Following consultation with the Deans of the Diocese, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta has decreed that the Diocese of Parramatta will return to seven Deaneries with a new naming convention, which is a change from the current structure of five Deaneries.
The new structure was announced by Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia, Very Rev Peter G. Williams AM, by decree dated 13 January 2025.
In accordance with the provisions in Canon Law (Canon 374, section 2 and Canon 553), the Diocese’s 47 parishes are now segmented into seven new Deaneries: Nepean, Hawkesbury, Blacktown, Mountains, Cumberland, Parramatta, and The Hills.
Parishioners after the St Bakhita Memorial Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Parish, Blacktown. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
What are deaneries?
In the Diocese of Parramatta, deaneries play a vital role in fostering a unified mission across the various parishes within a designated region, while also offering essential fraternal support to the clergy located in that area.
The deaneries serve as a platform for sharing ministerial experiences, coordinating local initiatives, pooling resources, and supporting the work of our priestly ministry.
The Dean holds a special responsibility in assisting the pastoral efforts within the region and ensuring the spiritual and fraternal wellbeing of the clergy. The Dean also participates in the Council of Deans, offering advice to the Bishop on matters related to clergy.
Parishioners at Holy Cross Parish, Granville marked Shrove Tuesday at Holy Family Church with the traditional burning of palms and the burial of the ‘Alleluia’, followed by a pancake supper, 2025. Images: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
New appointments
As part of the new deanery structure, two new appointments have been made.
Fr Kevin Redmond SM has been appointed Dean of Blacktown Deanery; and Fr Ranillo Creta has been appointed Dean of the Hawkesbury Deanery.
Fr Kevin said he was “deeply honoured” to be asked to be the Dean of the newly restructured Blacktown Deanery.
“It is an exciting time as the Diocese launched last year the new Pastoral Plan ‘Behold I am with you Always’ for a Synodal Church,” he said.
“There will be lots of opportunities for cooperation and collaboration as the Plan is implemented and a driving force for that will be the Deanery, along with the Deanery Pastoral Councils.
“I am looking forward to being involved more deeply in responding to our Bishop’s call for the development of a synodal Church.
Season of Creation Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath 2024. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/Three Two One Photography/Diocese of Parramatta.
New Deanery Pastoral Councils
The division of the former Western and Central Deaneries and the advent of the new deaneries will require the formation of four new Deanery Pastoral Councils in the Cumberland, Blacktown, Nepean and Hawkesbury areas.
This work will be facilitated by the Mission Enhancement Team (MET) of the Diocese under the leadership of Alison Ryan.
Head of MET Michael Reid said, “Alison has worked with the existing Deanery Councils for just over two years. She sees this change as an opportunity to renew them as well, in line with the Synodal approach that Pope Francis has advocated for the Church.
“An approach that informed our Diocesan synod in 2023 and the launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan in August 2024.”
he Mass to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
Deaneries
The full deanery structure is below:
Nepean
Fr Andrew Fornal OP (Dean)
- Cranebrook
- Emu Plains
- Glenmore Park
- Kingswood
- Luddenham-Warragamba
- Penrith
- St Clair
- St Marys
Hawkesbury
Fr Ranillo Creta (Dean)
- Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens
- Marsden Park
- Quaker’s Hill
- Richmond
- Riverstone
- Rouse Hill
- Windsor
Blacktown
Fr Kevin Redmond SM (Dean)
- Blacktown
- Doonside
- Marayong
- Mt Druitt
- Mt Druitt South
- Plumpton
- Rooty Hill
Mountains
Fr John McSweeney (Dean)
- Blackheath
- Glenbrook
- Lawson
- Springwood
- Upper Blue Mountains
Cumberland
Fr Joby Ittira MS (Dean)
- Greystanes
- Lalor Park
- Merrylands
- Seven Hills
- Toongabbie
- Wentworthville
- Westmead
Parramatta
Fr Peter Blayney (Dean)
- Dundas Valley
- Granville
- Guildford
- Harris Park
- Parramatta
- Parramatta North
- Rydalmere
The Hills
Fr Christopher Shorrock OFM Conv (Dean)
- Baulkham Hills
- Castle Hill
- Kellyville
- Kenthurst
- North Rocks
- Winston Hills
Visit the Diocese of Parramatta website for more information.
