Welcome to the website of our partnered parishes: St Gabriel’s Reservoir-  St Stephen of Hungary Reservoir East, St Raphael's Preston West and St Joseph the Worker Reservoir North.

The information contained on the website will give you an overview of the times of worship, the Sacraments, the activities and the outreach of the parishes. If you are seeking specific Mass times and details of scheduled activities please go to the weekly newsletter/bulletin.

Thanks for hitting our website. I hope you find what you are seeking!

May God bless you and your family!

Fr Gregory Pritchard,
Parish Priest.

Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary
The communities of Reservoir, Reservoir East, Preston West and Reservoir North have invited the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines who will be joining us to work in our parishes and schools.

For more information about the Sisters visit https://www.opmolosisters-phil.org/

St. Gabriel’s Parish was established in 1936 with Fr. Patrick Ryan as the first parish priest.

The first recorded Mass in Reservoir was celebrated about 1919 – 1920 in what was then the Church of England Hall.

In 1925 a decision was made to build a more substantial parish church on Bell Street for the growing Parish of Preston and the existing wooden Sacred Heart Church was moved to Viola Street in Reservoir. The relocation of the church and its transport along High Street caused so much disruption that the shire council of the day resolved never to allow any more churches to be transported up High Street!

On February 26, 1926, Archbishop Mannix blessed the relocated church and named it St. Gabriel’s. Assistants priests of the Preston Parish celebrated Mass at Reservoir until the parish was established.

St. Gabriel’s School was opened in 1929 with Mrs. Beattie as the first teacher. In 1930 the Sisters of the Good Samaritan assumed responsibility for the school. A convent was built for the Sisters at 13 Olive Street. The Sisters moved out of the convent to new accommodation in 1993 and the building was demolished in 1998. In 1972 the first lay principal was appointed to the school but a Good Samaritan presence remained in the school until 1995.

As the area developed and the population increased the little wooden church of St. Gabriel was just too small and in 1960 a new and substantial brick church was built on the corner of Spring and Viola Streets. Fr. Ryan was given an assistant priest in 1951 and the area of the original parish was reduced to its present size when the parishes of East Reservoir (1957) and North Reservoir (1970) were formed.

Fr. Ryan died in 1964 and was succeeded in turn by Fr. Nowlan (1965-1973), Fr. Phelan (1973 – 1988), Monsignor Rebeschini (1989-1997) and Fr. Hoctor (1997- ).

St. Gabriel’s Church celebrated its 40 th birthday in 2000. To mark this event the church was extensively refurbished. Archbishop George Pell consecrated the church on October 29, 2000. A new parish centre was built in 2001 and this was blessed and opened by Archbishop Denis Hart.

To mark the celebrations in 2000 long-time parishioner Jim Carroll wrote the story of St. Gabriel’s Parish. This history God is Strength is available from the parish office at $15.

St Stephen of Hungary Parish, East Reservoir - A Brief History

The Parish of St Stephen's had its beginning in 1955, when Father Ryan, from St Gabriel's, acquired some land in Black Street from the Housing Commission. In 1956 a start was made on the building, and later that year the Parish of East Reservoir was created, with Father Sullivan appointed as the first Parish Priest. There was, of course, no presbytery at this stage, and Father Sullivan celebrated weekday masses at the house called Fatima in Crookston Road. The first Sunday Mass was celebrated in St Stephen's Church-School on Palm Sunday, 1957. On Sunday, 19 May, 1957 the Church-School was blessed and officially opened by Archbishop Mannix (pictured below).

The original name for the parish decided by the late Father Ryan of Reservoir was St Michael's. Father Ryan wanted the Archangels to protect the northern suburbs as St Gabriel's and St Raphael's were already established. Father Sullivan decided to rename the parish St Stephen's after the Patron of Hungary since the beginning of the Parish took place around the time of the Hungarian Revolution.

St Stephen's School began in 1958, with classes offered from kindergarten to Grade 3, conducted in the Church/School. Sr Margaret Whiting of the Good Samaritan Sisters was the first principal. The first lay principal was appointed in 1976. In 1959, the building of two classrooms, a library, office and canteen was begun. At the completion, the school offered a Fourth Grade. Within the next two years more extensions were built and the school went to Grade 6, with approximately 400 students.

In April, 1962, the Keon Park area was re-zoned. Control of the area moved from St Gabriel's Parish to St Stephen's Parish. From then on, children would be enrolled at St Stephen's School. The parish continued its rapid growth, and many parishioners felt a need to have a church in the northern area of the Parish. On 12 June, 1962, St Margaret's temporary Church was opened, with Sunday Masses celebrated by Father Sullivan. The need for a second school in the Parish began to emerge, as a result of a survey conducted by parishioners. St Margaret's Church-School opened in 1965, with 36 students in Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2. St Margaret's School continued a slow growth, and on the 1 April, 1979 St Margaret's office and staffroom were blessed by Archbishop Little. The school offered classes up to Grade 6. A second stage of building was completed in 1982.

Building work continued at St Stephen's School site as the school continued its growth. In 1987, the four junior school classrooms were converted into the present hall. In 1988 a Government grant of approximately $600,000 was made available to build the Administration block, the staffroom, the Library and to refurbish the existing buildings.

In the mid 1960's Father Sullivan borrowed money to buy a property in Lane Crescent. A three court squash complex was built. The profits from the Squash Centre were directed to the development of the school and its buildings. The Centre eventually had four courts and the loans needed to purchase the land were paid off in full. It became a most valuable asset.

After many successful years the squash courts were no longer in great demand and needed considerable upgrading. They were demolished and eight units were built for the elderly of the parish. The units - The Sullivan Villas - were officially opened on 4 October, 1987. The land is leased to the Housing Ministry and St Stephen's Parish nominates people to live in the units.

Fr Frank Larsen was parish priest between 1969 and 1978. Fr Peter Tosh succeeded him briefly (1978 to 1979). In 1979, Father McMahon came to St Stephen's as Parish Priest. In 2006 Father McMahon celebrated his 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.

In 2007 a portico was added to the front of the church to enable parishioners to gather outside the church in all weather conditions. This was dedicated to the memory of Fr Larsen during the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the parish.

St Margaret's Church/School closed when the number of students decreased. On a site adjacent to the school a Retirement Village was initiated by the parish. Building on the first stage commenced in 1999 with Stage 3 completed in 2004. An aged care facility, run by Southern Cross Care Victoria has recently opened on the former school site.

In 2012 Fr McMahon retired and Archbishop Hart partnered the two parishes of Reservoir and East Reservoir with Fr Shane Hoctor as the parish priest.

Parish activities are advertised through the weekly newsletter.

School:

St Gabriel’s Primary School - 237 Spring Street, Reservoir

offers a comprehensive education in the proud tradition of the Catholic Faith. The staff and parents work together, formally and informally, to plan activities which will support and promote family life and the Gospel.

The School Education Advisory Board meets monthly and the Parents & Friends’ Association raises much needed funds for equipment and school projects. In addition to the parents’ association regular working-bees are an opportunity for social gatherings and support for the school.

School activities are advertised in the weekly school newsletter. The newsletter is also posted on the school website www.gabriel.melb.catholic.edu.au For information about any school activities contact the school office: 9469 3513.

Class-groups participate at a Mass each week. These are advertised in the school and parish newsletters. (These Masses are usually on Wednesday mornings and parents and family are invited to attend.)

To Know, Worship and Love, the Archdiocesan Religious Education Texts, are the basis for religious education in our school. Parents and other parishioners are strongly urged to become familiar with these texts.

St Stephen's Primary School - 71 Whitelaw Street, Reservoir Phone:  9460 3566

St Stephen's is a school of various cultural backgrounds, religions and occupations, the very diversity of which broadens the outlook of all members of our community and is responsible for the atmosphere of acceptance which characterizes our school.
Class-groups participate at week day Mass and religious education follows the Archdiocese religious guidelines.
Website: www.ssreservoireast.catholic.edu.au

St Gabriel’s Theatre Group:
has staged an annual production for 49 years in the parish hall in late November/early December.

Auditions will be held on 28 August. Performances in the week commencing Sunday 27 Nov.

Contact: Anthony or Judy O’Meara

Bushwalkers:
walks are organised during school-holidays and are advertised in the church newsletter.

St. Gabriel’s Play Group:
for parents and pre-school children meets every Tuesday between 9:00 am. and 11:00 a.m. in the school Student Welfare Room. For information contact School 9469 3513 or Gracie 0402 272 995.

St Stephen's Play Group:
meets on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon in St Stephen's Hall. Contact the School office 9460 3566

St Gabriel's Welfare Group & Monthly Mass and Luncheon for Senior Parishioners and the Bereaved. This group hosts a luncheon in the parish centre following the 11:00 a.m. Mass on the First Wednesday of May, July, October and December. 

St Stephen's Friendship Group meets every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in St Stephen's Hall.
Contact: Mr Peter Farmer 9460 1125

Home Visitation Group:
A group of parishioners who visit the sick and housebound.
Contact: The Parish Offices.

St Vincent de Paul Society: St. Gabriel’s Parish Conference and St Stephen's Conference:
meets as necessary in the Parish Centre. New members are always welcome.(Donation boxes are below the Statue of St Joseph in St Gabriel's Church, and below the Crucifix in St Stephen's Church. Two collections are taken during the year - the winter collection 28/29 May and a Christmas collection - 3/4 December).

Bereavement Support is available for those who are mourning the death of a loved one. Contact St Gabriel's Parish Office for confidential enquiries 9460 6036

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: (St Gabriel's)
First Fridays after the 9.00 a.m. Mass and at other times as advertised in the weekly newsletter.

Adoration in the Oratory:
Wed., Thurs. 10.00 am.—12 noon.
If you would like to join the roster please contact the parish office.
Coordinator: Mr Ange Braysha

Lauds – Morning Prayer of the Church:
is celebrated on the weekdays of Lent and Advent (Tues. to Fri.) before the Morning Mass at 8:45 a.m. in the Church.

St Gabriel's Rosary Group:
prays the Rosary after weekday Masses (Tues. to Fri.), except for First Fridays when Exposition occurs.

Rosary & Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood:
First Friday of each month.

Prayer for the Sick & Infirm:
A list of the sick is maintained in the Lady Chapel in St Gabriel's Church.
Parishioners are invited to pray for those on the list and all the sick and infirm in our parish.

‘Open Door’ Prayer Group (Charismatic - English Language):
meets every Thursday in the Bethany/Emmaus Rooms from 7:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Ms. Marcia Bettin

Legion of Mary:
meets every Monday at 8.00 p.m. in the Bethany Room.
Coordinator: Miss Maureen O’Dwyer

St Stephen's Italian Prayer Group:
meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the presbytery and stays for lunch.
Contact: Mrs Eva Palermo

Keon Park Italian Prayer Group:
meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Southern Cross Aged Care, 15 Tunaley Parade, Keon Park.
Contact: Mrs Lina Scardamaglia 9460 6960

Parish Liturgy Planning Group:
meets when required in the Bethany Room or St Stephen's Presbytery from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Readers & Extraordinary Ministers of Communion:
for information contact the Parish Office

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion to the Sick:
For information or to advise of someone unable to attend Mass contact the Parish Office.

Altar Servers:
begin training from Year 4 school level. Servers are enrolled in the Australian Guild of St Stephen in Year 7. Contact Fr Hoctor: 9460 6036. (Social activities are organised for the servers throughout the year.)

Senior Choir:
sings regularly at the 10.00 a.m. Sunday Mass alternating with the Guitar Group, and during Holy Week and other celebrations. Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Bethany Room/Church. Director: Mrs Dorothy Leonard

The Guitar Group:
sings fortnightly at the 10:00 a.m. Mass and for other celebrations. Rehearsal - alternate Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the church. Coordinator: Mrs Phyllis Vespucci

Italian Choir:
sings each week and Christmas at the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Rehearsals as required. Coordinator: Mr Piero Chiappini

St Stephen's Music:
St Stephen's 6 p.m. Sat. Mass
Contact: Mrs Moira Beck 9460 3670

St Stephen's 8:30 a.m. Mass
Contact: Mrs Eva Palermo/Mrs Tina Napolitano

St Gabriel's Children’s Liturgy of the Word:
Coordinator: Mrs Judy O’Meara

St Gabriel's Altar Society:
Flower arrangers are rostered monthly. Contact: Parish Office

St Gabriel's Altar Linen: (Laundry & Care)
rostered monthly. Contact: the Parish Office

St Gabriel's Parish Prayer

God our Father,
in a wonderful way you guide the work of all your creatures.

May St Gabriel, the archangel,
whom you chose to announce
the mystery of the Incarnation
to the Blessed Virgin Mary,
keep us free from harm
and help us to grow strong in faith.

Under his watchful care
may we advance along the way of salvation,
and generously use our talents, gifts, and vision,
in the service of our parish,
and to the honour and glory of your name.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

St Stephen's Prayer

Almighty God,
under the reign of St Stephen as king,
the Church in his country increased in numbers and strength.
Grant that he may continue to defend your Church
from his place in heaven,
and watch over this Parish of Reservoir East
placed under his patronage.

Amen.

St Gabriel

In the Old Testament St Gabriel, the archangel, helps Daniel to understand his visions (cf. Daniel 8:15 and 9:21).

In the New Testament Gabriel appears to Zechariah to announce that he and his wife Elizabeth are to have a son. Their son was John the Baptist. Gabriel visits Mary to announce to her that she was to be the mother of Jesus – God’s own Son. Gabriel also appears to Mary’s betrothed, Joseph, to reassure him of Mary’s fidelity - she has conceived the child within her by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The name Gabriel means The Strength of God.

The sculpture of St. Gabriel (facing Viola Street) was unveiled and blessed on October 13, 2002. It is constructed of steel and designed to oxidise slowly. The design is based on the traditional Christmas angel of nativity scenes and reminds us of the role played by Gabriel in announcing the conception and birth of the Lord Jesus.

The sculpture was designed by Melbourne architect, Arthur Andronas, who was also responsible for the renovation of the church in 1999. Ben Fries, a Melbourne silversmith and craftsman, made the sculpture. He also made the sanctuary lamp, candlesticks, lectern sculpture and organ rail inside the church.

The archangel, symbolising us as a parish, is depicted as a messenger of good news to the wider community, proclaiming God is Strength by the banner he carries. This banner (in stainless steel) is not subject to the elements; for God is all-powerful, God is with us, and we are not afraid.

Gabriel proudly carries a lily (also in stainless steel) proclaiming the perpetual virginity of Mary, the Mother of God, and reminding us of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ for our salvation - the eternal Son of God made flesh in her womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. The three flowers on the one stem symbolise the Trinity.

St Stephen of Hungary

Stephen was born around 969 in Hungary. At the age often he was baptized with his father Geza. At that time many Hungarians or Magyars as they were known were pagan. At the age of 22 Stephen succeeded his father as Governor of the Magyars.

Stephen began a number of wars to unite the country. At the conclusion of his goals, Stephen asked Pope Silvester II to Christianize Hungary and to crown him King. The Pope agreed and Stephen was crowned King by the first Archbishop of Hungary, St Atrik in 1001. Stephen then set about establishing Christianity throughout Hungary.

King Stephen completed the establishment of the Monastery of St Martin which was begun by his father and saw to it that Magyar priests became available and churches were built throughout the country. He required that every tenth town should have a church and a school supported by a priest. The schools were to teach the children about Christianity, reading and writing.

Stephen also took particular interest in the poor. He would often disguise himself and distribute money to the less fortunate. King Stephen was a strong and fearless ruler who enforced just laws. He died in 1038 and was proclaimed a saint by Pope St Gregory VII in 1083.

Baptism

St Gabriel's: By prior arrangement on Sunday at 11:30am.
A home visit and a Preparation Meeting take place beforehand.
Contact: Parish Offices 9460 6036

Penance (Reconciliation)

St Gabriel's: Sunday: 9am.

St Stephen's: Saturday at 5pm. 

First Confessions: 

First Communion

will be celebrated on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ -

St Stephen's Saturday 6:00 p.m. 18th June 2022.

St Gabriel's Sunday, 10:00 a.m. 19th June 2022.

Confirmation

will be celebrated in 2022 on Sunday 15th May at 3pm. 

Marriage

Contact the Parish Office 9460 6036 at least six (6) months prior to the wedding. A pamphlet Marriages in St Gabriel’s Church is available from the parish office.
Sunday weddings are not celebrated.

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick:
By request 9460 6036 . As chaplaincy services are limited at some hospitals it is advisable to receive the Sacrament of Anointing before admission.

Adoration

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:
First Fridays after 9:00 a.m. Mass.

Benediction: First Fridays at 12 Noon and at other times as advertised in the weekly newsletter.

Adoration in the Oratory:
Wed. & Thurs. 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon.
Contact the office 9460 6036 for inclusion on the roster.

RCIA

Adults enquiring about the Catholic Faith
We welcome enquiries from non-Catholics about the Catholic Faith, its beliefs and teaching, its Worship and Tradition.

A Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults programme runs in the parish. Meetings are on Thursday evenings as advertised. In 2018 the pre-Easter programme commences on 11 January and the Enquiry Time commences on 27 October. The Baptism of adults/Reception into Full Communion, Confirmation, and First Eucharist are normally celebrated at the Easter Vigil. For information contact Fr Hoctor: 9460 6036.