St. Mary's Polish Church in Sydney rising from the ashes

They're raising the roof on St. Mary's Polish Church in the Whitney Pier neighbourhood of Sydney and hoping to have the church that burned to the ground last November rebuilt in time for Christmas mass.

The first of two roof sections was put in place at 8 a.m. AT on Thursday.

Construction site superintendent Robert Horwath of Dora/Roclan Construction said workers are building the second part now.

It's easier and safer to build on the ground "instead of being 20 feet in the air trying to do this," Horwath explained.

The last of the roof trusses will be lifted into place either Friday or Monday, weather permitting.

Horwath said Whitney Pier is a great place to work.

"The neighbours are friendly," he said. "We get donuts dropped off to us."

The same parishioners who watched their 101-year old church go up in flames a year ago are now keeping a watch over the re-build.

"The people are really excited to see their church go back up," said one onlooker.

Horwath said the building crew is trying to meet a Christmas deadline.

"It might be a little cold, but that's what we're trying for," he said.