For more than six decades, Fr John O’Neill has stood at the altar, brought people into communion with God through the Sacraments, taught the Catholic faith, inspired vocations, and shepherded generations of people with conviction, clarity and deep personal love for Christ.
Now, after 64 years of priestly ministry, the long-serving parish priest of St John Vianney Parish, Doonside has been farewelled by a community shaped profoundly by his presence.
Fr John has served as Parish Priest of Doonside since 24 May 1983 and, over four decades in the one parish, his ministry has been marked by fidelity to Catholic teaching, a love for the liturgy, and an unwavering call to “keep the faith”.
Fr John has inspired many young men and women to take up a religious vocation including from his own parish. In 2017, he told Catholic Outlook about three women from his parish in formation for religious life, as well as five seminarians in formation for the priesthood.
Fr John O’Neill is Parish Priest of St John Vianney Parish, Doonside. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
A vocation born early
Ordained in St Mary’s Cathedral on 21 July 1962, Fr John’s priestly journey began long before his arrival at Doonside. Fr John heard God’s call when on retreat in 1954 and entered the seminary, completing his studies at St Patrick’s Seminary, Manly; graduating with a BA in Theology.
As the youngest of six children, Fr John grew up in a household full of music and performance. “At home we always liked to sing. All the family were singers,” he once told Catholic Outlook – a gift that later found expression in liturgy, teaching and parish life.
For Fr John, priesthood was never about personality or achievement. It was about one’s relationship with God.
“Central to priesthood is a real and great personal love for Our Lord,” he said.
“We must lead by the example that flows out of that relationship. Christ must be living and visible in our parishes.”
A parish priest remembered by his people
At his farewell Mass and community gathering on 28 December 2025, parishioners spoke about this impact of Fr John’s steady leadership and ministry.
“He’s a traditional priest,” said parishioner Frank Ruocco. “He teaches the truth.”
Anthony Lee, a parishioner of nearly 40 years, described him as a “great orthodox priest”, referring to his leadership style. Fr John had married Anthony and his wife 35 years ago and baptised their first child.
“God bless you, Father, and may you enjoy your well-earned retirement,” Anthony said.
Parish Priest Fr John O’Neill blesses a child during his farewell celebrations at St John Vianney Parish, Doonside, in December 2025. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
For parishioner Colin Campbell, Fr John’s impact was life-changing.
“When we first started coming to the parish, I was a non-practising Catholic. My wife was a Buddhist. My two children weren’t baptised,” he said. What followed was a journey of teaching and faithful support, which led to conversion.
“During the religious instructions to the kids, my wife got hooked,” Colin said.
Stephen Bali MP, NSW Member for Blacktown, reflected on Fr John’s “strict and strong” parish ministry, having been a long-time parishioner who was married at Doonside parish and whose son was also baptised there. Mr Bali MP recalled how Fr John, on his commencement as parish priest, was keen to bring the style of worship into a more traditional, conservative nature, swapping the “rock band” for sacred hymns and reminding parishioners of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
NSW Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali MP (left) speaks during the farewell celebrations for Parish Priest Fr John O’Neill at St John Vianney Parish, Doonside, in December 2025. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“In summer, he’d say things like ‘Jesus is hanging on the cross, nailed, and you can’t put up with a little bit of pain of the heat!’”, Mr Bali MP smiled, adding, “Thank you for your friendship over the years.”
A shepherd of faith
Other priests in the Diocese of Parramatta also testified to Fr John’s influence.
Fr Alan Layt, who has served the local Diocese for nearly 30 years and is now retired from parish ministry, shared with the gathering what truly matters in life.
“That those that Christ has given him to shepherd, he’s drawn them closer to Jesus Christ. That’s really the only thing that matters,” he said.
Fr Alan added, “If you think that’s what Father John has done for you, then we give him a clap right now.”
Fr Eugene Szondi, a priest of over 62 years who served at Doonside during periods of Fr John’s illness and absence, described a parish already strong and faithful.
“What I noticed was that the parish was thriving,” Fr Eugene said.
Assistant Priest Fr Eugene Szondi (left) with Parish Priest Fr John O’Neill during Fr John’s farewell celebrations at St John Vianney Parish, Doonside, in December 2025. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“He’s been very keen on keeping the faith in the parish.”
Fr Eugene also pointed to Fr John’s insistence on “making sure that the normal things – Mass, devotion to Our Lady, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confession – all those were intact.”
Fr Tom Green, Assistant Priest at Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, who was baptised by Fr John and received the Sacraments at Doonside, recalled altar serving being a “fruit of the great reverence” that Fr John strongly encouraged.
“Perhaps more than anything, it was this aspect of Fr O’Neill’s priesthood that influenced a priestly vocation in my own heart,” Fr Tom said.
Fr John O’Neill, Parish Priest of St John Vianney Parish, Doonside, lays his hands over Tom Green during his ordination to the priesthood at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Tom said it was also his powerful preaching that made an impression on him, and helped him appreciate the importance of the homily.
“To this day, I don’t think I’ve heard anyone preach better on the love of God. For his service to Christ and his Church, I am truly grateful.”
A message to ‘keep the faith’
In his farewell speech on 28 December 2025, Fr John spoke with characteristic humility and directness.
“I’m not happy about this retirement business,” he admitted, acknowledging the limits of age. Yet his message to the parish was clear and consistent with a lifetime of preaching.
“Keep the faith,” Fr John urged.
“First of all, don’t hurt people… Love means being good to people, and helping them to feel good,” he said.
Parish Priest Fr John O’Neill speaks during his farewell celebrations at St John Vianney Parish, Doonside, in December 2025. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
He also offered guidance for today’s modern Catholic families.
“Pray together as a family, every day, every night. The family that prays together, stays together.”
Looking back on more than 40 years at Doonside, he said, “It’s been a privilege to be in this parish, to see it grow in so many ways.”
As one parishioner reflected during the farewell celebrations, “You take a part of us.”
After 64 years of priestly ministry, it is clear that Fr John has left far more behind than he takes with him – a parish still echoing his call to faithfulness, prayer and love of God.
Fr John’s ministry reflects the Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s priorities of community, prayer and formation, and our objective to be a Church renewed in spirit. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photos of Fr John’s farewell gathering on Flickr.
