Fr Ashwin Acharya

Associate Pastor

My name is Ashwin Emmanuel Acharya, ordained a priest for the Diocese almost three years ago, 17th June 2021.

I was born 22nd October 1991 in Canberra. Five years later my elder brother Rajat, mum, dad and I came to Yeppoon where I grew up. My schooling was at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, one year at St Anthony’s in Rockhampton, St Brendan’s College from 2004 – 08, and then at CQU in Rockhampton where I gained a Bachelor of Learning Management, aspiring to be a Primary School teacher. With no avenues opening up, I found myself serving St Ursula’s College as Campus Minister as well as teaching a short Maths contract. I continued there in that capacity, as well as relief teaching in Yeppoon until I experienced a call to the Priesthood in the latter half of 2014.

By 2015, Bishop Michael accepted my petition to undertake studies and formation at Holy Spirit Seminary in Banyo, and, frankly, the last nine years have flown by.

I am profoundly grateful to the Diocesan family for the countless ways you honour and encourage me, and in particular I thank the parishes that I have enjoyed longer periods in – of course Yeppoon where I grew up, Emerald as a Deacon, Mackay for my Internship and initial month as a Priest, Biloela in my first end of year placement and supplying, and Gladstone where I have been since September 2021. I have savoured a deep experience God’s love during these times in these places.

Coming to Rockhampton is exciting and a little daunting, but I know it will be graced. I thank you in advance for allowing me the privilege of sharing in the joys, hopes, griefs and anxieties of our wonderful walks of faith. May God bless us all, always.
Fr Ashwin