Picture: Father Des and Carl in the St Margaret's Sacristy.

The recent Gathering at St. Margaret’s School brought to surface concerns that the parish land would be sold and “turned into apartments”. With this in mind, it is important that the following points are now clarified:

1. The Parish will not be selling the land on which St. Margaret’s Church now sits.

2. Future use of the land will be considered strictly within the context of the St. Margaret’s School masterplan and the Parish masterplan. A decision regarding the use of the land within these contexts

has not been made and will only be made following a further period of discernment and consultation.

3. The land will continue to serve the Parish’s Mission of Faith, although the form which that takes has not been determined, and will only be determined following further consultation. In sharing the above information, the fervent hope is that there be a walking with the worshipping community of St. Margaret’s, and so, taking the next steps together.

The next Gathering will take place on Saturday, 22nd August, from 2.00- 3.30pm.

The purpose of this Gathering will be to:

4. Update, providing any new information.

5. Respond to the question: what is to be captured, honoured, and shared about the history/ identity/ story of St. Margaret’s Church?

6. Respond to the question: how is a final Mass in St. Margaret’s Church envisaged?

For the Reception of Feedback: feedback.stmargarets@gmail.com

Fr Desmond J Moloney

As the emotionally-charged gathering was nearing an end, I addressed those present, firstly offering Acknowledgements, then some words about Vision, and finally offering my Thanks. 

Over the closure of St. Margaret’s Church in Maribyrnong, I acknowledge and recognise shock, sadness, disappointment and anger, aware of the strength of these emotions. I have heard and/or read other reactions, such as betrayal and dissatisfaction with the process. I apologise to those who feel let down by me. 

I make two points, not wanting to be overly defensive: i) about process, and ii) about communication. About process: carefulness regarding process has been and is of very high importance to me. About communication: consistency in the communication of information has been and is a priority for me (it is – and has been – communication that seeks engagement with and from parishioners). 

Shortly after I began in St. Mary’s Parish, I established the Future Directions Working Party. I believe there is a need for the Parish as a whole to grapple with the “big picture”. A major reason relates to the parish being, as the Archbishop wants, that parishes be viable, vital, and vibrant. The big picture is in the process of being represented in the Parish masterplan. The masterplan, however, is not complete because of what belongs to the. Parish at Maribyrnong and the decisions still to be made.

There is a place for imagination, generosity of heart, trust and prayer. I feel for the history of St. Margaret’s worshipping community, and for the present, and what might be memorialised and given as gift within St. Mary’s Parish. Naturally, there is a strong feeling of concern for the school community of St. Margaret’s, especially the children. St. Margaret’s School has its masterplan, which is still to be fully realised and as anticipated will incorporate a fitting gathering space. Fortunately, St. Margaret’s School has been very successful in attracting Government funding for the recently completed building project as well as the project completed early in 2023. This raises the question about how long can it be reasonably expected before more funding will be granted to the school? How many years?? I thanked those who were present for their attendance, Judeline and Jacqui of the Proclaim: Office for Mission Renewal, Melissa of the Property & Infrastructure Office, the Principal of St. Margaret’s School and members of staff who were present. I expressed my gratitude to members of the Parish Advisory Board, particularly Bosko (chairperson) and Melanie for all they had done in preparation and being part of the planning committee, together with Gerald, Matthew and Judeline. Finally, I also expressed my thanks to the Parish Masterplan Reference Group, and, in particular, to Richard, its facilitator, who presented at the gathering. Further communications will be provided in the coming weeks.

Fr Desmond J Moloney