Catholic Churches in Western Australia

The Catholic Church's history commenced in Western Australia in 1843 when three priests arrived from Sydney. One of them took up land in Victoria Square in Perth City where he caused to be built the St John the Evangelist Church which still exists today (now known as St John's Pro-Cathedral). In 1845 the Diocese of Perth stretched from Albany all the way north to Darwin. Presented are photographs of Catholic churches we have come across in our travels

Albany

St Joseph's Catholic Church constructed in 1878 and extended in 1939. The original Foundation Stone was laid by Bishop Griver in 1877. Photo - October 2014

Bakers Hill

The Bakers Hill Catholic Church is on the south side of the Great Eastern Highway. This is the Holy Family Church. The priest travels down from Northam every second Sunday. The church was built in 1953. Photo - February 2011

Bayswater

At 32 Roberts Street is St Columba's Catholic Church surrounded by its associated Community Centre and school. The church was blessed by the Most Rev R. Prendiville D.D., Archbishop of Perth, on 10th February 1957. Photo - August 2024

Beacon

St Michael's Catholic Church. The church was blessed and opened by Right Rev. Lord Abbot Dom Gregory Gomez, on October 15th, 1961. Photo - March 2015

Beaconsfield

Christ the King Catholic Church on Lefroy Road in Beaconsfield. The Foundation Stone was blessed and laid by The Most Rev. Redmond Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on August 18th, 1936. Photo - November 2015

Belmont

Notre Dame Catholic Church, Cloverdale which is on Wright Street. Photo - December 2017

Bencubbin

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. The church was constructed in 1935. There is no foundation stone on or in the building. Photo - March 2015

Beverley

On the north side of the Avon River is the Sacred Heart Church, Beverley, staffed by the Norbertine Father from York. The Foundation Stone was laid by The Most Rev. P. J. Clune, Archbishop of Perth, on July 23rd, 1933. Photo - February 2013

Beverley

Here is the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 40 Queen Street. This was built in stone and was erected circa 1890. It was used as a church until 1928. The new Sacred Heart Church which was opened in 1933 superceded this one. In September 2015 this building is for sale. The asking price is $150k. Photo - April 2015

Bindi Bindi

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bindi Bindi. The church was opened by Rev. Gregory Gomez on 30th November 1958. The church no longer operates as such. Photo - July 2012

Bindoon

A little to the north of the townsite of Bindoon is St Anne's Catholic Church. This building was consecrated by the Archbishop of Perth in 2004. The original church was built on this site in 1909. It was destroyed by a tornado in 1943. Photo - August 2011

Boddington

St Joseph's Catholic Church, Boddington. There is no Foundation Stone on the building nor is it heritage listed. Photo - April 2014

Boyanup

The Catholic Parish of Dardanup and Boyanup, St Louis' Church Boyanup, on Bridge Street. The church was erected in 1913 through the efforts of the Rev. Dean Martelli who regularly travelled by train from Bunbury to Boyanup to conduct services in that era. Photo - February 2011

Broomehill

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Broomehill. There is no Foundation Stone on the building. Photo - December 2016

Bunbury

The recently rebuilt St Patrick's Cathedral sits upon its hill. This is viewed from Edward Street across vacant land that used to be the St John of God Hospital site. The Cathedral was dedicated in March 2011. The earlier Cathedral on this site was damaged beyond reasonable repair in a 2005 tornado. Photo - July 2015

Calingiri

The modern Catholic Church of Calingiri. This is St Anselm's Church built in 1973. In around 1939 a wooden Catholic church was constructed but this was later demolished. Photo - October 2011

Capel

In Capel is St Joseph's Catholic Church. The church is within the Donnybrook Parish and was built in 1913. The building was substantially renovated in 1993. Photo - February 2011

Carnamah

St Andrew's Catholic Church, Carnamah. In Honour of St Andrew, the Church was opened by The Rt Rev. James O'Collins on 9th November, 1930. Photo - September 2014

Chidlow

On the Old Northam Road, this is the Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. The Foundation Stone proclaims the dedication and opening on the church. This was on 16th December 1956 by the Most Reverend R. Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth. Photo - December 2011

Claremont

St Thomas Catholic Church is located on the corner of Melville Street and College Road, close to Loch Street railway station. Behind the church is St Thomas Primary School. The church Foundation Stone was laid by Archbishop Prendiville on July 22nd, 1936. Photo - April 2013

Collie

St Brigids Catholic Church, Collie. This was constructed in 1935. Photo - March 2014

Coorow

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Coorow, looking a little misty in the early morning sun. The Foundation Stone was laid by Most Reverend A. J. Gummer on 13th November, 1955. Photo - September 2014

Corrigin

This is St Therese Catholic Church in Corrigin. The Foundation Stone was laid by Most Rev. Redmond Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on 11th March 1956. Photo - June 2013

Cottesloe

On the corner of Stirling Highway and McNeil Street is St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. The Church was built in 1904 by the first parish priest of Cottesloe, Father Richard O'Neill, and was completed by him in 1937 when the Sanctuary was added. The building also served as a school up until 1925. Dr Daniel Kenny, an eminent Irish physician and a district landholder of substance, gifted all of this land to the Catholic Church. Photo - August 2014

Cunderdin

The Catholic Church of the Holy Cross Parish in Cunderdin. The Foundation Stone is inscribed in Latin. The Church was opened and dedicated by Reverendissimo P. J. Clune, D.D., C.S.S.R, in September 1922. Photo - June 2011

Dalkeith

The Carmel of the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church is on Adelma Road in Dalkeith. The Foundation Stone was laid the His Grace Most Rev. R. Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on 15th October 1936. Photo - January 2011

Dalwallinu

The buildings of the St Benedict's Catholic Church. Photo - November 2014

Dardanup

The foundation stone of the Dardanup Immaculate Conception Catholic Church was laid by the Reverend Dr R. Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on December 12th, 1937. Photo - December 2010

Denmark

St Mary's Catholic Church. This building was constructed in 1928. Photo - October 2014

Donnybrook

St Mary's Catholic Memorial Church, Donnybrook. The Foundation Stone proclaims that the Church was Blessed and Dedicated by The Most Rev. Myles McKeon, Bishop of Bunbury, on 12th October 1969. St Mary's Primary School is adjacent to the Church. Photo - July 2014

Dowerin

St Therese's Catholic Church, Dowerin. The Foundation Plaque states that this Church was blessed and opened by Rt. Rev. Gregory Gomez, Abbott Nullius of New Norcia on November 10th, 1968. Photo - July 2015

Dudinin

Church of Christ the King, Catholic Church, Dudinin. The Foundation Stone was laid by Redmond Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on August 7th, 1953. Photo - April 2015

Dumbleyung

The Dumbleyung Catholic Church. The name of the church is not evident around the building but I believe it to be St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The Foundation Stone was laid by Revmo Patritio Josepho Clune on 16th December 1925. The stone is written in Latin. Photo - February 2013

East Fremantle

The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in the Parish of East Fremantle. This is on the corner of Canning Highway and Preston Point Road. The Foundation Stone was laid by the Archbishop of Perth, R. Prendiville, on August 11th, 1940. Photo - December 2014

East Victoria Park

Our Lady Help of Christian's Catholic Church on Balmoral Street. The Foundation Stone was laid by Archbishop Redmond Prendiville on December 8th, 1960. Photo - April 2015

Fremantle

The Basilica of St Patrick (Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate) on Adelaide Street, Fremantle. This is no Foundation Stone on the building. The church was constructed in 1900. Photo - January 2016

Geraldton

This Cathedral is one of Geraldton's most prominent landmarks. St Francis Xavier Geraldton was consecrated by the Rev. Barry James Hickey on 30th August 1988. This is on Cathedral Avenue (formerly called Elwes Avenue). Photo - September 2014

Gillingarra

St Paul's Community Catholic Church is on the main road, located between the primary school and the hall. This brick building was erected in 1972. Gillingarra had an earlier Catholic church, built in 1907 and renovated in the late 1960's but unfortunately it burnt down in 1973. Cooperating with the Benedictine Community, the Anglican and Lutheran Churches also contributed to the construction of the new church. Photo - July 2012

Gingin

St Catherine's Catholic Church in Gingin was constructed in 1931. By the 1990's the building had fallen into considerable disrepair and was close to demolition. It was saved by a huge amount of restoration work done by the Father Paul Fox and his parishioners. Photo - September 2013

Glendalough

The Little Sisters of the Poor, Home for the Elderly centre, in Glendalough. This is their fine chapel which was constructed in 1924. The Sisters moved into this site in 1921. Photo - October 2014

Glendalough

On Jugan Street is St Bernadette's Catholic Church. The Foundation Stone was blessed and dedicated by Most Rev. R. Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on 26th March 1961. Photo - October 2014

Goomalling

The Goomalling Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The building was blessed and opened on February 24th, 1963 by Right Rev. Gregory Gomez, Abbot Nullius of New Norcia. Photo - October 2011

Greenough

St Peter's Catholic Church, in the Greenough Historic Settlement, was completed in 1908. This replaced an earlier church which was damaged beyond repair in the flood of 1888. Photo - September 2014

Guildford

Towards the east end of Guildford on James Street and opposite Fauntleroy Street is St Mary's Catholic Church. The Foundation Stone was laid by The Most Rev. Redmond Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on July 28th, 1936. Photo - April 2013

Harvey

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Harvey. This church was dedicated and opened by the Rev. Dr Clune, Archbishop of Perth, on Sunday 20th November 1932. Photo - December 2010

Harvey

Off Young Street is the new Catholic Church. This is Our Lady of the Immigrants Church and was built in 1972. Photo - January 2014

Herne Hill

St Michael's Catholic Church is on the Great Northern Highway in Herne Hill. It was built in 1935. Photo - July 2011

Highgate

The north side of Mary Street is mostly taken up by a Catholic Church complex including a school and a monastery. At the western end is the Sacred Heart Parish Church, Highgate. This is a view from the rear. The Foundation Stone is inscribed in Latin. It was laid on 20th August 1905 by Rev. Matthew Gibney. Photo - July 2013

Hyden

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (Our Lady of Sorrows). The Foundation Stone was laid by Redmond Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on July 26th, 1953. Photo - April 2015

Innaloo

St Dominic's Catholic Church on Beatrice Street. The Foundation Stone has become so weathered to become unreadable though I believe the church was opened on 14th December, 1966. Photo - October 2014

Jarrahdale

St Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Jarrahdale. According to the sign, Mass is held here "occasionally". Other times people have to go to St Kevin's in Serpentine. This church was built in 1960. Photo - January 2014

Jennacubbine

This is the Saint Isidore (Patron Saint of Agriculturalists) Catholic Church at Jennacubbine. The building was dedicated on 17th November 1907 by the Lord Bishop of Perth, The Most Rev. M. Gibney. Photo - October 2011

Jolimont

The Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church is at the southern end of Cardigan Terrace, at the top of Peel Street. Constructed of timber in 1915, external brick cladding was added in 1977. The Church was formerly St Hugh's Church of England. Photo - January 2011

Joondanna

At 60 Osborne Street, Joondanna is St Denis' Catholic Church. The Foundation Plaque indicates the Church was blessed an opened by The Most Rev. Myles McKeon on Sunday August 25th, 1968. Photo - November 2018

Karlgarin

Church of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church Karlgarin The Foundation Stone was laid by Rev. Myles McKeon on March 13th, 1966. Photo - April 2015

Karragullen

This is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Karragullen and Roleystone. It's located a couple of hundred metres south of the Karragullen townsite on Canning Road at the junction of Rokewood Way. The Church opened in 1956. Photo - January 2012

Kellerberrin

St Joseph's Catholic Church of Kellerberrin. The Foundation Stone is written in Latin. The Church was dedicated and opened by the Reverendissimo Mons. Verling V.C., on the 5th October 1916. Photo - June 2011

Kondinin

The former Catholic Church. It is in a rather sad state of repair and is currently up for sale. The Foundation Stone was laid by the Reverends R. Prendiville and P. Sheridan on August 15th, 1934. Photo - April 2015

Konnongorring

On the southern side of Konnongorring is St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. The Foundation Stone was laid by the Lord Abbott of New Norcia (The Right Rev. Anselm Catalan) on 28th July, 1929. Services ceased in June 1974. In recent times the church has been used as a private residence. Photo - October 2011

Kukerin

St Thomas A'Beckett of Canterbury Catholic Church, Kukerin. The Foundation Stone was laid by Bishop of Bunbury, L. J. Goody, on July 31st, 1955. Photo - April 2015

Kulin

St Joseph's Catholic Church, Kulin. The Foundation Stone was laid by Redmond Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on August 2nd, 1953. Photo - April 2015

Kununoppin

The Catholic Church in Kununoppin has no outwards signage and its name is unknown. The Foundation Stone was laid by Rt Rev. Gregory Gomez, Abbot Nullius of New Norcia, on November 28th, 1954. Perhaps the Church is no longer in use. Photo - March 2015

Lake Grace

Maria Regina Catholic Church, Lake Grace. Today preparing for Easter services. The Foundation Stone was laid by L. J. Goody, Bishop of Bunbury, on July 31st, 1955. Photo - April 2015

Leeman

Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church and St Francis of Assissi's Day Chapel. The church was opened by the Most Rev. J. J. Bianchini, Bishop of Geraldton on 19th September 1992. The priest comes down from Geraldton for services and has a house next door. Photo - September 2014

Maylands

Seventh Avenue is graced by Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish Columbarium Catholic church. The Foundation Stone was laid on 29th June 1924 by Most Rev. P. J. Clune, Archbishop of Perth. The church has recently undergone renovations and was re-blessed and reopened by Most Rev. Timothy Costelloe, Archbishop of Perth on November 2nd, 2013. Photo - January 2014

Maylands

Our Lady Queen of Poland Church which is within the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. This is right next door to the Dom Polski community centre on Eighth Avenue. Photo: September 2024

Miling

On the south side of Miling is the Church of the Holy Rosary which is not in use anymore. The Foundation Stone was laid by Right Rev Gregory Gomez, Abbott Nullius of New Norcia on 11th July 1954. Another stone was laid by Rev. James Knox on 21st February 1954. Catholic services are now held in the town's Anglican Church. Photo - July 2012

Mingenew

Here is St Joseph's Catholic Church located on William Street, Mingenew. The church was opened by Most Rev. A. J. Gummer on 28th June, 1959. Photo - September 2014

Mount Barker

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church which is adjacent to the former Sacred Heart school. The original church was opened on this site on 10th May 1914. The current building is a 1966-1967 reconstruction which was consecrated by Rev. L. J. Goody, Bishop of Bunbury, on 17th June, 1967. Photo - October 2014

Mount Hawthorn

On Jugan Street right next to the Mitchell Freeway is St Bernadette's Church. This was blessed and dedicated by The Archbishop of Perth, R. Prendiville, on March 26th, 1961. Photo - August 2018

Mukinbudin

Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Mukinbudin. The Foundation Stone proclaims the Church was opened by Right Rev. G. Gomez, Abbot Nullius of New Norcia, on November 13th, 1955. Photo - March 2015

Mundaring

The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart on Coolgardie Street, just south of the town centre. The Church was blessed and dedicated by Archbishop Clune on January 22nd, 1933. Photo - March 2015

Nannup

St Thomas More Catholic Church on the corner of Cross and Warren Streets, Nannup. This was constructed in 1925. In 1930 a convent and school were built behind the church but these were closed in the 1950's and the buildings were relocated to the Catholic Youth Camp in Busselton. Photo - January 2015

Nanson

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Nanson. The Foundation Stone was laid by The Most Rev. James P. O'Collins, Bishop of Geraldton, on January 29th, 1939. Photo - December 2015

Narembeen

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Foundation Stone was laid by Archbishop of Perth, Redmond Prendiville, on August 1st, 1954. Photo - April 2015

New Norcia

A view of the northern aspect of the New Norcia Chapel. You can just make out the bell tower which is located at the front of the chapel. The Chapel was constructed in 1917. Photo - July 2012

Nollamara

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Flinders Street. The is no Foundation Stone. The rear was constructed from 1964. The front additions were opened by Fr Brian O'Loughlin, Vicar General, on September 23, 2007. Photo - July 2019

North Fremantle

St Anne's Roman Catholic Church on the corner of Stirling Highway and Alfred Road. The Foundation Stone was laid by Bishop Matthew Gibney on December 11th, 1909. The Croatian Community purchased the church from the Catholic Church in 1972. At that time, the church was in a state of disrepair. The Croatian Community went on to restore the church to its former glory. Photo - August 2015

Northampton

Next to the Old Convent is St Mary's In Ara Coeli Catholic Church. The Foundation Stone was laid by The Most Rev. J. P. O'Collins D.D., Bishop of Geraldton, on May 24th, 1936. Photo - December 2015

Nungarin

St Teresa's Catholic Church, Nungarin. There is no outward sign on or around the building stating this name. The Foundation Stone proclaims the church was opened and blessed by the Rt Rev. Gregory Gomez, Abbot Nullius of New Norcia, on November 21st, 1954. Photo - March 2015

Palmyra

On Foss Street is the Catholic Our Lady Of Fatima Church. This is a recent construction. It seems that a previous church, St Gerard's (built in 1925), used to occupy this site. Photo - June 2016

Pemberton

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church is on the corner of Dean and Guppy Streets. Photo - October 2014

Perth North

St. Francis Xavier Church. This Stone was Blessed and Laid by Most Rev. Redmond Prendiville D.D., Archbishop of Perth, on the Eighth day of September, 1936. The church is opposite the Perth Terminal and is on the corner of West Parade and Windsor Street. Ph0to - June 2019

Perth

The centre-piece of Victoria Square in Perth is St Mary's Cathedral. Construction of the Cathedral commenced in 1863 and was completed in 1865 but over the years there have been many subsequent additions and changes. In 2008-2009 the Cathedral underwent a significant renovation program. Photo - August 2010

Perth

St John's Pro-Cathedral is on Victoria Square. Erected in 1843, this is the oldest surviving church in Perth. This church served as Perth's Cathedral between 1845 and 1865. In 1865, St Mary's Cathedral opened. Bishop Sir Launcelot Goody oversaw restoration of this building in 1977. Photo - August 2010

Pickering Brook

On Merrivale Road is Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. The Church was opened on 7th December 1997 by Rev. Monsignor Michael Keating. Photo - July 2012

Pingelly

St Anne's Catholic Church, Pingelly. I couldn't find any Foundation Stone on the building. The Church was constructed in 1929. Photo - November 2011

Pinjarra

The St Augustine's Catholic Church on George Street in Pinjarra is in the Diocese of Bunbury. Photo - August 2011

Quairading

This is St Francis Xaviers Catholic Church, Quairading. The Foundation Stone proclaims the blessing and opening on 27th December 1936 by Most Rev. R. Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth. Photo - January 2012

Rivervale

On Gladstone Road just up from the Great Eastern Highway is the St Augustine Catholic Church. It was opened on 11th December 1955 by Most Rev. J. J. Rafferty D. D., Bishop of Pharan. Right next door is the St Augustine school. Photo- December 2012

Rottnest

This is the Catholic Holy Trinity Church located up a small hill close to the Settlement Centre on Rottnest Island. The Church opened in 1975 and it is within the Parish of Saint Patrick's Basilica, Fremantle. Photo - January 2013

Scarborough

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on the corner of Scarborough Beach and Deanmore Roads. There is no Foundation Stone. Photo - February 2019

Serpentine

Set in the southern end of the town-site is St Kevin's Catholic Church. The Church was constructed in 1940. Photo - May 2012

Shenton Park

Not a particularly flattering picture of the former St Aloysius Church and Convent School on Herbert Street. This was founded by the Sisters of St John of God in 1909. It was taken over by the Sisters of Mercy in 1912. The last year the school operated was 1973. This is now a private dwelling. Photo - September 2017

Southern Cross

Our Lady of Montserrat Catholic Church, Southern Cross. The Foundation Stone is written in Latin. The Church was blessed "DIE XXVI APRILIS ANNO M CM XXXVI" which is April 26th, 1936. Photo - March 2015

Subiaco

The Church on Salvado Road Subiaco opposite the St John of God Hospital. This is St Joseph's Catholic Church. The Foundation Stone was laid by Archbishop Clune on 5th November 1933. Photo - July 2013

Tambellup

Saint Michael's Catholic Church, Tambellup. There is no Foundation Stone on the building. Photo - December 2016

Trayning

St Joseph's Catholic Church, Trayning. The Church was dedicated to the Glorious Patriarch St Joseph on September 13th, 1925. Photo - March 2015

Tuart Hill

St Kieran Catholic Church Parish Hall on the corner of Cape and Waterloo Streets, Tuart Hill. This was once the Church, now the Parish Hall. There is a new church next door. There is no Foundation Stone on the building. It seems it was constructed in 1914. Photo - November 2018

Victoria Park

Sitting in between St Joachim's Hall and the Ursula Frayne Catholic College is the St Joachim's Catholic Church which was constructed in 1955. Photo - March 2013

Walpole

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Walpole. This is on the corner of Vista and Pier Streets. Photo - October 2014

Waroona

St Patrick's Catholic church on the South Western Highway in the centre of Waroona. The Foundation Stone was laid by Most Rev. Redmond Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth, on 10th August 1941. Photo - January 2014

West Leederville

In the Catholic Education Centre on Ruislip Street, West Leederville is the chapel of St Michael the Archangel. The main buildings in the Education Centre were constructed in the period 1903 - 1920 as the Home Of The Good Shepherd, a home for delinquents. The chapel is a much later addition, built in 1938. Photo - January 2011

West Perth

St Brigid's church is right next to St Brigid's school on Fitzgerald Street. Construction commenced in 1904 and was completed by 1905. The church was built by the Sisters of Mercy as a logical extension to their already operational adjacent convent (completed in 1896). The Presbytery was completed in 1902. Photo - June 2010

Westonia

Saint Lucia Catholic Church, Westonia. The Foundation Stone proclaims the church blessed and opened by the Most Reverent Myles McKeon, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth, on November 24th, 1968. Photo - March 2015

Wilson

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church is at the southern end of Bungaree Road in Wilson. The Church looks of around 1960's vintage. Photo - October 2012

Woodlands

On Angelico Street Woodlands, just down from St Catherine's Convent and the Holy Rosary Primary School, is Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church. Photo - January 2013

Wyalkatchem

Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Wyalkatchem The Foundation Stone was laid by The Rt Rev. A. Catalan, Lord Abbott of New Norcia, on July 21st, 1929. Photo - July 2015

Yarloop

St Joseph's Catholic Church of Yarloop. The Church opened on June 26th, 1906. Photo - December 2010

(This building was destroyed in the January 2016 bushfire)

York

The present St Patrick's Catholic Church in York. Construction commenced in 1875 and it was completed in 1886. Photo - January 2013

York

The original York Catholic Church was east of the river. The one pictured was built in 1860 to be later superseded by the much larger stone church in 1886. This building now serves as the parish hall. The first parish priest was a Benedictine Monk from New Norcia. Photo - January 2013

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