In the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant southeastern suburbs, where the bustling streets of Carnegie meet the leafy avenues of Glen Huntly, stands St Anthony’s Catholic Parish—a timeless sanctuary of spirituality and community. Nestled at the corner of Neerim and Grange Roads, this red-brick edifice, with its soaring spire piercing the suburban skyline, has been a steadfast companion to generations of faithful since its humble beginnings over a century ago. For parishioners and visitors alike, St Anthony’s is more than a place of worship; it is a living tapestry woven from threads of history, devotion, and unwavering service to the wider community.
Roots in the Soil of Faith: A Century of Devotion
The story of St Anthony’s Parish is intrinsically linked to the early 20th-century growth of Melbourne’s outer suburbs. As waves of immigrants and families sought new horizons in the fertile lands south of the Yarra, the need for spiritual nourishment grew apace. In 1914, St Anthony’s Catholic Church was officially opened, providing a sacred space amid the expanding residential landscape of Glen Huntly and Carnegie. Designed in the classic interwar style, the church quickly became a focal point for the Irish, Italian, and later multicultural communities that shaped the area’s character.
A hall and primary school soon followed, underscoring the parish’s commitment to nurturing not just souls, but entire families. The school, St Anthony’s Primary in Glen Huntly, continues to thrive today, embodying the Gospel values of compassion and education that have defined the parish from its inception. By the mid-20th century, St Anthony’s had blossomed into a bustling hub, hosting Masses, sacraments, and social gatherings that knit the community together through the trials of war, economic shifts, and social change.
A pivotal chapter unfolded in 2003, when St Anthony’s amalgamated with the neighbouring St Aloysius Parish in Caulfield. This union, forming the Parish of Saints Anthony and Aloysius, expanded the flock while preserving the unique spirit of each church. Today, the parish encompasses St Anthony’s in Glen Huntly, St Aloysius in Caulfield, and St Joseph’s in Elsternwick, creating a diverse mosaic of over 5,000 registered families from myriad cultural backgrounds. As one long-time parishioner reflects, “It’s a place where old traditions meet new faces—everyone finds their home here.”
Worship and Sacraments: The Heartbeat of the Parish
At the core of St Anthony’s life is its liturgical rhythm, a symphony of prayer that invites all to encounter the divine. Daily Masses are celebrated from Monday to Saturday at 9:15 am, offering a moment of quiet reflection in the midst of modern haste. The weekend draws larger crowds: a Vigil Mass on Saturday at 6 pm, followed by Sunday celebrations at 9 am, 11 am, and 5 pm. These services, enriched by multilingual elements to honour the parish’s global congregation, foster a sense of unity in diversity.
Sacramental preparation is a cornerstone, with programmes for Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, and Marriage tailored to families at every stage. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) runs every Thursday at 6:30 pm in the presbytery, welcoming those drawn to the Catholic faith through thoughtful discussions, film screenings, and shared testimonies.
Devotional practices deepen this spiritual wellspring. The Holy Rosary is recited daily at 8:45 am, while Wednesdays bring Adoration, Rosary, and the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 6:40 pm—a tradition that draws devotees seeking solace and intercession.
A Community in Action: Outreach and Fellowship
What truly sets St Anthony’s apart is its boundless energy for service, transforming faith into tangible acts of love. The parish choir, rehearsing every Wednesday at 7:30 pm, fills the nave with harmonious praise, while Sunday School at 10 am during school terms engages young minds in the Parish House at 74 Grange Road, Carnegie. Children’s Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Masses ensures even the littlest ones feel included in the sacred story.
Yet, it is in outreach that the parish shines brightest. Tony’s Café, a beloved initiative marking its 17th year in 2025, operates from the heart of Carnegie, dishing out free, nourishing meals to those in need. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, the café has become a lifeline for the homeless, lonely, and vulnerable, embodying St Anthony’s patronage as the finder of lost things—including hope. “We’ve served thousands of plates,” shares a volunteer, “but it’s the conversations that feed the soul.”
Fellowship events abound, from the annual Visit of Our Lady of Fatima procession to community barbecues and sacramental information evenings. The parish’s embrace of multiculturalism is evident in its support for South Sudanese and other migrant groups, with tailored liturgies and language classes fostering integration. Environmental stewardship, social justice seminars, and youth groups round out a calendar brimming with opportunities to live the Gospel actively.
Guiding this vibrant community is a dedicated team led by Parish Priest Fr Leenus Neetany, SAC, whose pastoral vision emphasises inclusivity and renewal. Assisting him are Fr Patrick Jackson, SAC (in residence), Brother Lindsay Rust, SAC, and Permanent Deacon John Lam—each bringing wisdom, warmth, and a commitment to the margins.
Looking to the Horizon: Faith for Tomorrow
As St Anthony’s Parish navigates the 21st century, challenges like secularisation and demographic shifts are met with optimism and innovation. Recent renovations to the church fabric symbolise this forward gaze, ensuring the building endures as a beacon for future generations. Digital bulletins and online donations have broadened access, while ecumenical partnerships strengthen ties with neighbouring faiths.
In an era of disconnection, St Anthony’s stands as a testament to the enduring power of community-rooted faith. Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic, a curious seeker, or someone simply in need of a warm welcome, this parish in Carnegie offers a doorway to grace.
Contact Details
Address: St Anthony’s Church, 172 Neerim Road, Glen Huntly VIC 3163 (cnr Neerim and Grange Roads)
Parish House: 74 Grange Road, Carnegie VIC 3163Phone: (03) 9401 6336
Email: glenhuntly@cam.org.au
Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10 am – 2 pm
All are invited to join in worship, service, or simply a cuppa at Tony’s Café. St Anthony’s: where faith finds, and community thrives.
