In April 2025, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, issued a decree that would re-shape the life of the Catholic Church on the Western-most edge of the Diocese of Parramatta.
The parishes of Sacred Heart, Blackheath; St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, centred in Katoomba; and Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson, would become one new parish named ‘The Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains’.
This new parish has a territory that covers half of the Blue Mountains and incorporates five worshipping communities and seven churches.
At a special Vigil Mass on Saturday 1 November at St Canice’s in Katoomba, Bishop Vincent installed Fr John McSweeney, formerly the Parish Priest of both Sacred Heart and St Mary MacKillop parishes as the inaugural Parish Priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta and Fr John McSweeney following his installation Mass as parish priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba, on 1 November 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Referencing the gospel reading for All Souls Day, Bishop Vincent spoke of the call to be a people of communion and of hope for this new chapter.
“Tonight, with a profound awareness of our call to be a people of communion and hope through death, we are gathered to turn a new page in the history of the Church in the Upper Blue Mountains,” he said.
This ‘new page’ was felt by many. For this extraordinary occasion, to allow for all the clergy to attend and to encourage the community to come together, all Vigil Masses were moved to St Canice’s for the evening.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist during the installation Mass of Fr John McSweeney as parish priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba, on 1 November 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
One parishioner observed that at first, she was disappointed that the usual Saturday evening Mass at her ‘own’ church had been cancelled, before she realised that this was her church now, as were all the churches of the new parish.
A new model brings new connections
In his homily, Bishop Vincent referenced the challenges that come with change, but the opportunity for renewal for this faith-filled community.
“It has been a challenging journey to reach this point whereby one single parish is created for this unique region,” he said.
“However, we trust that with our decision to adopt a new model of pastoral ministry, co-responsibility and joint administration, we can move forward as a renewed community, responding to the needs of God’s people and the signs of the times,” he continued.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, speaks during the installation Mass of Fr John McSweeney as parish priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba, on 1 November 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The Installation Mass was the first time that members of the former parishes had come together as a new community, with many meeting for the first time and quickly forming new bonds as they discovered connections to one another.
Parishioners greet each other during the installation Mass of Fr John McSweeney as parish priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba, on 1 November 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Long-time parishioner at St Bonaventure’s in Leura, Elain Smith, described the historic occasion as a joyful weaving together of a new fabric, “enriched by the many diverse gifts that our communities bring.”
A new team, walking together
As Parish Priest, Fr John McSweeney is supported by Assistant Priests Fr Peter Lamont and Fr Jessie Balorio and Deacon Alan Skofic.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, blesses the clergy of the new parish during the installation Mass of Fr John McSweeney as parish priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba, on 1 November 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
During the evening, Fr John continued to reiterate his commitment to respect and promote the unique character and charism of the seven churches that form the new parish, along with the clergy and all the faithful.
This was the prayer that Bishop Vincent offered.
“Tonight, we commend to God our new Pastor Fr John McSweeney who, together with the assigned clergy and staff, will begin a new chapter of living faith, witness and community engagement.”
“We are called to embody in our Church the God revealed as breaking new grounds of inclusion, participation and mission,” he said.
Parishioners are seen following the installation Mass of Fr John McSweeney as parish priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba, on 1 November 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
An inauguration
Although the Parish was officially formed six months ago, the community saw this first shared event as its inauguration. As one happy parishioner remarked, “this may be our first time coming together to share our gifts, but it won’t be our last!”
Fr Jessie Balorio was impressed, remarking how pleased he was that the community was coming together with such generous and open hearts for the Mass and celebration that followed.
A special element to the Mass was a song titled Gratitude composed for the occasion by parishioner Pat Drummond. The original song captured the community’s gratitude for what has gone before and hopes for the journey ahead.
Parishioner Pat Drummond sings during the installation Mass of Fr John McSweeney as parish priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba, on 1 November 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“We are grateful for our past and the people that have shaped and changed our lives, and grateful that as we go into this new chapter, united with our new pastor,” Pat said.
“We look forward to a future that our children and our children’s children will also be grateful for,” he said.
As Bishop Vincent offered his blessing to the community and to Fr John as the new Parish Priest, his words could not have been more apt for the whole community and its future: “May God who has begun this good work in you, bring it to completion.”
Fr John McSweeney speaks during his installation Mass as parish priest of the Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba, on 1 November 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
About The Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains
Following the decree by the Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent on 8 May 2025, the Catholic communities in the Upper Blue Mountains have joined to form a new Parish, The Catholic Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains.
The new Parish includes the three former parishes of Blackheath, Lawson and Upper Blue Mountains.
The new Parish is a community of communities. It includes five worshipping communities across seven Churches led by Parish Priest, Fr John McSweeney with Assistant Priests Fr Peter Lamont, Fr Jessie Balorio and Deacon Alan Skofic, along with all the lay faithful.
The new Parish and Installation Mass celebrations align with our Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer and our synodal vision of Walking Together. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View images from Fr John’s installation Mass on Flickr.
