What lies at the core of Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, is in the first line of their parish mission statement: ‘To be a community of friends who know, love and serve the Lord.’
Having celebrated 50 years, the parish is grateful for the solid foundations developed over the years which grounds them into the future.
Parishioner John Cowen, who is a member of the Finance Committee and was the Chair of the Parish Council for 13 years, joined the parish in its early years as it was an easy spot to bring his mother-in-law to Mass.
What kept him around was the “community of friends” that he found.
“A number of years ago, we looked at the number of parishioners involved in parish activities and we counted more than 50 in any given week. This has reinforced for me our mission statement and that we are serving together as a community of friends for the good of all,” he said.
A sense of homeliness drew Sacramental Coordinator Cate Kensey to the parish.
“We were looking to buy in the area, and I remember when we went to Mass here, I just had this feeling of ‘this feels right’.
“There’s a real humility in the parishioners. I’m humbled in my role as to the amount of people who selflessly give up their time to help with sacramental registrations, making cups of tea, setting up the hall or Church, serving at Mass and providing music for the sacraments.”
Parish Secretary Joanne Hamilton feels blessed to have been welcomed into the parish community four-and-a-half years ago.
“In the beginning, we were quietly a part of the parish. Now, my children have become involved in the parish, they feel that this is their parish and this is where they belong.
“Everyone here is so humble and genuine and very dedicated. Everyone involved in the ministries in our parish goes about their role quietly and not wanting any special thanks, just doing it for the glory of God.”
(L-R) Our Lady of the Way Parish Emu Plains Parish Priest Fr Michael Gathuku, Parish Secretary Joanne Hamilton, Sacramental Coordinator Cate Kensey and parishioner John Cowen. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta.
Fr Michael has whole community in mind and heart
Even Parish Priest, Fr Michael Gathuku, feels he has a home at Emu Plains.
Having lived in Australia for 13 years, joining Emu Plains in the middle of COVID in 2020 was his first ever appointment as parish priest.
“It’s a good community of people,” he explained.
“I owe it to the previous priests of this parish for it being very welcoming and all inclusive, because everybody feels that he or she has a place and has a home.
“Whenever someone comes into the parish, even if they are coming from neighbouring parishes, they never feel like they are a foreigner or are unwelcome.”
Parish Priest Fr Michael Gathuku speaks with a parishioner during the 50th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, in May 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The parish team feel that Fr Michael has the best interests of parish at heart.
“He’s very approachable,” Joanne said. “I always feel I can go and ask him something or talk to him. He listens, he takes on board what everyone is saying to make the best decisions that he can and tries to do right by the whole community.”
Cate said, “he brings a lightness and relaxing nature to the office, which makes it a really nice working environment.”
Older parishioner Phyllis Goderie said, “Fr Michael is always willing to offer up Masses for my relatives and friends or to hear my confession. He is very patient, kind and friendly.”
Anniversary celebrations connecting past, present and future
The parish’s 50th anniversary celebrations in late May were full of joy, nostalgia and gratitude.
A great blessing on the day was having a number of founding members participate in the celebrations, by sharing anecdotes from the parish’s early history and cutting a large celebratory cake.
“We thank them for a magnificent legacy in terms of a great physical building as well as a cohesive, generous and supportive Christian community,” Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, said during the celebration Mass.
Fr Michael said, “the memories and reflections of the anniversary will live with these pioneers, even if some of them no longer live in the area.
“It also meant a lot to the current parish community as it keeps that connection between past, present and future,” he said.
Parish Pioneers gather to cut a cake during the 50th anniversary celebrations at Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, in May 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
John said, “to think we could share 50 years with the people who started this parish was wonderful to see.”
Joanne said, “learning about the hard work and love that went into making this parish, it really made it a memorable day and a day to celebrate community.”
25-year parishioner Tony Donley received a special blessing during the anniversary celebrations as it was also his 90th birthday. “It nearly knocked me flat,” he told Catholic Outlook about the special recognition.
Strengthening relationship with God, community in the future
With the launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, and looking ahead beyond its first 50 years, the parish hopes to continue in the footsteps of its pioneers.
“Although I won’t be here in 50 years, I pray that we will grow more in faith and love of Jesus each day,” Phyllis said.
Joanne said, “I hope that parents bringing their children to be baptised feel that same sense of belonging to the parish that many of us witness and that this is a place for them too.”
Fr Michael said, “I feel this Diocesan plan will give us parishes assistance and direction to work, listen and walk together as a community so that everybody feels that he or she belongs, are included and are being heard.”
Cate said, “I hope there is an emphasis on reclaiming the beauty of what we have to offer as Catholics through knowing Jesus through the sacraments, through scripture and opportunities where people can come and experience the Lord and His love and healing.”
John said, “my hope is that we will be motivated to respond to the Holy Spirt as we strive to accompany each other on our journey and that we will achieve a deeper relationship with God in the process.”
This article was originally published in the 2024 Season of Creation | Spring edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
