Dear Parishioners,
As our parish continues to grow in its identity as one community across five churches, we have been reflecting on how we can best support the spiritual and pastoral life of all parishioners in the years ahead. Each of our churches carries its own rich history and community life, and we honour these contributions deeply as we look toward the future.
Over recent months, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) has been reviewing our weekend Mass schedule with the goals of sustainability, accessibility and pastoral care. Our clergy resources and community needs have changed over time, and our responsibility is to ensure that we plan wisely now so that every community within our parish remains supported and able to flourish.
After extensive discussion and discernment, the PPC has endorsed a revised weekend Mass schedule that will take effect the weekend of Saturday, 11 April 2026 (after Easter). Announcing this now allows us all to understand the changes gradually and prepare well for the transition.
Beginning SATURDAY, 11 APRIL 2026, the weekend Mass schedule will be as follows:
This provides a Sunday schedule of 8.30 am, 9.00 am, 10.00 am and two 10.30 am Masses, allowing priests the necessary travel time, and ensuring they can continue offering a meaningful pastoral presence after each Mass. Every church remains active within the parish, and parishioners are warmly encouraged to attend any Mass across our wider community.
We understand that these changes may be difficult for some. Many people have long-standing connections to particular Mass times and communities. Please know that this decision was made with great care, considering attendance patterns, pastoral needs, community identity and the least disruptive way to support the parish sustainably into the future.
This update is also part of a longer-term journey. As our parish continues to evolve, we will keep listening and responding to the needs of our community. Throughout 2026, the PPC will actively engage with parishioners to help guide the next stages of our parish life. Your experiences, questions and hopes will shape the path ahead of our one parish community of faith.
There will also be opportunities for parishioners to gather and discuss the reasons why we are moving in this direction and to answer any questions that may arise. A Parish Forum will be held at Our Holy Redeemer Church, 4 Barton Street, Surrey Hills on Thursday, 12 February 2026 at 7.00 pm.
With our prayers,
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Christine Georgiou says:
Thank you for the careful thought you have put into the new times. We are fortunate to have so many opportunities to attend Mass.