Farewell brings new pastoral direction

PARISHIONERS from Holland Park-Mt Gravatt Parish bid farewell to their pastoral director Ursuline Sister Kari Hatherell on September 15.
Sr Hatherell worked in the parish for nine years, in a role established by Archbishop John Bathersby in 2005 when the then parish priest Fr John Nee retired.
As the primary leader of the parish, Sr Hatherell worked with several priests to celebrate the sacraments, including parish sacramental minister Fr Vince Hobbs.
Sr Hatherell said such a unique parish circumstance was a “wonderful experience”, made easier by the “welcoming and open” nature of the parishioners.
“It was modeling a different way of being a parish,” she said.
Sr Hatherell will take a break for two months before planning the next phase of her life.
“This role is one that I’m incredibly grateful for, but it is time for me to move on,” she said.
Janet Wigan and Mario Bono organised Sr Hatherell’s farewell and said she was an example of “servant leadership”.
“She taught us new ways to hear God’s word through the scriptures, celebrate our faith through liturgy and practice our faith through outreach into the community,” they said.
The parish acknowledged the various changes Sr Hatherell made in the parish, including building the parish centres and offices, the institution of the Mary MacKillop Shrine at St Joachim’s, and the Holy Family Shrine and new baptistery in St Agnes’.
Sr Hatherell thanked Archbishop Bathersby, the priests, the parish team, school communities, and all the Holland Park and Mt Gravatt parishioners.
Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Father Joseph Thottankara will be installed as the new parish priest in January.