St James the Great & the Oratory of the Good Shepherd 

This parish has had long associations with the life of religious communities, in particular with the Community of The Holy Name for some 70 years and the Oratory of the Good Shepherd for almost 20 years.  The former Vicar, Father Roger Kelly, is at present the Prior of the Melbourne College of the Oratory. Inspired by his own religious life and experience of holy rule, he founded the Little Company of the Good Shepherd in 2006. The Little Company has in turn influenced other members to join with them in the life of the Oratory Companionate.

The Little Company and the Companions follow the Rule of the Professed Brothers of the Oratory of the Good Shepherd (OGS) within the particular demands of their lives in the everyday world. 

With the professed brethren, Oratory Companions and Members of the Little Company are to attend Holy Communion as often as their lives permit, and to recite the Divine Office, with an hour of contemplative prayer and meditation each day.

The Holy Rule (expressed in the Seven Notes of the Oratory) upholds Fellowship, the Labour of the Mind, the Faithful Stewardship of Talents and Resources, the importance of Liberty and yet also of Discipline with all upheld in the Love thatmakes for Peace. 

Photo taken after liturgy and visit of our Episcopal Visitor Bishop Gerald Beaumont (centre). Rear - from left to right: Fr Jabulani OGS, David Stidston, Ron Williams and visiting priest (obscured).

Front: Georgia Clark, Fr Roger OGS, Former member of the Little Company Sr Jill, the Bishop, the Rev'd Brother Rodney (dec) and honourary deacon Alfonso Duran

St James the Great is committed to mission and the work and witness of religious communities, especially of the worldwide Oratory and the parish-based community, the Little Company of the Good Shepherd (Oratory emblem below).