Support & Donate
Sydney is a modern, young global city looking into the future and its architectural reflects this; that’s why our historic buildings such as St Mary’s Cathedral need special care and preservation.
Today more than 300,000 people visit St Mary’s Cathedral each year to appreciate this grand English-style gothic structure. Dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, it took more than 100 years to complete and is an indication of the dedication and steadfastness shown by the Catholic community.
St Mary’s Cathedral is a living monument and like all grand buildings is undergoing continual and sympathetic restoration and maintenance works.
Your contribution can help continue the tradition of the Catholic community to help preserve the Cathedral for future generations, not only Catholics, but also as a major historical landmark of one of the great cities of the world.
There are many ways that you can support the restoration and maintenance of this magnificent building. You can make a donation or provide a last legacy through a bequest, light a virtual candle to assist with maintenance or become a key supporter with a regular contribution.
All Parishioners, Catholics and visitors are also invited to donate an organ pipe or a stone towards the conservation of this historic building. You can take this opportunity to identify your family with a particular stone in the elegant façade of the Cathedral or dedicate an organ pipe from the impressive Letourneau Organ.
Support a one-time or recurring donation
Conservation and Restoration – A work in progress
St Mary’s Cathedral is one of the great historic buildings of Sydney. It stands as a monument to generations of Catholics and is a national icon.
Its spiritual and symbolic significance is recognised world-wide as a statement of Christian grace and beauty.
As Australia’s largest Cathedral it also represents the spiritual origins of the Catholic Church in Australia from the arrival of Catholics on the First Fleet in 1788 to the celebration of the first Mass authorised by the government in 1803 to the arrival of the first officially appointed priests on the convict ship The Janus on 3 May, 1820.
Today more than 300,000 people visit St Mary’s each year to gaze on this grand English-style gothic structure.
That the Cathedral, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, took more than 100 years to complete is an indication of the dedication and steadfastness shown by the Catholic community.
St Mary’s Cathedral is a living monument and like all grand buildings is undergoing continual and sympathetic restoration and maintenance works. The focus of the conservation and preservation project of this 19th century architecture include the sandstones, floors, roofs, fences and other structural features which require constant and ongoing maintenance.
Ongoing projects include:
- Restoration of the Cathedral façade
- Interior stonework restoration
- Restoration of internal and external doors
- Roof and floor repairs
- Preservation of stained glass windows, historic exhibits, artwork and sculptures
- Conservation of the Cathedral Crypt
Your contribution can help continue the tradition of the Catholic community to help preserve the Cathedral for future generations, not only Catholics, but also as a major historical landmark of one of the great cities of the world.
Help us with our conservation and restoration efforts
Roof Tile Restoration Program
The old roof tiles are around 147 years old and their level of deterioration is obvious when viewed side by side with the newly replaced tiles; the beautiful dual-toned diamond pattern is all but lost. All the underlying materials need to be removed and restored before work on the actual tiles can begin.
The expected lifespan of these roof tiles is approximately 100 years so their quality and durability more than justifies the cost.
After a wonderful response to the appeal our Roof Tile restoration program is now complete. Thank you for all your generosity.
To support the many other greatly needed restoration projects underway please click here to make a contribution.
Support many other greatly needed restoration projects
A Lasting Gift
Leave a lasting legacy for future generations
Over the years, Catholics and other members of the community, through their generous gifts, have made possible the building of St Mary’s Chapel first and subsequently the building and completion of the present Cathedral. In recent years, the gifts have been used to restore, conserve and complete the Cathedral. The conservation programme will continue indefinitely and it depends on the continuing generosity of our supporters.
You can help with the vital conservation of this national icon by making a bequest to St Mary’s Cathedral in your Will, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
How to make a bequest
- Making a gift of a specific monetary amount of your choosing
- Making a gift of particular belongings such as books or jewellery
- Making a gift of a particular property you own
- Making a gift of a specified part of your estate (such as a percentage of our estate)
- Making a gift of that part of your estate that remains after you have provided for any loved ones
- Making a gift of your whole estate.
Please contact the Bequest Manager on 1800 753 959 or email [email protected]
Charitable Works Fund – CWF
Leave a lasting legacy for future generations
The Charitable Works Fund is your charity.
Your support of the Charitable Works Fund will help to fund programs which support the charitable and pastoral work of the Archdiocese of Sydney.
To make a contribution to the Charitable Works Fund, please click here
Priests’ Retirement Foundation
Your support of the Priests’ Retirement Foundation will help to ensure all priests can receive the accommodation, health care and support they need in their retirement.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Priests’ Retirement Foundation, please click here
