“Fr Jack is a very big part of my Christian life.”
For Nicole Hill, who became Catholic in 2026, Fr Jack Elkazzi is more than a priest – he was the person who guided her into the Catholic faith and helped her find a spiritual home at St Thomas Aquinas Springwood Parish.
“When I come here, I get a lot of peace,” she said.
Nicole’s experience reflects the kind of pastoral care that has endeared Fr Jack to the Springwood community since he arrived as Administrator in June 2025. Many have come to know him as a welcoming presence and a trusted spiritual guide.
Fr Jack with Bishop Vincent Long after the ceremony. Image: Mary Brazell/ Diocese of Parramatta
On Sunday, 25 October, that connection was evident as parishioners gathered at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church to witness Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv formally install Fr Jack as Parish Priest, marking an important new chapter in the life of the Springwood parish.
A Parish Priest among the people
Addressing the packed church, Bishop Vincent described the occasion as an opportunity to begin “a new chapter, a promising, exciting chapter” in the life of the parish.
The installation marks an important development for St Thomas Aquinas Springwood Parish. Other than Fr Chris del Rosario, who was administrator for about 18 months before Fr Jack arrived, the parish has not had a dedicated Parish Priest for many years, with pastoral leadership previously shared with the neighbouring Lawson parish.
For parishioner Matt Aldous, who has been part of the community for about 15 years, having Fr Jack based locally will make a significant difference.
“Father Jack is such a compassionate, holy man in his love for Jesus in the Eucharist. He lives that out amongst the people,” Matt said.
“Having him in the heart and soul of the parish, I think, is going to make such a huge difference to us as a parish.”
He is the first Parish Priest at Springwood for quite a few years. Image: Mary Brazell/ Diocese of Parramatta
For parishioner Krzysztof Sypka, who has been a parishioner for 25 years, the installation fulfilled a long-held hope of having a dedicated priest serving the parish.
“We have been waiting a long time for this – to have our own priest. Finally,” he said, welcoming the opportunity for the community to have its own resident Parish Priest.
Inspiring faith and belonging
The celebration also reflected the connections Fr Jack has fostered within the parish, particularly with families and children.
Parishioner Lucy Twyford, who has been part of the community for less than two years, described him as a gift to the parish.
“He’s such a good shepherd,” she said, adding that he was supportive of families and children and made people feel at home.
Parishioner Margaret Smith, who has been part of the community since 1981, described the day as one of joy.
“Sometimes that’s the forgotten gift, is the joy that we receive in our church community,” she said.
Fr Jack has been warmly welcomed by the parish community. Image: Mary Brazell/ Diocese of Parramatta
Describing Fr Jack as approachable and a great listener, Margaret added that his homilies often resonated deeply with parishioners.
“So many people say it’s almost like he was speaking to me. And I think that’s a great ministry that he has.”
Fr Jack’s influence also extends beyond the parish to the wider life within the Diocese.
Armani Barakat, who first met Fr Jack through the Diocese’s Synod, said she had come to know him over the past few years through discussions about the Diocese’s pastoral plan and priorities.
She also appreciated his commitment to preserving the traditional elements of the Church, describing him as “wholesome” and “full of love”.
A community working together
During his homily, Bishop Vincent called on the parish to embrace the Gospel’s central message of love, hospitality and care for the vulnerable.
Pictured with Bishop Vincent and his family after the Mass. Image: Mary Brazell/ Diocese of Parramatta
In a world increasingly marked by intolerance, hostility and division, he said, the Church had an important role in building bridges and creating a more compassionate society.
Reflecting on Jesus’ commandment to love God and neighbour, Bishop Vincent reminded the congregation that Christian love must extend beyond familiar circles to include those who are often overlooked or rejected.
He encouraged Fr Jack and the parish community to work together in making God’s love visible through their service to others.
“Let us work together in writing a new chapter for St Thomas Aquinas and for our community of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,” he said.
During the Rite of Installation, Fr Jack renewed the promises made at his priestly ordination, committing himself to proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, praying for those entrusted to his care and dedicating his life to the service of God’s people.
The congregation was also invited to affirm its commitment to supporting him in his priestly ministry.
A blessing for the whole family
For Fr Jack’s family, the installation was the culmination of a long and meaningful journey.
“He’s such a good shepherd”, said one of his parishioners. Image: Mary Brazell/ Diocese of Parramatta
His older brother, John Elkazzi, described the occasion as a blessing, particularly given the path Fr Jack had taken towards priesthood.
“It’s been a long road, but he’s finally got here and he’s going to look after this community. It’s just a blessing,” John said.
Fr Jack’s nephew, Raphael Elkazzi, said it had been beautiful to witness his uncle’s journey from seminarian to deacon, then priest, and now Parish Priest.
“It’s a blessing,” he said. “It’s very beautiful.”
Fr Jack’s mother, Teresa Elkazzi, expressed her humility and happiness at seeing her son installed as Parish Priest. “I’m humbled, I’m very humbled… I’m happy for him,” she said.
A ministry entrusted to God
Fr Jack expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of his priesthood and the opportunity to serve the parish.
He also thanked the Blessed Virgin Mary for her intercession, Bishop Vincent for his trust, and parishioners and volunteers for their prayers, generosity and support.
Fr Jack and Bishop Vincent at the celebration after the Mass. Image: Mary Brazell/ Diocese of Parramatta
Acknowledging those who had worked tirelessly to prepare the celebration, he said he was deeply grateful for the time and effort they had given, both on the day and in the weeks beforehand.
Fr Jack also asked the community to continue praying for him as he begins this new chapter of ministry.
“I ask you, please pray for me,” he said. “And I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I keep you always in my prayers.”
As the Springwood community looks to the future, the installation marks more than the appointment of a new Parish Priest.
It is an invitation to deepen its life of faith, strengthen its bonds of fellowship and share the love of Christ throughout the Blue Mountains.
Fr Jack’s installation is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Formation, Mission and Community. Visit Synodality to find out more.
To view more photographs from the installation Mass and celebration afterwards, click here.
