A much-loved family man, admired parishioner, and, as many would say, the backbone of St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park, has been honoured with a Papal award.
Typically received in Rome, the Benemerenti Medal was conferred on Kevin Sloane, 95, by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, during the 10am Sunday Mass on 9 November.
Mr Sloane, a beloved great-grandfather, was surrounded by generations of his family and parish friends.
Benemerenti Medal recipient Kevin Sloane (centre right) with his extended family. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“Today the liturgy is about being the temple of God and Kevin has been the temple of God, both in a literal sense and in a spiritual sense,” Bishop Vincent said.
“He contributed to the building of this community, of this church, through seven decades. We owe you a great debt of gratitude, Kevin.”
About the Medal
The Benemerenti Medal is a Papal honour recognising exceptional service and dedication to the Catholic Church. Established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832, it was originally awarded to soldiers of the Papal Army and later became a civil award for clergy and laity who have made outstanding contributions to the Church’s mission or served their communities with distinction.
The gold medal features a Greek Cross depicting Christ blessing, with the Latin inscription Benemerenti (“well-deserving”). The reverse bears the papal coat of arms framed by laurel branches, symbolising virtue and honour.
Parish Priest Fr Clifford D’souza MSFS with the Benemerenti Medal. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Each year, around 20 nominations for recognition are considered and put forward to the Vatican by the Diocese of Parramatta’s Honours Committee.
Committee Chair, Jim Hanna, said it was the first time in his three years of service that the Committee has given a papal award, so it was very special.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen. But, then, who does!” Kevin said.
Faith, family, service
The occasion brought together most of Kevin’s family, which include eight children, 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Kevin said his children are his proudest achievement, and of his seven decades of service to the church, he said simply:
“I’m just another volunteer – I happen to be here. I think if you come to church, that’s what you’re supposed to do. You volunteer,” he said.
For approximately 75 years, Kevin has dedicated himself to the service of others through volunteering and, since joining St Bernadette’s in the late 1950s, has been the quiet strength behind the parish. Educated at Marist Catholic College in Kogarah where he was active in the parish, he met his wife, Patricia. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last year, which was covered in Greater Blacktown News.
Bishop Vincent also thanked Patricia, joking, “Behind every great man, there is a woman,” and, on a more serious note, that “the work that Kevin has done for the community could not have been done without the support that you gave him.”
Kevin and his wife Patricia. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vincent then awarded Kevin the Papal medal and certificate, while Jim Hanna read the Benemerenti Medal citation – the official acknowledgment from the Pope for Kevin’s distinguished service to the Catholic Church.
The citation detailed Kevin’s decades of service to St Bernadette’s Parish, noting how he quickly became immersed in parish life, assisting in financial matters and helping to establish the Lalor Park Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society, which he served until recently. Over the years, Kevin had served in numerous leadership roles, including as Conference President, Regional Treasurer, Regional President, and Budget Counsellor.
“Mr Sloane’s quiet dedication and service to others speak volumes about his character,” Jim read.
“He is dependable, kind-hearted, and community-minded, always willing to lend a helping hand without seeking recognition.”
Diocese of Parramatta’s Honours Committee Chair, Jim Hanna, reads out the citation. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Family and friends celebrate with Kevin
“We’re just so proud of him,” said Kathy Newman, Kevin’s daughter. “He’s an inspiration, just in that he’s still living at home independently with mum.”
Also in attendance were Kevin’s granddaughters, Rachel Newman and Madeline O’Rourke, whose eyes visibly shone with admiration for their Grandpa. Rachel described him as “a good leader of the family.” Madeline added, “There are no words… He’s funny and very loved.”
“There’s been a lot of strength,” said Frank Rowland, a longtime friend and fellow parishioner. “He and I used to pair off on a lot of the rosters – he was the ring leader. I was just an apprentice.”
Benemerenti Medal recipient Kevin Sloane (left) with fellow parishioner Frank Rowland. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“He’s always been a close family friend, a person you could look up to, rely on, and who always seemed to be helping at every parish event,” said Joanne Digwood (Kelly).
A parish for the future
St Bernadette’s Parish began in the late 1950s, when Kevin and Patricia moved to the brand-new suburb of Lalor Park and became founding members. Kevin Sloane remembers attending the very first local Mass in 1958, held in Lalor Park Memorial Hall, before the parish was formally established.
The parish officially took shape in 1960, with Fr Hugh Leonard appointed Parish Priest in 1961. That same year, the Sisters of St Joseph founded St Bernadette’s Primary School, teaching in the church and packing away furniture each week for weekend Masses.
Bishop Vincent celebrates Mass at St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
As the community grew, a convent was built in 1963 and an assembly hall in 1971. The original church was later converted into a library, with the convent becoming the school’s administration centre. The current St Bernadette’s Catholic Church was opened and blessed by Bishop Bede Heather in 1981.
For nearly seven decades, Kevin Sloane has witnessed the parish’s evolution and helped nurture the vibrant Catholic community it is today. As St Bernadette’s approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, his lifelong witness stands as a reminder of what it means to build a Church with both heart and hands.
This celebration and commitment to service underpins the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Community and our objective to be a Welcoming Church. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photos on Flickr.
