The story of St Joseph’s is the story of a growing Kingswood community building a place to learn, worship and serve together.
The Dominican Fathers
Pastoral care was entrusted to the Polish Province of the Order of Preachers. Parishioners and clergy continue the work of worship, welcome and service begun by the Kingswood community.
Supported by Penrith
St Joseph’s was placed in the care of the Parish Priest of St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith, with priests from Penrith celebrating Mass and administering the parish.
35 years as a parish
The parish marked its 35th anniversary with Mass celebrated by Bishop Kevin Manning and the building of a Marian grotto that became a focus for devotion.
Mission and community
A Redemptorist parish mission was held in 2001. In 2002 Fr Paul Hopper CSSp became the third parish priest, encouraging evangelisation, RCIA and family involvement in children’s sacramental preparation.
Serving a growing district
As Kingswood changed from a country village into a higher-density district, Fr Zvonimir Gavranovic became the second parish priest and strengthened the parish’s welcoming community life.
A new chapter for the school
After serving the school from its foundation, the Sisters of St Joseph withdrew and the first lay principal was appointed in 1982.
St Joseph’s becomes a parish
St Joseph’s Parish was formally founded and Fr Basil Rosen became its first parish priest. New brick school buildings followed during a period of considerable growth.
Church and school open
The Sisters of St Joseph opened St Joseph’s Primary School for 225 pupils. The Kingswood community built a church-school used for classes during the week and worship on Sundays; Cardinal Gilroy blessed the church on 10 February.
The Kingswood site
The church and school stand on land once held by Samuel Foster and later purchased by Gustav and Tess Klein. Their five-acre property was sold to the Catholic Church in the early 1960s.
Help preserve the story
Parish photographs and recollections can add life and detail to this history. Please contact the parish if you have material to share.