The Holy Name of Mary Rydalmere Parish celebrated the culmination of a long, eight-year journey with the blessing of its new presbytery and parish centre during a joyful Mass led by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta on Sunday, 5 July 2026.
The new building, which includes the parish presbytery, administration offices and retired priests’ residence, is the result of not only years of careful planning but interruptions, delays and a global pandemic.
“The project began eight years ago… Unfortunately, the project suffered delays due to the COVID pandemic, council preservation orders and other council requirements,” said Parish Finance Committee Chair Ron Della Vedova.
The occasion couldn’t come soon enough. Reflecting on his more than 30 years as Chair of the Parish Finance Committee, he joked:
“I will no longer get the question wrong, ‘When will it be finished?’ Today is the celebration!”
Holy Name of Mary Rydalmere Parish Finance Committee Chair Ron Della Vedova. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
The theme of celebration and hope was one felt by the congregation, along with Bishop Vincent.
“Today at Holy Name of Mary, we also receive a dose of fresh hope as we bless the new building complex after a long and laborious journey,” said Bishop Vincent.
He said the new facilities would provide “a much-needed place of pastoral care, support and administration for the community.”
Congratulating Parish Priest Fr Vincent Savarimuthu, Bishop Vincent acknowledged the priest’s leadership and previous achievements.
“God has truly worked in wonderful ways in bringing Fr Vincent here.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
The new building is a modern, functional and multi-purpose building that will serve the parish for many years to come.
“It will serve as a focal point for the meeting of various ministries, groups, a gathering after Mass for morning tea, celebrations and hopefully for youth gatherings… all these will help build community,” said Mr Della Vedova.
A place for mission and ministry
During his homily, Bishop Vincent reflected on the day’s Gospel, challenging the congregation to embrace humility and place the needs of others before worldly success.
“Jesus’ critique of the privileged and his solidarity with the oppressed are a recurrent theme throughout the Gospel.”
Drawing parallels between the Gospel and the life of the parish, he encouraged the community to see the new facilities not as symbols of achievement, but as opportunities for service.
Bishop Vincent during his homily. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that the Church is not built of bricks and mortar alone. The true Church is the People of God.”
He prayed that the new building would always be a place of welcome and hospitality.
Built by many hands
In his address, Fr Vincent thanked the many individuals whose generosity and hard work brought the project to completion.
“Behind every brick, every wall and every detail lies the commitment and contribution of many hands and hearts.”
He expressed particular gratitude to Bishop Vincent, diocesan leaders, the parish finance committee, parish staff, volunteers, tradespeople and parishioners who had supported the project from its earliest stages.
Fr Vincent also acknowledged those who had worked tirelessly in the final days before the blessing to prepare the new presbytery for occupation and organise the parish celebration.
Fr Vincent Savarimuthu PP, Holy Name of Mary Rydalmere Parish. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
“This new building will fulfil its purpose only when it serves to strengthen our faith, deepen our unity, and support our vision of proclaiming the love of Christ.”
Following Mass, parishioners proceeded to the new building for the blessing then to a shared meal in the school hall.
“Congratulations again, Fr Vincent, and the whole parish community here… May this truly mark the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for us as we continue to be a vehicle of the Gospel, of faith, hope and love,” said Bishop Vincent.
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery below.
