Among the pockets of growth in surrounding suburbs, St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor, enjoys feeling like a country town parish.
But this new growth is bringing a vibrancy and energy into the oldest Catholic church still used for worship on mainland Australia.
“I like that you feel part of a community,” explained parish secretary Judy Rugg, who has been in the parish for 32 years.
“You see them down the street and they say, ‘how are you?’
“And knowing that you can help people too, when you get phone calls or people who come to the door who just want a chat – sometimes, that’s all they want.”
Sacramental Coordinator Cita Adams added, “there’s a source of communion among the parishioners, because they are people you see every single week.”
Eucharistic Minister and parishioner for 36 years, Monnette Claravall, said, “Our parish is warm, supportive and Christ-centred. It is a small parish and it feels like we grow together spiritually.”
St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor is the oldest church in mainland Australia. Image: Supplied
Parish priest has “beautiful soul”
Some of the groundswell of energy in the parish has been credited to Parish Priest Fr Ranillo Creta, who joined the parish in 2023.
Judy explained that when Fr Ranillo first moved into the parish, he was very observant as to how it ran and now, he feels comfortable initiating new projects.
“We’ve got a parish council, our children’s liturgy has started up again, and he’s hoping to start a youth group,” she said.
Cita said, “He’s very approachable, caring, understanding and humble – he really doesn’t like the accolades.”
Parish council member Declan Edgar credits Fr Ranillo for helping him become a better Catholic.
“He’s a very stoic man and has a beautiful soul. His homilies are passion-driven and he conveys Jesus’ message thoroughly with conviction.”
Monnette said, “with his support, no job feels too difficult. He listens to us attentively and makes us feel heard.”
Reflecting on his 40th priestly anniversary in 2023, Fr Ranillo described his ministry as “a great blessing.”
“I look at the priesthood as not only doing something for the people, but God wanting to continue to bless the people that I minister to through me, which is a joyful experience.”
Parish Priest Fr Raning Creta blesses the palms of parishioners during Palm Sunday Mass at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills in April 2022. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Easter “hope for new life”
As parishes across the Diocese prepare for Holy Week, parishioners describe it as being a very uplifting time.
“I ponder on the voluntary suffering and death that Jesus endured for us and am unable to comprehend how much love that He shows in doing so,” Finance Committee member Vince Rayfield said.
Judy said, “to have that love to die for us is mind-blowing and goes to show that He knows you and He’s always there.”
Cita said, “Easter is a time for me to reconnect and reassess my life and faith journey. Sometimes I fall and get back up again, but Easter gives you hope to keep going.”
Monnette said, “It’s hope for new life.”
Hopes for 2026
With the weekly Mass attendance almost doubling over the past few years, the parish remains hopeful that the new and returning faces can contribute to the life of the church.
Declan said, “There is a growing hunger among parishioners to reach out to the community, to talk about Jesus, faith and life.
“As we have started a parish council, I see the parish flourishing with new potential to serve the community.”
Judy said, “we hope that with the children’s liturgy and youth groups starting up, they’ll engage and welcome families and school students.
Parishioners enjoy the parish’s feast day celebrations in September 2025. Image: Supplied
Sharing in Christ’s peace
As the country still reels from the devastating Bondi massacre and the ever-present global turmoil in countries like Ukraine and Sudan, I asked the parishioners how we can share the hope, joy and peace of Christ we experience at Easter within their communities.
“We can share joy and peace within our community by living as Christ calls us to and treating everyone equally with love and respect,” Monnette said.
Cita said, “you should have love and joy in yourself first before you can share that joy and love with other people, and to do that, you have to forgive and reconcile, and then you can show your love freely.”
Vince said, “I believe God is calling all Christians throughout the world to unite in humility and love and to celebrate around one altar.
“Division has never been inspired by God.”
This article was originally published in the 2026 Lent & Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
