Our Clergy team
Fr Chris Keast
Rector
Originally from Queensland, Fr. Chris Keast’s journey to ministry has been one of faith, dedication, and a deep readiness to serve. Raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, Fr. Chris discerned an call to the priesthood, spending several formative years in seminary to explore this vocation. Although his path eventually led him away from studying for the Catholic priesthood, it instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and a strong, enduring faith. Over time, Fr. Chris’ spiritual journey led him to embrace the Anglican Church, where he found a renewed calling.
Fr. Chris’ ministry path also includes a 13-year career in the Royal Australian Navy. Starting his service on the HMAS Ballarat in 2004, he held various operational and leadership roles on several ships and establishments. This experience honed his skills in service, commitment, and teamwork, which he later carried into his ministry.
After leaving the Navy, Fr. Chris, having grown within the Anglican faith, moved with his wife, Elizabeth, and their children to Ballarat to answer the call to Anglican ministry. He began full-time service as a Deacon at the Cathedral and the Parish of Holy Trinity in Sebastopol in 2017 and was ordained as a priest on July 1, 2017.
Fr. Chris has served in several parishes across Ballarat and beyond, including:
- Assistant Curate – The Cathedral Church of Christ the King (2017–2019)
- Assistant Curate – Holy Trinity Sebastopol (2017–2019)
- Priest in Charge – Holy Trinity Sebastopol (2019–2020)
- Priest in Charge – St John the Baptist, Beaufort, and Christ Church, Skipton (2019–2020)
- Priest in Charge – St John’s Soldiers Hill (2020–2022)
- Priest in Charge – Parish of Springmount (2019–2020)
In 2022 Bishop Garry appointed Fr Chris as the 22nd Rector of St John’s.
Beyond his ministry, Fr. Chris is an avid movie enthusiast, with a particular fondness for Star Wars. He enjoys caring for his family’s pets and, above all, treasures spending quality time with his children.
Thora
Fr Chris’ Assistance Dog
Thora is a Labrador Retriever trained as an Assistance Dog.
Like other working animals, such as guide dogs, Thora has been specially trained to assist Fr Chris.
She’s not only a wonderful helper but also a friendly and calming companion to everyone she meets through his work.
When she’s off duty, Thora enjoys her favorite hobbies:
running, sleeping, and, of course, eating!