Meaningful opportunities for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) staff to explore both their spiritual and professional formation were recently held as part of their annual Staff Renewal Week.
The program was hosted across several sacred sites in the Diocese of Parramatta, including the official Jubilee pilgrimage sites: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, Mt Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Centre, Mulgoa and the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville.
Held from 21–25 July, the 2025 Staff Renewal Week adopted the theme, ‘Encountering Jesus as Pilgrims of Hope.’ This aligned with the global Catholic celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, inviting faith communities to undertake pilgrimages, seek repentance, extend forgiveness and renew their faith.
In a world marked by suffering and conflict, the jubilee theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ offered timely encouragement.
“In this Jubilee Year, these moments served as a powerful reminder that hope is not just an ideal, but a lived experience,” shared Ryan Reyes, CSPD Mission Partner, who led one of the sessions.
A sacred space featuring a book on Pope Francis is seen during Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese’s annual Staff Renewal Week at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Over five half-day sessions, staff were invited to talk about what it means to live out this calling, both through the Catholic faith and everyday experiences.
“It was a real privilege to bring together CSPD staff from across the Diocese for a time of reflection, sharing and spiritual nourishment,” said Deacon Adrian Gomez, CSPD Mission Partner who facilitated some of the sessions.
Mission Partner Deacon Adrian Gomez speaks to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese staff during the annual Staff Renewal Week at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“We had an incredibly diverse group of staff who gathered as one community to pause from their daily tasks and reconnect with the heart of their mission.”
In each renewal location, participants engaged in prayer, conversation, reflective practice and a pilgrimage walk.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese staff are seen during the annual Staff Renewal Week at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“To walk together as pilgrims is a powerful reminder that our work in education is also a journey of faith and service,” Deacon Adrian said.
“It is our shared mission to accompany students, families, and colleagues, bearing hope as we go.”
Participants also viewed powerful video testimonies from students and staff who shared their personal stories of hope – some facing serious illness, others navigating the challenges of starting a new life in Australia as refugees.
Inspired by these stories, participants were then invited to share their own experiences of hope with those around them.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese staff are seen during the annual Staff Renewal Week at the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville. Image: Deacon Adrian Gomez/CSPD
“There was a collective sense of awe among all in attendance as we listened to the powerful stories of hope shared at the sessions,” Ryan Reyes said.
“Each one was a testament to the human spirit; stories of courage, perseverance and grace that awakened a deep sense of hope within us.
“Renewal Week allowed participants to step back from our daily tasks, rediscover our shared purpose, and reflect on our impact in shaping Catholic education,” he added.
“The sessions inspired a renewed commitment to compassion and support across CSPD teams. Through the grace we receive from others, we are invited to share our journeys, to accompany one another and to become beacons of hope in our communities.”
This initiative underpins the Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s priority of Formation: the ongoing development of formation in synodal leadership and practices for all who exercise leadership within and across the Diocese.
Sabrina De La Motte is the Social Media Officer at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
