100 years and going strong

The Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
Situated in Springs Extension, the church has been one of the cornerstones of Catholicism in the East Rand since 1920.
It had humble beginnings, but grew rapidly as Springs itself began to blossom.
The first building was a corrugated iron shed, bought second-hand from a recently closed-down mine in Germiston, and the majority of the parishioners were miners passing through the town.

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In 1936, the present building was built to accommodate an ever-expanding Catholic community.
A large influx of immigrants from Europe, especially Portugal and Spain, allowed the church to grow rapidly, with an additional church being built in Selcourt in 1974.
Over the many years, many immigrants from neighbouring African countries who came to South Africa to work as miners were practicing Catholics as well.

The Dominican order (priests and nuns) have therefore played an extremely important role in the lives of the Springs community over the last century.
They are especially dedicated and passionate with their involvement in parish ministry, mission work, teaching and community projects.

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The church also offers a feeding scheme which was especially essential during the lockdown.
In addition, Father Martin Badenhorst offers marriage preparation courses.
The church also provides grief counselling sessions.
After a century of steady growth, the church is proud to continue to serve the people of Springs.

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