he parish was established on March 1st, 2013, during a meeting held at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Eastern Heights. The meeting was attended by Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy and Fr. Jose Thottakara. A committee was organized, and the elected members were Sharlit Thomas, Baby Kommattom, Jaise James, Somy Thomas, Lucy Geo, and Nisha Jomon, with Baby Kommattom elected as the coordinator. The vision at the time of establishment was to develop faith and belief in Jesus and to share the history and traditions of the Syro-Malabar Church with future generations.Sunday School also commenced in the same year,2013, under the leadership of Principal Jomon Kurian.
Over the years, several priests have served the community and contributed to its growth and development. Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy spearheaded the community before its official inception. Subsequent priests, including Fr. Jose Thottakara, the late Fr. Peter Kavumpuram, Fr. Varghese Vavolil , and Fr. Anto Chiriyankandath (the current vicar), have played significant roles in fostering faith and prayer within the community.
The current admin team includes Fr.Anto Chiriyankandath (Vicar),Jomon Kurian and Alfin Antony as trustees, Bibin Joseph as secretary, and Seban Sebastian as treasurer. Additionally, the parish has a strong parish council, altar server teams, and various ministries such as the Choir ministry, Nurses ministry, Mathruvedi, SMYM, and Evangelization ministry. A planning committee is in place to focus on future developments, including the potential construction of a church. The Sunday school and PTA play critical roles in nurturing faith among the children.
The parish has a community of 160 registered families. Key community engagement activities include Mega raffle, All Queensland Ecumenical Carol Competition – Natalie Harmonies, a Eucharistic procession on wheels, and the celebration of multicultural mass on Pentecost Day. The parish is also known for organizing a Christmas cake competition and conducting charitable initiatives, especially during challenging times in Kerala.
Looking forward, the parish plans to either buy or build a church to further establish and strengthen the community’s presence.
Fr Anto Francis Chiriyankandath
Email: office.ipswich@syromalabar.org.au
PH: 0426 019 030
Website & Social Media : https://www.facebook.com/share/18NHTzoGnQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Holy Qurbana Timing and Address:
Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Ipswich Catholic Community.
Every Sunday, the Holy Mass begins at 10:15 AM. On the first Friday of each month, there is a special service at 6:00 PM, which includes adoration and confession, followed by Holy Mass.
Parish Contact Persons:
Jomon Kurian – 0423536835(Trustee)
Alfin Antony. -0452580997(Trustee)
Tittle Varghese-0474127497(Pastoral Council member)
Bibin Joseph- 0478067909(Parish Secretary)
