The 60th Jubilee of Holy Family Catholic Church, Mt Druitt, was a powerful celebration of six decades of faith, community, and enduring trust with Aboriginal families in one of Greater Sydney’s most diverse suburbs.
The milestone Mass on Sunday 1 June was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, who honoured the parish’s legacy of inclusion, cultural respect and deep solidarity with those on the margins.
“Today, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that we celebrate the 60th anniversary of this parish community, which has stood as an oasis of faith, hope and love,” Bishop Vincent said.
“Successive generations of clergy and people have woven a rich tapestry… further enriched by the Jesuits and their associates.”
The liturgy was followed by a vibrant community celebration featuring Pacific Islander dancers, a historical exhibition, and the call of the didgeridoo – echoing the parish’s roots on Darug land and its proud partnership with First Nations people.
A community celebration. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
A Legacy of Support and Healing
Mount Druitt is home to over 6,400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – more than 5.6% of the local population, well above the national average. Holy Family’s relationship with the Aboriginal community runs deep, built on decades of presence, pastoral care and practical support.
Aunty Kathy Donnelly, Reconciliation Action Lead at Wesley Mission and an Aboriginal Elder, opened the celebration with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, praising the “compassion, dedication and support” of former parish priest Fr Paul Hanna, who served the parish for 23 years.
Aunt Kathy Donnelly. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
She also honoured Pastoral Associate Sister Carlene and the founders of Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation – originally the Margaret Druitt Childcare Centre – for establishing “a safe place for Elders to work with families to heal from their past and nurture a strong sense of confidence and pride.”
She also commended the Parish’s current Jesuit clergy, Fr Cou Nguyen SJ and Fr Renato Zecchin SJ, for “continuing to walk and work alongside Baabayn Elders in reconciliation.”
Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
A Place of Refuge and Respect
Under Fr Paul Hanna’s leadership from 1980 to 2004, Holy Family became a spiritual home for Aboriginal families during moments of grief and transition.
Former Holy Family Parish Priest, Fr Paul Hanna, chats with parishioners. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
During those years, Fr Paul conducted up to 50 Aboriginal funerals a year, forging bonds through presence, prayer and compassion. The Holy Family Centre earned a reputation as a safe and sacred gathering place.
“It was a very human place. It knew its edges and its brokenness, and we reminded ourselves that we always had each other,” Fr Paul said during the post-Mass gathering.
He read aloud a moving poem written for the occasion by Wiradjuri elder Uncle Frank Doolan – Riverbank Frank – who had long supported grieving families in Mt Druitt:
“Don’t think it’s gone unnoticed to the battler in the street.
The Holy Family Mob is pretty hard to beat.”
– Excerpt from ‘Sixty Years of the Holy Family Centre’
Fr Paul also shared a reflection from Peter Kearney’s God of the Mess, a song inspired by a visit to the parish.
“One of the things I learnt is that adversity is a gift,” he said, recalling powerful moments of community such as walking the Harbour Bridge during Reconciliation.
He paid tribute to the parish’s founding priest, Fr Patrick Archbold, noting that his mother later funded the Willmot Community Hub – a lasting sign of the parish’s generous spirit.
“The memories are eternal. We were on the margins, and the edges taught us so much,” Fr Paul said.
Parishioners of Holy Family Parish Mt Druitt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
A Church Walking Together
The parish’s legacy continues through partnerships with Holy Family Primary School, Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, The Shed, and the Mt Druitt and District Reconciliation Group – all rooted in Holy Family’s mission.
The parish’s involvement in listening, walking together, reaching the margins of society and ongoing mission underscores the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, which aims to build an inclusive, welcoming, humble and healing Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Today, the parish serves more than 800 regular worshippers from across Mt Druitt’s multicultural landscape. Over a dozen local schools are supported by volunteer catechists, and youth programs, elder care, and social support are part of daily ministry.
A wonderful celebration of community. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Parish Secretary and youth leader Malia Lolesio summed it up simply: “Being a Parish Secretary is a lot like being the knife and fork of a community – the food is fulfillment, and the Parish Secretary helps you receive it.”
Local dignitaries including Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting and Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla joined the celebration. Mayor Bunting, a Tregear local, shared his own memories of Holy Family as a constant presence growing up – from making his First Holy Communion to attending Friday night youth clubs, church-hosted discos, and even helping transport Mother Teresa during her visit in the 1980s.
Dignitaries Mt Druitt MP Edmond Atalla (left) and Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
“It’s always been here for the community,” he said. “It’s always been the centre of Mt Druitt,” he said.
Parishioner John Roseworn added, “Everyone gets in and helps one another. If they get sick and can’t mow their lawn, someone just shows up.”
Sixty years on, Holy Family remains true to its name – not just a parish, but a family grounded in faith and walking with the community.
View the photos on Flickr.
For more information on how the Diocese supports First Nations people, visit Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
Bishop Vincent (centre) with parishioners. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
