Rector's Reflection - 

Spirit & Vision Part 4

The Spirit and Vision of Bishop Eugene de Mazenod are

Planted in Australia

Part 4

The increasing economic life in post war Australia signalled the opportunity for the Oblates to investigate their further involvement within the Australian Church. The new vision was for a presence in New South Wales. In 1948, after negotiations with Archbishop Gilroy of Sydney, the Oblates accepted the pastoral care of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, Sefton.

The original Church-hall at Sefton (left) was built around 1934 and purchased by the Catholic Church in 1935. It was originally part of Bankstown parish. This hall eventually became the Immaculate Heart of Mary church and was substantially modified with extensions in 1963-64.

On 26 August, 1951 the first classroom block of the primary school was officially blessed and opened.

The present Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sefton.

In 2018, after over 70 years, the Missionary Oblates relinquished pastoral care of the Sefton parish which is now under the care of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. 

During this time the Oblates were still committed to working among the needy in Australia. A vision to have a parish in the poorer region of Sydney’s western suburbs didn’t eventuate. However, Bishop Murray contacted the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate about providing pastoral care for the people in the developing area of Campbelltown about 50kms south west of Sydney. The Oblates accepted this invitation and took up pastoral care of the Claymore-Eagle Vale parish on October 3, 1982. 

By the mid-1980s, a Catholic Primary School (St Mary’s) had been established. The associated construction of the school hall made it possible to have daily and weekend Masses.

On August 15, 1991 the parish of Mary Immaculate, Eagle Vale, was formally established. 

The new church (left) was built behind the original school hall. Bishop Philip Wilson blessed the foundation stone on 19th December, 1999. The Blessing and Opening Ceremony was held on 3rd November, 2000.

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate currently ministering in this faith community: 

Fr Slawek Plonka OMI & Fr Casmir Arul OMI. 

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector