Did you know that before St Joseph’s Catholic Church Springvale had its own dedicated building, Mass was held in a rather unusual venue? It’s true. Back in the 1930s, long before the church’s construction, the Catholic community in Springvale gathered for Mass in the old Mechanics Hall and later at Noble Park. It wasn’t until 1936 that Father Sylvester Keane became the first Parish Priest, and St Joseph’s officially became a parish in 1939. Imagine that, a parish without a proper church! The first church building, a rather resourceful structure, was blessed in 1937 by Archbishop Daniel Mannix. This building served double duty, housing the school during the week. As the parish grew, so did the need for a dedicated space for worship. In 1962, Father Coghlan oversaw the construction of a new church on the very site where St Joseph’s Catholic Church Springvale stands today. This marked an important milestone in the history of the church and the community it served. Over the years, St Joseph’s continued to evolve. In 1974, the Order of the Friars Minor, Conventual assumed its care, with Father Karl Chesher at the helm. Then, in 1988, Father Victor Bonello initiated a significant renovation project, breathing new life into the church. This culminated in a grand consecration and dedication by Archbishop Frank Little in October 1990. St Joseph’s Catholic Church Springvale stands today as a testament to the enduring faith and the ever-evolving story of this vibrant community.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs