A neglected corner of St Mary's Parish has become a focal point for faith, friendship and service, as parishioners worked together to create Our Lady's Devotions & Delights, a new devotional shop for the Echuca community.

The idea came to the fore after the Easter Vigil. Members of the parish, especially Young Adult Ministry members, embraced a shared vision to transform an unused kiosk into a welcoming space for celebrations and for parishioners to access devotional items and to help deepen their faith. Over the following weeks, planning meetings, working bees and prayerful discernment brought the project to life.

The project progressed steadily through April and May with restoration work, painting, landscaping, cleaning and sourcing of devotional items. During a Young Adult Fellowship gathering on 7 May, participants discerned a name for the shop: Our Lady's Devotions and Delights.

While the shop itself is a visible sign of the parish's efforts, parishioners say the project was equally about building community. Working together towards a common goal created opportunities for new friendships, strengthened existing relationships and helped unite people around a shared vision for parish life.

The parish has expressed its gratitude to the Young Adult Ministry and the many volunteers who contributed their time, talents and prayers. Special thanks were also extended to Fr Novie Lim for his support, encouragement and spiritual guidance throughout the project.

“What began as a simple inspiration became a beautiful message of Resurrection for us — that through God’s grace, old things can be renewed and brought back to life for His greater glory. Guided by the Holy Spirit and dedicated lovingly to Mama Mary, this mission slowly came to life step by step,” wrote the Parish on their Facebook page.

Our Lady's Devotions and Delights was officially blessed on Pentecost Sunday, marking the culmination of a project that has brought together faith, fellowship and service in the life of the parish.