St Joseph’s Church
Bassendean

Present and Past Priests

Fathers contribution to the rich History of the Church

2023 - Present
Fr Anthony Suresh
Fr Anthony Suresh
2021 - 2023
Fr Ben Lee
Fr Ben Lee

On March 2, 2021, Fr. Benedict Lee assumed the role of Priest-in-charge until a new Parish Priest was appointed. He concluded his service at St. Joseph’s in early February 2023, transferring to Palmyra.

2010 - 2021
Fr Son Nguyen
Fr Son Nguyen

As of November 1, 2010, a new chapter in St. Joseph's Bassendean began with Fr. Son Nguyen being appointed as the 7th Parish Priest. This period marked a transition in pastoral leadership, bringing fresh perspectives and energies to the community. Fr. Son was deeply loved by all the parishioners for his warm, friendly, and always loving demeanour. In February 2021, Fr. Son announced his transfer, marking the end of his tenure on February 28, 2021.

2005 - 2010
Fr Jim Shelton
Fr Jim Shelton

On the 2nd of November 2005, Fr. Jim Shelton assumed the role of Priest in charge of St. Joseph’s Church. By January 2006, recognizing his dedicated service, the Archbishop elevated him to the esteemed position of the 6th Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s. Fr. Jim Shelton, during his tenure, contributed significantly to the spiritual life of the Parish. Sadly, he passed away on the 29th of July 2020 in the USA, leaving a legacy of faith and service.

2002 - 2005
Fr Tiziano Bogoni
Fr Tiziano Bogoni

On the 22nd of November 2002, a new chapter unfolded as Fr. Tiziano Bogoni took on the role of Priest in charge of St. Joseph's Bassendean.

2001 - 2002
Fr Richard Robertsen
Fr Richard Robertsen

In early June 2001, Fr. Richard Robertsen assumed the role of the Priest in charge and later became the 5th Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s on June 27, 2001.

1971 - 2000
Fr Alexius Morahan
Fr Alexius Morahan

On September 19, 1971, Father Alexius Morahan became the 4th Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Bassendean, bringing with him a wealth of experience and commitment to the community. Born in Louisburg County Mayo, Ireland, on July 17, 1920, and ordained in Genoa, Italy, on June 29, 1949, Fr. Morahan served as Parish Priest until his passing on July 12, 2000.

1967 - 1971
Fr Joseph Depiazzi
Fr Joseph Depiazzi

In March 1967, Father Joseph Bernard Depiazzi took on the role of the third Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Bassendean, bringing a dynamic energy to the community. Born in Bunbury, WA, on April 17, 1918, and educated for the Priesthood at Corpus Christi College, Werribee, Victoria, Fr. Depiazzi served as Parish Priest until September 1971.

1958 - 1967
Fr William Brown
Fr William Brown

In August 1958, Fr. William Browne assumed the role of the second Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church. Born in Middletown, County Cork, Ireland, in 1915, Fr. Browne was educated at All Hallows College Dublin, Ireland, and ordained in 1939. Fr. Browne passed away in Inglewood at the age of 60.

1948 - 1958
Fr Michael Thomas McCaul
Fr Michael Thomas McCaul

Reverend Fr. Michael Thomas McCaul, appointed as the first Parish Priest on January 29, 1948, played a pivotal role in shaping our community. Born in Fremantle on October 15, 1912, and ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral Perth on December 11, 1938, Fr. McCaul's journey included serving as an RAAF Chaplain during World War II.

1914
Founder
Fr Thomas Morris
Fr Thomas Morris

Fr. Thomas Morris celebrated the very first Mass in the hall of the Road Board right here in West Guildford. It was he who identified the need of a church when the number of parishioners was growing. He acquired four blocks of land between Hamilton and James Streets.

Our very first church rose from the ground, thanks to Fr. Thomas Morris.