Community & Business
7 August, 2026
St. Stephen’s marks 110 years
St. Stephen's School celebrated 110 years of Catholic education in Pittsworth on Sunday.
Nearly 150 past and present students, teachers and staff were welcomed to St. Stephen’s Church for Mass at 8.30am with Most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell of the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba presiding.
Bishop Howell said the school had left a lasting legacy in Pittsworth.
“May St. Stephen’s School continue to be a place of faith, learning and service, as it has been for 110 years,” he said.
Students assisted with the anniversary service as Readers and with the Prayers of the Faithful.
Bishop Howell preached on the miracle in the Bible of Jesus using five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of more than 5,000.
He then recited verses from chapter eight of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, and reflected on the comfort it gives to people of the Christian faith.
After the formalities concluded, morning tea was held in the Mary MacKillop Hall at St. Stephen’s School where many memories were shared amongst former students.
Bishop Howell cut the anniversary cake alongside School Captains Erin Fuhlbohm and Patrick Martyr.
Principal Janine Butlin recognised the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who established the school in Pittsworth in 1916.
“We acknowledge the dedication of the Sisters of St. Joseph, priests, educators, families, and community members whose faith, vision and hard work have built the school we know and love today,” Mrs Butlin said.
“As we honour our past, we also celebrate the vibrant school community we are today and look forward with hope and confidence for the future.
“On a personal note, this occasion is particularly special for me, as a former student of St. Stephen’s I have many treasured memories of my time here... to now serve as Principal during this significant milestone is both a privilege and an honour, and it gives me a deep appreciation for the legacy we celebrate together,” she said.
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity, Katie Horne, thanked Bishop Howell and Parish Priest Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy for their spiritual guidance, and acknowledged those in attendance who have been part of the story of St. Stephen’s School.
“We are honoured to have with us today many past staff members, former students and their families, whose lives and contributions were an important part of our school’s rich history,” Mrs Horne said.
In a reflection of unity among the Christian Churches in Pittsworth, Mrs Butlin read a letter of congratulations from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
“On behalf of the Lutheran community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to St. Stephen’s Catholic School as you celebrate 110 years of Catholic education, faith and service,” she recited.
“As fellow Christians, we give thanks for the many ways your school has shared the Gospel through education and formed generations of students in the love of Christ.”
“Your anniversary is not only a celebration of the past but also an opportunity to look forward with confidence to the future God has prepared for your school community."
A special guest on the day was Sister Diane Phillips of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
Sister Di lived at Brookstead many years ago, and her parents were regular parishioners at St. Stephen’s Church.
She entered the Order from the Pittsworth Parish in 1965.
During her time in Pittsworth, she started the Mary MacK-illop Club which is still operating today at the school.
The club facilitates acts of charity, fulfilling Mary MacKillop’s mission of doing good works for others with a grateful heart.
Sister Di said although the religious order currently has an ageing population, there are about 60 Sisters in Queensland, and over 200 in Australia and New Zealand.
Many memories were shared over morning tea by former students, including Lloyd Cronin who remembered the trenches at the school in Weale Street.
They had been constructed during the Second World War in the event of an air raid.
Mr Cronin recalled his first and last teachers were Sister Lucille and Sister Bonaventure, respectively.
In his final words of encouragement to those in attendance, Bishop Howell reflected on the importance of remaining true to the Christian faith under God’s guidance.
“The important thing is to foster an open and trusting heart,” he said.
“If we keep ourselves tapped into this then faith realities will shine through.
“In times of experiencing difficulties for the faith or just trying to live it within the complexities of modern living, it will never be a problem, as God will use it all to transform us, the meagre “five loaves and two fish” of our lives, into nourishment aplenty,” Bishop Howell said.
