ABOUT MATER CHRISTI
A FEW WORDS ABOUT US
These remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
Acts 2:42
36 Years
The Parish was established in 1989, originally in the suburb of South Lake. Its boundaries include the suburbs of South Lake, Jandakot, Yangebup and parts of Bibra Lake, Banjup and Wandi, with pastoral care also provided for areas beyond in Oakford, Forrestdale and Wattleup. Archbishop William Foley, then the Archbishop of Perth, appointed Fr. Peter Bianchini on the 30th January 1989 as the first parish priest.
Until that time, this area had been looked after by the parishes of Willetton, Bateman, Spearwood, Hilton, Beaconsfield and Armadale, and many years ago by Hamilton Hill.
Parish Vision
The Parish of Mater Christi, Yangebup, is a community which offers an environment in which people can encounter God through prayer and liturgy. The Parish reflects our spirit of community where the presence of Jesus in our lives is apparent through friendships which are inclusive of all. With genuine love and real concern, we reach out to all those in need and strive to be Christ-like in our response.
Mater Christi Parish Yangebup⸻
THROUGH THE YEARS
The parish was initially known as South Lake Parish. The school, accepting its first intake of 58 students in 1990, took on the name MacKillop Catholic Primary School in July of that year and the plan was for the parish also to accept that name. In 1996 under Fr. Tim Foster (2nd Parish Priest), the parish was briefly named Our Lady of the Lakes, before it was simplified to Yangebup Catholic Parish by Fr. Greg Donovan (3rd Parish Priest). In 1998, Fr. Bryan Rosling was appointed 4th Parish Priest and in the second half of 1999 the building of the church was scheduled to begin. The time was then ripe for the official naming of the Parish and School under the one name. There was great opposition to losing the MacKillop name, but after consultation with parish and school members, on the 15th August 1999 Archbishop Hickey announced the parish was to be named Mater Christi. Building of the church commenced the following day 16th August 1999 and was consecrated the following year on the 27th August 2000.
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In January 1990, three Presentation Sisters were invited to live in the Parish at 133 Elderberry Drive. They were – Sr. Gabriel Burns, the Superior General, and Srs. Kathleen Corby and Emmanuel Crocetti, both of whom began work within the Parish as pastoral assistants, and in the school in a home-liaison role. Initially, the Sisters spent a good deal of time on visitation, especially in the Yangebup area, and with families of the school, and tried to build onto the census work already being done by the Legion of Mary.
After a few years Srs. Gabriel and Kathleen left the parish to be replaced by Srs. Anna and Clare. Although living in the parish, Sr. Clare was to teach at the University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, lecturing in Scripture.
Sr. Anna, the new Superior General, became involved in supporting the fledgeling community that was gathering at Hammond Park Catholic Primary School for Mass on Sundays. Sr. Emmanuel, who then had the longest connection with Mater Christ, assisted the priests of the parish in their pastoral duties; making people feel welcome when they came to the church, assisting in the preparations for the various sacramental celebrations through-out the year, and being the constant familiar face that so many in this parish grew to love. For many, Sr. Emmanuel helped make this parish feel like home.
After many years of dedicated service, the Presentation Sisters are now no longer active in the parish. Sr. Anna, because of her leadership responsibilities was not able to continue her work here and then, in 2020 Sr. Clare passed away. A few years later in December of 2023 Sr. Emmanuel also departed this life. A week would not go past in this parish without someone mentioning the work of these Sisters – especially Sr. Emmanuel. Their authentic witness to the Gospel has left a lasting impression on people’s hearts as these Sisters were for so many a real example of the selfless love of Jesus Christ.
MATER CHRISTI, TODAY
Please reach out to the specific group co-ordinator to find out more and how you can get involved. Also, keep an eye on the weekly Mater Messenger so you don’t miss out on the many meetings and activities that are happening during the week.
1200
PARISHIONERS
An estimated 1200-1500 people attend Mass at Mater Christi over any given weekend. This includes those who come to the Mass Centre in Hammond Park.
8
SCHOOLS & NURSING HOMES
This includes: Mater Christi Catholic Primary, Hammond Park Catholic Primary, Emmanuel Catholic College, Frank Prendergast House - Success, Regents Gardens - Aubin Grove, Treeby Parklands Care Community, St John of God Hospital - Murdoch, Fiona Stanley Hospital.
26400
SACRAMENTS
An estimated 26400 sacraments have been celebrated in this parish since 1989. This is a combined value of Baptisms, Confirmations, Weddings and daily Masses
8
PRIESTS
Since the establishment of the Parish. Parish Priests: Fr Peter Bianchini 2023-present Fr Dat Vuong 2017-2022 Fr Bryan Rosling 1998-2016 Fr Greg Donovan 1996-1997 Fr Tim Foster 1995 Fr Peter Bianchini 1989-1994
Assistant Priests:
Fr Nicholas Diedler 2023-present Fr Joseph Laundy 2017-2020
