The need to build a larger church to satisfy the needs of a growing Parish, was one of the first situations encountered by Fr Laurie Cruikshank when he moved to Sutherland to take up the position of Parish Priest in 1972.

The site for construction of the Church was on the crest of a hill, but rather than following a traditional solution to build a church for all to see, architect John King of Glendenning & King, designed a church to blend in with the natural bush beauty of nearby Royal National Park. The concept of an 'underground' Church was planned, retaining the top of the hill as an open space, the church itself surrounded by its own intimate environment which overlooks sunken courtyards providing a serene world away from surrounding suburbia atmosphere. Large courtyard areas and glass walls add to the feeling of the outside 'coming in'.

The atmosphere within is gentle and inviting; it is a beautiful place to reflect and worship. St Patrick's Church is unique, not only in its concept and design, but in the fact that it was built largely by teams of volunteer Parishioners, who formed a monthly roster system to help build the church, under the direction of builder/parishioner Veri Laarakkers and Fr. Cruikshank.

St. Patrick's took a little over two years to build and was completed in 1982. It was dedicated on 12 December 1982 by Cardinal James Freeman, Archbishop of Sydney.