Parishes

 


Rouse Hill

Our Lady of the Angels

 

Rev Warren Edwards - Parish Priest

 

Parish Mass Centre
Wellgate Avenue, Cnr Withers Road, ROUSE HILL NSW 2155

 

Presbytery & Postal
18 Milford Drive, ROUSE HILL NSW 2155

 

Ph:      (02) 8883 4063
Fax:    (02) 9629 7603

Email: parishoffice@ourladyoftheangels.org.au

Website: www.ourladyoftheangels.org.au

 

 

Parish Mass Times

Saturday: Vigil                       5.30.pm 

Sunday:                                   8.00am; 9.30am
Daily: Tuesday - Saturday:    9.00am

 

Children Liturgy/ Mass Times
2nd & 4th Sunday:               
9.30am 

 

Youth Liturgy/ Mass Times
N/A

Reconciliation Times
Saturday:       
9.30am


Baptism
Sunday:        
10.30am by appointment

 

Marriage
By appointment

 

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Community/Social Activities; Gospel Reflection (Wednesday 7.30pm); RCIA; Rosary (Wednesday 10.30am); Stations of the Cross (Lent); Youth Devotion (1st Friday)

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
N/A

 

Parish Publications
Weekly Bulletin

 

Mass Centres
Parish Centre: Wellgate Avenue, Cnr Withers Road, Rouse Hill
Parish Presbytery: 18 Milford Drive, Rouse Hill

 

Schools
Our Lady of the Angels Primary, Rouse Hill
St Gregorys' Armenian School, Beaumont Hills (congregational)

 

Parish History
Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse Hill is the newest parish in the Diocese of Parramatta and probably in Australia. For several years there had been talk of the establishment of a new parish, with the development goal of a church and school community. Land had been purchased and ideas had been floated. In May 2007, Bishop Manning wished to see the project move ahead and so appointed Rev Warren Edwards, giving him the task of starting a worshipping community in this new growth area, and establishing the new parish of Rouse Hill.

 

It is a wonderful challenge to form this new part of the Body of Christ, as it is not often we get the opportunity to build up a community and church from scratch in a new suburb. We hope to form a vibrant, close knit worshipping community and build a Church which is faithful to the tradition as well as being relevant to the present and future. It is also a great opportunity to build a parish and school together in a communion which is, social, spiritual and formative.

From the beginning there was an energetic and enthusiastic worshipping community who met for masses in St Gregory's Armenian School Hall at Beaumont Hills. We started with one Mass on Sunday morning with about 150 people. This foundation group developed a parish formation council and moved things along quickly. We chose a name based on its simple beauty and the Franciscan background of the parish; 'Our Lady of the Angels'. Due to demand, the services expanded to three masses each Sunday while still at the school hall.

 

A need for a place of our own drove us to build a temporary church on the site of our future development. In February 2009 this church and carpark were completed and worship has commenced in the new church. We now have three masses every weekend with about 500 attendees, mostly young families typifying the demographic of the area. The great involvement of the parishioners in ministries and social events speaks well of a positive future for the fledgling parish.

 

The primary school will officially open on site in 2010 but has already commenced as a satellite kindergarten class at OLOR school. The first principal, Eva La Rocca, has been appointed and given the task to build up this new school.

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Warren Edwards 2007 - present

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Rydalmere

Holy Name of Mary Parish

 

Rev Peter Lamont        - Parish Priest
Rev Peter Woodward  - In Residence

 

Location

2 Myrtle Street Rydalmere  NSW  2116

 

Postal Address

PO Box 224 Rydalmere  NSW  2116

 

Ph:       (02) 9684 1541

Fax:     (02) 9638 6326
Email: admin@holymary.org.au

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   5.30pm

Sunday:          7.30am;  9.00am

Daily:             Tuesday - Friday:      9.15am

1st Saturday   9.15am

 

Childrens Liturgy/ Mass Times:
Sunday:
          9.30am

Reconciliation Times:

Saturday:        4.30pm-5.15pm

 

Baptism
1st & 3rd Sunday:           
11.30am by appointment

 

Marriage                          By appointment (six months notice)

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Annual Parish/School Dance; Anointing of the Sick within Mass (1st Saturday bimonthly 10.30am); Anzac Day Mass; Bi-annual Fete; Choir Practice (Advent & Lent - Sunday 7.30pm - 8.30pm); Community/ Social Activities; Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction (Friday 9.45am - 10.15am); Filipino Community; Grandparent's Mass; Holy Hour guided by Filipino Community (2nd Saturday 7.00pm); Lenten Home Groups & Speakers; Liturgy Preparation/Team; Morning Prayer (Monday & Friday 9.00am); Morning Tea (Sunday); Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (1st Saturday after 9.00am Mass); Parish Luncheon for Senior Citizens; Prayer of the Church (Tuesday & Friday); RCIA; St Gerard Majella Mass; 2nd Rite Reconciliation (Lent & Advent); Stations of the Cross/ Exposition & Prayer (Lent)

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Parish Hall; Special Intentions Book

 

Parish Publications
Weekly Bulletin

 

Schools
St Mary's Primary, Rydalmere
St Patrick's Marist College, Dundas

 

Parish History:

First evidence of Mass in this area was in 1855, in a converted barn near Ermington House, behind Ryde-Parramatta Golf Course. From 1857 Ryde parish extended to the eastern part of what is now Rydalmere. Priests from Parramatta attended to the western end.

 

In 1849, Archbishop Polding purchased the Vineyard Estate on the Parramatta River and named it Subiaco after the site near Rome where St Benedict retired to meditate. He established a Benedictine Convent and visiting priests often said Mass for the parishioners.

 

Rydalmere parish was severed from Ryde in 1876, although it was probably called Dundas at the time. In 1886 Thomas O’Neill purchased and subdivided part of Vineyard Estate into 79 lots naming the area Rydalmere. He donated one block for a church. First mention of Rydalmere as a parish was when Cardinal Moran blessed the church-school on September 18, 1889. Rev Ed Kearney was pastor and was also responsible for the Hospital for the Insane. Records show that ‘in 1912, most Catholics in the parish were insane’. 312 parishioners and 360 in the hospital.

 

In 1915 fire destroyed the church in mysterious circumstances. The historic house ‘Truganini’ in South Street was used for Mass and the school. Archbishop Kelly laid the foundation stone for the second church-school in 1916. The school closed in 1941, but after World War II came large scale housing developments in the area and the school reopened in 1949.

 

More extensions were completed in December 1957 and April 1958. More school buildings were completed in 1976, coinciding with the departure of the Sisters of Mercy from the parish.

 

Rev Steve Ford died in 1981, after 32 years as Parish Priest. He was succeeded by Rev John McCaffery.

 

With the changes to church liturgy following Vatican II and the need for extensive repairs to the existing church, the parish decided in 1988 to construct a modern building in Myrtle Street. It was dedicated by Bishop Bede Heather in August 1989. 1989 was also the centenary of the parish.

 

Extensive refurbishment of the former church was then undertaken. Now known as our parish hall it is used extensively by both the school and parish communities.

 

Fr John McCaffery died on July 17, 2006. Fr John was Parish Priest for 22 years. The current Parish Priest is Fr Peter Lamont.

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Ed Kearney 1889 -

Msgr John Joseph Peoples (Administrator) 1919

Rev Dempsey 1928 - 1948
Rev William Keith Bush 1948
Rev Steve Ford 1949 - 1981
Rev Michael McGloin (Administrator) 1981 - 1982
Rev John McCaffery 1982 - 2004
Rev Zvonimir Gavranovic (Administrator) 1990 - 1991
Rev Kevin Walsh 2004 - 2005
Rev Alan Layt (Administrator) 2005 - 2006

 

 

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Seven Hills

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

 

Rev Huu Duc Tran       - Parish Priest (Vietnamese Coordinator)

 

Church
7 Grantham Road, Seven Hills NSW 2147

 

Presbytery
10 Olive Street, Seven Hills NSW 2147

 

Ph:       (02) 9622 2920

Fax:     (02) 9622 5293

Email: olol7h@tpg.com.au

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   6.00pm           

Sunday:          8.00am;   9.30am

Daily:              Monday – Friday:      8.00am

Holy Days:      Assumption: Vigil: 7.30pm; 8.00am; 9.30am
Xmas:               Vigil: 6.00pm; 9.00pm; Midnight; 8.00am; 9.30am

 

Childrens Liturgy/ Mass Times:
Sunday:
9.30am

Reconciliation Times:

Saturday:        4.30pm – 5.30pm

 

Baptism
Sunday:                         
After 9.30am Mass (by appointment)

1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday: 11.00am (by appointment)

 

Marriage            By appointment

 

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Baptism Preparation; Bible Study; Choir Liturgy (Sunday 9.30am); Community/ Social Activities; Eucharistic Adoration within Mass (Friday 8.00am - 9.00am); Folk Group; Healing Mass (1st Thursday, 8.00am); Liturgy Preparation/Team; Pastoral Care; Prayer Services; RCIA; Sacramental Programme; Spring Fair; Youth Choir

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Hall - $770 per day; Library; Shop

 

Parish Publications
Weekly Bulletin

 

Schools
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary, Seven Hills

 

Parish History:

On Christmas Day in 1951 and 1952, Rev Massey celebrated Mass in the memorial hall, Seven Hills. By June 1953, numbers had increased to such an extent that he was obliged to establish a regular Mass Centre. Rev Law was appointed Priest-in-Charge, Blacktown following Rev Massey’s death in 1957. To cope with the development of Seven Hills and Lalor Park, he formed a Seven Hills Parish Committee, which welcomed Rev Bill O’Connor on February 12, 1959. The previous day had been the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the name bestowed on the new parish.

 

1960 was a memorable year for the parish: in February the first building, a church-school, St Bernadette’s at Lalor Park was opened. A presbytery was purchased at 10 Federal Road, Seven Hills and in December, Rev Murphy was appointed Assistant Priest. In February 1961, after only two years, Seven Hills parish was split in two. A new presbytery was purchased in September 1964, to replace the temporary house in Federal Road. In 1977, Fr Bill introduced the Ministry of Acolyte to the parish and had the glass and timber walls of the church replaced by brick walls in the early 1980’s.

 

In 1991 a much needed Parish Centre was provided by converting the house at 4 Olive Street into offices and meeting rooms. Rev Michael O'Callaghan was administrator until Rev Edward Sequeira became the second Parish Priest in June 1991. Rev John Boyle became third parish priest in 2000; followed by the fourth and present Parish Priest, Rev Henry Huu Duc Tran, who was appointed in October 2006.

 

August 1961 saw the start of the first part of Our Lady of Lourdes School. They were completed and opened in February 1962. More classrooms and an amenities block were added in 1978. In October 1986 the library and adjoining six classrooms were destroyed by fire, but rebuilt for the second term of the following year.

 

The Sisters of St Joseph departed in January 1995. They had lived and worked among the people of Seven Hills for more than 30 years.

 

April 19, 1996 saw the completion of a new Parish Hall, eight new classrooms and a school administration wing.

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev William O'Connor 1959 - 1989
Rev Michael O'Callaghan (Administrator) 1989 - 1991
Rev Edward Sequeira 1991 - 2000
Rev John Boyle 2000 - 2006
Rev Henry Duc Tran 2006 - present

 

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Springwood

St Thomas Aquinas Parish

 

Rev Peter Connelly       - Parish Priest

Rev Edward Tyler         - Assistant Priest

 

Catholic Presbytery

168 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood  NSW  2777

 

Postal Address
PO Box 4410, Winmalee NSW 2777

 

Email : sta@internode.on.net

 

Ph:       (02) 4754 1052

Fax:     (02) 4754 1883

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   6.00pm    

Sunday:          8.00am;  9.30am;  5.00pm

Daily:             Monday; Wednesday; Thursday; Friday: 9.30am
                        Tuesday: 5.30pm
                        Saturday: 9.00am

 

Children Liturgy/ Mass Times
Sunday:         
9.30am (school terms)

 

Youth Liturgy/ Mass Times
Sunday:         
5.00pm

 

Reconciliation Times:           

Saturday:        9.35am;  4.45pm – 5.30pm

                        or by personal appointment

 

Baptism
2nd & 4th Sunday:
             11.00am (by appointment)

 

Marriage                            By appointment

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Community/ Social Activities; Eucharistic Adoration (2nd & 4th Wednesday 7.30pm); Lenten Groups (weekly during Lent); RCIA; Sacramental Programme

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Piety Stall

 

Parish Publications
Weekly Bulletin

 

Schools
St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Springwood
St Columba's High School, Springwood

 

Parish History:

The history of the Church at Springwood dates back to 1839 when it was part of Penrith parish under Rev Charles Sumner. Mass was celebrated at Thomas Boland's Springwood Inn and later at their home. The Bolands were at one time the only Catholic family in the area.

Part of the Blue Mountains parish centred at Katoomba in the period 1890-1907 with Rev James McGough as Parish Priest. The first church of St Thomas Aquinas was built in the present Rest Park on land and with money given by the Bolands.

In 1907 the resident priest in Springwood, Rev James Sheridan, arranged a boarding school under the control of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The parish was first entrusted to Rev P. C. Cregan, who had been sent by Cardinal Moran to build St Columba's Seminary. In 1920, St Thomas primary school opened in the old church, which had been moved to Hawkesbury Road. It had 24 pupils; it now has 560!

 

A new era began in 1935 with the arrival of resident parish priests, assisted by seminary staff. Rev Daniel Galvin built a presbytery and new school between 1935 and 1946; Rev Thomas Leen erected a retaining wall and Rev Canavan built another school. Between 1969 and '77, Rev Leslie Bagot added a second storey to the original school. Rev James O'Meara saw the old seminary become a co-ed Catholic high school in 1979 and in 1981, '83,  '85 and 2001, four stages of a new primary school were built on parish property.

 

In 1986 Rev Michael McGloin moved the old parish to the St Columba's site and a retirement villa, Aquinas Court opened on the old site. It was subsequently transferred to Catholic Healthcare in April 2006.

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Daniel Galvin 1935 - 1946
Rev Thomas Leen 1946 - 1960
Rev Canavan 1960 - 1969
Rev Leslie Bagot 1969 - 1977
Rev James O'Meara 1977 - 1986
Rev Michael McGloin 1986 - 1996
Rev Renato Paras 1996 - 1998
Rev Peter Connelly 1999 - present

 

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St Clair

Holy Spirit Parish

 

Rev Brian Fitzpatrick OSA       - Moderator
Rev Baltazar Belocura OSA     - Assistant Priest

Catholic Presbytery

Cnr Moore & Todd Row St Clair  NSW  2759

 

Postal Address

PO Box S103 St Clair NSW 2759

 

Ph:       (02) 9670 8222

Fax:     (02) 9670 4029

Email:             parish@holyspiritstclair.com.au

Website:         www.holyspiritstclair.com.au

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   6.00pm           

Sunday:          8.00am;  9.30am;  6.00pm

Daily:              Monday;  Wednesday:  7 00am

                        Tuesday;  Thursday;  Friday:   9.05am

 

Children's Liturgy/ Mass Times
Sunday:  
6.00pm

 

Youth Liturgy/ Mass Times:
2nd & 4th Sunday: 6.00pm

 

Reconciliation Times:

Saturday:        5.00pm – 6.00pm or by personal appointment

 

Baptism
Sunday:                      
11.30am (by appointment)

 

Marriage                     By appointment

 

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Anointing of the Sick (1st Friday 9.05am); Community/ Social Activities; Eucharistic Adoration (Wednesday 9.00am - 10.00am); Filipino Community; Filipino Mass (in Tagalog 1st Sunday 3.30pm); Holy Spirit Prayer; Morning Prayer of the Hours (Wednesday 9.05am, Tuesday 8.50am); RCIA; Rosary Devotions (Lent & Advent)

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Borrowing Library; Devotional Stall

 

Parish Publications
Website; Weekly Bulletin; Parish Directory

 

Schools
Holy Spirit Primary, St Clair
Trinity Catholic Primary, Kemps Creek
Emmaus Catholic College, Kemps Creek

 

Parish History:

This is one of the newer parishes of the Diocese, established by its first pastor, Rev Brian Rooney on October 1, 1981.

 

Mass was celebrated for the first time in the new parish on November 25, 1981 in the auditorium of St Clair Primary School. Rev Rooney moved into a rented house around the same time and it was here that daily Mass became a reality.

 

The arrival of the Parramatta Sisters of Mercy was an important development. The following year saw three Sisters, Joan Keogh, Noni Ball and Patricia Bolster, appointed as pastoral sisters working full time.

 

A parish centre was built in two stages, comprising the main church/ hall area. This was blessed and opened by Bishop Bede in November 1983. The second comprising the parish house, foyer, kiosk and pastoral centre was blessed and opened by the Archbishop of Sydney, Edward Clancy in June 1985.

 

Two kindergarten classes set the new school in motion at the beginning of 1985. The rapid growth of the area has necessitated almost yearly expansion of classrooms. A regional secondary school was opened in 1988 on the 100 acre diocesan site on the southern end of the parish at Kemps Creek.

 

Emmaus College has a student population of more than 1,200 students.

 

Trinity Catholic Primary School, Kemps creek opened in 1993 as the second Catholic Primary School in Holy Spirit parish. Emmaus Catholic College and Emmaus Retirement Village, share the site with Trinity.

 

In January 1995, the Augustinian Fathers assumed pastoral care of the parish. Some months later they moved into a residence purchased by the diocese, some 10 minutes walk from the Parish Centre.

 

The area has a population of 28,403 people, with approximately 11,794 Catholics. It is very much a multi-cultural society with Filipino, Maltese, Anglo-Indians and Sri Lankans, heavily scattered among Anglo-Saxons and many other nationalities.

 

St Clair Parish celebrated its 25th Anniversary on October 29, 2006.

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Brian Rooney 1981 - 1994
Rev Brendan Quirke OSA 1994 - 1998
Rev Peter Wieneke OSA 1998 - 2003
Rev Peter Tangey OSA 2003 - 2005
Rev Brian Fitzpatrick OSA 2005 - present

 

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St Marys

Our Lady of the Rosary Parish

 

Rev Robert Bossini SDB           - Parish Priest
Rev Jerry Breen SDB               - Assistant Priest
Rev Jim Hoe SDB                    - In Residence

 

Parish House

26 Swanston Street, St Marys  NSW  2760

 

Ph:       (02) 9623 1962

Fax:     (02) 9833 1063

Email:  evelynhunterolr@hotmail.com

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   6.00pm           

Sunday:          7.30am;  9.00am;  10.30am;  5.30pm

Daily:              Monday;  Tuesday;  Thursday:   9.00am

                        Wednesday:    12 noon

                        Friday:            9.15am

Saturday:        8.00am

           

Children's Liturgy/ Mass Times:
1st & 3rd Sunday: 10.30am

 

Reconciliation Times:           

Wednesday:    11.30am – 12 noon

Saturday:        9.00am – 10.00am;  5.00pm – 5.30pm

 

Baptism
Sunday:                        
during any Mass & 12.00 noon (by appointment)

 

Marriage                       By appointment

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Adult Faith Formation; Advent Reflection Evenings; Anointing of the Sick Mass (1st Friday); Baptism Preparation; Bi-annual Fete; Choir Practice (seasonal); Community/ Social Activities; Communal Reconciliation (Advent & Lent); Eucharistic Adoration (Wednesday 11.30am - 12noon, Friday 8.30am - 9.00am); Filipino Choir & Community; Hour of Prayer; Lenten Groups; Liturgy Preparation/Team; Parish Retreat; RCIA Process/Team; Rosary; Samoan Choir & Community; Song & Prayer Evenings in honour of Mary (May 24 - Our Lady Help Christians, October 7 - Our Lady of the Rosary); Sacramental Programme/Team; Stations of the Cross & Rosary (Seasonal)

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Hall

 

Parish Publications
'Celebrating Community' - Bi-monthly Newsletter; Parish Directory; Weekly Bulletin

 

Schools
Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, St Marys

 

Parish History
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish was formally established in December 1946. It includes the suburbs of Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Oxley Park, St Mary's and Werrington.

 

The Catholic Church in St Mary's was always known as St Mary's Catholic Church - St Mary's Western Line. In 1948 Rev Kerr (Parish Priest at the time), was asked by the Cardinal to give the church a name. Fr Kerr named the church 'Our Lady of the Rosary'.

 

The Salesians of Don Bosco are now responsible for the pastoral care of the parish. They began their work in St Mary's on the feast of St John Bosco on January 31, 1998.

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Kerr 1946 -

Rev Richard Cattell 1982 - 1991
Rev Peter Lamont (Administrator) 1992 - 1994
Rev Paul Slyney 1994 - 1998
Rev Peter Confeggi (Administrator) 1995 - 1997
Rev Peter Kerin SDB 1998 - 2005
Rev Robert Bossini SDB 2005 - present

 

 

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Toongabbie

St Anthony of Padua Parish

 

Rev Paul Marshall            - Parish Priest

Rev Timothy Crowley      - In Residence
Mrs Kay Horner             - Pastoral Associate

 

Location

27 Aurelia Street Toongabbie  NSW  2146

 

Postal Address
PO Box 23 Toongabbie  NSW  2146

 

Ph:       (02) 9631 3316

Fax:     (02) 9636 8439

Email:  secretary@stanthonyschurch.org.au

Website :  www.stanthonyschurch.org.au

 

Parish Mass Times:

Saturday:         Vigil: 6.00pm

Sunday:            8.00am; 10.00am
Daily:             Wednesday; Thursday; Friday: 9.30am
                       Monday; Tuesday; Saturday: Communion Service: 9.30am
                      Tuesday: 7.00pm

 

Children's Liturgy/ Mass Times:
Sunday:
8.00am, 10.00am

 

Youth Liturgy/ Mass Times:
4th
Sunday: Saturday Vigil; 6.00pm

 

Reconciliation Times:

Saturday:        10.15am - 10.45am

 

Baptism
2nd & 4th Sunday:          
11.15am (by appointment)

 

Marriage                           By appointment

 

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Baptism Preparation; Charismatic Prayer Service; Community/ Social Activities; Ecumenical Bible Study; Eucharistic Adoration (Friday 10.00am - 12noon); Healing Mass (2nd Sunday 6.00pm); Novena to Christ the King; Novena to St. Anthony; RCIA; Rosary; Stations of the Cross (Lent); Sacramental Programme; Tamil Prayer Group

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Hall; Library

 

Parish Publications
Quarterly Parish Magazine 'Toonytykes'; Website

 

Schools
St Anthony's Primary, Girraween

 

Parish History:

The Catholic parish of St Anthony’s Toongabbie began with the appointment of the first parish priest, Rev William Canavan, by the then Archbishop of Sydney N T Cardinal Gilroy and the celebration of Mass in St Enda’s Hall, February 4, 1951. However, Catholics had lived in the area since 1791, when Governor Phillip established Toongabbie as the Third Settlement.

 

Recognition of Aboriginal ownership of the land at the time has to be acknowledged today and a debt of gratitude has to be expressed to the Dharug people who were the original occupants.

 

Perhaps the most significant development towards a recognition of a Catholic presence in the area was the building of St Enda’s Hall in 1929. This hall is still used by the parish and stands beside the church, which was opened February 3, 1963.

 

Catholic education began in the area in 1950 when the Sisters of Mercy travelled from Parramatta each day to teach in St Enda’s Hall. In 1957 the school was relocated at Girraween, a kilometre from the church.

 

St Anthony’s was one of the first parishes in the diocese to install Acolytes and to initiate The Blessed Sacramental Program. 

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev William Canavan 1951 - 1960
Rev Les Bagot 1960 - 1969
Rev Ted Shepherd 1969 - 1979
Rev Maurice McNamara 1979 - 1988
Rev Noel Short (Administrator) 1984
Rev Anthony Scibberas (Administrator) 1987
Rev William Moore 1988 - 2007
Rev Joshy Velikkakath (Administrator) 2007
Rev Paul Marshal 2007 - present

 

Assistant Priests
Rev Bill Dougherty 1952 - 1962
Rev Mic Harfield 1963 - 1965
Rev Brian Pierce 1966 - 1970
Rev Peter Henry 1970 - 1971
Rev Kevin English 1971 - 1973
Rev Gordon South 1974
Rev Brian Rooney 1974 - 1976
Rev Mark Bibrowicz 1976 - 1977
Rev Dennis Hunter 1978
Rev William Moore 1979 - 1980
Rev Ron McFarlane 1980 - 1984
Rev Peter Blayney 1982 - 1984
Rev Joe Camilleri 1984 - 1985
Rev Harry Payne 1985 - 1986
Rev Paul Smith 1986 - 1988
Rev Henk Eijkman 1988 - 1989
Rev Richard Masin 1989
Rev Paul Roberts 1990
Rev Henry Duc Tran 1993 - 1996
Rev Peter Woodward 1996 - 1999
Rev Timothy Hogan 1999 - 2007

 

 

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Upper Blue Mountains

Blessed Mary MacKillop Parish

 

Rev John Smith                    - Parish Priest

Rev Gerry Nworrie                 - Assistant Priest

 

Catholic Presbytery

158 Katoomba Street, Katoomba  NSW  2780

 

Postal Address
PO Box 526, Katoomba   NSW    2780

 

Ph:       (02) 4782 2804

Fax:     (02) 4782 6090

Email: mmparish@exemail.com.au

 

 

Parish Mass Times:              

Saturday:        Katoomba:      Vigil:   6.00pm;    

                        Leura:             Vigil:   5.00pm

Sunday:          Katoomba:                  10.00am

                        Leura:                         5.00pm

                        Wentworth Falls:       8.00am

Daily:              Tuesday:         Leura:                         5.00pm

                        Wednesday:    Wentworth Falls:       9.30am

                        Thursday:       Leura:                         9.30am

                        Friday:            Katoomba:                 12.00noon

                        1st Saturday:  Katoomba:                  9.30am

 

Reconciliation Times:           

Saturday:        Katoomba:      5.00pm - 5.30pm

Saturday:        Leura:             4.00pm - 4.30pm

 

Baptism           By appointment

 

Marriage         By appointment

 

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Eucharistic Adoration (Katoomba, Friday 12.30pm - 1.00pm); Healing Mass (Katoomba, 1st Saturday 9.30am); Lenten Stations Cross (Wentworth Falls, Wednesday, 7.00am & Katoomba, Friday, 12.30pm)

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
St. Vincent de Paul Shop

Parish Publications
Mary MacKillop Parish News

 

Schools
St Canice's Primary, Katoomba

 

Parish History
Established 1992
Amalgamation of the Parishes of Katoomba (1890) & Leura (1948)

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Peter Dowd 1992 - 1994
Rev James Dooley 1993 - 1996
Rev Robert Anderson 1994 - 2004
Rev John Smith 2004 - present

 

Includes
St. Canice's Church: 158 Katoomba Street , KATOOMBA NSW
St. Bonaventure's Church: Cnr Railway Parade & Hartley Esplanade, LEURA NSW
St. Francis Xavier's: Day Street, WENTWORTH FALLS

 

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Wentworthville

Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish

 

Rev Denis Andrew O Carm                - Parish Priest
Rev John Powell O Carm                   - Assistant Priest (Prior)
Rev Paul Sireh O Carm                      - Assistant Priest
Rev Michael Brundell O Carm           - Resident
Rev Anthony Scerri O Carm              - Resident

 

Catholic Presbytery

4 Bennett Street, Wentworthville  NSW  2145

 

Ph:       (02) 9631 8302

Fax:     (02) 9631 1567

Email: ocarms@tpg.com.au

Website: http://au.geocities.com/olmcwenty

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   6.00pm

Sunday:          7.00am;  9.00am;  10.30am;  6.00pm

Daily:              Monday - Saturday:   9.00am

 

Children Liturgy/ Mass Times
Sunday:          
9.00am

 

Reconciliation Times:           

Saturday:        9.30am – 10.30am 

 

Baptism
Sunday:
               11.30am

 

Marriage             By appointment

 

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Adult Faith Education; Baptism Preparation /Team; Choir Practice (Monday 7.15pm); Community/ Social Activities; Day Trippers (monthly); East Timor Project; Eucharistic Adoration (Saturday 8.00am - 9.00am); Healing Mass (2nd Friday 9.00am); Liturgy Preparation/Team; Mt Carmel Tots Playgroup (Friday mornings during term); Our Lady of Mt Carmel Feast Day (July 16); RCIA; Rosary (after Saturday Mass); Sacramental Programme

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Carmel Gift Shop

 

Parish Publications
Carmel Magazine (weekly); Website

 

Schools
Our Lady of Mt Carmel Primary, Wentworthville

 

Parish History:

Wentworthville in 1919 was a small hamlet of which little was known outside its immediate environs. It boasted a few small businesses and a railway station. It was then part of the parish of Parramatta.

 

The late Monsignor Thomas O’Reilly was then parish priest and he ministered to the spiritual needs of a vast area with the help of two assistant priests. Numbers at Wentworthville were few, and of necessity Mass was infrequent and irregular. During this time, Mass was celebrated in the home of Mr & Mrs John Madden. Two Sisters of Mercy were driven from Parramatta each Sunday in an open sulky to attend the Mass at which the children sang, with violin accompaniment, no less!

 

As time went on, the numbers though still small, increased and became too large for the private residence. Arrangements were made to hire the Wentworthville School of Arts for Mass every fortnight. Gradually this too failed to serve the purpose and eventually a committee was formed to explore the possibilities of purchasing a suitable site on which to erect a church-school.

 

Land was procured and on April 9, 1922 the foundation was laid by the late Archbishop Michael Kelly, DD.

 

From then on progress was marked and rapid. In 1951 it was determined the original church was totally inadequate to cope with the congregations. The present church was opened in March 1955. In June 1956, the parish was placed in the care of the Carmelite Friars and became known as Our Lady of Mt Carmel.

In 1996, our previous Parish Priest, Rev Laurie Timms O Carm saw to the building of a parish centre, a wonderful multipurpose space attached to the church. It has proved to be a marvellous innovation, especially in April 2002 when we were honoured with a visit of the Relics of St Therese of Lisieux. The parish centre was a great asset during that particular time as we coped with the 33,000 visitors we welcomed during the 2½ days St Therese was with us. The memory of this unique experience was something the parishioners of Wentworthville will long cherish.

In recent years the parish demographics have altered dramatically. The area has evolved from a predominantly blue collar neighbourhood to becoming an intermingling of peoples from many nations (82 at last count!) whose jobs now also include professional and white collar workers. These changes are reflected in our parish community - we are blessed to have such a diverse mix of cultures which enrich all our lives.

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev Timothy Kennedy 1946 -
Rev Laurie Timms - 2004
Rev John Powell O Carm 2004 - 2005
Rev Denis Andrew O Carm 2005 - present

 

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Westmead

Sacred Heart Parish

 

Rev Diosdado Haber MI       - Parish Priest (Relief Chaplain, Westmead Private)
Rev Michael Gimena MI       - Assistant Priest (Relief Chaplain, Westmead Hospital)

 

 

Catholic Presbytery

14 Ralph Street, Westmead  NSW  2145

 

Ph:       (02) 9635 9262

Fax:     (02) 9633 9813

Email: shpwestmead@bigpond.com 

Website : www.sacredheartwestmead.com.au

 

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   6.00pm              

Sunday:          8.00am;  9.30am

Daily:              Monday & Friday:   6.45am  

Tuesday &  Saturday:   9.00am

 

Children Liturgy/ Mass Times
Sunday:          
9.30am

 

Reconciliation Times:

Saturday:        5.00pm - 6.00pm
Sunday:          20mins before each Mass

 

Baptism
Sunday:             
11.00am (by appointment)

 

Marriage            By appointment

 

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Community/ Social Activities; Croatian Prayer Service; Eucharistic Adoration with Benediction (Friday 9.00am - 10.00am); Holy Hour of Adoration (Thursday 8.00pm - 9.00pm); Liturgy Preparation/Team; Mass for the Sick with Anointing (1st Saturday 9.00am); RCIA; Rosary (after weekday Mass); Tamil Catholic Association Mass (last Sunday 5.30pm)

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Parish Hall

 

Parish Publications
Weekly Bulletin ('Parish Heartbeats')

 

Schools
Sacred Heart Primary, Westmead
Catherine McAuley, Westmead
Parramatta Marist High School, Westmead

 

Parish History:

The parish of Sacred Heart, Westmead came into being on February 1, 1951, when Rev James Collins was appointed parish priest.

 

From the outset, Mass was celebrated in Westmead Boys’ Home until a church was built and opened on March 28, 1954.

 

The need for a parish was largely due to a large Housing Project which had begun immediately after World War 2.

 

The parish purchased a house adjacent in 1956. In 1975 the permanent school was built and opened with the help of a Government Grant. The basement of the church was also used for classrooms.

 

Rev Leo Mahon followed Rev Collins in 1963 as the second parish priest.

 

In 1964, the plans for building regional secondary boys and girls’ schools in Westmead were commenced, as well as the building of a monastery for the Marist Brothers in 1966. The Mercy Nuns came from Parramatta each day to staff Catherine McAuley College. The Brothers conduct Marist High.

 

In 1999 the primary school was extended and improved by the Catholic Education Office, increasing the enrolment of the school to over 200 students.

 

In recent years, a large part of parish pastoral work has been the care of patients in Westmead General and Westmead Children's Hospitals. Also included is care of patients in Westmead Private Hospital, Cabrini Nursing Home, Mayflower Nursing Home and Westmead Rehabilitation Centre.

 

In December 2002, the care of both the parish and the hospitals was transferred to the Camillians (Ministers of the Infirm).

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev James Collins 1951 - 1963
Rev Leo Mahon 1963 - 1974
Rev Ian Abbott 1974 - 1977
Rev Peter Harrington 1977 - 1985
Rev John Boyle 1985 - 1991
Rev Dominic Arcamone 1991 - 1996
Rev Peter Lamont 1996 - 1998
Rev David Maguire (Administrator)
Rev Brian Rooney 1999 - 2002
Rev Efron Balistoy 2002 - 2003
Rev Giulio Ghezzi MI 2003 - 2007
Rev Diosdado Haber MI 2007 - present

 

 

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Windsor

St Matthew’s Parish

 

Rev Clifford D'Souza MSFS     - Administrator
Tba                                          - Parish Priest

Rev Vincent Savarimuthu          - Assistant Priest (Tamil Chaplain)

Sr Antoinette Doyle RSM         - Pastoral Associate

 

Catholic Presbytery

12 Tebbutt Street, Windsor  NSW  2756

 

Ph:       (02) 4577 3073

Fax:     (02) 4577 2124

Email: stmcc@bigpond.com

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   6.30pm

Sunday:          7.30am;   9.00am;  5.00pm

Daily:              Monday - Saturday:   9.00am

 

Children Liturgy/ Mass Times
Sunday:       
    9.00am

 

Youth Liturgy/ Mass Times
4th & 5th Sunday:    
5.00pm

 

Reconciliation Times:                       

Saturday:        9.30am – 10.30am

 

Baptism
1st, 2nd & 3rd Sundays:      
11.00am (by appointment)
5th Sunday:                           During Mass (by appointment)

 

Marriage                               By appointment

 

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Anointing of the Sick; Baptism Preparation; Beginning Theology; Bereavement Mass; Cake Drives; Centering Prayer; Choir Practice (Wednesday & Thursday 7.30pm); Community/ Social Activities; Lenten & Advent Programmes; Liturgy Preparation/Team; Marriage Preparation; Private Prayer Services; Raffles; RCIA; Rosary; Sacramental Programme; St Patrick's Night; School Mass

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Parish Bus; Piety Stall

 

Parish Publications
Weekly Bulletin

 

Schools
Chisholm Catholic Primary, Bligh Park
St Matthew's Catholic Primary School, Windsor
Bede Polding College, Windsor South

 

Parish History:

In 1831, the first parish priest Rev C. V. Dowling was appointed and St Matthew’s Catholic Parish was established in 1832. Bishop John Bede Polding later described Windsor parish as “70 miles long and very wide”. He also said that of the 140 odd communicants, no more than six or eight had been to confession for many years.

 

Rev J. V. Corcoran was appointed Parish Priest in 1835, and it was recorded that because the road to Windsor was so bad, coach drivers refused to travel on it. This may have been the cause of the death of Rev Corcoran who in 1837, was killed driving his gig near the tollgate.

 

James Doyle, a parishioner, died in 1836 leaving 350 pounds ($700) which was used to build the new church. In 1837, deeds were issued for the church and a school on the corner of Tebbutt and Church Streets. The church and school (which is presently the Parish Hall) was built by 1840.

 

Catholic education began in Windsor in 1834 when James And Esther Cassidy opened the first school. By 1838 there were 104 scholars attending. The Good Samaritan Sisters arrived in 1875 and have continued to be apresence in the life of the parish.

 

Throughout the years the Catholic community has often been asked to support those adversely affected by natural disasters. In 1867, the 12 members of the Eather family drowned in floodwaters and were buried from St Matthew’s Church.

 

One of the longest serving parish priests, Rev Leo Murphy (1954 – 1976) has been credited with bringing about a greater understanding and respect between Catholics and other religious denominations in the Windsor area. He was elected president of the Bowling Club, located across the road from the presbytery and was greatly respected by its members.

 

Rev James Dooley followed him as Parish Priest from 1976 – 1993. During this time Bede Polding College was opened at South Windsor. Also planning commenced for a new Catholic primary school at Bligh Park and for the refurbishment/ rebuilding of St Matthew’s Church.

 

Rev Maurice McNamara arrived in 1993 and was present for the building of Chisholm Primary School and for the completion of the refurbishment of St Matthew’s historic Church.

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev C. V. Dowling 1832 - 1835
Rev J. V. Corcoran 1835 - 1837
Rev John Brady 1837 - 1840
Rev J. Slattery 1840 - 1843
Rev W. J. Dunne 1843 - 1845
Rev J. Kenny 1845
Rev M. McGrath 1845 - 1847
Rev J. J. Therry 1847 - 1848
Rev J. Grant 1848 - 1851
Rev N. J. Coffey 1851 - 1852
Rev P. Hallihan 1852 - 1874
Rev J. A. Sheehy 1874 - 1878
Rev Maurus 1878 - 1886
Rev J. Hayes 1886 - 1895
Rev James Sheridan 1895 - 1898
Rev B. McDonnell 1898
Rev Lynch 1898
Rev S. Whelan 1920 - 1924
Rev P. Galvin 1924
Rev W. O'Flynn 1940 - 1947
Rev M. Coffey 1947 - 1954
Rev Leo S. Murphy 1954 - 1976
Rev James Dooley 1976 - 1993
Rev Richard Cattell (Administrator) 1982
Rev Arthur Cook (Administrator) 1987
Rev Maurice McNamara 1993 - 2008
Rev Clifford D'Souza (Administrator) 2008

 

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Winston Hills

St Paul the Apostle Parish

 

Rev David Scott           - Parish Priest

Rev Lancy D’Souza      - Assistant Priest

 

Catholic Presbytery

Buckleys Road, Winston Hills  NSW  2153

 

Ph:       (02) 9639 6516

Fax:     (02) 9686 1727

Email: sptawh@bigpond.com.au

Website: www.stpaultheapostleparish.org

 

 

 

Parish Mass Times:  

Saturday:        Vigil:   6.00pm    

Sunday:          8.00am;  9.30am, 6.00pm

Daily:              Monday:   6.45am

                        Tuesday:   9.10am;  7.00pm   

Wednesday & Friday:   6.45am;  9.10am

Thursday:  9.10am

Saturday:  9.00am

 

Children's Liturgy/ Mass Times:
Sunday:
         9.30am

 

Youth Liturgy/ Mass Times
Two Sundays per month:   
6.00pm

 

Reconciliation Times:           

Saturday:        4.30pm – 5.30pm

 

Baptism
1st & 3rd Sunday:       
11.00am (by appointment)

 

Marriage                      By appointment

Special Masses or Celebrations; Fundraising & Social Events; Study Programmes
Annual Fete; Choir; Community/ Social Activities; Eucharistic Adoration (Saturday 5.00pm - 6.00pm); Grandparents Sunday; Holy Hour (weekly); Lenten Discussion; Liturgy Preparation/Team; Rosary (Wednesday afternoon 2.30pm; Saturday morning); Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (weekly); RCIA; Wedding Anniversary Mass

 

Buildings, Equipment & Resources
Library; Piety Stall

 

Parish Publications
Monthly Parish Magazine ('The Note Book'); Parish History (1995); Weekly Bulletin

 

Schools
St Paul the Apostle, Winston Hills

 

Parish History:

St Paul the Apostle parish at Winston Hills was established on February 3, 1970. Previously a part of North Parramatta, due to the wise foresight of Rev Roger Wynne, land was obtained from the Good Shepherd Order and a beautiful property of five acres was set aside on a historic hill overlooking Toongabbie and across the Prospect Hill.

 

The first and present pastor, Rev David Scott, with the help of a very active parish committee and a growing community, established the first two buildings, a church and presbytery by September 1971. The first Foundations stone (for the church) was blessed by Pope Paul VI during his visit at the end of 1970. It was laid by Cardinal Gilroy on March 7, 1971 and a plaque inside the church commemorated its blessing and opening by the Archbishop, later Cardinal Freeman in September 1971.

 

Various stages of school buildings were opened and blessed by Bishop Edward Kelly, Bishop (later Cardinal Clancy and Bishop Bede Heather.

 

The school has been faithfully staffed over the years under the leadership of the Sisters of the Holy Faith of Glasnevin, in Dublin.

 

The first Parish Council was formed in March 1973 and the school has had a very active Parents and Friends Committee since the first stage of the school was opened in 1973.

 

The parish is privileged to have a very zealous St Vincent de Paul Society, Catechist Group and Liturgy Committee.

 

As planned, a larger church was built with the help of parishioners in 1985, and the first church, with some additions assumed its place in the parish layout as a Parish Centre. A final building concluded in 1995 and opened by Bishop Bede Heather in October of that year, was a large school library, administration block and staffroom. The opportunity to add a special meeting room to the Parish Centre was also taken at that time.

 

PARISH PRIESTS & Administrators
Rev David Scott 1970 - present

 

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