Embleton celebrates 50th anniversary of Holy Trinity Church

22 Feb 2024

By Jamie O'Brien

Embleton 50th Anniversary
Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton elevates the Body of Christ, together with Embleton Parish Priest Fr Patrick Toohey elevating the Blood of Christ, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Holy Trinity Church, Sunday 12 December, 2023. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

May this simple place, where followers of Jesus gather in faith and with the hope that they can become more like Christ, be where they recognise their only Saviour and learn how to notice his presence working in them day by day, Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton has said.

Bishop Sproxton was speaking on 12 December 2023 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary and blessing of the renovations of Holy Trinity Church, Embleton Parish.

“And so come with joy to give thanks for the “glory of God being revealed in us,” Bishop Sproxton said.

Concelebrating with Bishop Sproxton for the occasion was Episcopal Vicar Education & Faith Formation, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Parish Priest, Fr Patrick Toohey, South Perth Parish Priest, Msgr Brian O’Loughlin, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Chaplain Fr Sebastian Fernando, Fr Armando Carandang, Msgr Tim Corcoran and Syro-Malabar priest Fr James Anish VC.

Speaking about the new renovations, Bishop Sproxton said our understanding and trust in the mercy of God has led to the construction of a new Confessional here at Holy Trinity. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Bishop Sproxton was referring to the recent renovations to the Church which saw the inclusion of a new baptismal font by Perth artist Gonzalo Skinner, as well as the new baptismal area, installation of new confessionals, renovation of the narthex as well as the revitalisation of the pews.

The renovations included upgrades to the ceiling and lighting, digital media, security, entrance doors, emergency lighting and air conditioning.

The project was managed by parishioner and infrastructure professional Terry Dewar – who took 12 months leave from his role as a CEO – and completed in 12 months.

Parish Historian Jackie Marrapodi explained to The Record that features of the Church include the Trinity-stained glass window above the altar which details the creative hand of God the Father, the chalice and host with a cross for Jesus the Son and a dove and tongues of fire representing the Holy Spirit. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Parish Priest Fr Patrick Toohey highlighted that the grounds of the Church have been renewed and refreshened as a sign of welcome to all.

“Everyone in Embleton is invited to ‘come and see’ ” Fr Patrick said.

“Everything that has been achieved in enhancing the beauty of the church has been under the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“Along with goodness and truth, beauty points to God in his Trinity, which is the name of the parish,” he concluded.

Parishioner Peter Golding proclaims the second reading. for the 50th anniversary Mass of Holy Trinity Church, Sunday 12 December 2023. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Parish Historian Jackie Marrapodi explained to The Record that the parishcame into being on 1 March 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.

The first Church, now the Parish Hall was started with Fr Jeremiah McNamara.

“His charisma and zeal for his work gained him the love and respect of all who came into contact with him,” Mrs Marrapodi explained.

Fr McNamara’s early death in March 1968 was a great loss, not only to Embleton but to the diocese as a whole.

The sanctuary of Holy Trinity Church Embleton, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary Mass on 12 December. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Planning for a proper Parish Church building began in 1970, with Messrs Mazak, Seagar & Associates, chosen as architects and Bianchini & Sons as builders. Features included the Trinity-stained glass window above the altar which details the creative hand of God (the Father), the chalice and host (with a cross) for Jesus (the Son) and a dove and tongues of fire representing the Holy Spirit.

Construction on the Church began in 1973 and was completed in December of the same year, with the solemn dedication, blessing and opening taking place on 12 December 1973 by then Archbishop Lancelot Goody.

Embleton Parish historian Jackie Marrapodi proclaims the first reading for the 50th anniversary Mass of Holy Trinity Church, Sunday 12 December 2023. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Referring to the Gospel of Mark, Bishop Sproxton highlighted that we, like the people of Israel during the time of Christ’s baptism, need time to understand and absorb the gospel message.

“And [our] God’s patience and desire to free us from the burdens we carry and enable us to grow in trust of his understanding and mercy,” Bishop Don emphasised.

Speaking about the new renovations, Bishop Sproxton said our understanding and trust in the mercy of God has led to the construction of a new Confessional here at Holy Trinity.

Embleton parishioners came together Sunday 12 December for the 50th anniversary of the Holy Trinity Church. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

“It is positioned next to the New Baptismal area – a connection is made between the Sacraments of Baptism and Penance by this arrangement.

“The Sacrament of Penance opens the way to Christ to come to our hearts with the power to destroy sin, lift from our shoulders the heavy burdens and to sustain our faith and peace of heart. Jesus has the power to make straight what in us is crooked,” he said.