In an increasingly secular society that values individualism above all things, an increasing number of men in the Diocese of Parramatta are looking for something deeper – to share their faith in an environment of camaraderie and brotherhood with other men.
Some men’s groups in the Diocese have been going for years, such as the Catenians in Parramatta, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. But others are new, such as the St Joseph’s men’s group in the Mary, Queen of the Family Parish at Blacktown, which re-formed about six months ago and has quickly developed at least a dozen regular attendees.
One of the founders of Blacktown men’s group, Trevor Brewty, said there was a real yearning amongst men to be able to get together and talk with other men about their life and their faith.
“I think as men we’re not very good at showing our emotions, nor are we good at saying that we need help,” Trevor said. “So having a group of men who are willing to be vulnerable and be available to not only learn from each other but reach out for help…I think every human is looking for that, but in this context the men come looking for that here.”
He said the Blacktown group, which is run by a coordinating team, is made up of men in their 20s through to retired men looking after grandchildren, most of whom live in the parish but some who come from other parishes. All have a similar reason for attending.
“You could be at home watching footy; you could be watching a movie but why do you show up? The answer is quite consistent: a longing for a brotherhood of like-minded people,” Trevor said.
Members of the Catenians Parramatta Circle celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2025. Image: Facebook
The group meets every two weeks on a Friday evening from 7pm to 9pm. They start each meeting with a meal and a catch up before having worship and sharing amongst the group on a particular saint or gospel passage. Then they break into small groups to discuss more in-depth questions based on the sharing beforehand. One of the priests from the parish attends most meetings and “they back the group 110%”, Trevor said.
“We don’t want it to be a group where you come and you get preached to, and there’s a sermon given to you and you walk away. It’s about ‘how does it land with you? Where is God leading you? And what are you going to do with this for the next two weeks’? That’s the intent we’re working towards.”
During Lent they had one of the meetings at the home of one member, and in future are talking about introducing social activities to include the families and the wider parish such as barbecues, bowling nights, Parish Family Bush Dance Nights etc. They have a barbecue planned for 23 May, which is open to all families.
Trevor hopes the group will also expand its role within with parish where they can serve the parish through, for example, leading a night of Adoration, or an event where they bring men together to listen to a guest speaker.
“The simple goal for the group is for us to fall in love with Christ, fall in love with your faith and become more curious. If we can achieve that, it’s a huge success.”
The Catenian Association of Parramatta is one of the oldest men’s groups in the Diocese. It is part of an international brotherhood of Catholic men that was started in the United Kingdom more than 100 years ago “to establish a network of friends which enhances their family life, strengthens their Catholic faith and sustains them in difficult times”.
Individual groups are called “circles” and the Parramatta Circle, which has about 25 members, meets monthly. Its membership officer, Michael Lilly, who has been in the circle for 13 years, said being a part of the Catenians allows men to develop friendships across different occupations, cultures and stages of life, while all celebrating the same faith.
Meetings include a time for prayer, a meal and then general discussion about the circle’s activities. In Parramatta, Michael said these activities include supporting youth events such as World Youth Day and the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, promoting vocations to the priesthood and the permanent diaconate, and supporting charities such as the Parramatta Rice Club, a project of St Patrick’s Cathedral, which donates rice to the Jesuit Refugee Service to feed refugees in need.
“Our circle saw this rice club as a fantastic opportunity to support humanitarian aid, especially to refugees and others in need,” he said, adding that the circle members are also there for each other.
“We do value every man in our association, that’s why we’re known as brothers.”
The Mission Enhancement Team in the Diocese of Parramatta will help any parish that wishes to start its own ministry groups, such as a men’s group.
For more information on men’s groups in the Diocese of Parramatta click here.
The support of men’s ministry reflects the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission and Formation, and the objective of being An Inclusive and Welcoming Church. Visit Synodality to learn more.
