Our Team

Fr Jeff Kleynjans
Parish Priest

"May the church be the place of God’s mercy and love, where everyone can feel themselves welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live according to the good life of the Gospel. And in order to make others feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged, the church must have open doors so that all might enter. And we must go out of those doors and proclaim the Gospel.”( Pope Francis)

Andrea  Jayawardena
Parish Secretary

Deciding to leave my home country, Sri Lanka, and settle in Pakenham, Australia, in 2009 was one of the best decisions my husband, Ron, and I ever made. I am a proud mother of two children, Rebecca and Jason (dec.). I enjoy cooking and camping in the bush. I look forward to supporting my parish family and team. Being part of a multicultural and diverse community, both in the church and beyond, is a privilege, and I am excited to work alongside you all. God bless.

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Terry Wynne Safeguarding 
Officer

My family and I immigrated from Ireland to Australia in 1988 and have no regrets. Australia is a wonderful place for raising children. We have three boys all grown up with families of their own. My working background is in operations management, ISO standards quality, environment & safety, with auditing experience. My interests are swimming, gardening, walking and spending time with family. I will embrace the challenges the safeguarding position brings. I look forward to working with everyone in the Parish of Pakenham.

Katrina Venn
Pastoral Carer

My husband Wayne and I have lived in Pakenham for 28 years and we have 3 children. I love walking and swimming and have a keen interest in my hobby mosaicing. I also enjoy doing charity work.

Parish Council Members 2021-2023

Ex-officio Members
  • Fr Jeff Kleynjans, Parish Priest
  • Terry Wynne, Parish Safeguarding Officer
  • Megan Escalante, Principal, St Patrick’s Primary School
  • Helen Staindl, Principal, St Clare’s Primary School
 Elected/Nominated Members
  • John Fanchette
  • Rebecca Simmons
  • Nisha Gomez
  • Rochelle Pereira
  • Melissa Vaca
  • Jean-Claude Pauguy
  • Gerald Prestt

Finance Committee Members

  • Paul Velten (Chair)
  • Rudy de Jong
  • Gloria Thomson
  • Mick O’Brien
  • Carmel McCowan
  • Odile Fox
  • Fr Jeff Kleynjans
  • Andrea Jayawardena
    (Meeting Secretary)