Parishes
MerrylandsSt Margaret Mary’s Parish
Rev Roderick Bray - Parish Priest
Catholic Presbytery5 Chetwynd Road, Merrylands NSW 2160
Ph: (02) 9637 2526 Fax: (02) 9637 2442
Parish Mass Times: Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm Sunday: 7.00am; 9.00am; 10.30am; 6.00pm Daily: Monday:
6.30am; 8.00am Children's Liturgy Reconciliation Times: Tuesday: 8.00pm – 9.00pm Saturday: 9.30am – 10.30am; 4.00pm – 5.45pm And before weekday mass
Baptism
Marriage By appointment
Special Masses or
Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Buildings, Equipment
& Resources
Parish Publications
Schools Parish History: The Merrylands parish was formed in November 1946, having previously been a part of Holy Trinity parish, Granville. After discussion between Monsignor McGovern and pioneer parishioner Fred Tripp who purchased the first block of land, the parish was named in honour of St Margaret Mary.
The foundation Parish priest was Rev Lou Tosi, who built up the parish and school building which was also used as a church. In February 1965, the parish received a ‘grand gift from Erin Isle in Father Kerrick’, who extended the school and built the church. Rev Bray succeeded him in February 1979 and has built the school administration block, the hall and five extra classrooms.
The parish has had many conscientious assistant priests who have moved onto other parishes and activities. Rev Bray is ably assisted by active groups of acolytes, lectors and altar boys.
The primary school was originally staffed by the Sisters of St Joseph, then by the Marist Sisters. It is now in the capable hands of Carmel Agius and her lay staff.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Mt DruittHoly Family ParishRev Patrick Mullins SJ - Assistant Priest Sr Carlene Allen RSM - Pastoral Associate Br Bruce Robertson SJ - Pastoral Associate Mr John Stone - Director Caroline Chisholm Centre Miss Natalie Bugelli - Pre-School Kindergarten Mr Gavin Dickson - 'The Shed' Men's Health & Information Centre Ms Coral McLean - Director of Holy Family Centre Mrs Melissa Vance - Margaret Druitt Daycare Catholic Presbytery Luxford Road, Emerton NSW 2770
Postal Address PO Box 86, Mt Druitt NSW 2770
Ph: (02) 9628 7272 Fax: (02) 9628 6139 Email: enquiry@holyfamily.org.au
Parish Mass Times: Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm Sunday:
HFC:
Every Sunday; 9.00am; 10.30am Saturday: 9.00am Children's Liturgy/
Mass Times
Reconciliation Times: Saturday: 9.30am – 10.00am, Additional - before Feast Days & Seasons
Baptism
Marriage By appointment
Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising
& Social Events; Study Programmes
Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Parish Publications
Schools
Parish History: The parochial district of Mount Druitt was established on June 1, 1965, having been cut off from St Mary's Parish. Rev Patrick Archbold was its first Parish Priest, living for some time in an A-frame house which he built near the Sacred Heart Church on Ropes Creek Road, where Mass was celebrated.
In 1966 plans were made for a parish centre comprising a kindergarten and hall/church to be built. They were blessed and opened in April, 1968. In January 1966 the Schoenstatt Sisters took up residence in the parish, and Schoenstatt Rev Carl Boes began work in 1967.
In 1970 Fr Archbold reported that the Catholic population of Mt Druitt had risen in three years from 1825 to 6000, from 554 families to 1,320. There were 2 priests, himself and Rev Boes; 2 churches; Holy Family and Sacred Heart, with 6 Sunday Masses between them; 3 Schoenstatt sisters; 17 catechists; 30 altar servers; 5 St Vincent de Paul men; and 46 families involved in Schoenstatt groups. In those 3 years there had been 42 marriages, 378 baptisms, and 127 confirmations. There were around 2,000 Catholic children in 6 State Primary Schools and 1 High School. The Pre-school Kindergarten existed from the beginning. Rev Archbold noted, "An idea has been proposed that we need a welfare centre involving SVdeP, Catholic Welfare Office, Sisters work and CCD.
On February 8, 1976, Therry House, the Education Centre and the Day Care Centre were blessed and opened. The parish of South Mount Druitt was also cut off,. Rev Archbold died on August 5, 1977 and Rev Bede Heather became Parish Priest. When he became Bishop in 1979, Rev Peter Phipps took over. He was succeeded in 1980 by Rev Paul Hanna. In 2004 Rev Peter Confeggi was appointed as Parish Priest. In 1993 there are about 24,000 Catholics in the parish. There are once again two priests and two churches, Holy Family and the Ardlbold Centre at Willmot, and a mass each Sunday at Bidwill Uniting Church. Sisters of the Brigidine, Ursuline, Mercy and Good Shepherd congregations and the Christian Brothers are engaged in community work of various kinds in the parish area. There are 19 catechists now, teaching in 11 state primary schools. There are now 66 members of the St Vincent de Paul Society visiting houses in the area, and the Society also conducts the shop at Emerton and the Margaret Druitt Day Care Centre for over seventy 2 to 5 year olds and the Caroline Chisholm Centre.
The perceived need in 1970 for a welfare centre has certainly grown over the years. There are now many groups and activities in the parish at the service of the whole community. In 1992 the family Holiday Programme took over 4600 people away on 104 low-cost holiday outings. Alcoholics Anonymous meets twice weekly and GAMBLERS Anonymous once a week in the new meeting room. GA also has an office on site. The Food Market operates three times a week serving over 1000families with low cost groceries. There is a second-hand clothing store run by volunteers, and groups for pottery, craft & folk art. Holy Family also serves a real community need by supervising local people fulfilling Community Service and Weekend Detention Orders as alternatives to fines and prison sentences.
This account brushes lightly over many of these activities and cannot mention all that is done in particular communities within the parish, notable the Samoan, Tonga and Aboriginal communities.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Mt Druitt SouthSacred Heart
Parish
Rev Carl Ashton - Parish PriestCatholic Presbytery
9 Ropes Road, Mt
Druitt NSW 2770
Ph: (02) 9625 8847
Fax: (02) 9864
8232
Parish Mass Times: Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm Sunday: 7.30am; 9.00am Daily: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9.00am Wednesday: 7.30pm 1st Friday : 7.30pm 1st Saturday: Latin: 6.00am
Reconciliation Times: Saturday:
10.00am - 11.00am; 2.30pm - 3.30pm; 5.00pm - 6.00pm
Baptism By appointment
Marriage By appointment
Special Masses or
Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Buildings, Equipment
& Resources
Parish Publications
Schools
Parish History: Sacred Heart parish was established in November 1976. The parish is the part of Mt Druitt, known as Old Mount Druitt joined with the new area of Minchinbury. The first Parish priest was Rev Timothy Crowley. Parishioners now number more than 8,000.
The ethnic diversity within the parish, brings together Catholics from Asia, Africa, South America, Europe and the Middle East, and is united in their common bond of faith. Also there is a devotional expression of faith represented by those attending Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during a Vigil after evening Mass on first Fridays, and by those spontaneously reciting the Rosary after Mass each day.
In 1983 the parish school was established and a new hall opened in 1988. The parish school has 400 boys and girls from kindergarten to year six and the three state primary schools within the parish have around 492 pupils.
The parish is particularly proud of the voluntary efforts of so many parishioners to support the many parish activities in the religious, social and construction areas.
PARISH PRIESTS &
Administrators . Back to Parish List
North RocksChrist the
King Parish
Rev Eric Burton
- Parish Priest
Catholic Presbytery 10 Statham Avenue,
North Rocks NSW 2151 Ph: (02) 9871 8710
Fax: (02) 9873 4340
Email: ctk.nrocks@bigpond.com
Website: www.users.bigpond.com/ctk.nrocks/. Parish Mass Times: Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm Sunday: 8.00am, 10.00am, 6.00pm Daily: Tuesday:
7.30pm Thursday; Saturday: 9.00am Friday: 6.45am; 9.15am
Children's
Liturgy/ Mass Times: Youth Liturgy/ Mass
Times: Saturday: 9.30am
– 10.00am; 4.30pm – 5.30pm Baptism
Marriage By appointment
Special
Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study
Programmes
Buildings,
Equipment & Resources
Parish
Publications
Schools
Parish History: In 1967 a retired couple, Ted and Peg Barrett, wrote to Cardinal Gilroy requesting that a new parish be formed in the growing area of North Rocks. Their wishes came to reality on February 3 1970, with the appointment of Fr Eric Burton. As Parish Priest.
The new parish was made up almost entirely of young couples and growing families. They were concerned with providing a Catholic education for their children in the context of a Catholic community.
An ex-convent from Nymagee had been re-erected on land purchased by Sydney Archdiocese. This cottage became a chapel, office, a meeting place and a presbytery. On Sundays the folks gathered for Mass at North Rocks Community centre for more than four years, during which the first church, now the parish hall, and the infant’s school were built. The original land proved unsuitable and was sold to enable the present land to be purchased.
As in any parish the passing years saw the erection of various buildings. The more important events were those that happened to people and we saw the building of the ‘church’ in the people sense. Apart from the day to day liturgy of the Eucharist and sacramental life the years saw the development of numerous ministries. The first ongoing lay ministry was that of the catechists in the State Schools.
Establishment of the parish school under the direction of the Holy Faith Sisters and with the enthusiastic support of the parents and teachers was a major step.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Parramatta
|
| Parish Secretary: | Jennifer McPhee Ph: (02) 8839 8400 Email: admin@stpatscathedral.com.au (Monday - Friday) |
| Administrative Assistant: | Celia Toson Ph: (02) 8839 8400 Email: admin@stpatscathedral.com.au (Tuesday, Thursday) |
| Sacramental & RCIA Coordinator: | Kerry Giumelli Ph: 8839 8415 Email: sacraments@stpatscathedral.com.au |
| Director of Music: | Bernard Kirkpatrick Ph: 8839 8433 Email: music@stpatscathedral.com.au |
| Presbytery Catering Coordinator: | Natalie Perrin Ph: 8839 8422 |
| Maintenance Manager: | Chris Johnston Mob: 0438 001 430 |
| Altar Servers Coordinator: | Ryan Manalili |
| Catechist Coordinator: | Sr. Susan Ward RSJ |
| Parish Hospitality Coordinator: | Marian Polizzi |
| Altar Society Coordinator: | Sr Susan Ward |
| Tour Coordinator: | June Barrett |
| St Vincent De Paul President: | Lyn Mahoney |
Parish Mass Times
Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 8.00am; 9.30am(Choir & Children's Liturgy); 11.00am; 6.00pm
Daily: Monday - Friday: 6.45am; 12.30pm
Reconciliation Times
Monday - Friday: 11.45am - 12.30pm
Saturday: 8.30am - 9.00am; 5.15pm - 5.45pm
Anointing of the Sick
within Mass
1st Fridays: 10.00am (Eucharist): Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec
Filipino Mass:
2nd Sunday of the month 12.30pm
Baptism Times
1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays: 12.30pm by appointment.
For more information visit our website.
Marriage
By appointment
For more information visit our website.
Devotions:
Angelus: Monday to Friday; 12 noon
Eucharistic Adoration: Monday to Friday; 11.30am - 12.30pm
Morning Prayer of the Church: Monday to Friday; 6.30am
Saturday & Sunday; 7.30am
Rosary: Monday to Friday; 12.05pm
Stations of the Cross: During Lent
Eucharistic Adoration:
Monday - Friday 7.15am - 8.30am &
11.30am - 12.30pm
Stations of the Cross:
During Lent - check with Parish office during Lent for times.
Buildings, Equipment / Resources for Hire:
Hall (The Cloister's
Function Room)
The "Cloisters" Function Room (our Parish Hall) is available
for hire. Air-conditioned, with off-street parking and access for the
disabled, the hall is ideal for special occasions. Our caterers 'Lachlans'
who operate from Old Government House in Parramatta Park have over 25
years experience in the hospitality industry. They have formal and
informal packages to suit any needs and will add that special touch to a
perfect function. For more information regarding catering and packages
available contact our Hall Coordinator on 8839 8400. The function room
facilities include trestle tables and chairs providing formal or
informal seating with room for up to 300 chairs in theatre style
arrangement. We have a full commercial kitchen with a six-burner gas top
stove, electric oven and warmer, commercial dishwasher and a walk in
cool room.
Murphy House
Murphy House is situated in the front courtyard area. Originally built
in 1904 and used as the Presbytery it is named after the well loved
assistant priest Fr peter Murphy who died at a young age. It was
restored in 2006 and now houses our Cathedral Museum, Visitors Centre
and Piety Stall on the ground floor. On the upper floor we have two
smaller meeting rooms available suitable for groups up to 20 with access
to a small kitchenette. Both our Hall and Murphy House have state of the
art Powerpoint presentation and DVD facilities available.
Special Masses or
Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Angelus (Mon to Fri 12 noon); Anointing of the Sick (1st Friday
10.00am - Feb,Apr,Jun,Aug,Oct,Dec.); Benediction (Mon to Fri 12.15pm);
Choir Liturgy (Sunday 9.30am); Community/ Social Activities; Eucharistic
Adoration (Mon to Fri 7.15am - 8.30am, 11.30am - 12.30pm); Evening
Prayer of the Church (Mon to Fri 5.30pm); Filipino Mass (2nd Sunday
12.30pm); Lenten Discussion; Liturgy Preparation/Team; Morning Prayer of
the Church (Mon to Fri 6.30am, Sat & Sun 7.30am); RCIA; Rosary (Mon
to Thur 12.05pm); Stations of the Cross (Lent); Youth Choir
Parish Publications
Website; Weekly Bulletin ('St Pat's Matters')
Schools
St Patrick's Primary
Our Lady of Mercy College (congregational)
Parish History
Rev James Dixon celebrated the fist Mass in Parramatta within the
vicinity of the present day St. Patrick's on the 22nd of May 1803.
After the Castle Hill uprising in 1804, the privilege was withdrawn.
It was not until Rev. Therry's arrival in 1820 that Mass was again
celebrated. Rev. Daniel Power replaced him and began the first Church
in Parramatta in 1827. It was still unroofed in 1835 when Archbishop
Polding OSB arrived, and when finally completed, it became a
schoolhouse.
Archbishop Polding OSB laid the Foundation Stone on March 17, 1836 and the Church was consecrated on May 28 1837. By 1854 the existing Church was too small so Fr. Coffey O.F.M Conv. commissioned a larger church and the Foundation Stone was laid on August 13, 1854. On November 10, 1878, Dean Rigney laid the Foundation Stone for the Pugin Tower to be added to the existing church. The tower was consecrated on March 17, 1880. The spire was blessed in January 1883.
A new church was built on the site in 1936 to meet the needs of a growing congregation. It incorporated the existing tower and spire. The Foundation Stone was laid on May 26, 1935 and the church opened on May 31, 1936. In 1986 the Diocese of Parramatta was established and St Patrick's Church was designated a Cathedral.
The present Cathedral was the fourth on the site. On February 19, 1996 it was destroyed by fire. The destruction of the Cathedral evoked extraordinary feeling in the community. The Premier, Prime Minister and Governor-General all visited the site to inspect the ruins. The Bishop of Parramatta at the time, Most Rev Bede Heather, promised parishioners: "A new St Patrick's will rise from these ashes."
The work towards this goal continued, with an announcement by the second Bishop of Parramatta, Most Rev Kevin Manning, that St Patrick's Cathedral will be restored to regain its place as a building of historical significance in the local landscape.
PARISH PRIESTS AND DEANS:
Fr. Brennan 1839-42 & 47-52
Dean Coffey O.S.F 1852-1857
Dean Sumner OSB 1857-1864
Dean Forde 1864-1874
Mons Rigney 1874-1889
Mons O`Reilly 1889-1919
Mons O`Gorman 1919-1931
Mons Patrick O`Donnell 1931-1953
Mons Joseph McGovern 1953-1964
Mons Frank Kerr 1964-1974
Fr Joseph Weaver March-June 1974
Fr Don Peisley 1974-1976
Dean Brian Larkey 1976-1991
Dean John Boyle 1991-2000
Dean Kevin Walsh 2000-2004
Dean Peter Williams 2004 - 2006
Dean Wim Hoekstra 2006 -
(For a more detailed history see the book Lot One: St Patrick`s Parramatta by Sr Vivienne Keely)
Visit Parish Website www.stpatscathedral.com.au
Rev Luis Fernando Montano Rodriguez MG - Parish Priest (Chinese Chaplain)
8 Daking Street, North Parramatta NSW 2151
8 Daking Street, North Parramatta NSW 2151
Ph: (02) 9630 1951 or 9630 1669
Fax: (02) 9630 8738
Email: stmonicanp@bigpond.com
Website: www.stmonicanp.org.au
Parish Mass Times:
Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am; 6.00pm
Chinese Community Mass: 11.30am
Daily: Tuesday - Friday: 9.15am
Children's Liturgy/ Mass Times
2nd & 4th Sunday: 9.00am (except school holidays)
Reconciliation Times:
Friday:
9.45am - 10.45am
Saturday: 5.00pm - 5.40pm
Baptism
2nd Sunday: 10.30am (by appointment)
Marriage By appointment (six months notice)
Special Masses or
Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Chinese Mass (Sunday 11.30am); Eucharistic Adoration (Friday after
9.15am Mass until 10.45am); Feast Day Mass (9.15am); Liturgy
Preparation/Team; Morning Tea (Sunday after 10.00am Mass); Rosary Group;
Sacramental Programme (incl Home Based Groups)
Buildings, Equipment
& Resources
Hall (permanent bookings only); Piety Stall
Parish Publications
Weekly Bulletin
Schools
St Monica's Primary, Parramatta North
Parish History:
St Monica’s has a distinguished history. It all began with Monsignor Rigney, the fifth Parish Priest of St Patrick’s, Parramatta when he was looking to build another church in the area.
Just two miles north of Parramatta was a public house variously known as the Green Gate, The Rising Sun and finally Waitematta House. The Monsignor bought it for 300 pounds and it became the first presbytery, school and teacher’s residence of the future St Monica’s Parish.
The foundation stone of St Monica’s Church was laid on Sunday, July 24, 1888 after the 11.00am Mass, which was celebrated in a tent on the site of the proposed edifice. The building of the church was completed in 1889 and it stood there for 71 years. St Monica’s was made into an independent Parish in 1894 with Rev James Joseph Maloney as its first pastor.
The present church was built in 1960 on the site of
the Ancient Inn which had been pulled down.
St Monica's School was established in 1892 by the Sisters of Mercy where they faithfully remained until the departure of Sr Marie Butcher at the end of 1999. Mrs Ann Marrins became the first lay principal in 2000. She is followed by Mr Michael Hopley in 2005.
The capacious parish hall was built by voluntary labour in the early fifties in the time of the tenth pastor, Rev John Ferrari. Rev Roger Wynne, who followed him, built the present church and presbytery. Successive pastors were Rev Gerry Ryan CSsP, Rev Sean Lynskey CSsP and Rev Brian Rooney.
Over the past half-century, new parish districts have been created and this has resulted in a smaller church and school population for the moment
Since December, 2006 a permanent Chinese Chaplain has been appointed to the diocese as a resident in St. Monica's Presbytery. He also acts as assistant pastor to the parish. Mass for the Chinese continues to be celebrated every Sunday at 11.30am. The present appointee is from the community of Missioners of Guadalupe in Hong Kong, Fr. Fernando Montano MG..
PARISH PRIESTS &
Administrators
Rev James Joseph Maloney 1894 -
Rev John Ferrari
Rev Roger Wynne 1957 - 1991
Rev Gerry Ryan CSsp 1992 - 1999
Rev Sean Lynskey CSsp 1999 - 2002
Rev Clifford D'Souza (Administrator) 2002 - 2003
Rev Brian Rooney 2003 - 2008
Rev Luis Fernando Montano Rodriguez MG 2008 - present
Rev Chris de Souza - Parish Priest
Rev Jolly Chacko
MS
- Administrator
Rev Sunny Michael Poovahumkud MS - Assistant Priest
326 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Postal Address
PO Box 1868 Penrith NSW 2751
Ph: (02) 4721 2509
Fax: (02) 4731 4259
Email: enquiries@stnicholasofmyra.org.au
Website: www.stnicholasofmyra.org.au
Parish Mass Times:
Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 7.00am; 8.30am; 10.00am; 6.00pm
Daily: Monday; Thursday: 9.10am
Tuesday; Wednesday: 6.45am; 9.10am
Friday: 6.45am; 12.10pm
Saturday: 9.00am
Children Liturgy/ Mass
Times
2nd & 4th Sunday:
10.00am
Youth Liturgy/ Mass
Times
Sunday:
6.00pm
Reconciliation Times:
Saturday: 9.30am - 10.30am; 5.00pm - 5.45pm
Baptism By appointment
Marriage By appointment
Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising
& Social Events; Study Programmes
Adult Education & Faith Development; Baptism Preparation; Choir
Practice (Tuesday 7.30pm); Community/ Social Activities; Eucharistic
Adoration & Prayer for Vocations (Saturday 9.30am - 10.30am);
Liturgy Preparation/Team; Marriage Preparation; RCIA; Seniors
Activities; Youth Liturgies; Young Adult Group Meeting (Sunday 7.00pm)
Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Penrith Kitchen; Piety Stall
Parish Publications
Website; Weekly Bulletin
Schools
Mary MacKillop Primary, Penrith South
St Nicholas of Myra Primary, Penrith
In 1839 Rev John Brady arrived at Windsor; his parish included Penrith. Before either of the presbyteries were built in the grounds, the first Catholic priests that came to Penrith stayed with families in Cranebrook (usually the McCarthy's), celebrated Mass in Penrith then returned to Windsor.
The first priest in Penrith was the Rev Charles Sumner. He came to Australia on The Oriental with Dr Polding's party of clerics. Not yet ordained, he became the first priest ordained in Australia and in 1839 was appointed to Penrith.
The foundation stone of the present presbytery was laid on Sunday February 7, 1932, replacing the original building which had been deemed 'very old and has outlived its usefulness'. Unfortunately, very little is known of this original building. The blessing of the foundation stone for the new presbytery was attended by the then Catholic Primate, Archbishop Kelly who returned for the opening on Sunday November 27, 1932.
On December 12, 1839, Dr Polding consecrated St John's cemetery at Irishman's Corner and laid the foundation stone of St Nicholas of Myra on land donated by John Tindale. The first services on the site were celebrated in a slab building in the 1840's. By 1850 a more substantial building had been erected, the church being consecrated by Bishop Polding during November of that year.
Sometime after the appointment of Rev Barlow in 1891, the church was renovated and partially restored, including the removal of a coat of thick whitewash from the original stones forming the frontal altar. This church was to serve the Catholic community in Penrith until the erection of the present building in the 1960's. Despite the need for a larger Catholic church in Penrith, many local residents were saddened by the demolition of the old church.
On April 30, 1967 the present church of St Nicholas of Myra was officially opened and blessed by Cardinal Gilroy. Designed by architect Brian Curtin, the contemporary design of the new church is a radical departure from traditional church architecture, offering increased capacity to accommodate Penrith's growing population.
Over the years a number of Priests and Religious Orders have contributed significantly to the development of the parish. First came the Benedictines, among them Rev Sumner. The Redemptorists and the Franciscans have also enriched the priestly ministry. The Sisters of St Joseph have taught the Penrith Catholic children for more than 100 years. The Christian Brothers and the Sisters of Mercy have also been involved.
The Penrith area is blessed with many primary and secondary Catholic schools, servicing the St Nicholas parish Community which include: St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith; Mary Mackillop, South Penrith; St Dominic's College, Penrith; Caroline Chisholm, Glenmore Park; McCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains; and Xavier College, Cranebrook.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Charles Sumner 1839 - 1841
Rev John Fitzpatrick 1843
Rev Jerome Keating 1850 - 1853
Rev Michael Brennan 1853 - 1864
Rev Patrick Slattery 1864 - 1867
Rev J. Dunne 1865 - 1867
Dean J. Hanly 1868 - 1873
Rev J. Phelan 1880 - 1885
Dean Patrick Mahoney 1885 - 1892
Rev Clifford De Sousa 1989
Rev James Sheridan 1892 - 1900
Rev John Flahavan 1900 -1902
Rev Thomas Barlow 1901 - 1916
Rev Thomas Ryan 1916 - 1931
Rev F. Green 1931 - 1937
Rev Vincent Hollands 1937 - 1941
Rev C. Heffernan 1941 - 1947
Rev John Fitzpatrick 1948 - 1964
Rev John Grady 1964 - 1984
Rev Geoff Dickinson 1984 - 1996
Rev Wim Hoekstra 1997 - 2003
Rev Christopher de Souza 2003 - present
Rev Jolly Chacko MS (Administrator) 2009
The
Good Shepherd Parish
Rev Henry Paul OFM Cap
- Parish Priest
Rev Matias Simanjorang OFM Cap
- Assistant Priest
Rev Servillano Bustamante OFM Cap
- In
Residence(Chaplain, Our Lady of Consolation Home)
Rev Matthew Le Vu Dang Luan OFM Cap - Deacon
Br Laurie Sweeper OFM
Cap
- Pastoral Associate
130 Hyatts Road, Plumpton NSW 2761
Ph: (02) 9832 4461
Fax: (02) 9625 3974
Email: parishof@tpg.com.au
Website: www.goodshepherd.org.au
Parish Mass Times:
Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 7.00am; 9.00am; 6.00pm
Vietnamese: 10.30am
Daily: Monday; Tuesday;
Thursday; Friday: 6.00am, 9.00am
Wednesday: 6.00am, 7.30pm
Saturday: 8.00am
Reconciliation Times:
Saturday: 11.00am – 12.00 noon;
Baptism
Sunday: 12.00noon (by appointment)
Marriage By appointment
Special Masses or
Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Catholic Faith Exploration; Community/ Social Activities;
Eucharistic Adoration (1st Friday 8.00pm to Saturday 4.00am, 1st Sunday
11.30am - 4.00pm); Filipino Community Santo Nino; Indian Community;
Liturgy Preparation/Team; Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
(Wednesday after Mass); 1st Friday Mass (7.30pm); Prayer Meetings
(Charismatic, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Nicholas);
Samoan Community; Spanish Mass (Saturday: Vigil 7.30pm); Vietnamese Mass
(Sunday 10.45am)
Parish Publications
Website
Schools
Good Shepherd Primary, Plumpton
St Francis of Assisi Primary, Glendenning
Clare Catholic High School, Hassal Grove
Parish History:
The Good Shepherd parish was established in 1970 and the Good Shepherd Primary School nine years later. Today parishioners number more than 12,000.
Bishop Bede Heather blessed a new church in 1988. In 1991, the St Francis Primary School was established followed by Clare High in 1994. Three primary schools provide Catholic education to more than 2100 students.
Another feature of the parish is the dedicated group of catechists who each week go to five local primary State schools and one high school to spread the Good News to some 1,200 Catholic students. The parish is particularly proud of the close unity of the 49 nationalities in the parish, who help and support each other for the good of the parish and its communities.
There are three religious orders of nuns in the parish: Ursulines, Marist Missionary Sisters and Franciscan Immaculate Sisters.
Each Sunday Mass is said in Vietnamese to cater for the needs of this community. The Maltese celebrate the feast of St Nicholas on the 1st Sunday of December. The Filipino people celebrate the feast of Santo Nino on the 3rd Sunday of January and the feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel on the 3rd Sunday of July.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Hugo De Maria OFMCap 1970 - 1975
Rev Frank Delia OFMCap 1975 - 1985
Rev Erwin Warth OFMCap 1985 - 1987
Rev Charles Bugelli OFMCap 1987 - 1990
Rev Damian Colbourne OFMCap 1990 - 1997
Rev Gerard O'Dempsey OFMCap 1997 - 2000
Rev Gregory Rowles OFMCap 2000 - 2005
Rev Henry Paul OFMCap 2005 - present
Contact
Rev Ian McGinnity
- Parish
Priest
Rev Mathew Antony MS - Assistant Priest
125 Barnier Drive
Quakers Hill NSW 2763
Postal Address
PO Box 267,
Quakers Hill NSW 2763
Ph: (02) 9626 3326
Fax: (02) 9626 1613
Email: parishoffice@maryimmac.org.au
Web Site: www.maryimmac.org.au
Parish Mass Times:
Saturday: Quakers Hill: Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: Quakers Hill: 9.00am; 10.30am, 6.00pm
Sunday Schofields: 7.30am
Daily: Quakers
Hill: Monday & Tuesday:
8.30am
Quakers Hill: Wednesday
& Thursday: 9.15am
Quakers Hill: Friday:
7.00pm
Children's Liturgy/
Mass Times
Sunday: Quakers Hill :
9.30am, 10.30am
Reconciliation Times:
Saturday: Quakers Hill: 4.30pm – 5.30pm
Baptism
1st, 2nd & 3rd
Sunday:
12noon (by appointment)
Marriage By appointment
Special Masses or
Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Adult Faith Education; Eucharistic Adoration (Thursday after 9.15am
Mass); Community/ Social Activities; Eucharistic Adoration & Evening
Prayer (Friday after 7.00pm Mass); Liturgy Preparation/Team; Novena
(Quaker's Hill, Wednesday after 9.15am Mass); RCIA; Rosary (before Mass
- Saturday 5.30pm & Sunday 8.30am)
Buildings, Equipment
& Resources
Library; Piety Stall
Parish Publications
Website; Weekly Bulletin
Schools
Mary Immaculate Primary, Quakers Hill
St Joseph's Primary, Schofields
Terra Sancta College, Quakers Hill (Nirimba Campus)
Terra Sancta College, Schofields (Schofields Campus)
Parish History:
Parishioner Gary Payne recently detailed the varied and interesting history of this parish in his History of Quakers Hill-Schofields Parish 1919 – 1993. The first recorded mention of Quakers Hill was in June 1789 when Captain Watkin Tench stood on ‘The Quakers Hill’ and ‘from there has a clear view of Prospect Hill’.
It was from the parish of Blacktown-Prospect that the Parish Priest, rev John Moriarty, came at the request of Catholic families to celebrate the first mass in June 1919 at a home in 16 Ramona Street, and a parishioner, Thelma Harbrow, remembers that he often walked from Blacktown to Quakers Hill. In 1919 a significant event took place when Catholic families held a meeting to discuss the needs of the group. Known as the 'Meeting on the Log', a photograph of these pioneers sitting on a log on a block of land bordered by Montrose, Highfield and Pentland Streets where the first church was built, has pride of place in the new church on Barnier Drive.
In 1972, Archbishop James Freeman separated Schofields from Riverstone parish and linked it with Quakers Hill. On January 1, 1973, Rev Bert Calrose became its first Parish Priest.
A priority was the renovation of the 1922 building which had served as the church for the growing population. In 1987, Sr Edith Angel, a Parramatta Sister of Mercy, was appointed as Pastoral Associate. Later Deacon Robert Carroll and Rev John Smith from England joined the parish team.
In February 1994, Rev Calrose retired and his place was taken by Rev George O'Mara who had assumed the task of involvement with and commitment to, the building of a much needed presbytery, the completion of stage three of the parish school, the construction of the new Catholic high school, Terra Sancta College in Hambledon Road and the commencement of a second Catholic primary school to be opened in 1997.
Sr Edith Angel RSM, retired in the early 1990's. Rev Walter Fogarty arrived as a deacon and was later ordained to the priesthood, remaining in Mary Immaculate parish until the end of 2002. Rev Ian McGinnity became parish priest in April 2001. Sr Helen Law RSM, was appointed Pastoral Associate in February 2003. Deacon Robert Carroll returned to the parish in April 2004.
During 2004 there were a number of 'new' parish Adult Education programmes initiated and a Youth Team set up. St Joseph's Church Schofields was upgraded and renovated during 2004. The Parish Team, together with a number of parishioners spent some time discerning needs for the next ten years.
In August 2005, the Melkite Community of St Mary's moved their worshipping to St Joseph's Church, Schofields.
In January 2006 Sr Helen Law departed the parish. Fr Joseph Thomas joined the parish as Assistant Priest in February. In April Mr Jim Eves was appointed as part-time Pastoral Associate. Deacon Robert Carroll retired from active ministry at the end of November. During the latter part of 2006 renovations of the Parish Office took place as well as the addition of an all-weather shade cloth in the Church forecourt.
In August 2007, Fr Joseph Thomas celebrated his silver jubilee of his ordination and Fr Ian McGinnity renewed his role for another six years. One month later Mary Immaculate Parish was blessed with the arrival of another priest Rev Mathew Antony, a La Salette Missionary. The good fortune of three priests in the parish was short-lived as Fr Joe was asked to become the administrator of another parish in Harris Park.
In 2008, Mary Immaculate Parish joined in the celebrations of World Youth Day and the arrival of his holiness Pope Benedict XVI in July. Mary Immaculate was chosen to attend a reception at Government House for the Pope. This was a special occasion shared by the school's Principal, two teachers and our Pastoral Associate Jim Eves, as well as the students.
This year also marked the Silver Jubilee of Fr Ian's ordination to the Ministerial Priesthood. Mass was celebrated with his fellow Jubilarian priests, family, friends, and parishioners of Mary Immaculate and former parishes of Fr Ian. Celebrations continued after the Mass with a lovely meal shared by all. The 17th of August was a very m,emorable day for both Fr Ian and Mary Immaculate Parish.
The parish continues to grow and endeavours to meet the needs of an expanding muti-cultural community.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Bartholomew Calrose 1973 - 1994
Rev George O'Mara 1994 - 2001
Rev Ian McGinnity 2001 - present
Includes:
Mary Immaculate Church : 125 Barnier Drive,
QUAKERS HILL NSW
St. Joseph's Church : 9- 47 Grange Avenue, SCHOFIELDS NSW
Rev Walter
Fogarty
- Parish Priest
Mrs Margaret McMahon - Pastoral Associate
Church
Cnr Windsor Rd & Bourke St, Richmond
Parish Office
1A Bourke Street, Richmond NSW 2753
Catholic Presbytery
14 Moray Street, Richmond NSW 2753
Ph: (02) 4578 1410
Fax: (02) 4588 6094
Email: admin@stmonica.com.au
Website: www.parishofrichmond.org.au
Parish Mass Times:
Saturday: Richmond:
Vigil: 6.30pm
Sunday: Kurrajong: 8.00am
Richmond: 7.30am; 9.30am; 6.00pm
Daily: Mon.; Wed.; Fri.: Richmond: 9.00am
Saturday: Kurrajong: 9.00am
Children's Liturgy/ Mass
Times:
Saturday: Richmond: Vigil:
6.30pm
Sunday: Richmond:
9.30am
Youth Liturgy/ Mass
Times
Sunday:
Richmond:
6.00pm
Reconciliation Times:
Saturday: Kurrajong: after 9.00am Mass
Richmond: 5.00pm – 5.30pm
Baptism
2nd & 4th Sunday: Richmond: 11.00am (by appointment)
Marriage By appointment (six months notice)
Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Adult Formation; Anointing of the Sick during Mass (Richmond March 7, June 6, September 5, December 5: 10.00am); Choir Practice (Wednesday 7.00pm); Community/ Social Activities; Ecumenical Prayer; Eucharistic Adoration (Richmond 1st Friday 9.30am - 10.00am); Father's Day Mass & Celebrations; Feast of 'Our Lady of Bandra' (September); Liturgy Preparation/Team; Mass of Remembrance (November); Mother's Day Mass & Celebrations; Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Parish & School Fete (1st Saturday in August); Parish Picnic (August/ September); RCIA; Sacramental Programme; St Paul's Festa (January)
Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Tables & Chairs; Piety Stall
Parish Publications
Quarterly Magazine ('Parish Link' ); Weekly Bulletin
Schools
St Monica's Primary, Richmond
Parish Groups, Ministries & Services:
Acolytes; Altar Servers; Catechists; Cemetery Committee; Choir;
Eucharistic Ministers; Finance Committee; Hospitality; Junior
Ministers; Lectors; Liturgy Committee; Music Ministry; Pastoral
Council; Playgroup; Prayer Groups (Ecumenical, Intercessory, Novena);
Quarterly Magazine (Parish Link); Readers; Sacramental Groups; Seniors
Group (Circle of Friends) ; St Paul's Festa Committee; St Vincent de
Paul Society; Social Groups; Table & Chairs Hire; Weekly Bulletin
Parish History:
The parish of Richmond is the largest geographical parish in the Diocese, forming boundaries with Lithgow and Singleton. There are three Mass centres within the parish: St Monica’s Richmond, St Gregory’s Kurrajong and St John of God Chapel North Richmond.
In January 1859 Archbishop Polding laid the foundation stone for St Monica’s Church, Richmond and Rev Therry opened and blessed the church on May 4, 1859. Additions were made in1897 and 1954. A new church was built in Richmond in 1982.
The church was used as a school for many years until the convent was built in 1878 by the Good Samaritan Sisters, who remained in the parish until 1943, when the Poor Clare Sisters took charge of the school until 1973.
Highlights of the parish are its people; some with the traditions of being families now into their seventh and eighth generation of being part of the fabric that moulded the district.
Cardinal Clancy is still referred to fondly as Father Ted, having celebrated his first Mass here. Also Monsignor John Walsh is parish family.
One hundred and fifty years ago the people kept the faith travelling by horse and sulky when possible to go to Mass. Today parishioners travel at least an hour from the outskirts of the parish.
On December 11, 2004 there was a celebration for the centenary of the 'new' church of St Gregory in Kurrajong. The Mass was presided by Bishop Kevin Manning and concelebrated by Cardinal Clancy, priests from the surrounding area and those priests who had previously worked in the parish. The original St Gregory's had been built in 1840.
On November 24, 2007 there was a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Manning in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the new church of St Monica in Richmond. In May 2009 the parish will celebrate its 150th Anniversary.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Established 1859 -
Rev Theodore Arrivoli 1972 - 1985
Rev Eugene Szondi 1985 - 1992
Rev Anthony Reynolds (Administrator) 1985
Rev Michael O'Callaghan 1992 - 2002
Rev John Hogan 2002 - 2007
Rev Walter Fogarty (Administrator) 2007 - present
St. Monica's Church: Windsor Rd & Bourke St, RICHMOND
NSW
St. Gregory's Church: Old Bells Line Road, KURRAJONG NSW
St. John of God Chapel: 177 Grose Vale Road, RICHMOND NTH NSW
Rev Arthur Cook - Parish Priest
Br Joseph Byrne FSP - Pastoral Associate
Catholic Presbytery
164 Garfield Road, Riverstone NSW 2765
Ph: (02) 9627 1176
Fax: (02) 9627 5363
Email: stjohns10@bigpond.com
Website: www.stjohnsriverstone.org.au
Parish Mass Times:
Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 7.00am; 9.00am
Daily: Monday – Thursday: 8.30am
Friday: 9.00am
Saturday: 8.30am (except 1st)
Children's Liturgy/
Mass Times
Sunday(Vigil): 6.00pm
Sunday:
9.00am
Reconciliation Times:
Saturday: 4.30pm – 5.30pm
Baptism
2nd & 4th Sunday:
11.00am
Marriage By appointment
Special Masses or
Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Bible Study; Choir Practice (Tuesday 7.30pm); Community/ Social
Activities; Eucharistic Adoration (Tuesday 9.00am - 9.30am, Friday
8.30am - 9.00am); Liturgy Preparation/Team; Mass for the Sick (1st
Saturday 10.00am); Prayer Services; RCIA; Silver Circle
Buildings, Equipment
& Resources
Piety Stall; 'Uncle Arthur's Specialties' ( pies, lamingtons,
Christmas cakes & puddings)
Parish Publications
Website
Schools
St John's Primary , Riverstone
Parish History:
Riverstone parish is a veritable rural pocket in the metropolis of Sydney. Its extensive area covers Riverstone, part of Schofields and the smaller outlying villages of Marsden Park, Vineyard, Maraylya, Nelson and Box Hill. This cluster of settlements, surrounded by open fields and bush, is a distinct geographic entity with a distinctive character.
The character of the district is shaped by a highly productive community, with its vegetable farms, stock runs and a large factory area. The farming community is strongly represented in the church through its Maltese and Italian members. The long established migrant families join many other families whose roots in the area go back to the last century. Some boast ancestors who settled in the area in 1792.
The first church, of weatherboard and corrugated iron, was opened in 1882, being served from Windsor. The present church, of brick construction and slate roof, replaced the old in 1904. Riverstone became a separate parish in 1951. The successive parish priests were Rev Thomas Keogh (1951), Rev Joseph Croal (1961), Rev Brendan Shiel (1970), Rev Robert Anderson (1981), Rev Eugene Stockton (1990) and Rev Arthur Cook (1997). Rev Keogh's founding decade was a period of building. He had to lodge where he could until the presbytery was opened in 1953.
The school opened in 1950 in the church and a converted shelter shed, now the parish hall, until the James Mason Memorial School was built in 1954. A secondary school was added in 1958. Other school construction continued until 1978. In June 2001, a new library was completed to cater for expected school growth.
The Poor Clares conducted the parish school until 1979, at first travelling from Richmond until their convent was opened in 1957. The other religious house in the parish is Tyburn Priory.
The parish church celebrated its centenary in 2004. At that time a history of the parish was produced.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Thomas Keogh 1951 - 1961
Rev Joseph Croal 1961 - 1970
Rev Brendan Shiel 1970 - 1981
Rev Robert Anderson 1981 - 1990
Rev Eugene Stockton 1990 - 1996
Rev Arthur Cook 1997 - present
Rev Renato Paras - Parish Priest
Rev Herman Roborgh SJ - Assistant Priest
9 Adelaide Street, Rooty Hill NSW 2766
Ph: (02) 9625 8404
Fax: (02) 9677 0973
Email: staidanschurch@bigpond.com
Parish Mass Times:
Saturday: Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 8.30am; 10.00am
Daily: Tuesday - Friday:
9.15am
Friday:
7.00pm
Saturday:
9.00am
Children Liturgy/ Mass
Times:
Sunday: 10.00am
Youth Liturgy/ Mass
Times:
3rd Sunday: 6.00pm
Reconciliation Times:
Saturday: 4.00pm – 5.00pm or by personal appointment
Baptism
2nd and 4th Sunday:
11.30am (by appointment)
Marriage By appointment (six months notice)
Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising
& Social Events; Study Programmes
Anointing of the Sick (1st Saturday); Benediction; Bible Apostolate;
Catechesis (3rd Friday 7.30pm); Community/ Social Activities;
Eucharistic Adoration; Exposition for Vocations (Friday 9.30am -
10.00am); Holy Hour & Healing (1st Friday after 7.00pm Mass);
Liturgy Preparation/Team; Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (with
rosary, exposition & communion Wednesday 7.00pm); RCIA; Rosary
(Saturday 8.30am); Special Purpose Mass (Wednesday 9.15am); Stations of
the Cross (Lent); Youth Holy Hour (1st & 3rd Friday after 7.00pm
Mass)
Parish Publications
Weekly Bulletin
Schools
St Aidan's Primary, Rooty Hill
Loyola Senior High School, Mt Druitt
St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill
Parish History:
The history of the Church in Rooty Hill goes back to the early 1900s when first mention is made of Mass being said. From 1905 Mass was celebrated monthly on a Sunday in Goulters Hall.
Church assistance for Rooty Hill was not to come from the east but the west. The Sisters of St Joseph opened a convent at Penrith in 1880 and also at South Creek, now St Mary’s in 1880.
The turn of the century saw big developments for Rooty Hill and its Catholic community. In 1907, Bishop Michael Kelly opened the first Catholic school at Rooty Hill in a four-roomed cottage in Adelaide Street. School began on January 14, with the Sisters of St Joseph coming from Penrith.
In 1915, Bishop Kelly laid the foundation stone of the first church at Rooty Hill.
With the growth in population following post-war immigration, St Mary’s was cut off
Penrith and became a separate parish in 1946. In 1956, Rooty Hill, Horsley Park and Kemp’s Creek were separated from St Mary’s and became a separate parish with Rev John Morreau as the first Parish Priest of St Aidan’s.
On September 14, 1959 Bishop Freeman opened a new convent and presbytery. School enrolments continued to grow and by 1960, additional rooms were necessary.
In all parts of Sydney, post war migration brought many people to the Rooty Hill area, especially the Polish. A regular Polish Mass was started at Rooty Hill and is still said. The Hungarian people established a home for the aged.
St Agnes High School was opened in 1962 in the old cottage and the present main building was opened in 1965. The school became co-educational in 1979. A further new wing will be opened this year.
Rev Morreau died suddenly on February 17, 1980. His Requiem Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady of Consolation Home, celebrated by Bishop Bede Heather and more than 100 concelebrants, was one of the biggest priest’s funerals in Sydney.
PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev John Morreau 1956 - 1980
Rev Norm Grady 1980 - 1992
Rev Peter Lamont (Administrator) 1985
Rev Allen Glendenning (Administrator) 1991
Rev Anthony Scibberas 1992 - 1998
Rev Renato Paras 1998 - present