St Patrick’s Church, The Rocks, SydneyA spiritual Marist oasis in a busy city  Although it has deep roots into Australia’s past, St Patrick’s is one of the busiest churches in Australia today. Sunday Masses, begin with the vigil Mass on Saturday evening, then follow one another hour by hour from early Sunday morning.
St Pat’s is referred to as “everyone’s second church” as it provides visitors and Sydneysiders alike with a range of times that meet every need. Packed weekday Masses spread throughout the day cater for workers, shoppers and visitors. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available throughout the day and the Church is never empty of worshippers in private prayer or adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
St Patrick’s is indeed a church with a rich and proud history spanning more than 160 years. It’s interior calls one back to a different era with it’s calm, prayerful atmosphere which is in sharp contrast to the busy city around it.
Built in the 1840s St Patrick’s history reaches back to the very beginnings of Catholic life in Australia. The church is inseparably linked to the Irishman, William Davis who was transported to Australia in 1798. In 1809 Davis obtained land at Church Hill and his home became the centre of Catholic prayer as there was not a resident priest in the colony. In 1840 William Davis donated the land on which St Patrick’s is built, The foundation stone was laid on 25 August that year. The solemn opening Mass was celebrated on 17 March 1844.
 The first priest was a famous Irish pioneer Archdeacon John McEneroe, who prior to his death in 1868, asked Archbishop Bede Polding to entrust the church to the entrust the church to the Marist Fathers. To this day the Society of Mary is responsible for St Patrick’s.
Although the early Marists were Frenchmen serving a predominantly Irish community their great compassion and understanding was renowned. Today, the current Marist Fathers are available to all in need of sacraments and prayer at any hour of the day. They minister with that same compassionate care .
Now in its sixth year St. Patrick's Marist Laity continues to meet on the third Friday of each month at 6.00p.m. The group meets for an hour of discussion and prayer on a Marist theme. During 2009 our group is reflecting on the writings of significant Marists from the beginnings of the Marist story, pondering their spirit and in our own way continuing their mission in the inner- city of Sydney. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
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