WORLD 25/03/26 New Australian parish seeks bonding, community development

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The fund for the new church has been raised from local Catholics and New South Wales government

Bishop Vincent Long of Parramatta Diocese in Australia sprinkles holy water during the groundbreaking ceremony of Saint Luke's Catholic Parish in Marsden Park on March 26. (Photo: Saint Luke's Catholic Parish)

By UCA News reporter

Published: March 27, 2025 04:51 AM GMT

Updated: March 27, 2025 04:59 AM GMT

An under-construction new parish in an Australian suburb aims to promote bonding and community development among hundreds of Catholics, say Catholic and civil society leaders.

“The church building is not just an added-on feature,” said Bishop Vincent Long of Parramatta Diocese in Western Sydney during the groundbreaking ceremony of St. Luke’s Catholic Parish in Marsden Park.

The ceremony is an “auspicious occasion” for the school, parish, and community, says a press release from the diocese dated March 26.

“It's going to be a focal point of the worshiping community, an anchor community, if you like, that will cement this whole enterprise,” Long said.

The prelate said the groundbreaking ceremony was a “historic moment for local Catholics.”

The new parish will have a 200-seat Parish Hall, Parish Office, and other amenities besides the church building, the release said.

Until the church is built, the parish hall will serve as the place of worship for an estimated 900 parishioners. The parish was founded in 2018 and officially recognized by the diocese in January this year.

New South Wales (NSW) deputy premier Prue Car, Blacktown City mayor Brad Bunting, newly appointed parish priest Gayan Thamel, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Car said the groundbreaking ceremony for the new place of worship marked a “significant step forward,” reflecting on “years of dedication, faith, and hard work.”

“This project will provide a spiritual home for our Catholic community in Marsden Park and create a welcoming space for connection, reflection, and celebration,” Car said.

“Congratulations once again, and I really look forward to seeing the finished project later this year,” Car added.

More than 720,000 Australian dollars (US$$455,047) for the project has been raised through donations from the local parishioners and a grant from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership. The project is expected to be completed by August, the diocese said.

“It’s wonderful to see this project come to life for St Luke’s Parish. A dedicated parish space will provide not only a place of worship but also become a meeting place for connection and support for local families,” Bunting said.

The mayor also added that the Blacktown City Council was proud to work alongside the Diocese of Parramatta on the project.

Meanwhile, Thamel pointed out that the project marks a new chapter for the local community, which he hoped would unite them in worship and fellowship.

“It is a joy to witness this beginning, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way,” Thamel said.

The Diocese of Parramatta covers one of the fastest growing areas in New South Wales. It has about 330,000 Catholics.

The Catholic Church in Australia has more than five million members, accounting for about 20 percent of the nation’s estimated 27 million people.