Dear friends,
My name is Fr Ian Vergel and I was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Melbourne on 20 September 2025. As a newly ordained priest, my experience in public ministry is very limited, only consisting of serving as a transitionary deacon in the last 12 months at St Catherine of Siena, Caroline Springs.
I was born in the Philippines in 1993, and with my family moved to Melbourne nine months later. Since then, we have lived in the northern suburbs, where I received my primary and secondary school education at St Peter’s Primary School and St Monica’s College, both located in Epping. Afterwards, I studied a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in accounting at The University of Melbourne and then worked as an accountant in tax and financial reporting.
During my studies and professional life, I began attending church more regularly, understanding the importance of prayer, sacraments and the teachings of the church. I took Catholicism more seriously once I could see how faith intertwined with daily life. Towards the end of 2018, after considering priesthood for a few years, I decided to take the plunge and enter the seminary to begin my studies for priestly formation.
Outside of theology and public ministry, my hobbies include physical exercise. I particularly enjoy cycling having completed most recently the 100 km Ride Around the Bay. I also enjoy the nutritional aspect of my health, always looking for healthy food and recipes to fuel my body. Please share if you have any!
In addition, I enjoy basketball and football, being an avid fan of the NBA, English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Despite my inexperience, I am looking forward to my first appointment as an Assistant Priest in the Parish of Our Lady of Pentecost. I am excited to learn, grow and collaborate with the people of this parish in building our local church.
I hope to meet and get to know you all.
Please continue to pray for our parish and please be patient with me as a I learn the ropes of being a new priest.
God bless you all,
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Federico & Mary MARTIN says:
Dear Fr. Ian, welcome to our parish. We were hoping that our paths would cross, once more, one day. We first met through the Melbourne Passion Play and again during your seminarian years. Looking forward to many more years together in this wonderful Parish. Ben venuto!!
Carol-Ann Wong says:
Welcome to Our Lady’s parish Fr Ian! We have a wonderful diverse community here, lots of bike tracks (so I hear : p), markets and great food. But living with Fr Sang you will be assured of the latter! All the best in settling in. Just keep taking deep breaths…
Fulvio & Laura says:
Hi Fr Ian.
A huge WELCOME, WELCOME and WELCOME.
Laura and I joined the parish after Covid when we moved into the area. We have found the parish and our priests very welcoming.
We are sure you will be very welcomed also and look forward to your continuing ministry.
Fulvio & Laura says:
Hi Fr Ian.
A huge WELCOME, WELCOME and WELCOME.
Laura and I joined the parish after Covid when we moved into the area. We have found the parish and our priests very welcoming.
We are sure you will be very welcomed also and look forward to your continuing ministry.
Marea Richardson says:
A very warm welcome to you Fr Ian! I am delighted that you have been assigned to my Parish. I look forward to meeting up with you over the coming weeks. Having known you during your Seminary Formation I have every confidence that you will be a great blessing for us in the coming years.