A great deal of charitable work has been done and is constantly being undertaken by the parish. There exists a close link with the missionaries in the third-world countries, and much monetary and material assistance has been sent over to fulfill their uppermost needs and necessities. During the war in Croatia, there was an overwhelming response by the community in sending material and monetary aid to those that have been affected by this great catastrophe. Many townships were severely destroyed, with hundreds of thousands refugees scattered around the country. A strong link exists with the Catholic Churchs’ charitable organization “Karitas” in Zagreb, to whom all the collected aid was forwarded.

The migrant priest on occasions has to be more than a priest. In times of hardship and trials, the parishioner normally foremost turns to the priest for help and advice. He in turn, suggests places where they may seek help and finds them interpreters, if they are not fluent in the English language. However, with migrants still coming out of Croatia, many are found jobs and places to reside, by way of announcing their needs from the altar. From the start, they feel more comfortable and secure being with their own country-folk.

Sunday Lunches

Recently, lunches have been organised after the 12:30 mass on Sundays for those interested in the community. This is a means by getting the parishioners together, so that they may get to know each other over a coffee or lunch. So far there has been a good response

Croatian School

The Croatian Saturday School is the oldest in Australia. Before moving into the premises at Clifton Hill, it was held at St. Brigid’s School in North Fitzroy. Children of a Croatian-speaking background, are able to learn more about their language, culture, history, geography, etc. from where their ancestors are from. Also in the curriculum there is religious instruction, which in most cases is run by the priest. With many children attending government schools, there are also special classes for those about to receive the sacraments of Holy Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation.

There are two schools run by the Parish, one being at Clifton Hill and the other at Broadmeadows. Altogether, there are about 120 pupils. The school runs from 9:00am to 12:30pm every Saturday morning, except on school and public Holidays.

The parish has got it’s own folkloric group, named after the Croatian martyr “Cardinal Stepinac”. The youth are able to engage in learning the different dances of the various regions of Croatia, and at the same time get to know other members of the congregation. They perform quite regularly at various social functions in Melbourne as well as interstate. There are about 130 dancers, and they practice every Friday night in the church hall between 6:00 – 10:00pm

Activities for the Elderly

The elderly are by no means left out in the parish. Every Sunday of the month a special lunch is prepared for them, with a band playing. They look forward to these meetings, where they are able to meet new friends and speak in their native language. Occasionally, various excursions are organized locally and interstate, enabling them to socialise more fully

Summary

As we have seen, the parish caters for both young and old alike. With many people not being fluent in the English language, such a center offers them much joy and happiness. They are able to hear mass said and receive the sacraments in their own native language. Also, they are able to carry on their own customs and traditions, and being in contact with their own people. By no means are we creating a ghetto here, but are providing an atmosphere where people will feel closer to home and not left out. Every person loves his/her native homeland, and it is impossible to destroy such an innermost emotion.