The Holy Eucharist Catholic Church St Albans South is a nonprofit religious organization and parish located in St Albans South, Victoria, Australia. Established in 1972, it serves as a spiritual home to a diverse and multicultural community of Catholics in the area, reflecting a commitment to inclusiveness and hospitality under the motto "We welcome the stranger."[1][2][5]

History

The parish was officially established in 1972, with the inaugural Mass held on 19 March 1972, despite the church building still being under construction at the time. The church was designed to accommodate over 450 parishioners, anticipating the growth of the St Albans South suburb. A month later, Archbishop James Knox blessed the church, parish hall, presbytery, and religious instruction center.[5]

Given that there was no local Catholic school initially, the parish took an active role in religious education by employing Sister Eugenius, a Josephite Sister, to teach religious instruction in local state schools. This outreach included up to 13 weekly classes for children in grades 3 to 6. In April 1975, Holy Eucharist Parish Primary School was opened, staffed by the Sisters of Mercy, further expanding the parish's commitment to education within the community.[5]

Community and Mission

Holy Eucharist Parish serves a large and culturally diverse population, including Maltese, Samoan, Filipino, Sudanese, and Vietnamese communities, united in their faith as "One in Christ."[2] The parish emphasizes Gospel values, mission, and service, particularly through outreach programs such as the Loaves & Fishes Foodbank, which assists hundreds of people weekly, including home-bound individuals.[1]

The parish upholds a family-oriented community where everyone is welcome, fostering inclusiveness and hospitality. It operates alongside various institutions like a parish school, hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons, illustrating its broad social mission.[2]

Religious Practice

The parish follows Catholic religious practices centered around the Mass, the seven sacraments, and the veneration of the Virgin Mary and the saints. A notable devotional presence is the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which draws thousands of people seeking spiritual solace and hope, reinforcing the parish's role as a place of restoration and community[1][4].

Education

Holy Eucharist Primary School is an integral part of the parish, known for its strong academic reputation and weekly participation in the parish Mass during the school term. The school is an extension of the parish’s mission to nurture faith and learning in a community context.[2]

Leadership

Fr. Vincent Long Pham, CSsR, serves as the Parish Priest, guiding the community in faith and service.[2]

The Holy Eucharist Catholic Church St Albans South continues to be a significant religious and community institution in Melbourne's west, embodying its commitment to faith, education, and social outreach.[1][2][5]

[1] https://www.holyeuchariststalbans.org [2] https://cssr.org.au/holy-eucharist-parish-of-saint-albans-south/ [3] https://melbournecatholic.org/directory/parishes/holy-eucharist-st-albans-south [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/9268c4de-2daf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [5] https://melbournecatholic.org/news/holy-eucharist-st-albans-south-celebrates-50-years