Welcome to Our Parish
Welcome to the Catholic Parish of St. Therese!
Located within the Ryde Deanery, nestled in the heart of the Archdiocese of Sydney, the Catholic Parish of St. Therese encompasses a rich history of faith and service.
Originally established to provide spiritual support to Ryde Hospital, our story is deeply intertwined with the land upon which our parish stands. In 1938, the site for our parish school was acquired, and a humble house was transformed into The Chapel of the Little Flower. For a decade, this sacred space welcomed worshippers, with Mass celebrated every Sunday. On December 11, 1948, our parish was officially established, and the Blessed Eucharist found its home in our tabernacle. The Chapel of the Little Flower was then rechristened as the Church of St. Therese, honoring our beloved patroness.
At the heart of our parish lies the guiding wisdom of our patroness, St. Therese of Lisieux. She reminds us that true holiness is found not in grand gestures, but in the faithful execution of everyday acts, infused with profound love for God.
We invite you to join us on our journey of faith, as we strive to live out St. Therese's message of extraordinary love in ordinary moments.
Today, our Parish Office, located in the presbytery at 8 Inkerman Road, Denistone, serves as the hub of our administrative and pastoral activities.
Our office is opern from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm and
thursday and Friday from 9am-5pmTuesday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
Maryanne Tonkli – Parish Secretary
Maryanne, a parishioner of Holy Spirit North Ryde, is happily married to Robert. She joined the parish team as secretary in August 2024, bringing with her a wealth of administrative experience. Her deep faith is central to her life, and she’s grateful to serve in a role that allows her to assist in God's work. Maryanne finds joy in helping parishioners and ensuring the parish runs smoothly, always with a welcoming presence.
Deacon Aruna Perera
Dn Aruna was ordained as a permanent deacon at St. Mary's Cathedral on October 10, 2016. He is an invaluable member of our parish community, offering his unwavering support and commitment to our parish.
Aruna's presence within our parish is a source of inspiration and strength for all of us. His deep faith and genuine love for God and His people shine through in everything he does. Whether it's through his pastoral care or his involvement in liturgical celebrations. We are truly blessed to have him as part of our parish family.
Fr Simon Apablaza
Our priest, since July 2023. Born in 1981 in Santiago, Chile, Fr. Simon answered God’s call, embarking on a journey that led him to the shores of Australia in 2002. Guided by God’s grace, he was ordained as a priest on May 21, 2011, through the International Seminary Redemptoris Mater.
Fr. Simon has faithfully served in various parishes, including Maroubra, Earlwood, and Caringbah, before venturing into the Australian bush, ministering in Broken Hill and Forbes for a significant period. Now, with a wealth of experience and a heart filled with joy, he has returned to Sydney and is delighted to be part of the vibrant Denistone parish.