Our Story

The Beginnings

The roots of our parish community go back to the mid-1950s, when local Catholics in the Macleod-Rosanna area began gathering in informal spaces.

In 1954, early meetings of a parish building group were held at the pavilion of the Macleod Rosanna Football Ground.

Masses and community gatherings soon followed, celebrated in the Rosanna/Macleod RSL Hall and other temporary venues until a dedicated parish site could be secured.

Establishing the Parish

In 1956, the search began for a permanent parish home. With land acquired and plans developed, the parish community grew quickly — and in 1973, the present church building was constructed and blessed.

Over the decades, St Martin of Tours Parish has flourished into a vibrant, welcoming Catholic community in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs.

Our Patron and Identity

Our parish is named after Saint Martin of Tours (316 – 397 AD) — a soldier turned bishop, remembered for his compassion, humility, and deep faith.

His example continues to inspire our parish mission:

St Martin of Tours strives to be a community that is inclusive and welcoming, where its members are valued and respected. The Eucharist is at the heart of our community from which grows our faith and evangelization.

Building Community and Faith

As the parish matured, many important milestones have shaped our story:

• 1958 – The founding of St Martin of Tours Primary School, Rosanna, now a thriving learning community.
• 2023 – The 50-year anniversary of our church building, celebrated with a walk-through history and community gathering.
• Continuous renewal of parish ministries and facilities, honouring our heritage while looking toward the future.

Our Ongoing Mission

Today, our parish office remains at 5 Silk Street, Rosanna (PO Box 430) and serves the suburbs of Rosanna, Macleod, Viewbank, Heidelberg and Yallambie.

Rooted in prayer, fellowship, and outreach, we continue to build a community where faith is lived out in everyday life — welcoming all, nurturing each person’s spiritual journey, and reaching out to those in need.

A Walk Through Our History

1956 Jan 14 - Macleod/Rosanna separated from Heidelberg to form a new parish.

1956 Jan 14 - Fr Kevin Williams appointed as the first Parish Priest.

1956 - St Martin of Tours chosen as the parish name — the only Australian Catholic church with this title

1956 (4th Sunday of Advent) - Announcement of the acquisition of property on the corner of Silk Street and Lower Plenty Road.

1957 Ash Wednesday - First Mass celebrated on parish grounds in a corrugated-iron shed.

1957 (mid-year) - Construction began on a combined church and school building.

1958 (February) - Building completed — upper floor for classrooms, ground floor for the church.

1970 - Fr Thomas McCarthy appointed parish priest.

1972 - Plans for a new church finalized.

1975 - Fr Kevin Manning appointed parish priest.

1978 - Fr Rom Murphy appointed parish priest

1980 - Fr Des Gannon appointed parish priest

1973 Jun 22 - 25th Anniversary of the parish.

1992–93 - Church carpet replaced; red sanctuary carpet removed.

1996 - Fr Peter Robinson appointed parish priest.

2006 - Golden jubilee of the parish and 50 year history commissioned

2009 - Drapes behind the crucifix removed; Fr Peter farewelled, Fr Michael welcomed.

2010 - Fr Michael O’Connell appointed parish priest

2013 - 40th Anniversary of the church’s blessing and opening.

2014 - Structural damage to the church turret documented.

2016 - 60th Anniversary of the parish celebrated.

2020 - Church spire repaired.

2023 - 50th Anniversary of the church’s blessing and opening.