Celebrating 30 Years of Augustinian Ministry at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park
Thirty years ago, the Augustinian friars stepped into the life of Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park in Western Sydney. What began as a new chapter in the pastoral care of a young and growing suburban parish has become a living testament to the power of community, prayer, and friendship in the spirit of St Augustine.
Since 1995, the Augustinians have journeyed with the people of Holy Spirit Parish as shepherds, companions, and brothers in faith. Their presence has not only enriched the sacramental life of the community but has helped shape a parish identity rooted in collaboration, hospitality, inclusiveness, friendship in community, and a restless desire to seek God together in all things.
A community celebration
The parish community came together to celebrate this milestone of Augustinian presence with a special dinner held on the Feast of St Augustine, 28 August 2025. It was a joyful and memorable evening, well attended by both parishioners and the Augustinians. The night was marked by warm fellowship, storytelling, and gratitude – a true celebration of memories, friendship, hope, and faith.
A big thank you goes to the Parish Pastoral Council for leading the event, which became a fitting expression of St Augustine’s vision: “One mind, one heart on the way to God.”
Members of the Parish Pastoral Council at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Augustinian community at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The Augustinian flame
For many parishioners, the arrival of the Augustinians brought a new vitality to parish life. As Kelly Apikotoa recalls, “Fr Brendan Quirke OSA brought new energy into our community through his strong faith and encouraged my children to join in church activities.” Her family’s long and devoted service in music, liturgical ministry, outreach, and pastoral care was deeply nourished by the example of Augustinian leadership. “Our faith and life flourished,” she shares. “The Augustinian flame was lit in our hearts.”
This flame has burned through times of joy and sorrow. When Kelly’s son Beni and husband Tapu passed away in the same year, it was the presence, compassion, and prayers of the Augustinians and the wider parish community that carried her through. “You kept my spirit alive,” she says with heartfelt gratitude.
Faith in community
From the beginning, the Augustinians have drawn parishioners into deeper communion with one another, echoing St Augustine’s conviction that “we come to faith within community.”
Lorenz and Sylvia Herft, coordinators of Friends of St Augustine (FOSA), witnessed how study, prayer, and friendship became the pillars of a vibrant lay movement. “Augustinian spirituality and charism – unity in community and mutual love – opened us to a deeper exploration of faith.”
Sylvia (second right) and Lorenz (right) Herft, coordinators of Friends of St Augustine (FOSA), with fellow parishioners at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Augustinian community at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The spirit of collaboration has been central to parish life. As Carol Vella reflects, “From the moment I met the first Augustinian assigned to the parish, I felt invited to be part of this collaborative relationship.”
Over the years, that invitation led to greater involvement in ministry, parish commissions, and liturgical life.
“The Augustinians have helped me see that I, too, can contribute to growing relationships in the parish so others feel welcomed and want to be involved.”
Pilgrims together
At the heart of the Augustinian presence at Holy Spirit Parish is a deep and enduring truth: we do not journey to God alone. As St Augustine reminds us, “Let us walk together and do good on the way” – a call to live as pilgrims bound by friendship, seeking God in one another and in all things.
This sense of shared pilgrimage has shaped parish life for the past 30 years. Jenny Kyd captures it beautifully: “The Augustinian spirit taught me that we’re all pilgrims, journeying together toward God.”
In this parish, the restless heart finds not only a home, but companions for the road. St Augustine’s famous words – “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You” – continue to echo in the hearts of parishioners, drawing them into deeper communion with God and with one another.
The 30th anniversary celebrations of the Augustinian community at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Maggie Fono’s journey is a living example of this spirit. Over the years, she has flourished in many roles – leader, musician, parent, and friend – all animated by the desire to serve and grow in love. “Our hearts are always searching for God,” she says. “That reminds me to seek Him in every part of my life.”
Through her service in music, hospitality, youth, and pastoral care, Maggie has found not only personal growth but a way to lead others into that same encounter with God.
Her family’s witness continues to enrich the life of the parish. Her mother, Seaview, currently serves as Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council – a role that reflects their shared commitment to building a Church where leadership is exercised with humility, and community is formed through mutual love.
Together, their story reminds us that the Augustinian way is not a solitary climb, but a journey made side by side, “with one mind and one heart on the way to God.”
A bottomless plate
To describe the Augustinian legacy at St Clair, parishioner Kriz Florido offers an image that captures the spirit of the community: “A bottomless plate.”
It began with shared meals after Mass and blossomed into a culture of sharing lives, hopes, and sorrows. The plate, she says, “overflows with charity, compassion, hope and prayers,” fostering a parish that is inclusive, supportive, and joyfully rooted in the Gospel.
Kriz continues: “The Augustinians were not just our priests, but our confessors, mentors, spiritual guides, counsellors and friends. The bond they formed with parishioners remains and transcends distance. The Augustinians became our family; the church our home.”
Charism in action
Margaret and Peter Moriarty, made affiliates of the Order in 2005, have long championed the richness of Augustinian life. “Their welcome, kindness and hospitality have greatly enriched our parish life,” Margaret reflects.
She also adds a delightful confession: “I have yet to come across a boring sermon from any of them!” Indeed, many parishioners have noted how Augustinian preaching – thoughtful, relevant, and often peppered with humour and real-life stories – has opened their hearts to Scripture in fresh and meaningful ways.
The 30th anniversary celebrations of the Augustinian community at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Deacon Rod Pirotta, whose vocation as a permanent deacon found early roots in the parish, credits the Augustinians with creating the conditions for growth. “I was supported spiritually through hours of listening and hospitality. I was affirmed in my abilities and the ministries I led. Religious orders bring that extra ingredient to parish life – making it a growing, hospitable, and faithful community.”
Gratitude for the journey
As the Holy Spirit community marks this 30-year milestone, the words that resound most clearly are those of deep gratitude – for the friendships formed, the lives changed, the vocations nurtured, and the enduring witness of the Augustinians. In the words of one parishioner: “Augustinians have been one with us in our faith and life’s journey.”
From shared laughter to sacred silence, from the waters of baptism to the solemn grace of farewells, from joyful fellowships to the life-giving rhythm of Sunday Mass – this has been a sacred journey of walking “with one mind and one heart on the way to God.”
As Holy Spirit Parish looks to the future, it does so with renewed faith, abiding love, and the confident hope that the Augustinian presence will continue to accompany and inspire – nourishing hearts that seek, and shaping a community of pilgrims who serve, love, and grow ever closer to God.
Ad multos annos!
Fr Percival Sevare OSA is the Parish Moderator at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park.
View images from the 30th anniversary celebrations on the Diocese of Parramatta’s Flickr page.
