Parish Photo Album
The Choir’s Pilgrimage Journal - Rome April 2026
Tuesday 7th
The choir kicked off our pilgrimage singing at the daily 6pm Mass at Domus Australia Chapel. We were very fortunate to have Bishop Tony Percy the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Sydney presiding at the mass and Fr Andy as co-celebrant
Wednesday 8th:
The group attended the Papal General audience in St Peters square in the morning followed by Group Mass led by Fr Andy and singing by the choir at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore) in a chapel adjacent to Pope Francis final resting place.
Thursday 9th:
Fr Andy lead a moving group mass in the Chapel of St Joesph at St Peters Basilica this morning only steps away from the tomb of St Peter.
This evening the choir performed a public performance at the Oratorio San Francesco Saverio al Caravita following a reception hosted by the Ambassador to the Holy See, the Hon Keith Pitt. We were honoured to have the Ambassador welcome us and open the performance. The choirs two accompanists also had the opportunity to play on the same organ that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed on in 1770.
Images courtesy Lisa Porter L to R Domus Australia, St Peter’s Basilica, Caravita
Images courtesy L to R: Spanish Steps (Heidi Beck) Mary Maggorie ( Mary Tawaza-Lim) General Audience ( Lisa Porter ) St Peter’s Mass ( Lisa Porter )
Friday 10th:
The choir fulfilled the dream they have all been working so hard for by singing at St Peters Basilica at the 12-noon mass with Fr Andy co-celebrating
In the afternoon Fr Andy led the first group through a Ignatian Pilgrimage tour - covering Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, Chiesa del Gesù and St Ignatius Rooms (where St Ignatius of Loyola lived, wrote the Constitution of the Society of Jesus and died)
Saturday 11th:
Fr Andy held mass for the group at San Andrea al Quirinale - a stunningly rare oval shaped church designed and built by Bernini
Later that afternoon a group attended the Prayer Vigil for Peace at St Peters Basilica led by Pope Leo
Sunday 12th
The choir sung at the weekly 11am Mass in English at Oratorio San Francesco Saverio al Caravita (the same venue as the choir's performance on Thursday with the Ambassador of the Holy See). The group was warmly welcomed by the members of the Caravita community.
Images courtesy: Mass @ St Peter’s, St Ignatius rooms (Lisa Porter)
Images courtesy: San Andrea al Quirnale, Prayer Vigil for Peace at St Peters Basilica led by Pope Leo
( Lisa Porter )
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Easter Vigil 4 April 2026 - Star of the Sea Kirribilli - Presider: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
MCCNS Yr 11 hospitality students prepare a 3 course lunch for attendees of the monthly Healing Mass. Students nd staff came together to assist in cutting and preparing the palms, a simple yet meaningful act of service that connects us to the rich traditions of our faith.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Fundraising Concert for the Rome Pilgrimage on Sunday, 22 March. Your presence and generosity made the afternoon a wonderful success.
We are grateful to our talented performers, organisers, and all who contributed their time, gifts, and support.
Your continued encouragement and prayers mean so much—thank you for being such a supportive and faith-filled community.
Happy St Patrick’s Day 15 March 2026
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Top row: Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools; MCCNS student leaders: Principal, Anthony Boys, Marist Catholic College North Shore; Cynthia Banham and Amelia Adams.
The MCCNS Women’s Event brought together women from our community for an evening of connection and inspiration, featuring keynote speakers Amelia Adams and Cynthia Banham. Journalist Amelia Adams shared powerful stories from her years reporting in conflict zones and major world events, highlighting the resilience, courage, and hope she has witnessed around the globe. Writer and lawyer Cynthia Banham offered a deeply personal reflection on loss, healing, and the search for meaning, drawing on her experience as an author and survivor to encourage women to find light and purpose in difficult times. Together, their insights invited participants to reflect on their own journeys, support one another, and continue building a compassionate, faith-filled community at MCCNS.
Our Thursday night youth event was a wonderful night, with a record turnout. In collaboration with the Cardoner Project, we shared pizzas and made many new friends. It was an amazing evening of growing connections and meeting new people. Contact us: youngadultministry@northsydneycatholics.com
Advent Celebration - St Mary’s Church North Sydney - Christmas 2025
Images courtesy: Kate Branch
On the weekend 23/24 Aug 2025, we gave thanks for Claire, who celebrates her final Confirmation as Sacramental Coordinator of North Sydney Parish. We are deeply grateful for her years of faithful service, guiding families and candidates with such generosity and care. We wish Claire every blessing for the future and hold her in our prayers with gratitude.
On Sunday, 17 August 2025, the parish community at St Mary’s North Sydney warmly welcomed a group of East Timorese Jesuits, accompanied by Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ.
Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ was the celebrant at the 6:00pm Mass at St Mary’s. After the Mass, parishioners and guests joined for a reception with pizza and wine at the Ron Dyer Centre.
The visit was part of the parish’s ongoing support for the Jesuits’ work in Timor Leste.
Celebrating their love at the 2nd Annual Wedding Vow Celebration.
Parishioners: L to R: Ron & Robyn Boys & Tiffany & Adam Rahme
The ordination was celebrated at St Mary’s Church, North Sydney, on Saturday 5 July 2025 + Ordination video
L to R: Fr Joshua Choong SJ; Bishop Greg O’Kelly; Fr Isaac Demase SJ
Easter celebrations 2025 - St Mary’s Church North sydney
Lenten Reflection Evening - St Mary’s Church, North Sydney April 2025.
Our Parish School, Marist Catholic College North Shore, Commencement Mass, Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP presiding.
The Women Companion's in Spirituality Afternoon was held on October 20, 2024, with more than 50 attendees. The event featured a talk by Dr. Jackie Bailey, an author, pastoral care facilitator, and interfaith minister and a reflection session led by Sr. Jan Barnett, a Josephite nun known for her work in social justice. The afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for women to connect and support one another in their spiritual journeys and promises to be the first event of many.
OLW Parish Men’s event - Spit to Manly Walk Sun 15 Oct 2024
Jesuit Mission Bazaar Sat 14 Sept 2024
Maurer Family Funerals are overjoyed to have been awarded the Winner of Local Business Awards for Professional Service. This prestigious recognition is a true testament to dedication, compassion and hard work of our remarkable team. Our team consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support to families during their most challenging times, and this award acknowledges their unwavering commitment. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to our wonderful community. Your trust, support and confidence in our company ensures we can continue providing comfort and solace when it is needed most. Receiving this award motivates us in continuing to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and care, always striving to serve our community with the utmost and compassion. Nick Maurer
En el hombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espiritu Santo
Spanish Speakers Mass - St Francis Xavier Church - 18 Aug 2024.
Celebrant: Fr Sacha-Bermudez Goldman SJ
On Sunday 11 Aug, the Parish hosted a High Tea in honour of St Mary Mackillop and our religious brothers and sisters. 80 guests gathered including members of the Jesuit and OLW young adult community.
‘One Foot Raised’ walk - OLW Parish group (55 parishioners) on the steps of St Mary’s Church and the RDC North Sydney. Sun 4 Aug 2024.
Holy Family visit
On Sunday 28 July, the Parish of our Lady of the Way, joined the Holy Family Community for Mass and Morning tea. The Samoan Choir delivered an impressive performance, enriching the occasion with their musical talents.
Claire Thomas from JSS updated us with a tour of the the newly renovated Ignite Store. The children received a blessing from Fr Cao SJ. Fr Nico SJ, Fr Joe and Fr Andy con celebrated.
Next Sunday: 4 Aug 2024. Fr Cao SJ will be installed as Holy Family Parish Priest. With Blessings and thank you from the Parish of Our Lady of the Way.
St Mary’s North Sydney
Renewal of Marriage Vows video: Click Here
Congratulations to Danielle Whitmore and the St Mary’s Parents and Friends Choir on their most recent achievement. A silver medal at the World Choir Games.
The atmosphere at St Mary’s on Sunday 15 July was filled with love and nostalgia as 51 couples gathered to renew their wedding vows. Anniversaries ranged from 1-70 years! The couples, hand in hand, processed down the aisle, wedding candles held as a symbol of their commitment to each other. The ceremony was presided over by Celebrant Fr Richard Leonard SJ. It was truly heartwarming to see so many couples celebrating their enduring love and commitment to each other, surrounded by friends and family.
Daniel’s introduction was thought-provoking and inspiring setting the stage for the launch of Fr Richard’s new book, Why God?. Thank you to Nicole for her warm welcome. Fr Richard’s presentation brought a level of understanding and appreciation of his work.
From L to R: Daniel Street, Chair of the Parish Advisory Board, Nicole Siddique and Parish Priest Fr Richard Leonard SJ.
One parishioner wrote…
Parishioners and friends eagerly awaited the launch of Rev Dr Richard Leonard’s SJ PP 13th book, Why God? Stories to Inspire Faith. He did not disappoint. With exceptional catering, an electric atmosphere, and an introduction by Daniel Street, fit for a man so highly respected in the Catholic Community, Fr Richard shared the most inspiring and restorative experiences in faith, hope and love captivating his audience with humour, wit and humility. Through personal stories, his testimonies are miraculous, heroic and heart rending and have the ability to transform lives and free people from darkness. This book is a blessing. May it be a powerful instrument in God’s hands to draw lives to his grace. Blog by Tiffany Rahme. Posted: 15:06:2024
Parish of Our Lady of the Way proudly supports Redfern Jarjum College. “Our Mob” An evening to celebrate our success and secure our future“ which was held at the International Convention Centre on Sat 15 June.
From L to R: Jesuit Fathers: Ramesh Richards; Robin Koning; Sacha Bermudez-Goldman (Presider); Tertian, Matthew Charlesworth from South Africa.
Fr Richard Leonard SJ, PP welcomes attendees to the ‘Catalyst for Renewal’ Forum on Synodality.
27th Women’s Night of Spirituality, St Mary’s North Sydney - L to R: MC Emma Rossi; Richard Leonard SJ PP; and one of the guest speakers Sr Mary Shanahan RSCJ, OAM
On Sunday 21 April @ 6.00pm the OLW Community and North Sydney Jesuits came together to celebrate Mass and welcome the Provincial, Fr Quyen Vu SJ.
L to R: Richard Leonard SJ PP; Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ; Fr Provincial, Quyen Vu SJ; Steve Astill SJ; Joseph Sobb SJ; Andy Nguyen SJ
Annual Parish Dinner 2024 - Mary Mackillop Place North Sydney
Easter Sunday Families - St Mary’s Church North Sydney
Celebrating St Patrick’s Day - A parish event hosted by the Young Adult Ministry.
Advent Reflection and Thanksgiving evening. St Mary’s Church North Sydney - 14 Dec 2023.
The Messages of Peace and Reconciliation from the St Mary’s children - Mass for Peace Thurs 23 Nov @7pm, St Mary’s - Fr Sacha Bermudez-Gold
Jesuit Mission Thanksgiving Mass, 1 Nov 2023 @ 6.30pm, St Mary’s Church.
All Souls Day, 2 Nov 2023 @ 5.30pm Mass, St Mary’s Church.
L to R: Rev Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP and Rev Fr Joseph Sobb SJ
