St.Thomas the Apostle Forane Church Brisbane South

Early Community Formation (2004-2009)

The early 2000s marked the beginning of organized Syro Malabar Catholic life in Brisbane. In 2004, Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy M.C.B.S., then Parish Priest of St. James and St. John’s Catholic Church in Clifton, began serving the Malayalee Catholic community by organizing regular Malayalam Masses at St. Ignatius Church in Toowong. His efforts included monthly Masses, prayer meetings, and home visits, which were vital for the spiritual nourishment of the growing community. By 2007, the increasing number of Malayalee Catholics necessitated the establishment of two pastoral areas—North and South Brisbane—to better serve the congregation.

Growth and Establishment (2009-2010)

The community’s growth was marked by several milestones.

By 2009, the community had expanded to over 200 families. To address the needs of this growing congregation, the Syro Malabar community in Brisbane was divided into two groups: St. Thomas Catholic Community (South) and St. Alphonsa Catholic Community (North).

In 2009, the South Brisbane group celebrated its first Good Friday at Mary Immaculate Church and its first Easter service in 2010 at St. John Fisher Church. Catechism classes, initially held in private homes, were officially established as St. Thomas Sunday School at St. James Church in Coorparoo. Fr. Antony Vadakara CMI played a crucial role during this period by facilitating the use of St. John Fisher Church for both catechism and Syro Malabar Masses. His initiative led to the first Malayalam Mass at Tarragindi Church, which was pivotal in formally establishing the St. Thomas Catholic Community.

In June 2010, a dedicated committee was formed to organize community activities, leading to the first Feast of St. Thomas on July 3, 2010. This event, celebrated by Fr. Vadakara, marked a significant milestone in the community’s history.

Leadership and Milestones (2010-2012)

Following the formation of a new committee in August 2010, which oversaw catechism classes, a second Executive Committee was elected in August 2011. This committee organized numerous community events and regular Malayalam Masses. By June 2012, a new committee was in place, which welcomed Cardinal Mar George Alenchery during his historic visit to Australia. Later, under Fr. Joseph Thottumkara’s guidance, liturgical services and faith formation were conducted at St. Joachim Church in Holland Park.

Advocacy and Formal Recognition (2012-2013)

During Cardinal Alenchery’s visit, the community formally requested an appointed chaplain from the Archbishop of Brisbane. The Archbishop assured that a chaplain would be appointed within a year. Additionally, an agreement was signed with the Archdiocese of Brisbane to use facilities at Holland Park-Mount Gravatt Parish for three years, officially recognising the St. Thomas Catholic Community.

Eparchy and Parish Formation (2013-2015)

The establishment of the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne, in December 2013 marked a significant milestone. Bishop Bosco Puthur was appointed as its first bishop. In August 2014, Fr. Peter Kavumpuram was named chaplain for Brisbane’s Syro Malabar communities. By May 2015, the St. Thomas Catholic Community formally became a parish, with Fr. Peter Kavumpuram serving as its first Parish Vicar.

Property Acquisition and Renovation (2017-2018)

Faced with space constraints at St. Joachim Church, the parish sought a new location. In September 2017, a property at 108-112 Middle Road, Hillcrest, was purchased for $2.25 million. This site, which included a Lutheran church, a house, and a childcare center, was transformed into the current church, faith formation center, and presbytery. The blessing ceremony of the new facilities was held on November 4, 2018, officiated by Bishop Puthur.