The parish of St Andrew the Apostle, Marayong, is by no means the oldest in the Diocese but it is definitely one of the largest and most multicultural.
Originally part of the Blacktown parish, it was formed in 1961 under the leadership of Fr Ken Byrne and has grown strongly in the years since, to the point where about 2500 worshippers now attend Mass every weekend.
This growth meant that over time more priests were needed, and today St Andrew’s has three priests from the Society of Mary, or Marist Fathers – Parish Priest Fr Kevin Remond SM, and Assistant Priests Fr Floyd Gatana SM and Fr Lauro Arcede SM.
Fr Kevin Redmond SM with parishioners of St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong. Image: Anna Amos/ThreeTwoOne Photography/Diocese of Parramatta
The religious community has been running the parish since 2021, when Fr Kevin Medilo SM took over as Parish Priest from Monsignor Ron McFarlane, who had been running the parish for 33 years.
‘Very good foundations’
The area has long been an attractive one for newly arrived migrants and that is reflected in the diversity of nationalities that make up the parish.
For long-time parishioner Joe Doyle, this multicultural makeup is one of its strengths and why the parish has become so popular – everyone feels welcome.
“I find it an absolute pleasure to be part of parish life at St Andrew’s,” he says.
He has been at the parish almost since the beginning and has been part of its growth, through his roles on the parish Finance Committee and chair of the Parish Council.
He believes the parish was “blessed with Monsignor Ron’s management” over such a long period, during which time the church was expanded and other buildings erected to accommodate the growing numbers.
Mass at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong, during the Solemnity of Pentecost. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Kevin says Msgr McFarlane, along with his Assistant Priests, staff and volunteers of the parish, left “a wonderful parish with so much life and vibrancy. We are continuing to work from very good foundations.”
There are many groups “that bring real life and energy to our parish”, he says, including a youth group, music ministry and social justice group, to name a few.
It is this involvement by so many over the past 64 years – priests, parishioners and religious sisters and brothers – that has created the parish that exists today. A parish that provides the opportunity to encounter Jesus, to minister to each other, to support each other, and develop each other’s potential.
St Andrew’s is a community where many of the parishioners have taken ownership of initiatives for the building of the community and for faith education opportunities for fellow parishioners.
So, despite all the material growth over the years, the heart and soul of the parish is its people. Joe Clemson, who has been at St Andrew’s for about 12 years as a Parish Secretary, as well as holding several other roles, says the parish is known for its hospitality and fellowship. In particular, he says it is “blessed with an active group of youth and young adults. I pray this continues and grows.”
Young parishioners during a parish celebration on the Solemnity of Pentecost ay St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
While also praising Msgr McFarlane for the stability and leadership he brought to the parish – something he believes is unique amongst most parishes – Joe says Fr Kevin is making an impact too. He is “hardworking, wise, honest and humble”.
Joe Doyle believes Fr Kevin has been “a good replacement”.
He has taken over one of the largest attended parishes in the Diocese and is “filling in [Msgr McFarlane’s] shoes remarkably well”.
Bringing others to Christ
Fr Kevin says for the Marist Fathers to have three priests, each from a different nationality – Fr Floyd is from Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, Fr Lauro is from the Philippines and he is Australian – all preaching in the same parish, is a different style of ministry than they’re used to, but necessary in such a multicultural area.
“I believe people really respond to the reality that some of their struggles are shared, experienced and understood by the priests of the parish,” he says.
“Just like St Andrew, we are striving to bring others to Christ through good liturgies and active pastoral outreach. Our two schools work closely with the parish and extend the care that is possible.”
Parishioners during a parish celebration on the Solemnity of Pentecost ay St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Joe Doyle loves each religious season at St Andrew’s and how the parish wholeheartedly celebrates the important events throughout the year.
“We have many different ministries involved in presenting spiritual, meaningful events inviting all the congregation to be involved in some small way.”
His main hope for the future of the parish is that the younger members continue the work of the older generation “in our existing ministries as well as exploring the introduction of other ministries”.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Ordinary Time | Winter edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
