Parramatta Diocese has celebrated a major milestone for its newest parish of St Luke’s, Marsden Park, with the official opening of the parish’s new building.
Church officials and local residents from Marsden Park and across the Blacktown local government area came together on October 19 for the opening of the building.
After years of celebrating Mass at St Luke’s Catholic College, the parish now has a purpose-built home.
Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv led the morning Mass for the Feast of St Luke, the parish’s patron saint, alongside parish priest Fr Gayan Thamel.
The celebration began with a procession outside St Luke’s Catholic College and drew more than 600 parishioners, students, residents and officials.
Marsden Park has a thriving Catholic community. St Luke’s was officially recognised as a parish of the Parramatta Diocese in January 2025, having grown rapidly since its establishment in 2018.
Today, approximately 900 members are active in the parish, which has more than 20 ministries, including youth groups, music, prayer, and hospitality. The Catholic school on the same site has also grown in popularity, showcasing the importance of the Catholic Church to the local community.
“I used to think that Parramatta was where the action was … This is where the action is,” Bishop Long said. “Look at the vibrancy of this faith community. We are truly the body of Christ!”
Bishop Long blessed the new building, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting, plaque unveiling, and cake-cutting ceremony.
Fr Thamel said: “As we open these doors, may this new parish home be a place of welcome, worship, and witness here in Marsden Park.
“Someone asked me earlier if this is our permanent church. I said, ‘It’s watertight, has chairs, and God is here with us, so it is perfect for now.’ So thank you all, and may God continue to bless St Luke’s Catholic Parish.”
The building includes offices and kitchen amenities and will serve as a temporary church for up to 200 people until the permanent church is constructed as part of the second stage of the parish’s building project.
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Western Sydney opens its newest Church for the growing Catholic population (Parramatta Diocese)
