For the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes in Bayswater, the newly renovated Parish Hall is far more than a building. It is the fulfilment of a long-held dream; a place where a vibrant and growing Catholic community can finally come together, share life, and welcome others. 

Supported by a $1.85 million loan from CDF, the renovation has transformed what was once an ageing and inadequate space into a modern, welcoming hall that will serve the parish and wider Bayswater community for generations to come.

A community that needed a home 

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish has been a cornerstone of Catholic life in Bayswater for more than 60 years, celebrating daily Mass throughout the week and welcoming between 450 and 600 parishioners and visitors across four weekend Masses. It is a community rich in faith, culture and connection, and one that had long outgrown its ability to gather together in a shared space. 

For Parish Priest Fr Sabu, taking on the renovation project was both a personal commitment and a responsibility to those who had built the parish before him.

"After years of facing the major problem of not having a space for the entire community to gather, I undertook the task of endeavouring to make their long-standing labour and dreams finally come to fruition. We are now delighted to have a fully functional and safe space for the parish to come together." 

Fr. Sabu Thomas Adimakiyil 

Parish Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Bayswater

The journey was not without its challenges. Initial plans required multiple revisions, adding time and cost to the process. But the parish persevered, and the result has exceeded all expectations. 

"People who were aware of the hall's previous condition were astounded to see its transformation. They were thrilled to witness the hall's new status."

Building community, one gathering at a time 

The renovated hall is already at the heart of parish life. Children's Liturgy, Youth Group gatherings and training sessions are now held there regularly, while plans are underway for movie nights, dance nights, shared meals and other events designed to bring parishioners together and welcome new faces into the community. 

"Now we will be able to build a strong spirit of community by having shared meals, movie nights, trivia nights and other gatherings - which will help strengthen the bond between our existing parish members and become an inviting place for new parishioners to feel welcome and become part of our parish family," Fr Sabu reflects. 

The hall is also a place for faith formation, hosting catechism classes for children, faith nourishment sessions for youth, and programs that nurture the spiritual life of the wider community. 

A space open to all

The vision for the hall extends well beyond the parish gates. Fully equipped meeting rooms and a boardroom make the space available to community groups, families and organisations from across the wider Bayswater area. Since opening, the hall has already secured bookings for family functions and continues to receive strong interest - a promising sign for the parish's long-term sustainability. 

"The purpose of the renovated hall is not limited to the parish only. It will be available for other community groups, individuals and families for their get-togethers and other social functions," Fr Sabu says.

A legacy for future generations 

For many long-time parishioners, the renovation carries a deep emotional significance. The original church building - now transformed into the hall - was the very first church of the parish, built more than 60 years ago. It later served as the school where generations of local children received their education. The memories woven into its walls span decades of celebrations, milestones, and the quiet rhythms of community life. 

"This was our first church, and our long-time parishioners have been witnesses to the entire growth of the parish. They were there when the church was built 60 years ago and cheered during the many and varied gatherings held there over the years. So many beautiful memories are associated with that old church, the school and the parish hall." 

For Fr Sabu, the renovation is not just a restoration of a building, it is a gift to those who come next. "In essence, this is a legacy, and a gift, which they are leaving to be valued and enjoyed for future generations." 

A partnership that made it possible

CDF was proud to support Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in bringing this vision to life. For Fr Sabu, the partnership went well beyond the financial. 

"Without the support of CDF, the goal of a new hall would not have been brought to fruition. Whenever we encountered any issues in navigating the loan process, the staff were exceptionally supportive and helpful. That was one of the key factors in the project's successful completion." 

As the hall fills with laughter, prayer, shared meals and new beginnings, it stands as a testament to what a community can achieve when it holds fast to a dream, and has the right support to make it a possibility. 

Your savings can do more than grow. By opening an account with CDF Community Fund, you can earn a competitive rate of interest while empowering Catholic organisations like Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Bayswater  to build, serve, and grow. It's a greater return than money alone. Learn more and apply today.