THE PARISH OF Sebastopol

Our Parish

History

The Parish of St. James’ Sebastopol was established in 1963.  Prior to this, Catholics in the area were ministered to by priests from St. Patrick’s Cathedral who celebrated Mass and the Sacraments in the Chapel at St. Joseph’s Home (Nazareth House).  With much generosity and hard work, the presbytery was furnished, land bought and the Church finally completed, blessed and opened in 1968.  Rev John Smith was the first Parish Priest; John Bylsma & Sons were the builders and Mr Tony Rieter, the designer – two of the many new Catholic arrivals from other countries who made their homes in Sebastopol in that period.  In response to the growing number of newly arrived families mainly of Dutch and Polish origin, St. James’ School had already been built, blessed and opened in 1956, staffed by Sisters of Mercy, Ballarat East.

The Parish and school communities have continued to grow and the buildings have seen a number of changes and refurbishment over the years.  In 1996 the Catholic community of St. Patrick’s Rokewood formally became part of the St. James’ Parish, Sebastopol, when Cressy Parish closed.  We give thanks to God for the faith, foresight, generosity and hard work of all those who have contributed to the physical and spiritual growth of our Parish Community.