MARY OF GALILEE, THE FIRST DISCIPLE CHURCH, ALDINGA

Mary of Galilee, the First Disciple Church at the corner of Quinliven and How Roads, Aldinga was opened in March, 2009. It is situated on the grounds of the new Galilee Learning Centre, which currently caters for primary-aged children.

The Aldinga Catholic community began to celebrate Mass in the Butterworth Road kindergarten in the early 1980s, with parishioners seated on kindy chairs.

Building of the first Galilee Church on Quinliven Road, Aldinga Beach commenced on 1 September, 1984. It was originally built by the Lutheran community of Aldinga / Port Willunga and opened on 20 January, 1985 by Dr C I Koch. The Catholic community accepted an invitation from the Lutheran community to use the Galilee Church and Mass was celebrated there from the late 1980s to 2006.

Early in 2002 negotiations began to purchase the building, as it was becoming a financial burden to the owners. The Church was transferred to the Willunga Catholic Parish on October 1, 2002. It was dedicated by Archbishop Philip Wilson on 17 April, 2004. The Lutheran community continued to share the building. When dedicated the Church was renamed Mary of Galilee, the First Disciple. Parishioners were asked for suggestions for the name, with most being clear that 'Galilee' remain in the title in respect for the connection with the Lutheran community
and the characteristics of the area.

In 2006 the building was sold so the present Galilee site could be developed for both school and Church - the next stage in the Catholic presence in Aldinga and an ongoing link with our history through the 'Galilee' name.

Photos of the development of the current Mary of Galilee, the First Discple Church can be viewed in the Parish Photo Album.