A year of preparation was put into pulling the celebration together and it was marked in fine fashion with hundreds attending a variety of events from Saturday through to Monday afternoon.

Armidale Bishop Michael Kennedy led parishioners in a thanksgiving mass on Monday, concelebrated by 18 priests from across the region.

Event co-ordinator Julie Greentree poured plenty of effort and sleepless nights into organising the weekend’s event.

“We spent 12-months organising and it seemed like it was gone in a flash,” she said.

Despite suffering a cardiac arrest and being placed in a coma earlier in the year, Julie said the process hadn’t been stressful.

Julie and a specially convened organising committee were eager for their plans to come to fruition.

“There was great commitment – we didn’t have to chase anybody. Everyone was happy to be involved.

“It was made so much easier because people loved what they were doing and are committed to the church,” she said.

As well as organising a huge event the committee also managed to research, write and publish a 38 page history of St Mary’s Parish.

The book documents the early days and foundation of the parish through to giving a detailed account of each 23 priests to have serviced the church.

Julie said it was made easier with some research having already been undertaken for the 1965 church centenary.

An open day at St Joseph’s Primary School commenced the three days of commemoration with past teachers, principals, sisters and students looking over memorabilia pieced together for the day.

An organ recital and poetry rendition was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour church on Saturday followed by the Monday mass.

Most Reverend Michael Kennedy jumped at the chance to lead celebrations, having just returned from America where he was in attendance for Pope Francis’ visit.

“It was worth every bit of time and effort,” Julie said.