St Joseph’s Parish has been a vibrant Christian Community for over 100 years. Regularly we reflect upon the Gospel call to discipleship and seek new ways to express this discipleship. So, this is who we are:-
We are St Joseph’s Catholic Community:
a community of faith in Christ Jesus,
open to the presence of God in our midst.
We are a welcoming community:
accepting the richness of our diversity,
united in our worship of God.
We are a community of service:
trying to live the Gospel
through our care for all people in all situations of life.
We have been trying to live as disciples of Christ over many years—oftentimes without any fanfare or recognition. Here are some of the highlights of our history:-
1890 The first church (Catholic) in Malvern was opened. Archbishop Carr dedicated it to St. Joseph. This locality in those days was part of East St.Kilda parish, St. Mary's in Dandenong Road. (The first church is now St. Joseph's Parish Hall.)
1892 Malvern was made a separate parish. The priests who took charge of the parish were three Vincentian priests from Ireland: Frs. Maher, O'Reilly and McCarthy.
They took charge of the parish November 2nd, 1892. For two weeks they stayed at Coleman's Hotel in Malvern Road, now Malvern Vale Hotel. Then they rented a house at 38 Winter Street, until the Presbytery was built.
SCHOOL: The school was conducted by two sisters. The school was a small wooden building near the church.
1895 St. Vincent de Paul Society was started in the parish. In the same year the Presbytery was built. (Half it's present size.)
1896 A convent was opened in High Street, where Kildara was and the Sacred Heart Nuns opened a parish school as well as a High School.
1899 There were 1149 people in the parish.
1908 A new church was built - the present St. Joseph's.
1912 The first group of De La Salle Brothers arrived in Malvern to open a school for boys. This school is now Tramway Hall in Stanhope Street.
1917 The Brigidine Sisters replaced the Sacred Heart Nuns and Kildara College began.
NEW PARISHES Between 1892 and 1927 portions of Malvern parish were taken away to form the parishes of Caulfield, Armadale and Glen Iris.
1919 A Catholic Hospital was opened in Coonil Crescent and was run by the Sisters of Mercy. Cabrini Hospital is there today.
1941 St. Joseph's Boy's School was built - now part of the primary school.
1972 The church was remodelled according to the vision of Vatican II.
1992 The Centenary of the Parish was celebrated.
1998 The opening of the St. Joseph's Abbeyfield House for the elderly.
2004 Planning for the Church refurbishment commenced.
2006 Church Renovations begun.
