below are the latest Reading, Communion Ministers and Altar Server rosters.
St.Mary’s Coomera has an active St Vincent de Paul Society .
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 6.00 PM
Ministry Co-ordinator: Heather Murray
New members are always welcome and if you are interested in joining the SVDP please contact the Parish Office
Altar Server Ministry
About Us
The Altar Server Ministry is very active in St Mary’s. There are nearly always Altar Servers at every Weekend Mass. We aim for three Altar Servers at each Mass but this can vary. During school holidays when many are away we might have only one but there is always someone. On special occasions such as Easter we may have up to six. This Ministry is open to boys and girls who have received their Sacraments on Initiation. ie Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. At the end of the Sacramental Program each year all children are invited to be part of this Ministry.It is an excellent starting point for becoming part of Catholic Community Activities.Any child who has been part of the Sacramental Program from another parish is also invited to apply.
Throughout the Archdiocese of Brisbane – which is huge – St Mary’s is well-regarded for the number of Altar Servers and that we are able to retain them with a freely given commitment.
Contact the Parish office
Here are some of the main reasons for our success
TRAINING
Our Altar Servers thoroughly enjoy serving Jesus at Mass by helping Father Mauro.Our Altar Servers are trained mostly on the job – at Holy Mass – by more experienced Altar Servers, who themselves were trained under the same buddy system.Father Mauro takes an extreme interest in the training and welfare of our Altar Servers; this includes an explanation before Mass and then guided by the Altar Server Buddy.There is an archaic saying of throwing people in the deep end – exactly the opposite happens at St. Mary’s
FAMILY FRIENDLY ROSTER
We know that from time to time, kids get sick, just want to sleep, and then there are other members of the family to be considered both older and younger. So we have the Family Friendly Roster. A Draft Roster goes out on Tuesday evening and let us say your Altar Server is rostered for 9am Sunday Mass but you have Soccer training at that time; you email me back, and I will swap you around or put Mass duty on for another day that you suggest. On Thursday, I send out the same roster with all of the changes you and others have requested and this is the Confirmed Roster – one we actually go with.Then of course there are last minute hitches, accidents etc that can be expected from time to time. If you don’t get to Mass as rostered there is no drama.
RESPONSIBILITY
Our Altar Servers learn responsibility early with simple tasks such as robing themselves, ringing the bells at the correct time, and holding the book. Over a period of time, they become Leader at Mass which is an important part of the Mass and all of the Altar Servers work to get this recognition. Then next year, they teach the new Altar Servers.
INDUCTION AND TRAINING (2024-2025)
Update will be coming soon
Ministry of Social Justice & Relations
This ministry aims to support disadvantaged and marginalised groups in our community. We also continue to develop and sustain our relations with our sister church in East Timor
Ministry Co-ordinator: TBD
Please contact the parish office to register your interest in this Ministry.
Ministers of the Word
Ministers of the Word are those who are commonly referred to as readers but they are much more than that.You read a newspaper or a novel, you might read to your children. But with Ministers of the Word it is different. They are proclaiming the Word of God. This is God speaking to all of us….. This is what I believe The following is a copy of a document from The Liturgical Commission Of The Catholic Church
MINISTERS OF THE WORD
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40: 8) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119: 105) The Word of God endures, creates, gives life. The importance of scripture in liturgy was perhaps lost to some extent in the Catholic Church until the reforms of the second Vatican Council reminded us of its central place.“The Church has always venerated the Divine Scriptures just as she venerates the Body of the Lord.” (Dei Verbum 21)“Christ is present in his Word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy 7)The Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass spells out the link between scripture, faith and worship.“The preaching of the word is necessary for the sacramental ministry. For the sacraments are sacraments of faith and faith has its origin and sustenance in the word. The Church is nourished spiritually at the table of God’s word and at the table of the eucharist.” (LMI 10)
The only contact that many Catholics have with the living word of scripture occurs at Sunday Mass. It is vital that this encounter be a positive experience so that they will develop over time a “warm and living love of scripture”.
Those who are called to be readers at Mass, then, take on an important ministry. In fact they are not ‘readers’ at all. Almost everyone can read, but only some can effectively proclaim the word of God. Those people who serve the liturgical gathering by proclaiming the scriptures are best described as ‘Ministers of the Word’.
What is needed to someone to carry out this role effectively? The basic requirement is faith in the word of God. A reader must be someone with a love of scripture who believes that it is alive and active and gives guidance.
Readers must understand what they are reading in order to clearly convey the meaning of a passage to others. Such understanding is achieved by careful preparation, starting well before the person is scheduled to read. This involves reading the scripture passages through several times, slowly coming to grips with what the words are saying. Readers should also have access to a readers’ workbook or scripture commentary to assist them. Practising reading the passages aloud is another important aspect of the preparation process.
Finally, ministers of the word need to have the skills required for reading aloud in public, including a strong voice which can be projected clearly and the ability to use speech techniques such as pace, pause and pitch to give vitality and variety to their reading.
I am often asked by parishes to recommend resources for training their ministers of the word. It seems that not everyone has discovered the addition that was made to Break Open the Word, the preparation book for readers published by The Liturgical Commission in Brisbane, several years ago. In the back of the book are a number of Readers’ Formation pages covering topics such as the arrangement of the lectionary, reading skills and a model for preparation. This material may be used with groups of readers in a parish setting or by readers individually who wish to improve their understanding and skill.
The Word of God is proclaimed rather than just read, which involves the Minister reading the text in prayer and reflection beforehand, so that the Word is actively heard, rather than passively listened to by the Assembly. Training and resources are provided and a current Blue Card is required. New Ministers are welcome. Please contact the parish office to register your interest in this Ministry.
Extraordinary Communion Ministers
As the Ordinary Minister is the Priest or Deacon, extra lay parishioners are commissioned to distribute Holy Communion during Mass so that the Assembly can receive communion in an orderly and timely manner. Parishioners are invited to join this Ministry, are rostered on times that suit them and are provided with initial and ongoing formation and training. A current Blue Card is also required. Please contact the parish office to express your interest in joining this ministry.
Ministry Co-ordinator: Marie-Ann O’connor
Communion to the Sick
There are many sick parishioners, living in their own homes who are unable to get to Church. We would like to expand on our current number of Extraordinary Ministers who provide Communion and comfort to the housebound or those in residential care. Please contact the Parish Office to register your interest.
Ministry Co-ordinator: Marie-Ann O’connor
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place when children are led from the Sunday assembly and celebrate separately a Liturgy of the Word more appropriate to their level of understanding. This offers children an opportunity to see, hear, say and do worship at their own level, including eye level. The appropriate use of symbols, gestures, movement and music suitable for a child’s understanding can heighten the experience of the transcendent and mirrors what is happening in the main assembly.
How it works:
- Children are called by Father at the beginning of Mass for a blessing; then, they leave the congregation to gather in the Child Care Centre or the Chapel next door to celebrate and reflect on the Sunday Gospel with prayers, songs, and readings.
- The children will come back to Church and to their family in time for Communion.
Benefits:
- Children’s liturgy helps children understand the liturgy and the Word of God more deeply and at their level;
- It allows children to actively participate in the Sunday celebration through various activities;
- It also allows adults to participate at Mass without the distraction of having to care for their child/children.
All our volunteers who work with children have a blue card.
Takes as its inspiration Jesus’s prayer to the Father ‘May they all be one’ (John 17:21).
Over the last six decades the Movement has grown from a small community of around 500 in Trent, northern Italy, to a worldwide community of several hundred thousand people of all ages and backgrounds. It has also spread beyond the confines of the Roman Catholic Church, to many other Christian traditions, to other faiths and to people of goodwill who have no specific religious faith.
The Focolare Movement works to promote mutual understanding and respect through dialogue. This can take many forms, from the simple sharing of experiences between individuals, to large-scale international conferences. Whatever the level of the dialogue, the underlying principle is always love: which means openness to the other, getting to know them, and respecting them an their cultures and beliefs.
The Word of Life Group meets every 1st Thursday at 10 a.m. in the canteen.
Co-Ordinator : Sarah Gardner
Please Contact Us the parish office to register your interest in this Ministry.
Are you an adult who’d like to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) provides an avenue for adults to enter into the Catholic faith community. Our program provides Catholic classes and formation throughout the year. For more information, please reach out to our Parish Office (07) 5558 0110 or email us at [email protected].
This program is designed to help prepare adults for the welcoming of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism. Confirmation and First Communion). Whether you are interested in the program because you need to complete one or all of the Sacraments of Initiation OR you just want to learn more about the Catholic faith, we welcome you.
Please call the Parish Office at (07) 5558 0110 or contact us at [email protected] for more details and to make arrangements to enrol in the RCIA Program.
Weekly 2-minute homily
Archdiocese of Brisbane
Our Church
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Upper Coomera
Address: 185 Billinghurst Crescent, Upper Coomera QLD 4209
Office Hours : Monday to Friday: 9am – 2pm;
Telephone: 07 5558 0110
Parish Secretary: Kim Manouk
Email: [email protected]