Six decades, one mission: St Mary’s celebrates Monsignor Peter Jeffrey’s diamond jubilee

St Mary’s Primary School recently rolled out the spiritual red carpet for its Parish Priest, Monsignor Peter Jeffrey, celebrating his diamond jubilee as an ordained priest with a mass held in his honour.

As described by principal Anthony Butts, Monsignor Jeffrey is nothing short of “a remarkable man”, having etched his imprint on countless hearts, schools and, indeed, the wider fabric of the Greater Shepparton community.

“We had a special mass in his honour,” Mr Butts said.

And it wasn’t just any mass — this service came with a slideshow filled with images of Monsignor Jeffrey, as envisioned and hand-drawn by the students.

“He’s a remarkable man; he’s been involved in many, many Catholic schools over the last 30 years,” Mr Butts said.

“He’s much respected not just in the Catholic Church, but also in the wider community.”

Monsignor Jeffrey is more than a prominent figure; he’s a unifying force in Greater Shepparton.

“He’s well known for embracing other cultures and other faiths,” Mr Butts said.

His legacy, however, is arguably most potent in the primary school itself, where he is a familiar face, always eager to engage with the students.

“He’s often in the school doing mass and celebrating the sacraments with the kids,” Mr Butts said.

“He also does the first communion and confirmation.”

It is clear that in Monsignor Jeffrey, St Mary’s Primary School has not just a priest but a true spiritual superhero.

After all, not all heroes wear capes — some wear cassocks.