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ST. LEONARD'S CHURCH
Address: Donnelly Rd & Willoughby Rd, Naremburn,
NSW 2065, Australia
St. Leonard’s Catholic Church has stood as a spiritual beacon in Sydney’s Lower North Shore since the early 20th century, serving generations of parishioners with faith, education, and community.
History
🏛️ Foundation and Dedication (1913)
• On 6 April 1913, the foundation stone of St. Leonard’s Church was blessed and laid by the Archbishop
Michael Kelly, marking the birth of a new spiritual home in Naremburn.
• The stone bears the inscription:
“This Stone was Blessed - and Laid by - His Grace Archbishop Kelly - on April 6th 1913.”
🏠 Parish Expansion (1919)
• In 1919, the parish built the St. Leonard’s Presbytery, providing residence for clergy and reinforcing the
church’s growing presence.
• The presbytery’s stonework reads: “St - Leonards - Presbytery - A1919D”
📚 Catholic Education
• The parish operated St. Leonard’s Catholic School, which served the community for over 50 years.
• The school’s journey:
• Originally near 53 Market Street
• Moved to 49 Market Street in 1904
• Eventually relocated beside the church on Willoughby Road
• Though now closed, the school remains a cherished part of the parish’s legacy.
🏫 Religious Life and Convent (1935)
• On 22 September 1935, a new convent was inaugurated, deepening the parish’s commitment to
religious life and education.
• The opening was led by Very Rev. Father E. O'Brien, symbolizing the church’s dedication to nurturing
vocations and service.
🌿 Legacy and Parish Today
• St. Leonard’s is now part of the Lower North Shore Parish in the Diocese of Broken Bay, alongside:
• St. Thomas’ Church (Willoughby)
• St. Philip Neri Church (Northbridge)
• The church continues to offer Masses, sacraments, and community outreach, remaining a beloved place
of worship and heritage.
ST. THOMAS' CHURCH
Address: 182 High Street, North Willoughby,
NSW 2065, Australia
St. Thomas Church in Willoughby has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, serving as a cornerstone of Catholic faith and community life in Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
🌱 Humble Beginnings (1880s)
St. Thomas Church was established in the late 19th century, during a period of rapid growth in Sydney’s Lower North Shore. The earliest known reference to the church appears in The Sydney Morning Herald on 20 September 1880, marking its presence as a spiritual home for the Catholic community in Willoughby.
Originally a modest timber structure, the church was built to serve Irish Catholic settlers and other immigrant families who sought a place of worship and community. Its founding reflected the broader expansion of Catholic parishes across New South Wales during this era.
🏗️ Building a Parish Community (1900s–1950s)
As Willoughby grew, so did the parish. The original church was replaced with a more substantial brick building to accommodate the increasing number of parishioners. The parish became a hub for religious life, education, and social gatherings.
In 1928, the parish celebrated a major milestone with the establishment of St. Thomas Catholic Primary School, which continues to operate today. The school and church have remained closely linked, nurturing generations of students in faith and learning.
📖 A Living Legacy (1980s–2000s)
In 2008, the parish commemorated 80 years of continuous service with the publication of Continuing the 80 Year Story of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Willoughby, edited by Margaret Schuman. This work captured the voices, memories, and milestones of the parish community, highlighting its resilience and evolution through changing times.
During this period, the church underwent renovations and enhancements to better serve its congregation, including updated liturgical spaces and community facilities.
🌏 Today and Beyond
St. Thomas Church is now part of the Lower North Shore Parish within the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, alongside churches in Naremburn, Northbridge, and surrounding suburbs. It continues to offer vibrant liturgies, sacramental programs, and outreach initiatives.
The parish embraces a multicultural and intergenerational community, with services and ministries that reflect the diversity of modern Willoughby. From youth groups to senior support, and from music ministry to social justice programs, St. Thomas remains a beacon of faith, hope, and love.
📸 Explore Our Heritage
The Willoughby City Library’s Local History Collection features archival photographs, oral histories, and documents that trace the church’s architectural and social journey. Parishioners and visitors are encouraged to explore these resources to deepen their connection to our shared story.
ST. PHILIP NERI'S CHURCH
St. Philip Neri Church in Northbridge was established in 1938 and holds the distinction of being the first church in the Archdiocese of Sydney dedicated to St. Philip Neri, the Apostle of Rome. It has served as a spiritual and community hub for generations of Catholics in Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
Address: 224 Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge,NSW 2063 Australia
🌟 Foundation and Dedication (1938)
St. Philip Neri Church was officially established in 1938, marking a significant milestone for the Catholic community in Northbridge. It was the first church in the Archdiocese of Sydney to be dedicated to St. Philip Neri, a 16th-century Italian priest known for his joyful spirituality and deep commitment to pastoral care.
The church was built to serve the growing number of Catholic families in the area, many of whom were drawn to Northbridge’s peaceful surroundings and strong sense of community.
🏗️ Growth and Golden Jubilee (1940s–1988)
By the early 1940s, the church had become a prominent landmark. A newspaper article from 31 July 1941 described it as a “handsome new church,” reflecting both its architectural beauty and its importance to the local faithful.
In 1988, the parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of service with the publication of A Brief History of the Parish of St. Philip Neri Northbridge: 1938–1988. This booklet captured the church’s journey, its clergy, and the evolving role it played in the lives of parishioners.
📚 Parish School and Identity
The parish is closely linked to St. Philip Neri Catholic School, originally founded in 1926 as St. Ciaran’s by the Sisters of St. Joseph. In 1983, the school was renamed to align with the parish, resolving years of confusion and strengthening its identity.
The school continues to uphold the values of Catholic education, serving families from Northbridge and nearby suburbs with a focus on faith, learning, and community.
🌏 Today and Community Life
St. Philip Neri Church is now part of the Lower North Shore Parish within the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, alongside churches in Willoughby and Naremburn. The parish offers:
Masses throughout the week, including Saturday Vigil and Sunday morning services
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Sacramental programs for children and adults
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Pastoral care for aged care facilities and hospitals
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Multicultural outreach, reflecting the diversity of the local community
The church remains a place of welcome, worship, and witness—continuing the joyful legacy of its patron saint.
📸 Explore Our Heritage
Visitors and parishioners can explore the church’s history through:
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Archival materials at the National Library of Australia and Trove
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Parish publications and commemorative booklets
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Oral histories and photographs shared by longtime members
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