A little known piece of MSC Parish Ministry, Park Orchards, 1970=1995.
Pat Austin sent this account of the Golden Jubilee celebrations (covid-delayed)
The Celebration
On September 11, Pat Austin MSC was present at the 50th Anniversary years due to of the new Parish of Park Orchards Warrandyte. The celebration was delayed for 2 years due to Covid.
To mark the 50 years, four priests concelebrated Mass. The four priests were: Fr Arsenio (current PP, lives in North Ringwood), Fr John Dupuche (Assistant), Fr Denis Andrew O. Carm. (Former PP) and Fr Pat Austin MSC (former PP).
Fr Pat enjoyed meeting many of his former parishioners from his time as Parish Priest 1980 - 1983. He even concelebrated a Requiem Mass for the brother of a wonderful parishioner who spent many years working in the Parish.
Some memories
Perhaps many do not remember that we were at Park Orchards
In 1970 Park Orchards (not a parish entity) was amalgamated with Warrandyte (an old goldmining area served by Heidelberg and Diamond Creek).
The MSC personnel since 1970:
Look at the photo below and they are all pictured (five are now deceased). (Jim McMahon at the top, Tom Whitty at the bottom)
Jim McMahon 1970-1973. Mass was said in a wooden hall donated by a benefactor.
Vin Bailey 1973-1976. Vin built a new church in Warrandyte (St Gerards).
Frank Mullane 1977-1979. (I think he was assisted by P.C.)
Pat Austin 1980-1983. In 1980 a new church-schoool, St Annes was completed. Classes began in February.
Tom Whitty 1983-1986.
Fred van Gestel 1986-1992. Fred had the old (farmhouse) presbytery removed and replaced with a modern dwelling complete with a chapel overlooking the Dandenongs.
Brian Boyle 1992 (Administrator).
John Shallvey 1993-1996.
From 1996 to the present, Carmelites, Pallotines and Diocesans have been parish priests.
