Dennis Flynn, January 20 2001
There is a common tendency to associate any parish with the buildings it provides, namely it’s church, it’s hall, and, until recently, it’s school. This may be a useful reminder of the tangible assets of the organization, but it only scratches the surface of the real wealth of that particular parish. Indeed, while several fine buildings exist in Immaculate Conception Parish nestled on the oceanfront in scenic Conception Bay, Newfoundland, the greatest resource of this small region has always been its people. They were the impetus behind the birth of Immaculate Conception Parish and continue to be its lifeblood today.
A brief history of the parish by the late schoolmaster Lawrence J. Whelan notes that from 1884 until 1948 Colliers was a mission of nearby Conception Harbour. In 1948 the numerous petitions of people from the area were granted and Colliers was elevated to the status of a parish by His Excellency Bishop J.M. O’Neill. Shortly afterwards the first parish priest, Father Thomas D. O’Neill came to Colliers on August 04 1948 and commenced construction of new parish buildings almost immediately.
By Christmas of 1948 a new three-room school on the ridge had been completed. This was followed by the construction of a new large hall and a rectory in preparation for the largest building scheme of them all, a new church. The former church building was over 80 years old at this point and was demolished to make way for the new structure. With the cooperation of all parishioners the new church was erected in what seems to be a remarkable time frame given the tools and techniques of the day. All during the winter men from Colliers went into the woods and provided free labour to cut logs at Salmonier line. The ladies of the parish were also extremely supportive by organizing the many garden parties and other socials to raise the money necessary to cover the expenses of such an undertaking. It was truly a team effort in every aspect.
For the record, the actual construction of the church started in April of 1954 and the first mass was celebrated in the new church on September 12 1954, which is a testament to the dedication that Father O’Neill and the parishioners had to the task at hand. Another example of the respect with which Father O’Neill was held is that it is often mentioned that when he died on April 07, 1956, all bills of the parish were paid off and the books were some $700 to the good. In fact, tourists who visit Colliers today can stop just outside the church and see a handsome shrine dedicated to “Our Lady of Fatima” that was erected by the people of Colliers in memory of Father O’Neill.
The parish has been fortunate to have been served by a succession of equally fine pastors over the years and they are listed below. Suffice it to say that the efforts of all of them are duly recognized and appreciated. The current parish priest is Father Michael Barker
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Priests Who Have
Served In Immaculate Conception Parish, Colliers, Newfoundland 1948-2001 |
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Dates of Service |
Name |
|
|
|
|
1948-1956 |
Rev. Thomas D.O.’Neill |
|
1956-1959 |
Rev. Leo Walsh, O.S.B |
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1959 |
Rev. J.R. Hawco |
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1960-1964 |
Rev. Stephen St.Croix |
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1964-1966 |
Rev. R.T. Woodford |
|
1966-1974 |
Rev. F.J. Terry |
|
1974-1979 |
Rev. P.J. McCarthy |
|
1979-1982 |
Rev. G.B. Pumphery |
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1982-1983 |
Rev. J.
Punnakunnel |
|
1983-1984 |
Rev. G.B. Pumphery |
|
1984-1991 |
Rev. F.J. Terry |
|
1991-1998 |
Rev. David W. Heale |
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1998-2000 |
Rev. Michael Ryan |
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2000-2001 |
Rev. Michael Barker |
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|
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Today Immaculate Conception has a very active Pastoral Council, Board of Administration, Youth Group and general population at large that all work diligently to ensure the good works of the Parish continues to take place well into the new millennium. Over 52 years since it’s inception, the people of Immaculate Conception enjoy the fruits of the ingenuity and effort of those first parishioners while striving to build on their legacy.