Parish

Faith Across the Torres Strait

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Thursday Island, is the central worship and gathering place for the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Thursday Island. The parish is a living, active faith community that serves people across the Torres Strait, bringing together families, students, and elders in worship, sacramental life, and community support. It is a place where faith is expressed through strong relationships, regular liturgy, and a shared commitment to living out the Gospel in daily life.

The parish extends well beyond Thursday Island to include the communities of Hammond Island and Horn Island. Parish life is shaped by this island connection, with clergy and lay leaders moving between communities to celebrate Mass, support school and family life, and provide pastoral care. Each island contributes to the life of the parish, creating a strong network of faith that is both practical and deeply relational.

At its heart, the parish is about people and presence. It supports local schools, accompanies families through key moments of life, and fosters a sense of belonging rooted in Catholic faith and Torres Strait Islander culture. The parish continues to grow as a community of welcome, service, and shared faith, where worship and everyday life are closely connected across the islands.