St Patrick's Parish

St Joseph's School is in the Catholic Parish of St Patrick's, Waroona. We enjoy a cooperative relationship, working together to benefit our students and their families.

Father Jorge Jr De Chavez OSJ

Mobile:  043 256 9070

Emergency Contact: Bunbury, (08) 97212141

Rosary :  TBC

Baptism, Weddings and Funerals : These can be arranged by making an appointment directly with Father Jorge. A donation/Fee will apply.

Waroona Mass Times:                                                 

History

Early parish history goes back to 1890 when the first Mass was celebrated in Wagerup in the home of Mr and Mrs Eastcott by Rev. Father Brady, Parish Priest of Bunbury. Within the next decade, Catholic families, including the Fitzpatricks, Corrigan and McCabes, settled in the Hamel area. The first mass in Drakesbrook (Waroona) was celebrated shortly after their arrival by Rev. Father Donogher in the Drakesbrook or Waroona Hall, situated just north of the Drakesbrook School. Bishop Gibney visited Waroona in 1901 and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation in the hall.

Soon after the Irish families settled on the 10 acre Hamel blocks they had bought (already cleared), from the Government, Bishop Gibney sent a well-known Missionary, Rev. Father Clune to conduct a Mission. The Mission then decided that they needed a church. Mr Barrett donated a block in Waroona on which to build the church. In 1906 Rev. Father Clune travelled from Perth to bless and open St Mary’s - the only Catholic Church between Bunbury and Armadale. The Parish Priest of Busselton, Rev. Father Donogher, came at frequent intervals to celebrate Mass.

In 1909 the districts of Pinjarra, Waroona, Yarloop and Harvey were constituted, a Priest, Rev. Father Fahey became parish priest and resided in Yarloop until he was succeeded by Rev. Father McCabe and later Father Doddy. In 1939, Father Power was made Parish Priest. The present-day St Patricks Church was opened in 1941 and replaced St Mary’s. The official opening was held on 19 August that year and blessed by the Most Rev. R. Prendiville.