Christmas is a season of joy, hope and the celebration of Christ’s birth. Yet for many people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, it can also be a time of loneliness – particularly for those living alone or separated from family and friends.
Across the Diocese of Parramatta, parishes, councils, community organisations and generous families are working together to ensure no one is left to spend Christmas alone. Through shared meals, open doors and practical support, they are offering connection, care and the simple gift of belonging.
Parishes opening their doors
Local Catholic parishes play a vital role in creating spaces of welcome at Christmas. More than a festive meal, these gatherings invite people into friendship, faith and community, centred on the joy of celebrating Christ’s birth together.
Mt Druitt Parish
What: Free Christmas Day lunch (combined church event), including face painting, lucky door prizes, outdoor games and activities.
When: 25 December, 11am.
Where: Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Hall, 11 Emert Parade, Emerton NSW 2770.
Transport: Assistance available for certain suburbs – please contact the parish.
RSVP: Please register for catering. Walk-ins welcome.
Baulkham Hills Parish
What: Free Christmas Day lunch. When: 25 December, 11am–3pm.
Where: St Michael’s Catholic Church, 1–3 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153.
Transport: Parking available on site, or contact the parish for assistance.
RSVP: Contact the parish office on (02) 9639 0598 or email baulkhamhills@parracatholic.org. Walk-ins welcome.
Community-led generosity
Beyond parish life, the wider community continues to show extraordinary generosity. A shining example is the Wehbe family (Shirley and the late Ray Wehbe), whose decades of philanthropic service have been guided by a simple conviction: no one should be alone at Christmas.
Continuing this legacy, Shirley Wehbe, in partnership with the City of Parramatta and Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter, will host a free Christmas Day brunch for the community.
What: Free Christmas Day brunch.
When: 25 December, 10:30am–1:00pm.
Where: Parramatta Town Hall, 182 Church Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 (Parramatta Square).
Transport: Public transport available.
RSVP: Walk-ins welcome.
Other local initiatives
Many other organisations are also offering Christmas meals, celebrations and practical support. These include:
- Blue Mountains City Council – Free Christmas Day lunch at Kihilla House. Arrival from 10:30am for morning tea, followed by lunch. Contact: Chris on 0433 334 166.
- Cumberland City Council – Free seniors Christmas concerts with a two-course meal, and the DOOLEYS Christmas Festival with food trucks and family activities. Registration details available via council websites and social media.
- Hawkesbury’s Helping Hands – Free Christmas Day lunch at Hawkesbury Masonic Hall, 731 George Street, South Windsor. Doors open at 11:30am. Registration via Facebook or on (02) 4577 7077 is recommended.
- Mama Lana’s Community Foundation Service – Penrith – Providing food hampers, bill relief, pharmacy PBS script assistance, and food and fuel vouchers. Open Monday–Saturday, 6:30pm–8:00pm. Contact: 0407 909 447 or lana@mamalanas.org.au.
Together, these parish and community initiatives are a reminder that Christmas is not only about celebrating Christ’s birth, but about living His love.
Through welcome, generosity and connection, the Diocese of Parramatta continues to witness to a simple truth: Christmas is for everyone, and no one should be alone.
These events underscore the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community, Listening and Mission, and our objectives to be a Church that is inclusive and welcoming, renewed in spirit and prayer, listening, and one that walks together. Visit Synodality to learn more.
