History of St Kieran’s Parish
A parish is a living, growing, needing, changing and giving community. In my 34 years of experience in the priesthood I have come to love the task God has given me, being a central player in the life of various parishes. I must say from the outset that I thought to register the St Kieran Parish Buildings namely: the old church (now known as the parish community centre), the current parish church and the presbytery (priest’s residence) on the invitation of the Archdiocese of Perth. Our old parish buildings enjoy great local cultural history. The Mayor of the City of Stirling, Councillor Tony Vallelonga writing to the Heritage Council of WA on 31 July 2001 on behalf of the parish has stated: “Since the first church was built in 1914, it has formed a focal point for the local community. In addition to the regular church services held, the building also provided a meeting place for the mainly rural community of the time. This tradition has continued over the years and today the building remains an important place for the school, Catholic and wider community. The success of the funding application will ensure that the place will be enjoyed for generations to come”.
I would also like to acknowledge that Mr Michael Broderick, the architect of the current church built in July 1983, has harmonised with the old church and provided the correct setting for modern liturgy. Mr Broderick won a very special award on our new church. Those who read the draft of this historic conservation plan for the purpose of listing our parish buildings with the Heritage Council of WA had nothing to say except words of praise for the architect: Mr Philip Griffiths and Historian: Ms Robin Chinnery who have successfully brought to a new light the rich heritage of the St Kieran Parish Community since 1914. Again, commenting on this Conservation Plan the Heritage Council of WA has stated: “The draft conservation plan is of very good quality, provides a clear understanding of the cultural heritage significance of the place and is a tool for future conservation”.
Fr Gatt