History

The Parish of St James’ Sebastopol was established in 1963.  Prior to this, Catholics in the area were ministered to by priests from St Patrick’s Cathedral who celebrated Mass and the Sacraments in the Chapel at St Joseph’s Home (Nazareth House).  With much generosity and hard work, the presbytery was furnished, land bought and the Church finally completed, blessed and opened in 1968.

Rev John Smith was the first Parish Priest; John Bylsma & Sons were the builders and Mr Tony Rieter, the designer – two of the many new Catholic arrivals from other countries who made their homes in Sebastopol in that period.  In response to the growing number of newly arrived families mainly of Dutch and Polish origin, St James’ School had already been built, blessed and opened in 1956, staffed by Sisters of Mercy, Ballarat East.

The Parish and school communities have continued to grow and the buildings have seen a number of changes and refurbishment over the years.  In 1996 the Catholic community of St Patrick’s Rokewood formally became part of the St James’ Parish, Sebastopol, when Cressy Parish closed.  We give thanks to God for the faith, foresight, generosity and hard work of all those who have contributed to the physical and spiritual growth of our Parish Community.

The community of St Patrick’s, Rokewood celebrated their final Mass in November 2020.

Parish Planned Giving

Be a part of the Planned Giving Program to ensure the financial survival and future growth of your parish.

The Planned Giving Program is the major source of income for the parish. Your financial contribution will ensure we continue to manage the ongoing and increasing expenses in our parish, including, pastoral programs, insurance, wages, utility rates and church maintenance.

To ensure a regular and reliable income for the parish, we request you to make a periodic pledge either, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Your considered financial gift will make an enormous difference to continuing the work the parish.

For Parish Planned Giving or to donate click the logo below.