BARDON parishioners fought back tears when they attended weekend Masses for the last time at two of their churches on November 19-20, but they hope it will make their community even stronger.
The final Sunday Mass was celebrated at St Paul’s, Rainworth on Saturday night and St Bernard’s, Bardon on Sunday morning.
Bardon Parish Pastoral Council chairman David Anderson said it was an emotional time for parishioners.
“There were a few tears,” he said.
“But a lot of people see it as a chance to move on and unite the parish.”
St Mary Magdalen, Bardon will be the only church in the parish to remain open.
Mr Anderson said the changes had come about due to several factors, including a decline in the number of priests, the changing demographics in the inner western suburbs of Brisbane and a fall in Mass attendances.