Each year, just before Advent, the Diocese of Parramatta hosts a Christmas Lunch and Reflection Day to celebrate the dedication and passionate ministry of our parish staff. On 27 November, more than 50 parish staff members and volunteers gathered at Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre in Mulgoa for a day of reflection to prepare for Christmas.
A highlight of the day is the Recognition Ceremony, which expresses deep appreciation for our parish staff and honours those celebrating milestone years of service, from 5 to more than 30 years.
We meet three of these parish staff members to find out why they love doing what they do.
John Portelli, 7 years
Holy Cross Parish, Granville
John Portelli celebrates his seventh year as Business and Projects Manager of the Holy Cross Parish in Granville this year. Contributing to the parish as a volunteer for most of his life, and being in management professionally, it was a perfect match for John when his position became available. “The opportunity to constantly learn, contribute to the life of the parish in this unique way, and the ability to take time out for prayer or to attend Mass throughout the week is also one of the very rare benefits afforded to many Catholics in their work life and is certainly something which I do not take for granted in my role,” he said.
John said his favourite events of the year are the parish’s annual Tenebrae and Solemn Carols by Candlelight services. “As I am also involved in the parish’s music ministry, I’ve always enjoyed working alongside Fr Andrew putting the program together and seeing how we can build on the previous year’s event to keep it fresh whilst maintaining the essence of the event.”
He also mentioned the parish’s annual St Joseph’s Table appeal, where parishioners donate non-perishable food and clothing for families in need within the community. A highlight for him is seeing the comradery and willingness of all involved to help those in need.
Parish Priest, Fr Andrew Bass PP said, “The parish is blessed to have someone of John’s ability, both professionally and pastorally,
“John has committed himself since he was eight years old to serving the parish and so has a tremendous sense of commitment, a wealth of knowledge and, above all else, a faith in Our Lord and His Church which tremendously supports the works of the parish.”

John Portelli with Sr Louise of the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the World at Holy Trinity Church, Granville. Image: supplied.
Elizabeth Idaszak, 33 years
St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill
Elizabeth Idaszak will be celebrating an extraordinary 33-year anniversary as a Parish Secretary this year. Initially approached by then Parish Priest Fr Alex Sciberras, she was working voluntarily for six years before being officially employed as Parish Secretary.
When asked what she enjoys most about the role, Elizabeth said, “I enjoy engaging with people and helping them where I can, ensuring prompt communication and service.” Over her three decades of service, Elizabeth has participated in several fundraising initiatives for the parish, from preparing booklets, ticketing, and coordinating advertisements from local shops.
Parish Priest Fr Alan Layt said, “A Parish Secretary is one of the key and indispensable members of the parish community. A lot of what a secretary does is in the background, however, essential to the functioning of the parish; the secretary is often the face of the parish, and the first person anyone deals with when seeking what the parish community has to offer.
“I think Elizabeth has done this well over many years and her dedication to this parish is outstanding.”
Gerald Oblea, 11 years
Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown
Gerald Oblea has been the Parish Secretary and Sacramental Coordinator at Mary Queen of the Family Parish in Blacktown since 2013.
After working in the corporate world of marketing, Gerald was seeking a change in career where he could serve and minister his local community. From a young age, Gerald’s parents encouraged him and his brother to serve others through the Filipino chaplaincy, under the leadership of Vale Fr Renato Paras, so the role felt natural to him.
Gerald says his favourite part of the role is ministering to all. “I have truly been blessed to be able to bring families and children closer to Christ through our sacramental process.” He credits his “work family”, and wife and children for allowing him to, “serve and be the face of Christ to those who are in need”.
Gerald looks forward to joining the new St Luke’s Parish in Marsden Park, where his family is moving next year, saying, “I am hoping that the gifts and talents that I have gratefully obtained throughout my years in ministry may, continue to flourish and be of service to the communities that I serve.”

Gerald Oblea with Fr Reginaldo (Regie) Lavilla MSP, previous Parish Priest of Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Image: supplied.
This article was originally published in the 2024 Advent & Christmas | Summer edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.