| It all began in the old Deer Park Pub. The Parish of Deer Park goes back to 1953 when it was part of St. Albans’ Parish. At that time there was no church in the area and Mass was celebrated from time to time in the old Deer Park Pub. Until 1978, when our new church was built, people gathered in a converted army barrack or “the Hut” as it was known. Our first Catholic school opened in 1955. It was a very basic wooden building and 100 children were enrolled. The Marist Sisters taught there until 1972. From these very humble beginnings, we have come a long way. Through God’s blessing and the hard work of many parishioners, St. Peter Chanel’s Parish is now privileged to have one of the finest parish churches in Melbourne. There are two excellent primary schools which offer the most up-to-date learning facilities as well as a sound Christian education. We also have a modern hall which provides a meeting place for social, sporting and recreational activities. But a parish is not just made up of buildings. It is the people in the parish who really make it what it is. We are all very proud of those who serve in our Parish in a variety of areas. We are also very fortunate to have the assistance in our Parish of the Brothers and Sisters of the Alliance of the Two Hearts. They are missionary religious who dedicate themselves mainly to families and to the youth. Since arriving in our Parish in 2000, we have been blessed with no less than four vocations to the religious life. Our Parish has a very active prayer life. In addition to two daily Masses there are many devotions including the Rosary, Morning Prayer of the Church, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer vigils and much, much more. |
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