The church began preparations for the centenary almost nine years ago, readying for a celebration on July 11 2021, exactly 100 years since this chapter of the church began. COVID since forced them to delay the major celebration to September, however they held a smaller event to launch a historical book.

While the event was forced to be smaller than many would have liked, it was livestreamed so members of the parish who weren't able to attend could still enjoy.

The book was compiled over several years and edited by Zita Denholm, who said she wasn't quite sure what she was getting into.

"I thought I was just doing some proofreading and touching up, I liken it to receiving a pillowcase full of scrap fabric and being asked to turn it into a quilt," she joked in a short speech.

Ms Denholm said that the daunting task was well worth the effort and described it as a privilege.

"I'm from Wagga so I'm an outsider ... my joy is having delivered a really top job and having made some new friends."

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Father Andrew Grace led the congregation in a number of prayers and shared some of his personal favourite stories found in the book. Most centred around Father O'Dea, the first of the 68 priests that have delivered mass in the church.

"I'm very happy, under the circumstances. It is a historic moment, but it's the entree to the main meal. September 19^th will be the big celebration," Father Grace said.

Lucy Edwards was one of the key historians collecting information for the book, and described it as an incredible task.

"It was a wild ride but the last twelve months especially. There was a lot of pressure but I've got the motivation. I love history so this was my alley. I found out a lot of new things."

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