Case Study: Opening of the new Vietnamese Catholic Church

In July of 2024, the Brisbane Vietnamese Catholic Community threw open the doors to their new church in Inala. The opening of the Queen of the Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church was many years in the making, and as an organisation focused on fuelling Catholic mission, ADF is proud to have supported the construction of the church from the very beginning.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge blessed the land in August 2018; however, construction was delayed due to the pandemic. Despite the lengthy delays, the Vietnamese Catholic Community remained united in faith and committed to their collective goal of having a new church built for their growing and vibrant community.

The generosity of the Vietnamese Catholic Community was clear for all to see, and through various fundraising efforts, they were able to raise an impressive figure to go towards the development of the new church.

Father Joseph Vu SVD, Vietnamese Catholic Community chaplain and Divine Word Missionary, said the community needed a much larger space for their growing congregation, with over 3000 members, and 450 children attending their Sunday school each week.

“We have a slogan within our community which is ‘together in one’. Together in one heart, one mind. Together we build our church, our community.

After witnessing so many children come along each week, we knew we needed an appropriate space for them, as well as our wider congregation.” Fr Joseph said.

With a seating capacity of approximately 900 people, the church’s design enables it to host up to 2,000 people by allowing clear views of the altar from the various angles, including the outside areas where glass panels can be opened for larger gatherings at Christmas and Easter.

ADF Relationship Manager, Stephany Yang, brought over 15 years of expertise to this project, and now reflecting on its completion, she feels blessed to have been part of it.

“The ADF is honoured to have been part of the Vietnamese Catholic Community’s inspiring journey to build the new Queen of the Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church.

It’s amazing to witness the faith, dedication, and generosity of the community coming together to bring their vision to life,” Stephany said.

Fr Joseph Vu spoke of the incredible fundraising achievements of his community and added that their new church wouldn’t have been possible without the support of ADF, Archbishop Mark and the Archdiocese of Brisbane.

“Our community was able to fundraise for the new church, but it was the guidance and support of the ADF, Archbishop Mark, and the team from Building and Property that really helped to make our vision a reality.”

There are plans underway to expand the Vietnamese Catholic community further, with construction to commence on a commercial kitchen, administration office and a community hall, as well as spacious classrooms to cater for the Sunday school program – a place where young people can be educated on faith and the Vietnamese culture.

“The opening of the new church marks the beginning of a new chapter for us, and I thank everyone who was involved for their support,” Fr Joseph said.