Father Michael Williams - Parish Priest

Born in Sydney, Father Michael went to school at St Bernadette's Lalor Park, St Joseph's Belmore and St Patrick's Strathfield, owing much to the Sisters of St Joseph and to the Christian Brothers.

Upon completing school, he attended two of the great sandstone institutions in Sydney - the University of Sydney and (as it was then) St Patrick's Seminary, Manly. From 1985 to 1988, Michael worked for the NSW Chamber of Commerce and then for two years as an economist for the Westpac Banking Corporation.

Michael was ordained a deacon in 1988, and a priest in 1989. He worked in Nowra for six years, West Wollongong for eight years, and has been parish priest at St Paul's Camden since new year's day 2003.

His interests include the church, sacred music, current affairs, finance, rugby, rugby league, golf, cricket, Aussie Rules and tennis. He takes a passing interest in many other sports.

As a younger man, Father Michael played rugby until the age of 30 and cricket until entering the seminary as a 21-year-old. He continues to play golf at his home club of Camden Lakeside which is a beautiful quintessentially Macarthur course designed by the legendary Peter Thompson. Because of urban development the course is now rather unfortunately under reconfiguration.

Father Michael loves Australian culture though laments that religious practice and moral values are not somewhat stronger. He admits to having a low threshold of tolerance for irreverence and casual conversations during the church's sacred ceremonies. In terms of personal health he has a keen interest in personal fitness though far less a dedicated commitment.

As a priest of 30 years, he looks back upon a three-month Vatican II sabbatical programme in 2002 in the beautiful grounds of the Archdiocesan Seminary of San Francisco as a standout experience - a real highlight.

Father James Arblaster - Assistant Priest

Fr James grew up in Albion Park Rail as the eldest of three boys. While going to school at St Paul's Primary and St Joseph's High School, both in Albion Park, he attended World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney as a Year 12 student, which was pivotal for his faith journey.

That year, he first felt the call to the priesthood, but ignored it. He went on to study Law and International Studies at the University of Wollongong, during which time he also spent a year as an international student in Leon, Spain.

 Upon returning to Australia, Fr James wrestled with his faith until he finished university, when he decided to enter the seminary to further explore the call to priestly ministry. After much discernment, James realised the call to the priesthood was the best path for his life and the best thing he could do for others and personally committed his life to God.

 After seven years in formation, Bishop Mascord ordained James to the priesthood on 10 Dec 2022. Fr James first ministered in the cathedral parish of Wollongong. While also chaplain to the University of Wollongong, Fr James then arrived at Camden as Assistant Priest in February 2024.