Catholics of the Parish of the Holy Martyrs Andrew and Agnes, Malabar–Matraville, came together for their first annual parish dinner, marking one year since their churches’ official decree of amalgamation was signed by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP.
The decree, dated 19 September 2024, brought together the two long-standing faith communities of St Andrew’s, Malabar, and St Agnes’, Matraville, under one banner and patronage – a historic reunion that, as parish priest Fr John Knight noted, is “in many ways a return to our roots”.
When St Andrew’s was founded in 1939, it included Matraville within its boundaries, In 1959, Matraville became its own parish.
“Now, in 2024, it has come home,” said Fr Knight. “It’s a beautiful story of faith coming full circle.”
The inaugural dinner was held at Souths Juniors, Maroubra Junction, with more than 140 parishioners and guests in attendance.
Former parishioner Bishop Daniel Meagher was among the special guests, along with NSW attorney-general Michael Daley, local Federal MP Matt Thistlethwaite, and Randwick mayor Dylan Parker. Also in attendance was Daniel Ang, director of the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation.
“It wouldn’t be a Catholic event without a raffle and it was wonderful to see everyone pitching in by raising funds, sharing stories, and celebrating our new beginning as one parish family,” Fr Knight said.
The parish plans to make the dinner celebration an annual tradition each September, and Fr Knight said it is a visible expression of Archbishop Fisher’s Go Make Disciples mission plan for parishes in action.
“Bringing our communities together has strengthened our witness,” Fr Knight said.
“We’re one in faith and in mission, nourished by the Word and the sacraments, moving forward together in the name of Christ.”
Elliott Bowen, parish renewal manager at the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, said it was a “joyful milestone” to see St Andrew’s Malabar and St Agnes, Matraville come together as one parish community after years of shared mission and friendship.
“With the addition of Sacred Heart Primary School, this area is growing into a vibrant centre of Catholic life, full of promise, and ready to shine as a beacon of hope and Christ’s love for the eastern suburbs,” he said.
The parish now encompasses two churches – St Andrew’s, Malabar, and St Agnes’, Matraville – and two thriving primary schools: St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, Malabar, and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Matraville.
Sacred Heart has recently undergone a full redevelopment, including a stunning new artwork featuring the Sacred Heart of Jesus image.
“It’s all part of evangelisation,” Fr Knight said. “You can see the fruit of faith and renewal, not just in buildings, but in the life of our parish.”
