The parish of St Monica’s North Parramatta has been going strong for 130 years, and for 100 of those years Peter Handcock’s family has been a big part of it.
The children of Peter and his wife Kris are the third generation to be part of the parish which, Peter says, has undergone a lot of change over the decades.
Probably the biggest change has been the growth in the Chinese community, which has worshipped at St Monica’s now for more than 30 years. What began as a separate chaplaincy for Chinese-speaking worshippers is today much more integrated, with bilingual services led by Parish Priest Fr Ephraim Lam, as well as joint committees, groups, activities and events.
Peter says the seeds of this unique parish were planted in the early days.
“The Parish has always embraced change and welcomed new parishioners,” he says.
Young catechumens prepare for their confirmation during the 130th anniversary celebration Mass at St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta, in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“Our pioneer priests through their bravery, resilience and determination laid the foundations for future priests, and those qualities transcended to the parishioners who still have that resilience today.”
Rebecca Cheung, the leader of the parish youth group, believes having English- and Chinese-speaking communities so united is something the whole parish is very proud of.
“The spread of cultures united by the same belief is something very special and unique to our parish,” she says.
“I have made life-long friendships through church, and the community truly feels like an extended family to me.”
This sense of community is also felt by the young people in her youth group who “grow deeper in their faith and develop stronger friendships”.
Another parishioner, Vera Georgia, who has been attending St Monica’s for about six years, loves that the church always feels quiet and peaceful but the people are always friendly.
“I love that when I come to Mass alone, wherever I sit, I am close to someone I know and have come to love as my family,” she says.
She also runs the parish art group which meets after the vigil Mass every Saturday night, one of many opportunities for parishioners and their friends to get involved in parish life.
‘Always working, always smiling’
Vera says Fr Ephraim is very encouraging of parishioners getting involved more deeply in parish life – from Bible Brekkie on selected Sunday mornings, to mini-retreats and, more recently, Bible supper, an online zoom study being run twice a month.
He is the “happy priest on the go”, she says. “He is always working and always smiling.”
Rebecca says Fr Ephraim’s encouragement and support of the youth group has seen him attend every youth camp since he joined the parish.
“It is really heartwarming to see his care and consideration for the youth of the church,” she says.
Fr Ephraim is the second Parish Priest to also hold the role of Chaplain of the Chinese Community, following on from Fr Fernando Montano, who was the first.
“Fr Fernando’s drive and enthusiasm contributed greatly to the success of the joint venture, which has been followed on with the same vigour by Fr Ephraim Lam,” Peter says.
“He has not only embraced this venture but has also enhanced it.”
A member of the Chinese chaplaincy, Francis Chen, says that Fr Ephraim’s mastery of English and Cantonese “enable liturgical servers from both the local parish and the Chinese Chaplaincy to work together to celebrate bilingual liturgies, a very strong sign of communion”.
A view of the 130th anniversary celebration Mass at St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta, in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Looking forward to Christmas
With the beginning of Advent, many parishioners are turning their mind to Christmas and the many ways they love celebrating this Holy time at St Monica’s.
Francis says when Advent begins, a Nativity scene with a manger is placed just inside the entrance to the church. Then at Christmas Mass on Holy Night a baby Jesus is placed in the manger during the entrance procession. This is “a very beautiful integration with the liturgy,” he says.
One of Vera’s favourite Christmas traditions at St Monica’s is the lighting of hundreds of tiny tea lights around the altar, Tabernacle and the whole church during Midnight Mass.
“When the [main] lights are turned out it is a truly beautiful sight…totally one of the highlights of the year.”
Rebecca remembers fondly the times when she and her mother would go to nursing homes with the church choir to sing carols.
“Christmas should really be a joyous occasion for all, and I am glad I was able to be a part of those moments,” she says.
While for Peter and his family, their favourite Christmas tradition in the parish is helping collect and make up hampers of food and gifts for the needy, and then “to actually deliver them and see the faces light up when they’re delivered”.
“The parish has shown over our history that we’re all God’s creatures regardless of race and are united in one single commitment to adore and give thanks to God,” he says.
This article was originally published in the 2024 Advent & Christmas | Summer edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
