The story of the Ghanaian Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Parramatta began in 2007 with what many would describe as a providential encounter.
While jogging in Epping, Fr Nicholas Aazine, a Ghanaian missionary priest of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) noticed a vehicle displaying the Ghanaian flag.
Curious, he waited for the owner, who turned out to be Hayford Nkrumah, a prominent member of the Ghanaian community.
That encounter led to the first gathering of the Ghanaian Catholic community on 26 December 2007 at the home of Mrs Joana Bortey in Hoxton Park, where the first Mass was celebrated.
Then in 2008, the Bishop of Parramatta at the time, Bishop Kevin Manning, allocated the Holy Cross Parish Granville, as the community’s permanent place of worship, a place it continues to call home.
Since then, the Ghanaian Chaplaincy has grown into a vibrant faith community, establishing a choir, training altar servers and readers, celebrating baptisms, organising retreats and rosary groups, and making a significant contribution to the multicultural life of the Diocese of Parramatta.
Today, the chaplaincy gathers twice each month, on the second and fourth Sundays, bringing together members from across Western Sydney to celebrate Mass, strengthen their faith, and preserve the rich traditions of their Ghanaian Catholic heritage.
Beyond the liturgy, members remain closely connected through prayer, fellowship, retreats and pastoral support, fostering a strong sense of belonging that continues to sustain the community.
Providing pastoral leadership is Ghanaian Chaplain Fr Ambrose Owusu-Ansah, who arrived in Australia in November 2025 and was appointed by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen, Bishop of Parramatta, to serve the community.
Parishioners speak warmly of Fr Ambrose’s calm and gentle leadership and look to the future with confidence as more families become involved and younger generations embrace both their Catholic faith and Ghanaian traditions.
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Reflecting on God’s Gift of Love
During the community’s regular Sunday Mass on 14 June 2026, Fr Ambrose invited the faithful to reflect on God’s gift of love and their response to it.
“The Father loved us so much that He sent His only Son to bridge the gap between us and the Father,” he said, referencing John 3:16.
Quoting Pope Francis, he encouraged the congregation to open themselves more fully to God’s grace.
“We must allow God to love us more than we love Him.”
He also reminded parishioners that every person has a role to play in God’s mission, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“The work of God is not entrusted to only a few. It is entrusted to everybody.”
Fr Ambrose Owusu-Ansah, Ghanaian Chaplain during his homily. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Keeping Faith Alive Through Culture and Community
Caroline Afful, one of the original members, explained how important the chaplaincy has been in helping her maintain her faith while living in Australia.
“Being able to come and celebrate in my own local language was a great deal,” she said. “It brings back all the memories of when I was a little child.”
Reflecting on Fr Ambrose’s ministry, she praised his pastoral approach and personal connection with community members.
“The first thing that hits me when I see him is that he’s very calm and soft-spoken. He’s got the growth of this chaplaincy at heart.”
She also appreciated Fr Ambrose’s commitment to visiting parishioners in their homes, describing it as a familiar expression of pastoral care.
“He came to my home and sat down with my husband and my children. That brings home what we used to do back there.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Building Community Beyond the Mass
Vice President of the chaplaincy, Joseph Boateng reflected on the deeper significance of the chaplaincy and the important role it plays in preserving faith traditions for future generations.
“Coming together here reminds me of the initial stages that we went through when we were growing up, the songs we used to sing, the practices that we had.”
Mr Boateng acknowledged Fr Ambrose’s efforts to strengthen the community’s understanding of Catholic tradition while navigating the linguistic diversity within the Ghanaian community.
“He’s been teaching us what we need to know, how to follow the Mass in our local language.”
Beyond the celebration of Mass, he said the chaplaincy remains active throughout the year through prayer, fellowship and mutual support.
“We’ve divided ourselves into groups,” he said, describing the community’s home-based prayer gatherings and rosary groups.
The chaplaincy also supports members during significant moments in life, including illness, bereavement and the arrival of newborn children.
“When we have a sick person among the community, we visit the person, we pray with the person.”
He explained that practical support accompanies those visits.
“By Ghanaian tradition, we don’t just visit somebody and go out. You always have to go with something.”
The community also organises retreats, funeral celebrations, and social activities that strengthen bonds between members and help sustain their faith.
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
A Living Witness of Faith
Nearly 19 years after its first gathering in a family home, the Ghanaian Catholic Chaplaincy continues to flourish as a vibrant expression of faith within the Diocese of Parramatta.
United by their Catholic faith, Ghanaian heritage and commitment to one another, members continue to answer the call highlighted in Fr Ambrose’s homily – to become workers in God’s vineyard and witnesses to His love.
As the community looks to the future, it remains grounded in the same spirit that inspired its beginnings nearly two decades ago – a desire to bring people together in faith, celebrate their Catholic heritage, and help others encounter the love of God.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
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