Meet our Parish Leadership Team

My name is Sang Ho. In January 2019 I took up my appointment at St Bernard’s Parish, as Administrator for a year, and then as Parish Priest. Living among so talented and dedicated people of this community,

I hope to live out fruitfully my priestly ministry here at St Bernard’s, endeavouring to promote a community where everyone feels welcome and experiences that great Hospitality of God.

Through our Parish website I would like to joyfully extend my welcome to each one of you to our Parish community.

With every blessing.

Father Sang Ho

Parish Priest

Brendan Flanagan - Clairvaux Catholic School Principal

I have been a school Principal and teacher for a number of years in the Sandhurst and Melbourne diocese having been in rural, regional and city-based schools. Education of our young people and family are important to me in the communities that our family has lived in to ensure that our future is based on strong community values.

Peter Dunn, PLT Chair

I have been actively involved with a number of Parishes, being Parish President at Holy Family Mt. Waverley and a Finance Committee member at St John's Mitcham, prior to coming to live in Highton.

I am a Project Manager and Registered Builder and have had a wide range of experience in local government and not for profit organisations.

Peter is a representative of the Finance, Infrastructure and Management Pillar.

Brian Sherwell - Deputy chair

Brian is a long time member of the Parish community. Family is especially important, and the focus of retired life. As a Project Manager and Building Surveyor he has held various positions in the Parish. This involvement sees Brian as leader of the Finance, Infrastructure and Management Pillar of the PLT.

Muriel Powell - Secretary

I moved to Highton in 1995 with my husband and our three children who attended Mercia/Clairvaux schools. I have been involved with the Parish in various roles as a Eucharist minister and reading at 10.30am Mass. I was a member of the Parish staff, as the Parish catechist, until I retired in 2022. I am now participating in the PLT as Secretary.

Noreen Nicholson - Pillar Leader

Noreen is a long term member of the Parish Community. Family and Caring for Creation are particular passions and the volunteer focus of retired life. Previous experience in teamwork and managing projects in tertiary education and Ignatian spirituality settings, has prepared me to lead the Outreach & Engagement Pillar of the PLT.

Ann O’Neill - Pillar Representative

Ann is a long-time member of the Parish Community who has been actively involved in various roles and groups during her 40yr association with the Parish.

Family is especially important to Ann and all 11 of her children have attended Clairvaux Catholic School. She is currently employed at Mercy Place Rice Village as a Pastoral Carer.

Ann is now participating in the PLT as a representative of the Outreach and Engagement in Faith Pillar.

Franca Bonanno - Pillar Leader

I have been an active member of our community since 1999 in several ministries. Currently I enjoy being a Reader and Eucharistic Minister, as well as being involved with the RCIA program. I have three adult children who all attended Clairvaux Catholic School and they are my most treasured blessings.

I am passionate about leading with faith. For 30 years, I have been a teacher at Sacred Heart College, educating students in Religious Education, Chemistry, and general Science. Working with young people in an environment that values our Catholic tradition and education is a privilege and most rewarding.

I lead the Liturgy Pillar as a member of the PLT.

St Bernard’s Parish Staff 2024

Parish Officer - Ivana Tullio-Toulmin

Chrissie Puls - Sacramental Coordinator

Hi, my name is Chrissie and I am the new Sacramental Coordinator for St. Bernard’s Parish.

I’m a newlywed and mother to a 12 year old fur-baby named Bella. I have been a Catholic Primary School teacher for the last 25 years and recently resigned to become a carer for my husband. I am an avid Cats fan, who attends as many matches as I can get to.

Chrissie.puls@cam.org.au

Karen Marshall - Finance Officer

Karen has been a long time member of the Parish community, volunteering as reader and PowerPoint operator at the 9.00am Mass. She has had an extended career in finance while raising her family and is now operating as our Parish Finance Officer.

Karen.Marshall@cam.org.au

Jan Fagan, Baptism Coordinator

Jan has been a long time member of St Bernard’s Parish and has held many roles in our community, firstly in Belmont and now in Highton. She taught at St Bernard’s before continuing her teaching at Clairvaux. Jan was previously a member of the Geelong deanery committee and recently retired from the parish liturgy committee. Jan is now focused on her voluntary role as the Parish Baptism coordinator.

Tess Carr - Parish Music Coordinator