THE PARISH OF Ballarat East

Our Parish

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)

Catholic Schools

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

Ministries

Baptism and Sacramental Information - read here

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 communuties 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.