Where are they now – Eugene McKinnon (SPC 1965-66)

The College reconnects with Fr Eugene McKinnon (SPC 1965-66), who has spent time in Papua New Guinea and is currently the parish priest in the Wimmera. Fr McKinnon still remembers moving from a small, country school to SPC, where there were 125 students in his English class.

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Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I went to Corpus Christi, Werribee in 1967, and began my training to be a priest in the Diocese of Ballarat. After Ordination in 1975, I have been in a number of Parishes in the Diocese, and even spent five years in Papua New Guinea. I currently am the Parish Priest of a number of Parishes in the East Wimmera area, Birchip, Charlton, Donald, St Arnaud and Wycheproof, with Boort also being under my umbrella.

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What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

Coming from Timboon Consolidated, the numbers and variety of students impressed me. My first class was Leaving English with 125 students in the class.

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Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

Peter Morris was my Latin tutor and helped me sufficiently to gain enough Latin to enter the Seminary.

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How has your education shaped your professional life?

In 1966, being a Prefect and also taking an active role in the St Vincent de Paul Group, expanded my awareness of the needs of others.

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How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

St Patrick’s built on my family background and set me forward on a life that with a belief in God all people are to be valued.

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