St Alipius – A History

Our story is a story of people, rather than buildings and dates, although it is important that we acknowledge these. It is the story of a people who have been brought together in faith and love.

St Alipius Parish has its beginnings in the Ballarat “Gold Rush” that started in August 1851. As thousands of people made their way to the diggings and a town quickly took shape, Father Patrick Dunne celebrated the first Mass for the Catholic miners in October 1851.

In late 1852 a second priest Father Matthew Downing arrived and named his Parish after St. Alipius and the Bishop of the time, James Alipius Goold.

In February 1853 Father Downing moved to the present St. Alipius site and erected a church made of slabs with a canvas roof. A school was also built and classes began on April 1st.

(Text from : www.sovereignhillschool.vic.edu.au)

St Alipius Parish Child Safety 

St Alipius parish is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and vulnerable adults.

St Alipius Parish Child Safety Policy – click here

St Alipius Parish Commitment to Child Safety – click here

St Alipius Code of Conduct – click here

Catholic Schools

St. Alipius’ Parish School
St. Francis Xavier Primary School
Emmaus Catholic Primary School
Damascus College

Ministries

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all Baptisms and Sacraments of Initiation are currently  suspended until further notice.

Baptism and Sacramental Information – read here

2020 Sacramental Program Dates

St Alipius Parish Booklet 

This booklet celebrates who we are and what we do as a St Alipius Parish community. We are a diverse people sustained by the faith, religious and school communities which make up our parish. It contains information on parish groups, on the faith communities of Ballarat East and Buninyong, the community of the Sisters of Mercy and it looks at Catholic Education in the parish. It focusses on liturgical ministries, the sacramental programs and the stewardship program.  It is a snapshot of the many parts of the parish.