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| M A R Y I MM A C U L AT E PA R I S H E AG L E VA L E
O
n 1 October 1982, Frs John Coakley and
Tony Maher arrived at 33 Norman Crescent,
Claymore to start the beginnings of a newOblate
Parish. We arrived at a rather dingy and small
housing commission home which the Fathers
were to use for the next six and a half years.
The primary tasks during those early years,
was visitation, getting to know the people,
and we did plenty of that, in fact up to 4 hours
a day during the week. There was no cook
or housekeeper. The Fathers looked after
themselves and things were ordinary and
simple.
But what remained withme from those early
years, was the friendliness of the people.
Families were so welcoming and filled with
hospitality and kindness. We didn’t have a cook,
but we ate out so often and made wonderful
friendships. Overall the Claymore/Eagle
F R OM T H E E A R L Y DAY S
Vale community was close and caring. We
enjoyed one another’s company and socialised
often. I still have great friendships from those
early years and cherishmy first 4 ½ years of
priesthood at Mary Immaculate Parish.
In 1986 the school came and with it the Hall/
Church which became our Mass Centre. We grew
slowly, but always maintained that close friendly
spirit. For me they were good years, in fact, some
of the best years as an Oblate priest.
I can certainly look back and thank God and the
people for so many happy memories.
Today, I congratulate the Mary Immaculate
community for the 25 years of the parish; and
the 30 years of the school. May you continue to
grow as a community of love and care and reach
out to those who most need our presence and
comfort. Well done Mary Immaculate!
Fr TonyMaher OMI
Assistant Priest 1982-1984
memories