Holy Name of Mary Parish in Rydalmere recently celebrated a milestone in its journey to provide a welcoming space for the community, receiving $25,900 in funding for its Multi-Purpose Community room. The upgraded room will be a safe, welcoming environment for parish life and outreach, reflecting the Church’s mission to walk alongside people, support families, and foster connection and care.
The funding, awarded by the NSW Government through the Community Building Partnership Program 2025 (CBP), will help the parish complete works on the new facility. This year, the electorate of Parramatta secured $448,473 in funding for a total of 15 infrastructure projects through the CBP, including the upgrade at Rydalmere Parish.
NSW Member for Parramatta, Ms Donna Davis MP, presented a giant cheque and certificate to Parish Priest Fr Vincent Savarimuthu, alongside devoted members of the parish pastoral council and community, including Ron Della Vedova, Nancy Grugan, Anton Massillamany, and Lynette Rodrigues.
NSW Member for Rydalmere Donna Davis with parish priest Fr Vincent Savarimuthu during a grant presentation ceremony at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere, in September 2025. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Accompanying Ms Davis was her electorate officer, Luke Gabriel, who shared that he and his family grew up in the parish and fondly recalled how it had grown over the years.
“It’s great to see this grassroots funding supporting local projects that make a real difference across the entire Parramatta Electorate,” Ms Davis said in August.
“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing the positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes in our community.”
Hopes for a future space to gather
For parishioners, the day was a joyful celebration of good things to come.
“It’s very wonderful,” Nancy, a parishioner said.
Another remarked, “Now there’ll be more space given to the parishioners… And a big kitchen.”
Lynette, the parish’s sacramental coordinator, said the upgrade will be a blessing for young candidates preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
“At the moment I’m holding children’s classes in the school hall, and through winter it’s very cold,” she said.
“There’s no heating and the facilities aren’t suitable for the children, so this new space will make a huge difference.”
The presentation was held in the garden before the parish’s statue of Our Lady and coincided with the parish’s feast day, the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, giving the occasion special significance. Parishioners reflected on Mary as a model of faith, humility, and trust in God.
Parish Priest Fr Vincent Savarimuthu said he was very pleased with what the upgrade will mean for the community, noting it will provide a safe and welcoming space for parish life, outreach, and connection, helping the parish better support families and the wider community.
He led Ms Davis on a tour of the grounds before joining parishioners for the morning tea, including a scrumptious homemade cake baked by Lynette. Ms Davis MP answered questions and shared information about some local projects tackling issues such as homelessness and women’s support – issues close to parishioners’ hearts.
Dianne Wigan, Head of Fundraising for the Diocese of Parramatta, said government grants and community donations make a real difference to parish life, and have already helped a number of parishes with their community outreach projects.
“They provide the support needed to complete building works, upgrade facilities, and strengthen the way we serve our communities,” she said.
“It’s inspiring to see parishes proactively fundraising to support our mission and nurture faith, hope, and charity more widely in our community.”
As the parish marked this milestone, they celebrated not only the blessing and promise of a new gathering space but also the enduring presence of Mary’s guidance in their community. With the upgraded community space soon to become a reality, the parish looks forward to welcoming more families, strengthening connections, and continuing its mission of service, faith, and outreach for years to come.
This initiative aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Community and Mission. Visit Synodality to learn more.
