St Mary’s, Nerriga: A Hidden Gem of Faith and History

Tucked away in the quiet village of Nerriga lies a hidden gem of spiritual, historical, and architectural significance — St Mary’s Help of Christians War Memorial Catholic Church.

Blessed and opened on 31 March 1957, this unique rural church plays a vital role in the life of the community and is part of a bold new vision to reinvigorate Nerriga for the future.

Constructed through the generous contributions of both Catholic and non-Catholic donors, the church is dedicated to the memory of servicemen from both World Wars. It features beautifully crafted Australian maple furnishings and rare rough cast glass windows with hand-engraved diamonds using the brilliant cut technique — a traditional skill that is now increasingly difficult to find.

Local community member and descendant of a pioneering family, Rex Kennedy, described the church as “historically significant and sacred” – an enduring symbol of resilience and community spirit in the Southern Tablelands.

In a recent collaborative effort, St Mary’s joined forces with other local groups to develop a master plan aimed at upgrading Nerriga’s infrastructure. The plan forms the basis of a federal grant application to help secure a more resilient and vibrant future for the village.

As part of the Braidwood St Bede’s Parish, the church holds services throughout the year. The annual St Patrick’s Day Mass is a cherished tradition. It is celebrated by the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), Nowra Branch, and many members have long-standing ties to Nerriga.

On 19 March 2025, the CWL held their annual celebration at St Mary’s, led by Father Sijo Jose, the new parish priest for Braidwood and Bungendore. Previously, the service had been celebrated by Monsignor Pat Faherty of Nowra.

CWL Nowra President, Katherine Brandon, reflected on the event, saying, “Celebrating Mass in the church is certainly a highlight each year.”

That connection deepened in 2020, when the CWL made their first trip to Nerriga after the devastating bushfires. Social secretary Gwen Batchelor was the driving force behind the visit, which helped foster a lasting bond between the CWL and the local community.

After this year’s Mass, the group gathered at the Nerriga Hotel for a hearty lunch.

“We are always made most welcome,” said Katherine.

“We love Nerriga and the Nerriga people — a little town with a big heart.”

Located just under two hours from Canberra, Nerriga is an ideal destination for community groups seeking a meaningful day trip.

Those within the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn interested in arranging a similar visit are encouraged to contact Josette Allester on 0419 427 166.

St Mary’s church services will be held in 2025 on the first Sunday of August, November, and December at 11am. Travellers are warmly invited to stop in and experience the heart and hospitality of Nerriga.