Prior to the construction of a Catholic Church in Warracknabeal, the Catholic faithful gathered for Mass in various places – in Scott Brothers’s wool shed, the courthouse, the school, the Police Station and for some 11 years in a room attached to Henry Phillip’s Commercial Hotel. The first church of Gothic design was built in 1887, and formally opened by Very Rev. Dean Hoyne in December 1887. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed by fire in1898. The Catholic community rebuilt the church in 1899 and St Mary’s Church was consecrated by Bishop Moore in October 1900. Sixty-six years later the last mass was celebrated in this church before it was demolished in preparation for the construction of a new church. In June 1967, the new St Mary’s Memorial Church, a lovely building of outstanding design was blessed and dedicated by Most Rev. J.P O’Collins, Bishop of Ballarat. Since then, extensions and refurbishments including a kitchen, foyer, toilet block and air conditioning have been added.

The Presbytery, an architecturally designed building was built for Rev Father Devane in 1892, and remains the current residence for priests of the parish.

St Mary’s School, the first catholic school was opened in 1901 with 50 students. The school was staffed by lay teachers until 1928 when the Sisters of Mercy took charge of teaching and managing the school for 55 years. A new school replaced the original building in 1951 and in 1975 Forms 3 and 4 were disbanded as boarding facilities at the convent were no longer offered. In 2007, a modern school with state-of-the-art facilities and grounds replaced the building. St Mary’s School continues to provide outstanding education as recognised by the Warracknabeal community.

In April 1930 a convent was opened for the Sisters of Mercy, as well as to accommodate a large number of boarders from the district and wider region. The building was described as a “magnificent edifice” and is a testament to the builders as it still stands today.  After finishing teaching the Sisters of Mercy continued in a pastoral care role for many years. The convent was sold in 1996.

St Mary’s Ladies Club consists of an active group of ladies who meet monthly and support the needs of the church and parishioners in many ways. Fellowship is very special and new members are always welcome. Members assist with the presentation of the church, preparations for Mass, catering for funerals, Ecumenical Services at Aged Care Lodge, and hospital and home visiting. The Club provides financial support to the Warracknabeal Conference of St Vincent De Paul. Coffee, tea and toast is shared and enjoyed by parishioners and visitors after 8.30am Mass on the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of each month.

The Conference of St Vincent de Paul was established in Warracknabeal in the 1950’s but was disbanded in 1972. It resumed in conjunction with Minyip in September 1991. The conference continues to actively support those in need throughout the district.

St Mary’s faith community continues to evolve in a welcoming and friendly environment. Parishioners and visitors attend weekend masses along with regular weekday masses.