Welcome

​​Did you know our Parish is home to two Churches?

On 2 August 2013, the communities of St Paschal Baylon Church, Wavell Heights, and St Gerard Majella Church, Chermside West, amalgamated into one Parish.

Our Lady of the Angels’ Parish, Chermside, adopts the OLA title of our shared Primary School, and the connecting suburb of Chermside. 

Historically, the original Church of St Paschal Baylon, Wavell Heights, was opened and blessed by Archbishop James Duhig on 8 August 1937.

The Franciscan Fathers from Kedron provided spiritual guidance until the mid 1940’s.

The thriving community became a separate parish in 1946 with Rev Dr Geoffrey O’Donoghue PP becoming the first Parish Priest.

As the original church became too small, a new building was built to house the church on the lower floor and a school above.

Our Lady of the Angels’ Primary School opened in January 1950. The Presentation Sisters arrived to run the school and commenced their long association with the Parish (until the mid 1990’s).  

In the early 1970’s, with local growth flourishing, the Chermside West community became a new parish, centered on the Church of St Gerard Majella. 

Over time, the two parishes grew independently, until their leadership was amalgamated in 2010. 

In 2013, we formed the new Parish of Our Lady of the Angels, Chermside. 

On 17 October 2014, Archbishop Mark Coleridge Dedicated the Church of St Paschal, with refurbishment led by Fr Gerard McMorrow PP.

During this era, St Paschal’s provided a spiritual home to the Lay-Religious, Sovereign Order of Malta in Queensland. A legacy evident in the Maltese Cross in the central aisle of the nave.

The beautiful and solemn St Paschal’s church remains popular for hosting Sacraments and Weddings.

From 2004 until the Covid 2019 pandemic, St Gerard’s church hosted the annual Christmas Lights Festival, gathering many families and prolific media support. 

In 2024, Archbishop Mark Coleridge appointed Fr John Echewodo PP the Dean of the Brisbane North East Deanery.

In 2025, our Parish became home to the dynamic Encounter Northside Youth group ages 12-17yrs.

Our communities each have their own identities and strengths, but we share one aim – to become one in Christ by loving one another, as Jesus loves us and teaches us to do.  

Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are called to continue the mission of Jesus and we are so grateful to do so. 

In the words of St Paul, ‘If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord’ (Romans 14:8). 

‘We believe that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are Called to serve according to His purpose’ (Romans 8:28).

We hope you enjoy exploring our welcoming Parish community.