By Joseph Younes
On a momentous Pentecost Sunday, 19 May 2023, Embleton Parish Holy Trinity Church celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Parish Prist Fr Patrick Toohey, reflected, “This parish is Holy Spirit led.” It was a day overflowing with gratitude, not just for the milestone itself, but for the vibrant tapestry that Holy Trinity Parish has become.
The newly renovated church, a result of a project Fr Toohey affectionately calls “beautifying the church,” stood as a symbol of renewed commitment. He expressed his vision: “The three qualities of physical, cultural, and spiritual beauty, akin to the wonders of God, can be found in this newly renovated parish.”
This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about creating a welcoming space for a community rich in diversity. A new mural, titled “Togetherness,” adorned the church’s exterior, a vibrant representation of the parish’s four distinct communities: the traditional European-Anglo, the Aboriginal, the Syro-Malabar, and the Ukrainian. These communities, unique and equal in dignity, striving to become one intercultural community.
Parish historian Jackie Marrapodi provided insight into the parish’s origins, explaining to The Record, “Holy Trinity came into being on March 1, 1964, in an area which had been part of the Parishes of Bayswater, Bedford, and Morley.
Embleton was the smallest district in the metropolitan area and had been developed by the State Housing Commission between 1956 and 1962 to house mainly immigrants from post-war Europe.
“Our first church was the school-church which is now the Parish Hall, and our first priest was Father Jeremiah McNamara,” Ms Marrapodi explained.
The anniversary celebrations were a testament to the parish’s vibrant history and promising future.
More than 200 parishioners joined in the festivities, including a special Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, who shared a personal connection with the area, having lived there as a child.
Concelebrants for the occasion included current and former priests, Msgr Tim Corcoran, Msgr Brian O’Loughlin, and Fr Francis Ughanze, as well as Ukrainian Catholic Priest, Fr Ihor Holovko.
Fr Toohey reflected on the dual milestones being commemorated: “Last December we celebrated 50 years since we built the parish church; on May 19, we celebrated 60 years since our founding as a parish.” These celebrations were marked by the unveiling of two new plaques, honouring these significant anniversaries.
The parish church itself has undergone a transformation. “The church building has now been renovated to, I like to call it, ‘beautifying’ the church,” Fr Toohey shared. He spoke passionately about the renovations, saying, “The three qualities of physical, cultural, and spiritual beauty, akin to the wonders of God, can be found in this newly renovated parish.”
In addition to the mural, the Our Lady of Lourdes statue, a cherished symbol of the parish, was restored and repainted, adding to the sense of renewal and reverence.
The launch of the Embleton Parish History Book 1964-2024 offered parishioners a detailed chronicle of their shared journey over the past six decades.
The spirit of the day was beautifully encapsulated by the words of Fr Toohey: “This parish is wonderful; it has real potential to be missionary to the local community, to those in need, the lonely, the victims of domestic violence, to the homeless and others needing our love.”
“This mission is echoed in the scripture, John 10:10, ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly’.”
St Irenaeus, the great second-century theologian, expressed the essence of Christianity with the phrase, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the spirit of Holy Trinity Parish, which, like the individuals it serves, is fully alive with the love and grace of God.
The celebrations were also a time to honour the anonymous donors who have financially supported the parish’s renaissance transformation, ensuring that the community continues to thrive and serve.
As Fr Toohey prayed, “To the Holy Spirit: Please continue to energise this parish always. Amen.”
With hearts full of gratitude and hope, the Holy Trinity Parish looks forward to many more years of being a beacon of faith, love, and community in Embleton.
