In the heart of Western Sydney, where cultures blend and communities thrive, one man is dedicated to guiding the Chinese Catholic community with humour, humility and unwavering faith.
Fr Ephraim Lam, the Parish Priest at St Monica’s North Parramatta, serves as the Chinese Chaplain for a large number of Chinese-speaking Catholics across the Diocese of Parramatta.
Despite the occasional mix-up – “People think I’m the Filipino chaplain all the time! I’m not!” – Fr Ephraim has embraced his unique role, as he strives to unite a diverse group through faith, compassion, and a deep connection to their cultural roots.
His approach is refreshing – down-to-earth, approachable and always with a smile.
As the Chinese Chaplain, Fr Ephraim brings faith, hope and unity to a community far from their homeland.
It’s this authentic approach that helps make Fr Ephraim an effective bridge-builder in a passionate and politically diverse community. His role as a Cantonese-speaking chaplain is ultimately about fostering unity among Chinese people.
“I am not just the chaplain for Chinese at St Monica’s – I’m chaplain for everyone as far as the Blue Mountains,” he said.
Fr Ephraim during a Lunar New Year Celebration at St Monica’s North Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
An inclusive and welcoming Church
Fr Ephraim’s ministry reflects the vision of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2024–2028, which calls us to build Community and Mission by Reaching to the margins of society – including migrants and refugees – and building an inclusive and welcoming Church.
His work in accompanying the Chinese Catholic community – through language, culture, and faith – embodies this call, creating spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and spiritually nourished as part of the one Body of Christ.
A unique role
Fr Ephraim’s role is multi-faceted. As chaplain, he helps maintain the faith of Chinese Catholics and offers programs in Cantonese such as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) for those wishing to learn about the Catholic faith in their native language.
It’s a role he describes as running two parishes in one – the English-speaking local parish at St Monica’s and the Chinese chaplaincy with its Cantonese Masses.
“My role basically is to maintain the faith of Chinese Catholics,” he said.
“Also, if anyone would like to learn the Catholic faith in their own language – Cantonese mostly – we try our best to provide the RCIA program for them.”
Fr Ephraim, originally from Hong Kong, was invited by the Diocese’s Vicar General, Fr Fernando Montano, to consider ministering in Australia. After prayer and discussions with senior priests in Hong Kong, he made the decision to move to Australia in 2018.
Fr Ephraim and Vicar General, Fr Fernando Montano, distributing communion at North Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Bridging cultural divides
Fr Ephraim acknowledged the challenges faced in his role and noted that his key struggle remains bridging the cultural and political divides that sometime exist within the Chinese community: a community deeply affected by tensions in China and between China and other countries.
“Chinese living overseas come from very diverse backgrounds. The Chinese Diaspora is formed by people who come from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Mainland China, and other places,” he said.
“It’s not easy.”
However, Fr Ephraim approaches these challenges with patience and humility, saying that Chinese Catholics are seeking “clarity”.
“The world has been teaching them something that does not align with their beliefs.
“Through the teachings of the Catholic faith, we offer values and principles in a thoughtful and systematic way,” he added.
Faith in action
One of the most moving aspects of Fr Ephraim’s work is witnessing the transformation of individuals through the RCIA program.
He often sees spouses or family members of Catholics, who did not previously share the faith; but choose to embrace it after years of observation and reflection.
“When I see them and they try to search for faith… I am really glad to see them choose to come with their family or spouse and receive Holy Communion together,” Fr Ephraim said.
Fr Ephraim can recall this transformation most vividly during Easter, when adult catechumens receive the Sacraments during the Easter Vigil.
“It is the best way to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection,” he said.
Lunar New Year celebrated
In the Diocese of Parramatta, Lunar New Year celebrations are a highlight for the Chinese community, and Fr Ephraim is there to celebrate alongside them.
“It’s important for them to have a good year,” he explained.
Each year, the community gathers for a banquet, where they are joined by the Bishop, and the youth perform traditional lion dances.
“The youth are so enthusiastic,” he said.
“They’ve learned the lion dance from the senior Chinese and now they’re teaching the younger generations,” he said, proudly.
And while some might mistakenly believe that the St Monica’s youth group is for Chinese youth only, Fr Ephraim is quick to correct them:
“It is multicultural – everyone can join.”
Youth from the Chinese chaplaincy perform a lion dance to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Looking ahead
Fr Ephraim’s passion for his community goes beyond supporting Chinese Catholics. He helps non-Catholics in the Diocese too.
Recently, Fr Ephraim has started a WhatsApp “Hotline” for newly arrived Chinese migrants, whether Catholic or not, to help them settle into their new lives in Australia.
The hotline aims to connect Cantonese-speaking people with essential services, such as plumbing, real estate, and advice on settling into Australian life.
His vision for the future is clear: “I want to give more to the newly arrived migrants, to help them settle in and live harmoniously.”
His Chinese Chaplaincy website was created to help share the faith in the mother tongue of many Chinese people.
“The content is faith enriching,” he said.
“Hopefully it will enrich their faith and really enlighten the fire within their hearts.”
Through his dedication, humor, and unwavering faith, Fr Ephraim is making a significant impact on the Chinese Catholic community in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, providing a sense of belonging and spiritual nourishment to those far from home.
with Fr Ephraim as part of our chaplaincy spotlight series.
If you are a Chinese-speaking person seeking assistance, no matter how big or small, please contact Fr Ephraim’s Chinese Chaplaincy Hotline on 0411 192 278.
Visit the Diocese of Parramatta to learn more about the Chinese Chaplaincy or find a Mass in Cantonese or Mandarin Chinese.
