A new chapter has begun at St John Vianney Catholic Church Doonside, with Fr Pio Yong Ho Jang formally installed as Parish Priest during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Concelebrating the special installation Mass was Assistant Priest, Fr Eugene Szondi.
For a community shaped by more than four decades of ministry of its former Parish Priest, Fr John O’Neill, the occasion, on Saturday, 10 October 2026, marked a significant milestone.
For many in the congregation, it was especially memorable as Fr Pio noted that it was the first time they had witnessed the liturgical installation of a Parish Priest.
“I am sure that it will remain as a happy and joyful memory for all of us,” Fr Pio said, expressing his gratitude to Bishop Vincent, parishioners and visitors for sharing in the occasion.
Already, in the few months since his arrival, Fr Pio has made a deep impression on those he serves.
Parishioners speak of a holy man whose gentle, approachable nature and heartfelt homilies draw them closer to God, offering a glimpse of the ministry that will shape this new chapter at Doonside.
Fr Pio Yong Ho Jang. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Building on a legacy of faith
In his welcoming remarks, Bishop Vincent acknowledged Fr O’Neill’s longstanding service and encouraged the community to build on the foundations he had established.
“We build on that legacy that Father John O’Neill left behind,” Bishop Vincent said, expressing his hope for a promising future for the parish.
During the installation, Fr Pio renewed the promises he had made at his ordination in 2015, committing himself to preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments faithfully, praying for those entrusted to his care and dedicating his life to God.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent emphasised that the Church must be a community of hospitality and compassion, offering hope to the hopeless and dignity to all.
He encouraged Fr Pio to work with parishioners, staff and lay leaders, highlighting the importance of listening, discernment and shared responsibility.
“It is my hope that Father Pio will work closely and collaboratively with you, staff, lay leaders, and others in writing a new chapter in the life of this community,” he said.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
A holy priest with a heart for people
For parishioners, Fr Pio’s holiness and genuine care for others have already become hallmarks of his ministry.
Stephen Bali, Member of Parliament for Blacktown and a lifelong Doonside resident, said the community had warmly welcomed its new Parish Priest.
“Father Pio has been well received by the community. He’s a very caring, trusting person. He’s very welcoming,” Mr Bali said.
Susan Donevski, a parishioner since 1985, said Fr Pio’s holiness and preaching had reassured the community that it was in good hands.
“We can see his love for God through his ministry and especially through his sermons,” she said, adding that his homilies gave parishioners something meaningful to carry with them throughout the week.
Jude and Crystal Rodricks, who have belonged to the parish since 1984, similarly praised Fr Pio’s gentle and approachable nature.
“He’s wonderful with young children. He’s wonderful with the elderly,” Crystal said.
The couple expressed confidence that Fr Pio would continue nurturing the parish’s deep faith, reverence for the Eucharist and love for the sacraments.
Bishop Vincent installs Fr Jang as Parish Priest of St John Vianney Parish, Doonside. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Bringing the Gospel into everyday life
Lynn Campbell, a parishioner for 27 years, said Fr Pio demonstrated a genuine interest in people’s lives, seeking to understand their faith journeys and personal circumstances.
“What draws us together, the way Father Pio does, is to remind us every day that Jesus Christ is always with us, and to be disciples, what is required of us to be true disciples,” she said.
Teresita Cacdac, a parishioner since 2019 and secretary of the Legion of Mary, also praised his homilies for their practical encouragement, saying they continually point people towards Jesus and challenge them to become better Christians.
She added that his gentleness and approachability were evident in his willingness to make himself available for confession after every Mass.
Simon Kim, who has been part of the Korean Catholic community for almost 20 years, described Fr Pio as “very straightforward” and “generous”, adding that he was “very kind”.
Fr Jang greeting parishioners following Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Joslyn Rodricks, who has been a parishioner at St John Vianney for about 40 years, praised Fr Pio’s preaching, saying his homilies were “very good, full of meaning”. “We take home something good,” he said. Cynthia Rodricks likewise expressed her happiness at welcoming Fr Pio as the parish begins “this new chapter in our lives”.
For Monica De Leon, who knows Fr Pio through the Korean Catholic community, one of his most memorable teachings is his encouragement to give thanks to God in every circumstance.
Whatever happens, whether good or difficult, she said, he reminds people to thank God — a simple message that has stayed with her.
Together, these reflections paint a picture of a priest whose ministry is grounded in prayer, personal encounters and a consistent invitation to grow in faith.
Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
A new chapter, written together
As St John Vianney Doonside Parish looks towards the future, the passing of the baton represents more than a change of leadership. It is the continuation of a legacy of faith, entrusted to a new shepherd who brings his own gifts and pastoral approach.
For Fr Pio, the journey ahead will be shaped by the people who have already welcomed him into their lives. Together, the parish community can continue growing in holiness, guided by the love of God and the call to live as faithful disciples of Christ.
Fr Pio’s installation is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Formation, Mission and Community. Visit Synodality to find out more.
View more photos of Fr Pio’s installation below or, click here.
