Alongside the offerings of pilgrimage, both local and international throughout 2025, a three-day gathering hopes to bring the global celebration of the Jubilee Year experience to our backyards.
HOPEFest, organised by the Diocese of Parramatta’s Mission Enhancement Team, and hosted by St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens, will be a vibrant and dynamic celebration for all ages to become pilgrims of hope.
On Friday 8 August, the parish’s passionate youth and young adult communities of Blaze, Community of the Risen Lord, Singles for Christ Australia and Ignite will be hosting a praise and worship evening from 7pm to 9pm.
Celebrated under the The FaithFeed ECHO (TFF ECHO) initiative, Friday night will be where music, creativity, real stories and prayer come together in one powerful space – echoing the God of love moving in us, around us and through our community.
On Saturday 9 August, members of the Blaze youth ministry team will be leading a scripture reflection experience and discussion based on the theme of “hope in the world” from 10am to 12pm.
To conclude, on Sunday 10 August, participants will go on a mini-pilgrimage from Stanhope Gardens to the Franciscan Shrine of Holy Innocents in Kellyville.
The pilgrimage goes from 11.30am to 3pm, with the option to join the local St John XXIII community for Mass beforehand at 10.30am.
This is more than a walk – it’s a powerful experience of faith, community and hope.
At the Shrine, discover sacred spaces that invite prayer and reflection – from the stunning hand-painted fresco and life-sized Stations of the Cross, to the quiet presence of Franciscan charisms and the inspiring legacy of the Virgin Mary and St Maximilian Kolbe.
Whether you are free for one day or the whole experience, come and join the Jubilee Year celebrations!
Registration is essential by visiting parracatholic.org/hopefest
Please note that those who wish to attend the celebrations that are under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or elected supervisor at all times, and must complete a permission slip and provide it to the Mission Enhancement Team.
HOPEFEST responds to the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Mission.
