16 March 1926 – 8 November 2015
A retired priest of the Diocese of Parramatta, Rev Fr David Scott, died on Sunday 8 November at Holy Family Services Retirement Village.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11am on Thursday 12 November at St Paul the Apostle Church at Winston Hills. The Vigil Mass was held in St Paul’s Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 November.
Fr David was Pastor Emeritus of St Paul the Apostle Parish. Appointed Parish Priest in 1970, he retired from active ministry in 2010.
In 2011, Fr David received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice from Bishop Anthony Fisher OP at the Chrism Mass. Also known as the ‘Cross of Honour’, the medal was established by Leo XIII in 1888, and is currently given for distinguished service to the Church by lay people and clergy.
He was born at Rosebery in 1926 to Jack and Gladys Scott. The stained glass window behind the altar in St Paul the Apostle Church is dedicated to them.
He was the middle of three brothers – Michael is the youngest and John who died in 2009 was the eldest.
Fr David’s brother, Michael, reflected on his brother’s life outside of his priestly works, noting his “love for our mum and dad and his extended family”.
The homily, given by Very Rev Peter G. Williams, recognised Fr David’s great contribution to the community, “caring for his community with a gentleness of spirit, teaching the faith, administering the Sacraments, and at the same time being a very capable administrator”.
“His legacy in terms of buildings stand all around us today, but the more important legacy was the community of men, women and children whose spiritual home became and still is this place for forty years. His prudent management and financial acumen allowed him to be very generous in supporting other parts of the mission of the Church outside the parish,” Fr Peter Williams said.
The young David grew up in Kingsford in St Michael’s Parish at Daceyville. He was educated at the parish primary school and what was then Marist Randwick (now Marcellin College).
On leaving school, he entered St Columba’s Seminary at Springwood and completed his studies at St Patrick’s Seminary at Manly.
He was ordained by Cardinal Gilroy in St Mary’s Cathedral on 22 July 1950.
Fr David’s priestly appointments included parishes in Katoomba, Lakemba, Haberfield, Lithgow, Dulwich Hill, Strathfield, St Paul’s Seminary at Manly where he was Director of Students, and St Mary’s Cathedral.
His final appointment in 1970 was Parish Priest of St Paul the Apostle Parish at Winston Hills where he spent the next 40 years building the parish from the ground up.
Fr Roger Wynne at North Parramatta had procured the land on behalf of the Archdiocese of Sydney. In 1970, Fr David was appointed the first parish priest and was instrumental in the purchase of, or construction of, the church, presbytery, convent and school buildings.
As well as being their pastor, he was highly regarded by parishioners as a good administrator.
“In his sacrifice of priestly service, David Scott inspired and brought to birth with him the Catholic community of Winston Hills,” Fr Peter Williams said.
Fr David retired from active ministry in 2010 and regarded the years he spent at Winston Hills as the highlight of his priestly ministry.
His brother, Michael, said David was well known for his love of sport, in particular golf. For many years he had played a round every Monday at St Michael’s Golf Club, often with his dear friend, Fr Eric Burton, by his side.
If you asked any of the many people whose lives have connected with Fr David what stands out most, they would point to his devotion to the Rabbitohs South Sydney football team.
“God’s graciousness at least enabled him to see his beloved Rabbitohs win another premiership last year,” Fr Peter Williams said.
Fr David Roy Scott is buried at Castlebrook Memorial Park, 712-746 Windsor Road, Rouse Hill.
He is remembered especially by his brother, Michael, his beloved family and parish, and his dear friend, Fr Eric Burton.
Click to view Mass Booklet here (link to pdf)
For more images of the funeral, please visit: Flickr Gallery
To read Very Rev Peter G Williams’s homily click here (link to pdf)
Listen to Eulogy of Mr Michael Scott below:
Listen to Rev Peter G William’s homily below: