Our Team

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.

Herbie O'Flynn
Safeguarding Officer

My wife Lyn and I moved here in late 2015 from Canberra where we had lived for over 30 years. My background is with the Australian Army and with the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. I am the Parish Safety Officer and am involved and committed to Paddy’s Kitchen. We are slowly getting used to living in Pakenham helped by our children and especially our grandchildren. Involvement in Parish activities is important to us.

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.

Chiara Rosario
Pastoral & Sacrament
 Co-Ordinator

I moved from India way back in 1990, and made Australia home. I have now lived in Pakenham since 2020 and calling it my new place of peace and tranquillity. I have been a volunteer with the Parish and now form a part of this team.  I’d like to think that I am approachable, fun-loving and happy to assist. I love what I do and endeavour to do my best. I welcome feedback and my door is always open.

Parish Council Members 2021-2023

Ex-officio Members
  • Fr Jeff Kleynjans, Parish Priest
  • Herbie O’Flynn, 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
  • Donna Velten
  • 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)