Embrace the Christmas spirit by welcoming baby Jesus into your family and faith community! Join us for joyful Christmas Carols or a heartwarming Nativity play at local parishes across the Diocese of Parramatta.
Throughout December, several of our parishes are hosting fun events for the whole family. Encourage your children to come along to a Children’s Vigil Mass dressed as angels and shepherds and get involved in various parish activities, including games, food, prizes and more.
As a Holy Day of Obligation, Catholics are expected to attend Mass on Christmas Day, or the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass.
All Christmas Mass and Reconciliation Times are found at parracatholic.org, as well as all the Nativity and Carols.
Here are our picks.
FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER
What’s On: Christmas Carols
Time and place: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Mount Druitt South from 7pm (outdoor event)
Details: Includes performances from four choirs, a free sausage sizzle, and a visit from Santa. Bring your family, friends and a picnic blanket.
Cost: Free
Time and place: St Bernadette’s Catholic Church Castle Hill from 6pm
Details: Includes performances by choirs, music groups and soloists, as well as liturgical readings. Ticket price includes bottled water, battery candle and gingerbread cookie.
Cost: $10 per ticket
SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER
What’s on: Christmas Carols
Time and place: St John XXIII Catholic Church Stanhope Gardens (School Hub) from 7pm
Details: Includes carolling, Christmas delicacies, fun games and great prizes.
Cost: Free
SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER
What’s on: Christmas Concert and Carols
Time and place: St Finbar’s Catholic Church Glenbrook from 7:30pm
Details: Carols and uplifting music from the massed choir (Penrith City Choir and the German Lutheran Church Choir) amidst soft candelight.
Cost: $15 (individuals)/$35 (families)
TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER
What’s on: Carols by candlelight
Time and place: Holy Trinity Catholic Church Granville from 6pm
Details: A solemn evening of carols and blessing of the Christmas crib. The night will commence with a parish BBQ followed by a carols service.
SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER
What’s on: Christmas Carols
Time and place: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church St Marys (Mary Mackillop Centre, Collins Street) from 7:30pm
Details: Children are welcome to come dressed as angels and shepherds.
Cost: Free
What’s on: Christmas Carols and Reflection
Time and place: St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Springwood from 4:30pm
Details: The Parish Choir will present a ‘Christmas Evening’ with carols, readings and reflections. Families are invited to attend, and children are welcome to dress up as angels or shepherds from the Nativity scene. A BBQ will follow the gathering.
Cost: Free, BBQ/drinks available for purchase.
What’s on: Children’s Vigil Mass and Nativity Play
Time and place:
- Christ the King Catholic Church North Rocks from 5:30pm
- Padre Pio Catholic Church Glenmore Park from 5:30pm (Mass at 6pm)
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church Westmead at 6pm
- St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Toongabbie from 6pm
- St Bernadette’s Catholic Church Lalor Park at 5:30pm
- St John the Evangelist Catholic Church East Riverstone from 6pm
- Corpus Christi Catholic Church Cranebrook from 6pm
- Holy Family Catholic Church Emerton from 6pm
What’s on: Children’s Christmas Eve Carols and Vigil Mass
Time and place: Sacred Heart Church Blackheath from 5:30pm (Mass at 6pm)
Details: Children are invited to come along dressed as their favourite character of the Nativity scene. There will be carols and family-friendly activities before Mass. Following Mass, you’re invited to bring a plate and enjoy a shared supper.
WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER (CHRISTMAS DAY)
What’s on: Christmas Day Mass (including Children’s dress-up)
Time and place: Padre Pio Parish Glenmore Park, 8am and 10am.
Details: Children are invited to dress as a nativity character for the Christmas Masses.
For more information and details please visit parracatholic.org.
