Parish Development – August 1971
Development of the Holy Eucharist Parish commenced in August 1971. The new parish had been
initiated in late 1970 by Fr John O’Reilly, with Fr Anthony Guelen appointed to oversee the
parish development and serve as the founding Parish Priest.
First Mass – 19 March 1972
On 19 March 1972, Fr Anthony Guelen celebrated the first Mass in St Albans South from a
makeshift platform inside the near-completed church building. Offered for the parishioners of the
new parish, the Mass drew approximately 200 people, comfortably accommodated within a
church designed to seat 450 worshippers.
Although several unfinished elements delayed the commencement of Mass, including missing
windows, lighting, and an altar platform, the vision for the future was unmistakable. The church
had been built to serve the growing Catholic community of St Albans South for generations to
come.
Fr Guelen was assisted by Mr Peter Alexander, a seminarian in his second year at Corpus Christi
College, while the Epistle was read by Mr Noel Hayward. The altar, seating, and furnishings had
been sourced from Oak Park.
Blessing of the Church/Parish Centre – 30 April 1972
On 30 April 1972, parishioners gathered at Oleander Drive, St Albans South, for the official
blessing of the new Holy Eucharist Church. Archbishop J. R. Knox blessed the church hall,
Religious Instruction Centre, and presbytery before presiding over a concelebrated Mass of
thanksgiving. Joining him at the altar were Fr Anthony Guelen, Fr Conrad Reis, and Fr John
O’Reilly.
First Deacon Appointed – 1972
Rev. Ray Whitehouse became the first Deacon appointed to the parish, serving from 27
November to 26 December 1972. His ministry included visiting parishioners in their homes and
assisting in the celebration of the Eucharist.
During the same year, seminarians Peter Alexander and Eugene McKinnon from Corpus Christi
College, Glen Waverley, undertook pastoral work within the parish. They assisted with
Confirmation classes and helped lead the parish youth club.
Appointment of Religious Coordinator – January 1973
In January 1973, Sister Eugenius RSJ (later known as Sister Eugenia), a Josephite Sister from St
Joseph’s Convent, St Albans, was appointed Religious Coordinator for the parish. As the
demands of Religious Instruction in local state schools increased, Sister Eugenia worked
alongside Fr Guelen to support Catholic education in the community.
Together they taught thirteen weekly classes across St Albans Heights State School and St
Albans South, providing Religious Instruction to students from Grades 3 to 6.
Visit of the Future Pope and Saint – February 1973
Between 18 and 25 February 1973, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, who would later become Pope and
Saint John Paul II, visited Melbourne. On Wednesday, 21 February 1973, Cardinal Wojtyła
presided over a liturgical celebration at Sacred Heart Church. Fr Reis, Fr Guelen, Fr O’Reilly,
and J. Van Suylen also participated in the service.
The Cardinal addressed the congregation in English and also spoke a few words in Polish before
meeting parishioners afterwards in the Y.C.W. Hall. At the time, few could have imagined that
this visiting Cardinal would one day become both Pope and Saint John Paul II.
Official Opening and Blessing of Holy Eucharist School – 19 April 1975
On 19 April 1975, Holy Eucharist School was officially opened by Fr F. Martin, Director of the
Victorian Catholic Education Office. The Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Rev. Frank Little,
formally blessed the school.
The convent that housed the Sisters of Mercy, who led and staffed the school, was also blessed
during the celebrations.
Blessing and Dedication of the New Church – 2 October 1982
As the parish community continued to grow, Fr Anthony Guelen and the parishioners recognised
the need for a larger church to serve the expanding congregation of Holy Eucharist Parish. Plans
were developed for the construction of a new church on the corner of Oleander Drive and
Chedgey Drive, St Albans South.
The church was designed by architect Max Chester, with construction undertaken by H. F.
Yuncken Pty Ltd.
On 2 October 1982, the new church was officially dedicated by the Archbishop of Melbourne,
the Most Reverend T. F. Little D.D., marking a significant milestone in the history and growth of
the parish community.
Blessing of the Church Extension – 21 December 2013
On 21 December 2013, Archbishop Denis Hart presided over Mass and blessed the newly
renovated church extension. The project included an expanded foyer and upgraded amenities to
better accommodate the growing parish community.
Construction commenced in July 2013 and was completed in early December of the same year.
The Redemptorists Begin Their Ministry – 1 February 2016
On 1 February 2016, the parish entered a new chapter in its history when the Redemptorists
assumed responsibility for the pastoral care of the community. Following six years of leadership
by the Jesuits under Fr Minh Van Tran, the parish welcomed Rev. Fr Tuan Anh Do CSsR as
Parish Priest, supported by Fr Michael Kelly CSsR, Fr Peter Ly Trong Danh CSsR, and Fr Felise
Ierome CSsR.
Since then, the Redemptorists have continued to guide and serve the parish community through
changing pastoral teams.
Parish Priests:
2020 – Fr Tuan Anh Do CSsR
2023 – Fr Vincent Long Pham CSsR
2025 – Fr John Hodgson CSsR – Administrator
Parish Website: https://www.holyeuchariststalbans.org/