Holy Family Church, Maryknoll

The Holy Family Church, Maryknoll is one of the three worshipping communities that make up St Joseph's Parish, Iona, alongside St Joseph's Church, Iona, and St James' Church, Nar Nar Goon. Located in the rural township of Maryknoll in West Gippsland, the church has long served as a spiritual home for local Catholic families.

The parish of Maryknoll has deep connections with the early Catholic settlers of the district, many of whom were farming families who worked to establish a vibrant faith community. Holy Family Church became a gathering place for worship, celebration of the sacraments, and community life, reflecting the strong Catholic tradition of the area.

Over the years, the church has welcomed generations of parishioners for Baptisms, First Holy Communion, Confirmations, Weddings, and Funeral Masses. While the Catholic population in the district has changed over time, Holy Family Church continues to be a place where the faithful gather to celebrate the Eucharist, deepen their faith, and support one another.

Today, Holy Family Church remains an important part of St Joseph's Parish, Iona. Together with the communities of Iona and Nar Nar Goon, it continues the mission of proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and serving the people of the region. Guided by the example of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the church remains a welcoming place of prayer, faith, and fellowship for all.

St. James Catholic Church, Nar Nar Goon



St James Catholic Church, Nar Nar Goon has been at the heart of the local Catholic community for well over a century. Established to serve the growing number of Catholic farming families in the district, the first church was built in 1904 on land generously donated by local pioneer James Kelly. The church was officially opened in 1905, becoming a place where generations of parishioners gathered to celebrate the Eucharist and the sacraments.

The early Catholic community of Nar Nar Goon was largely made up of Irish settlers whose strong faith and commitment helped shape both the parish and the wider district. Before the church was built, Mass was celebrated in local homes and public buildings, reflecting the determination of the faithful to preserve their Catholic traditions.

As the community grew, the original church was eventually replaced by the present church, which continues to serve the faithful today. St James has also maintained a close relationship with Catholic education through St James' Primary School, ensuring that the faith is passed on to future generations.

Today, St James Catholic Church forms one of the three worshipping communities of St Joseph's Parish, Iona, together with St Joseph's Church, Iona, and Holy Family Church, Maryknoll. Although the parish has evolved over the years, St James remains a welcoming place of prayer, worship, and community, continuing its mission of proclaiming the Gospel and celebrating the sacraments for the people of Nar Nar Goon and the surrounding district.