News and Events Weekly Update

14 September 2026

 

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 20 September 2026

Positions Vacant: 

  • Parish Secretary – St Madeline’s Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst
  • Paralegal & Compliance Support – Diocese of Parramatta

More details at: parracatholic.org/jobs

Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal 2026: Thank you for caring for our spiritual fathers

Because of your compassion, our Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal raised over $X (parish administrator to provide) to provide much-needed care and support for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our community. Your generosity and love ensure they receive the care, comfort and dignity they deserve in this next chapter of their lives. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal or scan this QR code. Thank you. 

Catholic Outlook Magazine out now | Season of Creation & Spring Edition 2026

The latest Catholic Outlook magazine is out now, keeping you connected with news and events across the Diocese of Parramatta. Inside this edition, you’ll find: Celebrating the Special Year of Saint Francis, our Papal and Diocesan award winners, why St Francis’ message is right for our time, a profile on the new Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains … and much more. Pick up a copy at your local parish or read online at catholicoutlook.org/e-edition

Download the poster here.

Bishop Vincent Presents: Kim Daniels on ‘AI, Pope Leo and the future of human dignity’

Join us on 13 October at 6 pm to hear from one of the Church’s foremost experts on Catholic Social Thought and its importance in the age of artificial intelligence. A lawyer by training, Ms Daniels served for 10 years as a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication until 2026, and during the Synod on Synodality from 2021-2024 was an expert participant and coordinator of the study group that focused on the Church’s mission in the digital age. Registration is essential, visit parracatholic.org/kim-daniels

Download the flyer here.

Rosary Making Workshops

Come along for a fun evening of community and crafting rosary beads that will then be donated to the sick and dying in hospitals across our Diocese. The craft evening will be held on the following days: 23 September, 15 October, 5 November. Costs are $5 per person – payable on arrival (includes all materials). To register and for more information, please visit parracatholic.org/rosary-workshops

Download the flyer here.

Annual African Mass 2026: 27 September

The African Catholic communities of the Diocese of Parramatta, in collaboration with the Diocesan Office for Migrant Chaplaincies and the Nigerian and Ghanaian Chaplaincies, warmly invite you to the African Mass 2026. Join us on Sunday 27 September from 1pm–5pm at Mary Queen of the Family Parish (St Patrick’s Church), 51–59 Allawah Street, Blacktown, for a vibrant celebration of faith, culture and community. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided following Mass. All are welcome.

Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying Formation course: 17 October

Are you currently taking Communion to the sick and dying in the Diocese of Parramatta? If so, please join the Office for Worship for a day of ongoing formation to further your knowledge and understanding of this important topic. Saturday 17 Oct from 9:30am – 2pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Morning tea and Lunch provided. For more information and to register before 14 Oct at parracatholic.org/events/ministry-of-communion-formation/

Download the flyer here.

Express your interest to be a Stall Holder or Performer at LIFTED Live in the Forecourt 2026!

Be part of a vibrant evening filled with music, dance, activities, food, and community fun hosted by Catholic Youth Parramatta on Saturday, 24th October, within the precinct of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. We invite local performers, small business and organisations to express their interest via the links below! Expressions of Interest close Sunday 20th 11:59pm. Stall Holder EOI: https://forms.gle/9cbyafAiumdgWW1dA Performer EOI: https://forms.gle/cza7pTd48eNL9MxM6

Across our Parishes 

Major Pilgrim Relic & Exhibition of St Carlo Acutis: 28-30 September

The First-Class Major Pilgrim Relic of St Carlo Acutis will be at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta from 28 to 30 September. Come and pray before the Major Pilgrim Relic of St Carlo Acutis and experience the Vatican International Exhibition of The Eucharistic Miracles of the World. The Major Pilgrim Relic will be housed in the Chapel for personal prayer and veneration throughout the visit. All welcome. Find the full program on parracatholic.org/events/relic-exhibition-st-carlo-acutis

Download the program flyer here.

Annual Marian Procession at Our Lady of the Rosary, Kellyville: 10 October

The Marian Procession is a special parish celebration honouring Our Lady of the Rosary, the Patroness of our parish and community. Following the 6:00pm Vigil Mass on Saturday, 10 October 2026, parishioners will process from Our Lady of the Rosary Church to the Shrine of the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville, praying the Rosary and singing Marian hymns.

Download the flyer here.

Catholic Care WSBM – Free Legal Clinic – Fortnightly from 7 September

Access FREE legal advice on matters including Family Law, Care and Protection, Local Court matters, Wills and Estates, Traffic offences. When: Every second Monday from 11 am starting 7 September. Where: Catholic Care, 3/163 Macquarie Rd, Springwood. To make a booking call (02) 8843 2500 or (02) 8843 2545. Walk-ins welcome.

Download the flyer here.

Free Legal Clinic at Catholic Care, Emerton every Thursday

Catholic Care offers free weekly legal advice every Thursday from 11am at 11 Emert Parade, Emerton. Areas covered include Family Law, Care and Protection, Local Court matters, Wills and Estates, and Traffic Offences. Bookings are recommended – call 8843 2500. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Download the flyer here.

Other Notices      

Caritas Australia: Nepal Floods Appeal

Communities in northern Nepal are facing a humanitarian crisis after devastating flash floods swept through the Rasuwa District on 26 August. Over 1,000 people have lost their lives, many remain missing, and thousands of families have been affected. Homes, roads, bridges, schools and essential infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving vulnerable communities in urgent need of support. Caritas Australia is working with Caritas Nepal and local partners to provide lifesaving assistance, including emergency shelter, food, safe drinking water, healthcare and protection support for affected families. Together, we can provide urgent relief and hope to families rebuilding their lives in Nepal. To donate to the Caritas Australia Nepal Floods Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/nepal or call 1800 024 413.

ARISE AND SHINE Retreat: Saturday 26 September

From 1:00 – 5:30 pm Rosary + Praise and Worship + Talk + Prayer of Empowerment + Fellowship Speaker: MARINA GEORGE Catholic preacher, who loves sharing her deep relationship with God the Father, Love of God the Son and the Holy Spirit Venue: St Joseph’s Parish Hall, 11 Walz St. Rockdale, NSW (Parking ENTRY at Parker St.) Booking Essential, Afternoon Tea Provided Enquiries: Helen: 0433 455 114 Esperance: 0407 749 182 E: jlowcommunity@gmail.com

Engaging Your Faith (EYF) is back in October!

Catholic Theological College invites you to our EYF online presentation series. The series features nine stand-alone sessions on a range of themes, presented by CTC staff. For further details, please see the attached flyer or our website. These sessions would be an ideal opportunity to explore the possibilities offered at CTC. Interested participants may register via Humanitix.

MGL Sisters Creative Healing Retreat: October 16-18

Handmade: Creative Healing Retreat October 16-18, Carmel House, Varroville In his hand is the life of every creature” Job 12:10 Come away for a weekend of reflection on how carefully God has made and upheld your life through different creative prayer experiences. This retreat is for both men and women. Hosted by the MGL Sisters. Registration link: www.trybooking.com/DIDCB

Public Talk on Nurturing an Australian Spirituality – Pre-Colonisation, Colonisation and Walking Together: 1 November

Join Aboriginal Catholic leader Evelyn Parkin as she explores the meeting of Aboriginal and Christian spirituality, the impact of colonisation, and pathways for walking together. This presentation is part of a series titled the Stockton Conversation, named after the late Fr Eugene Stockton, STD, LSS, who was its inspiration and patron. Sunday 1 November 2026, 2.00pm, Mavis Wood Hall, Mid-Mountains Community Centre, 7 New Street, Lawson. All welcome. 

Eucharist28 Update: Walking with Christ

The journey to Eucharist28 has begun! In the years leading up to this moment and beyond, the prayer of Eucharist28 is that across Australia, Eucharistic renewal will continue to flourish, and Eucharistic processions and pilgrimages will become a commonplace way for all to walk with Christ in their lives. Scan the QR code to access Walking With Christ: A Companion for Eucharistic Renewal, a resource designed to accompany you in your spiritual preparation for the continuing journey with Christ. To discover more, visit eucharist28.org

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