For more than a century, the Catholic community of Baulkham Hills has been shaped by faith, sacrifice and an enduring sense of belonging.
Their story stretches back to 1848, when the original stone church of St Michael’s was built on land donated by William Smith, officially becoming a parish in 1917.
The story continued in Baulkham Hills South, where the community of Our Lady of Lourdes began gathering for Mass in a local school hall in the 1950s.
Today, the Parish unites both St Michael’s and Our Lady of Lourdes churches – carrying with it a rich legacy of faith, heritage and community spirit that parishioners say remains deeply alive.
Food stall holders during the first ever Spring fete at St Michael’s Church, Baulkham Hills. Image: FacebookA Community That Feels Like Family
For many parishioners, Baulkham Hills Parish’s strongest feature is not simply its long history, but the deep relationships formed within it.
“Over the years, my connection to the parish has grown far beyond simply attending Mass or practising my faith,” says Steve Harrison, who has been part of the community since 2001.
“There is a deep sense of care, connection and shared faith among parishioners that makes this community very special.”
For Christine Hardy, who has attended Our Lady of Lourdes for the past 42 years, the parish has become intertwined with family life itself.
“My children went to the school, my grandchildren were baptised here, and I’ve made lots of good friendships here,” she said.
That strong sense of belonging and community is made possible by parishioners like Bill Merhi, who faithfully serve the parish in countless quiet and generous ways.
“I look after the priests and parishioners. Anybody new comes in, I go and welcome them.”
Participants of Alpha at the Parish of Baulkham Hills. Image: Supplied
Built by the Hands of Parishioners
One of the most treasured parts of their history is the remarkable involvement of ordinary parishioners in building and sustaining the parish over generations.
Margaret Uildriks, a parishioner for more than five decades, still remembers when the Our Lady of Lourdes church was being constructed in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
“My husband was one of the electricians, and others were bricklayers or builders.”
“Convict bricks were used behind the altar”, she said, linking the church directly to the district’s earliest Catholic settlers and pioneering history.
Parishioners of the Parish of Baulkham Hills following their Jubilee pilgrimage at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Facebook
United as One Family of Faith
Anthony Pope, who has been a parishioner since birth and now serves on the Parish Pastoral Council, believes that connection between history and renewal defines Baulkham Hills Parish.
“It is a bridge between the past and the future,” he said. “Yet, it lives quite happily in the present. It is open to change and welcoming of the new.”
That openness is reflected in the multicultural life of the parish today, with the Korean Catholic and Maronite communities worshipping alongside many migrant families.
This spirit is especially visible during the annual Pentecost celebration, where the Prayers of the Faithful are proclaimed in different languages, highlighting the parish’s unity in diversity.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Guiding the Parish with Faith and Energy
When asked about the impact of Parish Priest Father Joseph Lam, parishioners consistently spoke of the energy, warmth and pastoral care he brings to the Parish.
“Father Joe is one of those people who leaves a lasting impression from the moment you meet him”, said Steve. “He is incredibly funny, intelligent, kind and generous. He has a way of making people feel genuinely seen and valued.”
Parishioners also spoke highly of Assistant Priest Father Thomas Bui and Deacon Thong Nguyen, describing them as compassionate, approachable and deeply involved in parish life.
“Through each of them, you see the face of Christ,” said Anthony.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Renewing the Parish for a New Generation
Paul Waite, Parish Finance committee chairman, said the parish is growing once again.
“Our numbers have increased dramatically,” he said.
Office Administrator Monica O’Callaghan confirms this sentiment.
“The parish has clearly undergone significant growth and transformation,” she said.
“It reflects the multicultural character of modern Western Sydney while still maintaining strong ties to its heritage and traditions.”
That spirit of renewal is perhaps best symbolised in the parish’s planned restoration of the historic old St Michael’s church – preserving the past while preparing for the future.
And as the Parish continues its journey, the words spoken by Paul remain at the heart of its story.
“We are all here for the glory of God, and for the Baulkham Hills community.”
This article was originally published in the 2026 June | Winter edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read it online here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
