The Marsden Park Catholic community marked a momentous milestone last month with the official opening of St Luke’s Parish’s new church building.
After years of gathering for Mass at St Luke’s Catholic College, parishioners now have a purpose-built home at the heart of their growing community.
A view of the new worship space at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The Feast of St Luke, the parish’s patron saint, provided a fitting occasion for the celebrations on Sunday 19 October 2025. Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, led the annual procession and Mass alongside Parish Priest Fr Gayan Thamel. Fr Chris de Souza, General Secretary of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, made a special visit to concelebrate, having witnessed the community’s growth and spirit firsthand during his time as former Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta.
The day began with a lively procession of the statue of St Luke from outside the school grounds, drawing more than 600 parishioners, students, local residents, and dignitaries from across the Blacktown local government area. A candle procession at the start of Mass honoured each ministry’s commitment to parish life, a visible sign of the parish’s vibrancy and dedication.
Young parishioners carry a statue of St Luke during the feast day celebrations at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
In his homily, Bishop Vincent reminded parishioners that a church is not only a building, but a living community.
“Our celebration of the new church building reminds us of our commitment to build a church not of bricks and mortar, but a church of faith, hope and love.
“As we give thanks to God, let us become ourselves the temple of God by way of our faithful and active discipleship in the awareness that God makes great things happen. Through humble and tenacious strength, we command our future into God’s hands.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, speaking during the feast day celebrations at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
During Mass, the St Luke’s Chorale debuted a newly composed parish hymn, sung with heartfelt devotion. A children’s blessing – a cherished parish weekend tradition – invited children of the congregation to participate in the worship and receive God’s love. Fr Chris invited those in the congregation who were healthcare workers, physicians, and artists to stand as he prayed for them, in keeping with another parish tradition observed during the Feast Day Mass, honouring St Luke the Evangelist, Patron Saint of Physicians, Surgeons, and Artists.
A new chapter
Following Mass, the congregation processed to the new parish building, where Bishop Vincent blessed and officially opened the facility. “I used to think that Parramatta was where the action was… This is where the action is,” Bishop Vincent said. “Look at the vibrancy of this faith community. We are truly the body of Christ!”
Fr Gayan expressed gratitude for the new space.
“As we open these doors, may this new parish home be a place of welcome, worship, and witness here in Marsden Park. Someone asked if this is our permanent church. I said, ‘It’s watertight, has chairs, and God is here with us, so it is perfect for now.’”
Members of the faithful during the feast day celebrations at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
MC and parish council member Tessie James said of Fr Gayan, “Your gentle leadership and Christ-centred spirit have shaped a parish marked by faith, hospitality, and collaboration. You encourage the gifts of others and form new ministries that reflect the diversity and strength of our community.”
Local leaders also acknowledged the parish’s growth and unity. Blacktown City Council Cr Talia Amituanai, on behalf of Mayor Brad Bunting, congratulated the community, saying the new building reflected “the strength, generosity, and unity of this growing Catholic community.”
Blacktown City Council Cr Talia Amituanai speaks during the opening of the new parish worship space during the feast day celebrations at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Founding Pastoral Director Deacon Tony Hoban, his wife Annette, Deacon Brian Myers and Deacon Tony’s father Barry joined in the celebrations, linking the parish’s past foundations with its bright future.
Kelly Bauer, Principal of St Luke’s Catholic College, said, “I’m very grateful for the fact that the faith community has used the school spaces for so long. It’s really created a wonderful connection between the school and the parish.”
A history of growth
Officially recognised as a parochial district in 2018 and established as a parish in 2025, St Luke’s has grown alongside the surrounding community.
The parish has around 900 parishioners, with many involved in 21 ministries such as youth groups, music ensembles, prayer, and hospitality teams.
Choir members during the feast day celebrations at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Delivered by Secure Building Services and Trademark Consulting, the new building will serve as a temporary church for up to 200 people, while fundraising continues for the second stage of construction, which has not yet been planned. Equipped with offices, a kitchen, and flexible spaces, it provides room for worship, parish events, and community gatherings.
The project was made possible through the support of the Diocese of Parramatta, the NSW Government’s Community Partnership Grant, Blacktown City Council, parishioners, and the wider community.
Art competition winners
St Luke’s Catholic College and Ambrose Early Learning have flourished alongside the parish, reflecting the deep bond between education, children, and faith.
Many students joined the procession of the statue of St Luke and assisted in various roles throughout the day, highlighting the parish’s strong culture of involvement and service.
Five students from St Luke’s Catholic College were recognised for their art competition entries, with all submissions displayed for the community to admire, showcasing the creativity and spirit of the parish’s youngest members.
Bishop Vincent with students from St Luke’s Catholic College who were recognised for their art competition entries, during the feast day celebrations at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
On the horizon
Since its official opening, the new St Luke’s parish building has been a place of worship and welcome.
Weekend Masses on 25–26 October provided further opportunities to worship in the new building.
Parish Priest Fr Gayan Thamel celebrates the first Mass in the new worship space at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The parish continues to raise funds for Stage 2 of the building project – the final stage towards a permanent consecrated church on the corner of Northbourne Drive and Frontier Avenue.
October’s fundraising activities included food stalls, which raised $1,700. Upcoming events include St Luke’s Christmas Carols and Raffle Draw on Friday 5 December 2025 at 5:30 pm at The Marketplace, St Luke’s Catholic College, with a $2,000 grand prize. All proceeds will support the Stage 2 Building Project and operational costs.
With the new parish building now open and a clear vision for the future, Fr Gayan thanked the community for their support in nurturing St Luke’s as a “community of communities,” celebrating the diversity of cultures and backgrounds that make Marsden Park Parish so vibrant.
“Together, we have witnessed what faith, unity, and perseverance can achieve,” Fr Gayan said.
“May St Luke continue to guide and inspire us as we grow together in faith, hope, and love.”
Parish Priest Fr Gayan Thamel celebrates the first Mass in the new worship space at St Luke’s Parish, Marsden Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
These celebrations align with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Community and objectives to be a Welcoming Church and a Church renewed in spirit and prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View photos of the Mass, opening and blessing and First Masses in the new building on Flickr.
