Welcome to Our Parish
We are a warm welcoming parish, supportive and caring. Our parish was established in 1965 and is on the South Western border of the Sydney Archdiocese. We have over 5000 parishioners.
The parish contains two primary schools; St Francis Xavier, Lurnea and St Catherine of Siena, Prestons. Both are excellent schools offering first class education.
As members of the Catholic parish of St Francis Xavier in the Archdiocese of Sydney, through our baptism and our commitment to the Gospel, we share in the mission of Jesus, who is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
We seek to be attentive to the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we live our faith in fellowship with other Christian congregations and in communion with the Archdiocese of Sydney and the universal church.
The Parish 60th Anniversary Mural commissioned for the 60th Anniversary of our Parish. The mural was designed and painted by 18 Lurnea parishioners.
Parish Rededication
In 2018, our Church was rededicated following some major renovations, which featured major improvements such as pews, cushioned kneelers and a beautiful new scantuary with a matching marble altar, lectern and baptismal font.
The rededication mass was celebrated on the July 15th, 2018 by Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Randazzo and co-presided by then parish priest Fr Thu Nguyen.
Meet the Priests!
Fr Simon Apablaza
Father Simon Apablaza is a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney. Born in Santiago, Chile, he moved to Australia in 2002 and brings with him a rich cultural background that continues to shape his pastoral ministry. He was ordained after completing his formation in philosophy and theology and has served in a number of parishes across New South Wales, including urban, regional, and remote communities. Father Simon has a strong interest in preaching, liturgy, music, and parish renewal, with a particular focus on helping faith connect with everyday life. He values clear teaching, reverent worship, and genuine community, and seeks to create parish environments where people feel welcomed, challenged, and supported in their journey of faith.
Fr Pierluigi Passoni
Father Pierluigi Passoni is a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney. Born in La Spezia, Italy, he arrived in Australia in 2003 and completed his priestly formation in Sydney. He and Father Simon studied at the same seminary and were ordained for the Archdiocese of Sydney. Father Pierluigi has a strong appreciation for music and the liturgy, and brings a gentle, thoughtful presence to parish life. He values prayer, attentive listening, and the steady pastoral work of accompanying people in their faith, with a deep respect for the sacramental life of the Church.
Church Ministries
We are an active parish which relies on the volunteers within the parish to help. Each Ministry is an invitation and an opportunity to serve and to be involved in the Parish community.
Please refer to the document on the left to review the Ministries and groups in our parish. The parish offers many and varied ministries in which you may choose to become involved.
Our many ministries are welcome to every parishioner. All are volunteered, free, rostered and help to build our community.
If you are interested in any of the ministries please contact the Parish Office.
Liturgical Ministries:
– Acolytes / Senior Servers
– Readers
– Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
– Altar Servers
– Children’s Liturgy at 9:30am
– Choir/Musicians
– Wardens/Collectors
Service Ministries:
– Liturgy Committee
– Finance Committee
– Parish Pastoral Council
– Sacramental Team
– Youth Ministry
– Altar Society
– Counters
– Ground Maintenance
– Safeguarding Support Officer
– Craft Group
– Piety Stall
– Event Support
– Catechists