The Parish of Our Lady and St Therese Essendon

The Parish of Our Lady and St Therese Essendon is a Catholic community located in Essendon, Victoria, Australia. It operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the spiritual growth and religious practice of its members through worship, service, education, and outreach activities.

Overview

Established for more than ninety years, the parish serves as a vibrant community hub for Catholics in the Essendon area. Its core activities revolve around the practice of the Catholic faith, including celebrating Mass, administering the seven sacraments, and venerating the Virgin Mary and saints. The parish nurtures a contemplative and hospitable environment guided by Gospel values and a commitment to service[2][4].

Mission and Vision

The parish aspires to be a hospitable and compassionate community with a contemplative heart. Its vision is enlivened by the Holy Spirit, treasuring Catholic traditions while embracing God’s dream through hope and trust. The parish aims to carry God's love through service to all, fostering a welcoming environment where talents, creativity, and hospitality are valued among parishioners[2].

Core Activities and Ministries

The Parish of Our Lady and St Therese Essendon focuses on several key areas to fulfill its purpose:

• Prayers and Worship: Regular liturgical celebrations, including Mass and sacramental ceremonies.
• Service and Outreach: Engagement in community service initiatives reflecting the compassion and charity of the Gospel.
• Education and Faith Formation: Programs aimed at deepening the faith and knowledge of parish members through catechesis, youth engagement, and adult education[2][4].

Community and Heritage

The parish celebrates a rich tapestry of relationships and ministries, fostering both formal and informal networks among its members. It acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which its churches stand, honoring their ongoing connection to the land and community[2].

Child and Vulnerable Adult Safety

The parish maintains a strong commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults within its community, aligning with contemporary safeguarding principles[2].

Governance and Structure

Operating under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 79260173869RR0001, the parish functions as a registered nonprofit religious organization. Its activities are in accordance with the broader Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne’s guidelines and oversight[4].

Location and Presence

The parish is centered around St Therese’s Church in Essendon and maintains an active web presence to communicate news, events, and parish information to its community members[1][3].

This parish represents a longstanding presence in the Essendon area, dedicated to sustaining Catholic worship, community life, and charitable outreach within a framework guided by faith and tradition.

[1] https://www.essendoncatholic.org.au [2] https://www.essendoncatholic.org.au/our-parish/welcome/ [3] https://www.stthereses.org.au/news-events/latest-news/ [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/975b80a7-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [5] http://pol.org.au/essendonwest/ParishTeam.aspx