
Farewell Fr Frank Arnold RIP
Fr Frank Arnold PE was Parish Priest of Blackburn North from 1975 - 2011. He died at the age of 93 on Monday 11 July 2022.
To view the Pontifical Requiem Mass offered at St Philip's Church for the late Fr Arnold, please click the image.
+ REQUIESCAT IN PACE +
Fr Frank Arnold PE was Parish Priest of Blackburn North from 1975 - 2011. He died at the age of 93 on Monday 11 July 2022.
To view the Pontifical Requiem Mass offered at St Philip's Church for the late Fr Arnold, please click the image.
+ REQUIESCAT IN PACE +
Margot Gallacher Retirement gathering
After 53 years in Catholic education and 48 years at St Philip’s School, Margot Gallacher has retired. We thanked “Mrs G” (Miss Tierney) and wished her well in retirement on Sunday 27th March 2022 on St Philip’s Oval.
CONFIRMATION 12th MARCH 2022
Archbishop Peter Comensoli visited St Philip’s Parish on Saturday 12th March to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations to the confirmands! Let us continue to keep them in our prayers.
Archbishop Peter Comensoli visited St Philip’s Parish on Saturday 12th March to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations to the confirmands! Let us continue to keep them in our prayers.

Vexilla Regis - Opening of Franz Liszt's Via Crucis - Blackburn North 15 September 2019 | |
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Christmas Concert - 27 December 2018
Holy Week 2018
Sacred Triduum 2017
Palm Sunday 9 April 2017
'24 Hours for the Lord' - 24-25 March 2017

Many thanks to all those who participated in the ‘24 Hours for the Lord’ 24th-25th March – especially those who kept watch through the night. There was a very calm and serene atmosphere in the Church and no doubt many graces have been received by the parish and by those who came to adore. The 9.00am Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation was a Latin ‘Missa Cantata’ (1962 Missal) – a beautiful way to celebrate this joyous feast!
Carols and Christmas Midnight Mass 2016
Christmas Midnight Mass 2016 - Offertory Motet
Morning Tea to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Profession of Br Vincent Brooks CCS
SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER 2016
10.30am Mass - Gaudete Sunday - 11 December 2016
'MADONNA OF BLACKBURN NORTH' REDEDICATED
The statue of the Madonna and Child was carved by Leopoldine Mimovich and placed in the original St Philip’s Church 14 July 1967. It was blessed at Mass on 6 August 1967 in the presence of Mrs Mimovich and her husband Lou. Bishop Basil Meeking blessed the renovated statue after Benediction on Sunday 25 September 2016.
50th Anniversary Celebrations
Holy Week 2016
Year of Mercy - Lecture Series March 2016
Church Renovation
For a link to plans for St Philip's Church redevelopment: click here
Solemnity of Christ the King - 22 November 2015

To celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, as well as the Feast of St Cecilia (patron of musicians), Charles Gounod's Mass in C major, Messe breve No. 7 aux chapelles, was sung by our parish choir at the 10.30am Mass. Joan Manshon (pictured) was the organist.
Br Vincent Brooks - 70th Birthday Morning Tea
15 November 2015
First Holy Communion 18 October 2015
St Philip's Catholic Primary School
Whitehorse Sports Awards 2015
School of the Year for 2014!!!!!

Congratulations to everyone involved in our parish primary school. It was announced at the recent Whitehorse Sports Awards that St Philip's Catholic Primary School had received the School of the Year award! Here is the official notification:
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR FOR 2014
St Philip’s Primary School, Blackburn North
St Philip’s is a small school with only 135 students, but it has an impressive list of achievements in sport. All students in Years 4, 5 and 6 participate in interschool sports with many progressing to the division level in swimming, cross country and athletics.
In 2014, the school came third at the District Athletics Carnival where 23 students progressed to the division level and one student made it to the regional finals. St Philip's also won the Cricket Victoria District Final of Milo/ Kanga Cricket and progressed to Region and made the Grand Final but lost in a tight match.
In 2015, St Phillip’s were also the Premiers in the District for Open Kanga Cricket, Open Football, Open Soccer and Open Basketball.
Many children have taken up a sport in the community as they have enjoyed their involvement in interschool sports. Students learn to persevere, work in teams and appreciate the importance of healthy eating and exercise. They are also taught to accept the umpire’s decision, with the school’s motto being “the umpire is always right, even when they are wrong”.
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR FOR 2014
St Philip’s Primary School, Blackburn North
St Philip’s is a small school with only 135 students, but it has an impressive list of achievements in sport. All students in Years 4, 5 and 6 participate in interschool sports with many progressing to the division level in swimming, cross country and athletics.
In 2014, the school came third at the District Athletics Carnival where 23 students progressed to the division level and one student made it to the regional finals. St Philip's also won the Cricket Victoria District Final of Milo/ Kanga Cricket and progressed to Region and made the Grand Final but lost in a tight match.
In 2015, St Phillip’s were also the Premiers in the District for Open Kanga Cricket, Open Football, Open Soccer and Open Basketball.
Many children have taken up a sport in the community as they have enjoyed their involvement in interschool sports. Students learn to persevere, work in teams and appreciate the importance of healthy eating and exercise. They are also taught to accept the umpire’s decision, with the school’s motto being “the umpire is always right, even when they are wrong”.
Love and Truth Evening for Married Couples
On Saturday 29 August 2015, St Philip's Parish hosted a Love & Truth wine and cheese evening. This was run by the Emmanuel Community and featured a talk given by Etienne and Mairin Chevaux. During the evening there were people over in the Church in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praying for those attending the session in the Hall.
Sacrament of Confirmation 23 August 2015
On Sunday 23 August 2015, Bishop Mark Edwards DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Confirmed 21 children during a 5.00pm Mass in St Philip's Church.
Crucifix Installed in Rosary Garden
Archbishop Hart - Parish Visitation
Wednesday 17 June 2015
Mass for Confraternity of Christ the Priest
9.00am Saturday 30 May 2015
Holy Hour for Priests - 7.00pm Friday 22 May 2015

GUILD OF ST. STEPHEN ANNUAL MASS
Three of our Altar Boys, Adrian, John Joe and Max, became members of the Guild of St. Stephen during Mass offered by Archbishop Denis Hart at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday 1 May 2015.
Congratulations!
Three of our Altar Boys, Adrian, John Joe and Max, became members of the Guild of St. Stephen during Mass offered by Archbishop Denis Hart at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday 1 May 2015.
Congratulations!

VISIT OF HIS LORDSHIP, BISHOP MEEKING, 2015
Bishop Basil Meeking, the Emeritus Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand, visited St Philip’s Parish on Palm Sunday evening (29/3/15) to lead us in a Holy Hour at 7.00pm and then offered the 9.00am Holy Mass on the Monday of Holy Week (30/3/15). His Lordship preached on both occasions, helping us enter spiritually into the holiest week of the year.
Bishop Basil Meeking, the Emeritus Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand, visited St Philip’s Parish on Palm Sunday evening (29/3/15) to lead us in a Holy Hour at 7.00pm and then offered the 9.00am Holy Mass on the Monday of Holy Week (30/3/15). His Lordship preached on both occasions, helping us enter spiritually into the holiest week of the year.
St Philip's Social Club...

Parishioners and members of the St Philip’s Senior Social Club recently returned from a five day tour to Batemans Bay, NSW. This was a wonderful opportunity for our members to form further friendships in relaxed company.
Our club meets fortnightly on Thursdays at 1.00pm in the Parish Hall. We offer an active calendar including an annual holiday, a mini-break, day tours, film and lunch days, Miki travel adventures, Morning Melodies and lunches at various venues. Information is printed in the Parish bulletin each Sunday.
Our club meets fortnightly on Thursdays at 1.00pm in the Parish Hall. We offer an active calendar including an annual holiday, a mini-break, day tours, film and lunch days, Miki travel adventures, Morning Melodies and lunches at various venues. Information is printed in the Parish bulletin each Sunday.
Our parish school is celebrating 50 years of Catholic Education!
Please join in the festivities over the coming year.
A dedicated Facebook page can be found here: St Philip's 50th
Please join in the festivities over the coming year.
A dedicated Facebook page can be found here: St Philip's 50th
St Philip's School 50th Anniversary Mass
28 February 2015
On Saturday 28th February, His Grace, Archbishop Hart, offered Holy Mass in St Philip's Church, giving thanks to God for 50 years of Catholic education in Blackburn North. Concelebrating the Mass were Fr Nicholas Dillon (Parish Priest), Fr Frank Arnold (former Parish Priest) and Fr Michael Gallacher (past pupil). Fr Giang Tran was Master of Ceremonies and Deacon Francis Denton assisted at the Altar. A good number of past and present pupils, parents, teachers and friends attended. The children in the school choir sang with great fervour, adding to the beauty of the liturgy. Following Mass, refreshments were served in the Arnold Centre. The 50th anniversary cake was cut by the first principal, Sr Helen Salter (Mother Austin), current principal, David Gulavin, and one of our prep students.
Rosary Garden taking shape...
In Memoriam - Fr Bryan Donovan - 4 November 1975
Holy Week 2014
Holy Hour with Vespers & Benediction
Palm Sunday 13 April 2014
Celebrant: Bishop Basil Meeking
Parish Picnic - St. Philip's Oval Sunday 2 March 2014
VIGIL MASS - PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
Saturday 1 February 2014

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Children from our Parish recently made their First Holy Communion
You can listen to them singing here:
Children from our Parish recently made their First Holy Communion
You can listen to them singing here:

Jesus My Lord, My God, My All | |
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Today is Our Day | |
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Year of Faith - Lecture Series on the Creed
7.00pm Tuesdays 6, 13 & 20 August 2013

Year of Faith Lecture Series Poster | |
File Size: | 492 kb |
File Type: |
Bishop Basil Meeking at St. Philip's
Mass & Lecture Monday 17 June 2013
Confirmation 14 June 2013

VISIT OF BISHOP MEEKING
Bishop Basil Meeking, the Emeritus Bishop of Christchurch NZ, will be in Melbourne to attend the annual conference of the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy. On Monday 17 June Bishop Meeking will offer the 9:00am Holy Mass in St. Philip’s Church. Everyone is then invited to the Parish Hall where His Lordship will give a 25min talk: “God Shares His Life with you” (Sanctifying Grace). Morning tea will follow. All parishioners are encouraged to join in this event for the Year of Faith.
Parishioners will remember the wonderful retreat given in our parish last year by Bishop Meeking. We look forward to having him with us again.
Bishop Basil Meeking, the Emeritus Bishop of Christchurch NZ, will be in Melbourne to attend the annual conference of the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy. On Monday 17 June Bishop Meeking will offer the 9:00am Holy Mass in St. Philip’s Church. Everyone is then invited to the Parish Hall where His Lordship will give a 25min talk: “God Shares His Life with you” (Sanctifying Grace). Morning tea will follow. All parishioners are encouraged to join in this event for the Year of Faith.
Parishioners will remember the wonderful retreat given in our parish last year by Bishop Meeking. We look forward to having him with us again.

CONFIRMATION 2013
Please pray for the children of our Parish who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday 14th of June at 7:00pm in St. Philip's Church.
Grant, we pray, almighty and merciful God,
that the Holy Spirit, coming near
and dwelling graciously within us,
may make of us a perfect temple of his glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Please pray for the children of our Parish who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday 14th of June at 7:00pm in St. Philip's Church.
Grant, we pray, almighty and merciful God,
that the Holy Spirit, coming near
and dwelling graciously within us,
may make of us a perfect temple of his glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

GUILD OF ST. STEPHEN ANNUAL MASS
One of our Altar Boys, Alex De Saram, was admitted to the Guild of St. Stephen by Archbishop Denis Hart during Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday 17 May.
About 100 servers were admitted to the Guild, a group that encourages servers to deepen their devotion and commitment in service of the Lord at the Altar. To be admitted into the Guild, servers must be Year 7 or above.
Well done Alex!
One of our Altar Boys, Alex De Saram, was admitted to the Guild of St. Stephen by Archbishop Denis Hart during Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday 17 May.
About 100 servers were admitted to the Guild, a group that encourages servers to deepen their devotion and commitment in service of the Lord at the Altar. To be admitted into the Guild, servers must be Year 7 or above.
Well done Alex!

MAY PROCESSION AND CROWNING
On a sunny afternoon, Thursday 2 May 2013, parishioners joined with children from St. Philip's School for a May procession and the Crowning of Our Lady.
After gathering on the playing court in the school grounds, the procession began and the Lourdes Hymn was sung while we made our way down the side driveway, around the front of the hall, and down into the Church. Participants carried flowers and upon reaching the Church, placed them at the foot of the statue of Mary.
While the Crowning took place, the hymn 'Bring Flowers of the Rarest' was sung. A decade of the Rosary was prayed and the whole congregation made an act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The time of prayer concluded with the chanting of the 'Regina Caeli.'
More at: http://www.cam.org.au/News-and-Events/News-and-Events/Parish-and-School-News/Article/14793/St-Philips-Primary-school-feast-day-and-procession
On a sunny afternoon, Thursday 2 May 2013, parishioners joined with children from St. Philip's School for a May procession and the Crowning of Our Lady.
After gathering on the playing court in the school grounds, the procession began and the Lourdes Hymn was sung while we made our way down the side driveway, around the front of the hall, and down into the Church. Participants carried flowers and upon reaching the Church, placed them at the foot of the statue of Mary.
While the Crowning took place, the hymn 'Bring Flowers of the Rarest' was sung. A decade of the Rosary was prayed and the whole congregation made an act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The time of prayer concluded with the chanting of the 'Regina Caeli.'
More at: http://www.cam.org.au/News-and-Events/News-and-Events/Parish-and-School-News/Article/14793/St-Philips-Primary-school-feast-day-and-procession

PARISH EASTERTIDE LUNCHEON
About 75 parishioners took the opportunity to socialise over lunch at the Doncaster Hotel on Sunday 28 April 2013. Four long tables had been prepared for us and the staff coped well with the 12.30pm influx of diners.
About 75 parishioners took the opportunity to socialise over lunch at the Doncaster Hotel on Sunday 28 April 2013. Four long tables had been prepared for us and the staff coped well with the 12.30pm influx of diners.
EASTER SUNDAY 31 MARCH 2013 - 10:30am SOLEMN MASS

ORDINATION AND FIRST MASS
St. Philip's Parish had great cause for celebration on 29 June 2012 as a parishioner was ordained to the priesthood. Fr. Michael Gallacher was ordained by Archbishop Hart in St. Patrick's Cathedral on the Friday night and then on Saturday 30 June 2012 offered his Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Philip's Church.
Ad multos annos, Fr. Gallacher!
Ordination:
http://www.cam.org.au/News-and-Events/News-and-Events/Melbourne-News/Article/12117/ordination-of-michael-gallacher
First Mass:
http://www.cam.org.au/vocations/Article-View/Article/14620/Fr-Michael-Gallacher-Mass-of-Thanksgiving
St. Philip's Parish had great cause for celebration on 29 June 2012 as a parishioner was ordained to the priesthood. Fr. Michael Gallacher was ordained by Archbishop Hart in St. Patrick's Cathedral on the Friday night and then on Saturday 30 June 2012 offered his Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Philip's Church.
Ad multos annos, Fr. Gallacher!
Ordination:
http://www.cam.org.au/News-and-Events/News-and-Events/Melbourne-News/Article/12117/ordination-of-michael-gallacher
First Mass:
http://www.cam.org.au/vocations/Article-View/Article/14620/Fr-Michael-Gallacher-Mass-of-Thanksgiving

FR. DILLON INSTALLED AS PARISH PRIEST
Fr. Nicholas Dillon began his appointment to Blackburn North on 18 February 2011. On Saturday 12 March 2011 Archbishop Hart visited St. Philip's to offer Mass and to officially install Fr. Dillon as Parish Priest.
Details and photos can be found here:
http://www.cam.org.au/News-and-Events/News-and-Events/Parish-and-School-News/Article/3599/mass-of-installation-for-fr-nicholas-dillon-at-blackburn-north#frdillon
Fr. Nicholas Dillon began his appointment to Blackburn North on 18 February 2011. On Saturday 12 March 2011 Archbishop Hart visited St. Philip's to offer Mass and to officially install Fr. Dillon as Parish Priest.
Details and photos can be found here:
http://www.cam.org.au/News-and-Events/News-and-Events/Parish-and-School-News/Article/3599/mass-of-installation-for-fr-nicholas-dillon-at-blackburn-north#frdillon