The turning of the first sod for the new parish building at St Luke’s Catholic Parish in Sydney’s Marsden Park marks the start of an exciting project for the growing Catholic community in Sydney’s northwest. Source: Parramatta Diocese.
Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv officiated the ceremony alongside newly appointed parish priest Fr Gayan Thamel and former pastoral director Deacon Tony Hoban and his wife Annette.
Bishop Long described the historic moment for local Catholics in Marsden Park – the second-largest religion in the suburb – as an “auspicious occasion” for the school, parish and community.
“It’s not just a school for Catholics, but a school for everyone, much like the Church, which exists not only for Catholics but for the good of society and everyone involved,” Bishop Long said.
“The church building is not just an added-on feature; it’s going to be a focal point of the worshipping community, an anchor community if you like, that will cement this whole enterprise,” he said.
St Luke’s was officially recognised as a parish of the Parramatta Diocese in January, having grown rapidly since its establishment in 2018. Today, approximately 900 members are active in the parish.
Stage 1 of the building includes a 200-seat parish hall, parish office, and amenities.
Fr Thamel said the building project “marks a new chapter for our community, one that will unite us in worship and fellowship”.
More than $720,000 has been raised for the building, with the generous support of local parishioners and a grant from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership.
Deputy Premier Prue Car said turning the sod for the new place of worship marked a “significant step forward”, reflecting “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,” Ms Car said.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting 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.”
The project is expected to be completed by August.
Details: St Luke’s Parish website.
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Sod Turning at St Luke’s Marsden Park Marks Start of New Building Project for Australia’s Newest Parish (Parramatta Diocese)
