Faith at St Aidan’s Parish is not something that sits still.
It is rolled up in sleeves, carried into working bees, sung through choirs and lived out in service, under the pastorship of Fr Jobi Payyapilly MS, the new Parish Priest fast becoming as much action hero as role model to his new flock in Rooty Hill.
“He’s a priest in action,” said Alma Espima, a parishioner of 22 years.
Others spoke of his ability to “rally” people and, perhaps even more impressively, convince them to put their hands up for jobs they might never normally volunteer for.
Rezza and Ysabella Bondoc, sisters aged 13 and eight, know something about that.
Bishop Vincent embracing Fr Jobi during the ceremony. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
The pair recently joined about 40 volunteers at Fr Jobi’s highly successful parish working bee, their first ever. “He’s very convincing,” Rezza said.
Her younger sister Ysabella, a Year 3 pupil at St Aidan’s Primary School, offered an equally glowing assessment: “He’s really kind and good” and a “great role model”.
A new shepherd for St Aidan’s
It is a fitting snapshot of a priest who formally celebrated his installation as Parish Priest of St Aidan’s on Sunday 27 September.
Led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, the ceremony saw Fr Jobi renew the promises he first made at his ordination on September 8, 2005. Afterwards, Bishop Vincent drew him into a warm, brotherly embrace.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent spoke warmly of the priest now entrusted with the pastoral care of St Aidan’s.
“He has generously accepted this ministry of pastoral care and leadership of a very diverse and very faith-filled community,” Bishop Vincent said. “So we’re here in great numbers today, to pray for him together with Fr Matthew Dimian, Deacon Jerome D’Rozario and, above all, the faithful of St Aidan’s.
Fr Jobi speaking during the Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“He will further enrich the great tapestry of faith, witness and community engagement here at Rooty Hill.”
That tapestry is already a richly multicultural one. St Aidan’s has Irish origins, a strong Maltese chapter and today a majority Filipino culture, alongside vibrant Samoan and Tongan communities.
Fr Jobi’s installation came just weeks after the 45th anniversary of the current church building.
“We paid tribute to the faith, dedication and selfless service of our pioneers, our pastors and parishioners,” Bishop Vincent said. “Today we renew our commitment to follow their footsteps as we begin a new chapter of parish life with Fr Jobi.”
Reflecting on Matthew 21:28-32, Bishop Vincent spoke of a Gospel in which actions, repentance and mercy carry more weight than empty religious words.
“The liturgy today affirms God’s self-disclosure that no one is beyond his merciful love,” he said. “In God’s Kingdom, the outsiders have become insiders and the insiders can become outsiders.
Parishioners welcome Fr Jobi after the Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“There’s no one we can write off as being beyond God’s reach or mercy.
“The Gospel today really challenges us to be a model community of mercy and solidarity,” Bishop Vincent said. “At the end of the day, it’s by our works of love, outreach and care of the disadvantaged that sets us apart as His true disciples.”
Fr Matthew Dimian, who served as Administrator of St Aidan’s until Fr Jobi’s arrival, will remain at the parish as Assistant Priest.
After Mass, the Parish Hospitality Committee handed out celebratory cupcakes to mark the occasion.
A new chapter, but not a new calling
The day also marked a first for Fr Jobi. After six years as a Parish Priest in India, St Aidan’s is his first parish in that role in Australia. “I’m still learning the ropes,” he joked during his first address as Parish Priest.
Special guest Fr Alan Layt, who retired as parish priest of St Aiden’s in 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
He thanked the many priests who had joined the celebration, including one of St Aidan’s much-loved former shepherds, Fr Alan Layt, whom he introduced as “the legendary Fr Alan”.
Since arriving in Australia in 2019, Fr Jobi’s ministry in the Diocese of Parramatta has taken him from St Nicholas of Myra Parish, in Penrith, to St Paul the Apostle Parish, in Winston Hills, where he also served as Parish Administrator.
Born in India, Fr Jobi felt the pull of priesthood early, entering the seminary at just 16. Two of his sisters also entered religious life.
Fr Jobi belongs to the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, whose spirituality places a strong emphasis on reconciliation.
A growing ‘shopping list’
Fr Jobi revealed that some parishioners had wasted little time drawing up ideas for their new Parish Priest. “In my first two weeks, some kind parishioners mentioned they had a to-do list for me,” he said.
Members of St Aidan’s Hospitality Committee dressed in red and white and formed a guard of honour for Fr Jobi. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Jobi wants to keep strengthening the spiritual and community life of St Aidan’s while drawing even more people into the joyful rhythm of parish life.
A new Tongan choir is among the ideas, while his own hobbies of basketball, cycling and gardening offer plenty of scope for connecting with parishioners beyond Sunday Mass.
But there wouldn’t be any change for change’s sake. As Fr Jobi told Catholic Outlook with a smile: “No changes, just improvements.”
A different kind of flock
One of Fr Jobi’s first special celebrations after his installation saw him tending to a rather different flock.
Mila Bondoc with grand-daughters Rezza and Ysabella Bondoc, aged 8 and 13. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Ahead of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, parishioners were invited to bring their pets along for a blessing on October 3.
The idea comes from a tradition familiar to him from India, where blessings of animals and seedlings are part of community life.
Born in India, Fr Jobi belongs to the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
To view more photos of Fr Jobi’s installation, click here.
Fr Jobi’s installation is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Formation, Mission and Community. Visit Synodality to find out more.
