After 15 months of hammers, hard hats and heritage renovations, a 163-year-old church has sprung back to life.

St Brigid’s Raymond Terrace reopened its doors on Sunday 10 August, officially welcoming back parishioners who were eagerly awaiting the occasion.

“Bishop Michael Kennedy celebrated Mass for us and blessed the seven new stained-glass windows,” Parish Priest, Fr Joyce Sebastian Victor said.

“More than 200 people came along, including the Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington and Port Stephens Council member, Giacomo Arnott.

“We’re so excited to have reopened the church, we’ve all been waiting for quite some time, and a lot of effort was put into the renovations.

“Our church will soon again be used for the Eucharistic and Liturgical Celebrations and also for the sacraments, like weddings, funerals and children’s journeys like First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Those who would like become members of the Church a [Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults] RCIA journey will begin from 19^th August onwards.

“Our parishioners have been very patient and praying for this project.

“I would like to thank them for their contributions, prayers, wishes and support. I would also like to thank everyone who was involved, members of the parish finance committee, diocesan office, Bishop Michael and the late Bishop Bill Wright for granting approvals and supporting our journey.”

The project involved extensive restoration, including roof flashing, guttering, downpipes and ceiling repairs, external conservation, seven new stained-glass windows, painting, electrical upgrades, and updated security measures.

It’s something Fr Joyce says will help the church continue to serve the community well into the future.

“We wanted to preserve the church, it is 163 years old and the work we as a Parish have done will protect it for many years,” he said.

“Everything is a gift from God, and this church is so important for people, it’s a place where they can pray and participate in Liturgical or Eucharistic celebrations.

“It is also a place we can come together and strengthen our faith.”

Bishop Michael Kennedy says he is so proud of what the parish community has achieved.

“It is a joy to see St Brigid’s restored so beautifully and to witness the community’s hard work and commitment,” he said.

“This remarkable effort reflects the deep love and pride parishioners have for their church.

“I am confident it will continue to be a place where faith is nurtured, celebrated and lived for generations to come.”

Each of the new stained-glass windows depict the Luminous Mysteries, showing key events from Jesus’ public ministry and reflecting moments of light and revelation. They were funded by seven individual donors who paid for the stain glass work.

“Every contribution we have had, big or small, is so appreciated,” Fr Joyce said.

“So many people have played a part in making this happen and we are very grateful.”

Since its establishment in 1862, St Brigid’s has stood at the heart of the local Catholic community, welcoming generations of parishioners. The church is dedicated to St. Brigid of Kildare, an Irish saint known for her generosity and devotion, inspiring the parish to live out her example of faith and service.