St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta welcomes every pilgrim and passerby, every sinner and everyone longing for sanctity. We strive to provide a home within the community that is welcoming to all and helps those around us remain faithful to the ways of the Gospel.
We invite you to participate in the spiritual life of this parish and to immerse yourself in the Catholic tradition which is ever ancient and ever new.
Join our Parish family!
Clergy and Staff
Very Rev Robert Riedling
Dean and Administrator
Up until the last few years which were spent in the UK, I have lived just about my entire life in the Diocese of Parramatta. I was born in Penrith in 1968 and my family moved to Lalor Park the following year which is where I spent my formative years. My parents and brother emigrated from England in 1964, joining tens of thousands of other “ten pound” migrants that made their way to this country by sea from Europe. I attended local public schools, finishing secondary school in 1985 (Blacktown Boys’ High) and then completed a teaching degree at Sydney University. I worked for the NSW public service for a few years and taught at a primary school for another few years before being accepted into the seminary in 1999, pursuing most of my formation at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Homebush since, at that time, Holy Spirit Seminary was but a dream. I was ordained both deacon and priest in this very Cathedral, my priestly ordination being celebrated in June 2005. I have served in the parishes of Greystanes, Blacktown South and Glenmore Park, as well as a parish in Durham, England, over the past few years as I pursued further studies in theology.
I enjoy travelling when time permits and have been fortunate to have travelled quite widely over the past twenty years or so. I am not one for vigorous exercise or sporting pastimes, preferring instead to listen to music for relaxation, and I enjoy watching films and dramas. I have been told I’m not a bad trivia partner, too! My other favourite pursuit, made somewhat obvious by my physique, is good food, but focusing on some level of restraint in Lent…
Enough about me – I am looking forward to getting to know and serve you, the people of God in Parramatta, as together we build God’s kingdom in our midst.
Fr Andrew Rooney
Assistant Priest
Fr Rooney was raised in Penrith, NSW and attended St Dominic’s College. He is the uncle to his niece and nephew.
After beginning a music degree, he joined Holy Spirit Seminary in 2013, where he completed his Bachelor of Philosophy, Sacred Theological Baccalaureate and Bachelor of Ministry.
He was ordained to the priesthood in 2020 and has served across a variety of ministries. Currently he is the assistant priest at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta & works in the Sydney Interdiocesan Tribunal of NSW & ACT.
Deacon David Dowling
Deacon
Deacon David Dowling serves as the Deacon at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, assisting the Bishop in liturgical services and supporting the spiritual and practical needs of the parish community, providing a vital link between the clergy and the congregation.
Donna Missio
Parish Secretary
Contact for:
– Baptism
– Hiring Cathedral facilities
Patricia Peca
Parish Secretary
Contact for:
– Weddings and Funerals
– General enquiries
Bernard Kirkpatrick
Director of Music
Contact for:
– Music selection at Weddings & Funerals
Parish Logo
In July 2025, we unveiled a new logo that reflects the growth and spirit of our Cathedral Parish community. Developed in collaboration with the Diocesan Communications team, this new design brings a refreshed visual identity to our parish. Below, you’ll find a brief explanation of the key elements and their significance.
