About Us

As one of the largest Catholic Parishes in Australia, don't be intimidated! The size of our Catholic community, mirrors the tremendous growth in population on the Sunshine Coast.  Once upon a time, our 'sleepy, little' coastal township of Maroochydore was part of the Nambour Parish and only separated as its own Parish in 1978. 

Our four worshiping communities – St Mary’s Buderim, St Peter’s Coolum, Stella Maris Maroochydore and St Catherine’s Sippy Downs – create a diverse and vibrant Catholic Community that is both sensitive to each unique journey and eager to share the story of the Good News.

Our Parish Motto, developed by our four communities is, Gather, Grow, Go!

At the heart of our Parish is a commitment to Gather in friendship with all people we encounter and to practice the Gospel values of love, justice and service.

At the heart of our Parish is a commitment to Grow in virtue, to develop our authentic self, founded on the person of Jesus Christ and enlivened by the Gospel. 

At the heart of our Parish is a commitment to Go and bear witness and expression of our Christian faith.

In times when other community role models may be lacking in their witness, as Christians we are reminded that we were all called to Sainthood. When St Francis of Assisi was asked what a person had to do to lead a good life his response was, ‘Preach the Gospel every day; and sometimes use words.

So, if you are reconnecting with the Church or moving to our community we hope that your story will become part of our common story as together we journey on the great pilgrimage of faith.