Bishop Brian Mascord

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

With deep sadness and great hope in the promises of Christ, I write to share that Fr David John Catterall passed away peacefully today, 8 July 2025, at Bulli Hospital, surrounded by the love and prayer of his family.

Born in Port Kembla in 1973, and baptised at Holy Family Catholic Church, Windang, Fr David was raised in a faith-filled home and educated in the Illawarra. He discerned his call to the priesthood while studying at the University of Wollongong and entered seminary formation in 1993.

He was ordained to the priesthood on 25 March 2000, just weeks after being diagnosed with breast cancer—a challenge that, like others in his life, he faced with unwavering courage and trust in God. This battle with cancer has been a constant presence throughout his priestly life.

Over the years, Fr David served throughout the Diocese of Wollongong, including St Francis Xavier Cathedral Wollongong, and the parishes of Nowra, Camden, Campbelltown, Rosemeadow, and Albion Park, before being appointed the founding parish priest of St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish, Oran Park in 2015. There, he helped form a thriving new faith community, always reminding his parishioners that a parish is “owned by God,” and that all gifts are to be placed at the service of others.

In his ministry, Fr David lived what Pope Francis called the vision of a parish: “a community of communities … and a centre of constant missionary outreach.” His leadership, wisdom, and pastoral heart were felt not only in the parish setting, but also across the wider diocese, through his work in clergy life and ministry support, liturgy, vocations, and serving as chaplain on numerous pilgrimages.

Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in late 2024, Fr David once again faced illness with grace and faith. He retired from parish ministry in October last year and entered palliative care in recent days, supported tenderly by his loving family, his father John and his sister Suzanne and brother-in- law Thomas and his nephews and niece and their partners, and upheld by your prayers—something he cherished deeply in his final days.

Fr David’s life and priesthood bore witness to the words of his beloved St Mary of the Cross MacKillop: “We are but travellers here.” He lived and ministered as one who trusted fully in God’s providence, and who believed, as Servant of God Eileen O’Connor wrote, that “no other means save love” could guide our journey.

Funeral arrangements will be made available when they have been finalised. Please hold the family in your prayers.

Let us now join together in prayer for our brother who has completed his earthly pilgrimage and entered into the joy of the risen Lord:

A prayer for Fr David

Heavenly Father,

We entrust to your loving care the soul of your faithful servant, Fr David John Catterall.

May his service to your Church and people find fulfilment in the peace of your heavenly kingdom.

Comfort all who mourn his passing, and inspire us to follow his example of faith and love.

Grant him eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
Servant of God Eileen O’Connor, pray for us.

In Christ’s Peace,

Most Rev Brian G Mascord DD Bishop of Wollongong 08 July 2025