St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta, gathered on Saturday 24 August to celebrate their namesake saint — a wonderful role model for us all on how prayer and perseverance in the faith can turn lives around — alongside the 130th year of the laying of the foundation plaque in 1894.
In 1894, South Australia became the first Australian colony, and the second place in the world, to grant women the right to vote and Fr James Mahoney was chosen as the first pastor of the new Roman Catholic Church at Waitemata, Parramatta North.
The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate reported on 19 January 1889, that the new St Monica’s Church was opened and blessed by His Eminence Cardinal Moran and the building, exclusive of fittings, “only cost £380”. The building’s architect was Gordon McKinnon, who also designed the iconic Tudor-style Parramatta Park gatehouse.
A view of the outside of St Monica’s Church, North Parramatta, ahead of its 130th anniversary celebration Mass in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The article noted that “at the conclusion of the sermon a collection was taken up, the result being the respectable sum of £50” and that Mr J.D. McMahon, of Moore Park Road, Sydney, presented St Monica’s with half a dozen brass candlesticks.
“Nothing has changed,” said Fr Ephraim Lam, the current Parish Priest, who presided over Saturday’s 130th Jubilee Mass alongside Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta.
Fr Ephraim said the faith community, while small, continues to be “very generous” and “very accepting of others.”
Parishioners greet each other during the 130th anniversary celebration Mass at St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta, in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vincent said that “since the time of Fr James Mahoney, the first Parish Priest, this community has proudly witnessed the rich spiritual heritage of our Catholic faith” and “it has become the home of the Chinese Chaplaincy in our diocese.”
“You are the model for the wider society in how to welcome, integrate and enrich each other’s culture, heritage and tradition,” he said.
For Northmead mum of three Maris Strong, joining the parish is a day well remembered — indeed, impossible to forget — as it was her daughter Petra’s first birthday: 21 September 1978. Both Petra and her siblings, Samantha and Christopher, attended St Monica’s Catholic Primary School.
Maris said she loved everything about the parish and had formed many lifelong friendships here. “It’s a welcoming place,” she said.
Parishioners are seen during the 130th anniversary celebration Mass at St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta, in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
She smiled gently at the recollection of former Parish Priest, Fr Wim Hoekstra, providing her then new-to-the-Parish husband Wayne with tips on how to get rid of oleander plants.
“Obviously the parish has evolved in lots of ways over time, but they recognise this history while also embracing the diversity of the Parramatta area,” said Fiona Bylsma, the Principal of St Monica’s Catholic Primary School, who attended the Jubilee Mass with Assistant Principal Mary-Anne Stenning.
Also present was former Parish Priest, now Vicar General Fr Fernando Montano, and Most Rev Abbot Michael Kelly OSB Silv who went to primary school at St Monica’s in the mid 1950s and was ordained a Priest in the Order of St Benedict at St Monica’s in July 1970.
Three catechumens were presented with their godparents to the Bishop and the faith community during the celebration: Ching Wang Clement Chau (Patron Saint: James), Oliver Chung Kiu Cheung (Oliver), and Hui Lok Jayden Shek (Jayden).
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
The previous night, more than 300 parishioners had dined together at a great banquet to mark the historic milestone. Bishop Vincent said he very much enjoyed the banquet and that it was gladdening to see it was followed up by “a spiritual banquet.”
Isabell Petrinic is a freelance writer and contributor to Catholic Outlook.
View images from the St Monica’s North Parramatta anniversary celebrations here or below:
