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St Mary’s parish was established in 1985 with Fr Hanna Shehade as the parish priest. During this time liturgies were celebrated in a hall in Granville.
In 1987 our congregation began to worship at St Rafael’s church in Merrylands. There we were led by Fr Steven Godley who was assisted by Fr Michel Khoury and Fr Micheal Fajloun.
In 1991 Fr Emil Assaf was appointed as the parish priest with Fr Aziz Abwi, later appointed as the assistant priest.
In January 1991 the present site was purchase and was consecrated by his Grace the late Right Rev Bishop Gibran Ramlawey.
The construction of the Church started under the supervision of George Jabbour, who gave generously of his time to co-ordinate the construction.
On 23 October 1994 we celebrated our first Liturgy in the Church hall.
With the combined effort of his Grace the late Bishop Gibran, Fr Emil, Fr Aziz, the parish councils and the parishioners, St Mary’s Church was built and the parish developed.
Fr Aziz Abwi worked consistently and diligently in establishing the youth committee and the choir and English Liturgy has been celebrated since 1996.
In 1999 Sunday School commenced through the youth committee and now caters for over 80 students.
In January 1999 his Grace Bishop Gibran sadly passed away. Fr Elias Khoury, who was then appointed as the representative of the Patriarch, helped continue the development of St Mary’s Church.
On Good Friday 1999 we were able to celebrate services for the first time in our Church.
His Eminence the most Rev Metropolitan Bishop Paul Saliba was appointed in November 1999. His Eminence has given his full support in the completion of the Church.
In January 2000 Fr John Vesic was appointed pastor and Fr Hanna Ajia as assistant. Fr Nabil Kachab was appointed in 2002.
The current pastor is Fr George Saad who joined the parish in July 2004. Father Isaac Zghaib was appointed as assistant priest in March 2011. Both currently play an important role in continuing to develop St Mary’s Parish.
We take this opportunity to thank all of the clergy, the parish councils and the parishioners who have worked tirelessly and donated generously to make the dream a reality. |
