Our Pastoral Team
Parish Priest
Fr. Bernie Thomas OFM
I come from Wainuiomata near Wellington and began my career as a cartographer before working in several other fields. Much of my life has been in ministry; youth work, missionary teaching in Papua New Guinea and Samoa, and many years of school and adult retreat ministry as a friar, along with roles such as university chaplain, parish priest, retreat centre director, lecturer, and trained Franciscan Spiritual Director.
Music is a major passion for me, especially piano, pipe organ, classical music, and musical theatre. I also enjoy keeping active and have knitted hundreds of beanies for fundraisers and for people experiencing homelessness. I am excited to be in Ipswich and am enjoying my time so far.
Assistant Priest
Fr. Minje Kim
It has been a long journey for Fr. Minje, who arrived in Australia from South Korea in 2016.
“As an international tourist, I had come to see the Sydney Opera House and hold some koalas,” he said with a laugh. “I had also come to see how Australians worshipped God.”
When he landed in Brisbane, he met with the then-Vocation Brisbane director Fr Morgan Batt who took him to Ignite Conference, a Catholic youth festival.
“Fr Morgan wanted me to be inspired by God and told me about this event called Ignite,” he said. Fr. Minje was ordaned in 2023 and was appointed to the Ipswich Catholic Community in July 2023.
Operations Manager
Liana Leschke
As Operations Manager I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to our parish community. Following a rewarding career in corporate finance and relationship management, for several years I embraced the privilege of being a stay-at-home parent, which deepened my pastoral connection with our parish. I am committed to supporting the mission and growth of our parish by promoting sustainable practices that strengthen our welcoming, faith-filled communities. My hope is to help create church communities where families feel engaged and children are nurtured in faith, growing into the next generation of dedicated parishioners.
Administration Assistant
Rosalia Risati
Hello, my name is Rosalia and I work in the Parish Office at the Ipswich Catholic community, I work with families as they prepare for Baptism, and support familes as their children journey through the Sacramental Program. I help families as they prepare funerals for loved ones, and support our priests and parish team put together liturgies for our parish and schools. I really enjoy my work here, and enjoy assisting others where ever I can.
Concierge
Belinda Holden
Concierge
Kay Dowd
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