Celebrating 160 Years of Lyttelton Catholic Faith since 1865
St Joseph’s The Worker Lyttelton - Parish and School
Special Invitation To You All To Join Us this Labour Weekend
This year marks 160 years since our beloved Church opened our doors for the first time in 1865 to support our Lyttelton Catholic faith along with two supporting schools, St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Primary created by our loving Sisters of Mercy. Our parish in Lyttelton was established 22 years before the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch was officially recognized so our Church and Parish was one of the oldest in New Zealand.
Sadly though our School closed in 2008 and after three destructive earthquakes our beloved Church was completely destroyed and eventually our Parish was closed down with the final Mass celebrated on our sacred (but deconsecrated) ground with five priests on the 23rd May 2021.
So after all of this our St Joseph’s spirit and flame still shines brightly supported by many generational catholic families with this DNA and strong faith passed onto all current families connected with our St Joseph’s family.
To celebrate our 160th Anniversary we now call on and invite all past Parishioners, School Pupils, Teachers and all those connected with St Joseph’s Lyttelton to join us for a special day of celebrations.
Saturday 25th October 2025 – Dedication Mass followed by Dinner, Speeches, Cake Cutting and Dancing
3.00pm St Joseph’s 160th Dedication Mass at St Anne’s, Ferry Road, Woolston
4.30pm Arrive at Lyttelton Top Club (now Armadillos) for drinks and a yarn, dinner available between 5.30pm and 7.30pm from restaurant followed by speeches at 8pm and cake cutting.
Our Dedication Mass will be celebrated by two of our last St Joseph’s Priests namely Father Denis Nolan, Father Dan Doyle (both now retired) supported by Father Jim Consedine if available depending on health challenges.
TO REGISTER – please email our dedicated email address – sjlyttelton160@gmail.com to confirm your attendance and we will send you registration form with all details including meal options for catering purposes. Please pass on this invite to all of your older family and friends not on social media. We very much look forward to all of you joining us but need your help please to spread the word. Check our Facebook Page – St Joseph’s Lyttelton (Parish & School)
