News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 28 September 2025
Grab your FREE copy of the Catholic Outlook Magazine!
The latest quarterly edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine is out now, keeping you connected with exciting news and events in the Diocese of Parramatta. In this Spring edition, you will find:
- Fr Adam Carlow’s popular marriage course
- The parish with an abundance of altar servers
- Diocesan Award winners celebrated
- A cuppa with Fr Andrew Fornal OP
Pick up your copy from your church or parish office today! Also available online via catholicoutlook.org/magazine
Download promotional material: A3 poster and social media tile.
Design our next Catholic Outlook Magazine front cover!
We’re inviting you to design the front cover of the Catholic Outlook Magazine’s Christmas and Summer 2025 edition! People of all ages from across the Diocese of Parramatta are welcome to submit their artwork for consideration. Let’s make this Advent and Christmas season a canvas of faith and joy – together. Please submit your entry by Friday 7 November 2025 – with a short description of your artwork – via parracatholic.org/artcomp
Download promotional material here.
Closing soon! Register now for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival
The Diocese of Parramatta will be joining the Church in Australia at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne from 30 November to 3 December 2025! Join thousands of young Catholics from across Australia for an unforgettable festival featuring inspiring guest speakers, artists, and musicians. Registrations have been extended until 1 October for young people aged 18-25. For more details and to register, see parracatholic.org/connect/acyf or email qwayne.guevara@parracatholic.org
Promotional material: registrations open and how to register information.
Back to Basics Serving at the Altar Workshop: 11 October
Back by popular demand! We have decided to repeat the ‘Back to Basics’ Seminar for Acolytes and Ministers of the Altar (Senior Servers) who missed the last sessions and those who would like to attend again. This seminar will occur on Saturday 11 October from 9:30am to 3pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. RSVP by 7 October via https://parracatholic.org/events/serving-at-the-altar-workshop/. Contact the Office for Worship team for more info: ofw@poarractholic.org or 0460 037 795.
Download promotional material here.
Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass: 26 October
Join us for the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass to be held on Sunday 26 October at 2pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, followed by afternoon tea. Those celebrating a significant wedding anniversary will receive a certificate. If you would like to attend, please register your name, numbers attending and any dietary requirements. Family and friends are welcome. RSVP to marriage@parracatholic.org or call 0408 233 478 by 20 October.
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Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying Formation: 8 November
Are you currently taking Communion to the sick and dying in the Diocese of Parramatta? If so, please join the Office for Worship for a day of ongoing formation to further your knowledge and understanding of this important topic. Saturday 8 November from 9:30am – 2pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Morning tea and Lunch provided. For more information and to register before 3 Nov, please contact the Office for Worship Team OFW@parracatholic.org or 0488 000 211.
Download promotional material here.
Registrations now open for Diocesan Retreat Opportunities
The Diocese is hosting one final retreat opportunity for adults of all ages to engage more with this Jubilee Year of Hope. Take the time to step away from your usual routine to experience a diocesan retreat – a sacred space for prayer, reflection, renewal and encounter with God. Registrations are now open for the final retreat on 15 November. Visit https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-15-november/ for more details.
Download promotional material for 15 November.
Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal Office
The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to offer advice and assistance regarding marriage annulments and dissolution of marriages. Interviews are preferably conducted in person with Zoom and telephone interviews in special circumstances. Please contact the Tribunal Office on (02) 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org.
Volunteer Communicators Network
Are you savvy with a camera, writing or social media? We want to hear from you! Share your interest with us to support our storytelling in Catholic Outlook, our websites and social media. Name/contact details are required: parracatholic.org/communicators
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Across our Parishes
Volunteers needed at Catholic Care Emerton!
Catholic Care is looking for volunteers to help at their Walk-In Centre in Emerton on Tuesdays to Thursdays. Volunteers would assist welcoming people into the drop-in centre, greeting clients for counselling appointments, assisting the local Aunties’ yarning and art gatherings, reception of the OzHarvest food delivery and overall assistance with Catholic Care projects and programs. For more information, please contact Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500.
Volunteers needed at Catholic Care’s Mamre Creche
Are you great with young kids? Catholic Care is looking for friendly, caring volunteers to support staff during crèche sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm at Mamre House, Orchard Hills. If you enjoy spending time with young children (aged 0–5) and have a few hours to spare, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteers will need to obtain a Working with Children Check and Police Check. To help make a difference in the lives of local families, call Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500.
Fr Joseph Lam book on Pope Leo XIV
Fr Joseph Lam, Parish Priest at the Parish of Baulkham Hills, has produced a new book that explores the traces of St Augustine in the words and messages of the successors of St Peter since 2005: Benedict XVI, Francis and Leo XIV. The book is $45, with proceeds to help the renovation of the old heritage building at Baulkham Hills. To pre-order the book, please contact admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au.
Season of Creation Camping Trip: 3-6 October
Set aside your busy lifestyle for a few days to join with friends, family and other members of the faith community to celebrate the Season of Creation. Enjoy a relaxed camping experience for the whole family with optional activities to engage in fun, creative and prayerful ways with our Creator and creation. The trip will run from Friday 3 to Monday 6 October at Wooglemai Catholic Bush Retreat Centre, Oakdale. Campers are welcome to arrive from Friday afternoon to get set up and also stay beyond Mass on Sunday for an informal time together until Monday. Individual campers: $40; Camping couples: $75; Family camping groups: $75-110. For more information and to register visit: www.seasonofcreationcamping.org
Download promotional material here.
Plumpton Parish Season of Creation Mass: 4 October
The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, will be celebrating the conclusion of the Season of Creation with Mass on Saturday 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, at 9am. The icon of the Canticle of Creation will be on display in the church for the whole weekend. Morning tea will be provided following Mass. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9832 4461 or email plumpton@parracatholic.org
Window on the World’s Religions: 9 October
Hosted by the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, Window on the World’s Religions provides personal encounters with our neighbours’ faith traditions in the spirit of interfaith dialogue. Please join us for an engaging evening exploring Hinduism and Sikhi, with teams from their respective communities. Thursday 9 October from 6pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Tickets are $10 and available from bit.ly/4mfPMJ2 or by scanning the QR code.
Download promotional material here.
Jesuit Refugee Services Fundraising Dinner: 10 October
We warmly invite you to join Jesuit Refugee Service Australia for a night of faith, fellowship, and hope at our annual fundraiser, An Evening of Hope, on Friday, 10 October 2025 at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall. Our evening will begin at 6pm with Mass, followed by dinner, enjoying an inspiring program of raffles, entertainment, and heartfelt stories all in support of JRS’s mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for those forced to flee. Tickets are $160 per person, or $1,200 for a table of 8. Reserve your place and purchase your ticket here: JRS Australia 2025 Fundraiser Dinner– An Evening of Hope or via the QR code.
Download promotional material here.
Kellyville Parish Marian Procession: 11 October
To celebrate their patronal feast day, the youth of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, are organising a Marian procession on Saturday 11 October. Mass begins at 6pm, followed by a procession to the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents. All are welcome to join the parish as they gather again to pray through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.
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Catholic Care Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day commemoration: 16 October
To commemorate Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Day, Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and White Lady Funerals are holding a memorial service on Thursday 16 October from 10am at Mamre House, Orchard Hills. There will be an opportunity to place a plant in memory of your loved one in the Garden of Remembrance. Please RSVP to Lisa at Catholic Care on 0439 917 129 or Christy at White Lady Funerals (02) 4731 4385.
Download promotional material here.
Mt Schoenstatt Foundation Day Celebrations: 19 October
Everyone is invited to the Schoenstatt Foundation Day family festival celebrations on Sunday 19 October at 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. The program starts at 10.15am with a pre-program and confessions available, with Mass celebrated at 11am. Lunch and family activities will follow Mass, concluding with devotion and benediction at 1.45pm. The day will include FREE jumping castle and face painting, as well the opportunity to purchase BBQ lunch as well as various food stalls, drinks, snow cones and other stalls. For more information, contact Sr. M. Rita on srrita@schoenstatt.org.au 0493 026 628 OR visit the Schoenstatt website or Facebook page.
Download promotional material here.
Mercy Works 25th Anniversary Celebrations: 23 October
Mercy Works, the development arm of the Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an evening of inspiration, storytelling and connection on Thursday 23 October at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall from 5pm to 7pm. Tickets are $60 per person. Please RSVP by 12 October or while tickets last by visiting https://events.humanitix.com/mercy-works-25th-anniversary-celebration-and-fundraiser. For more information, contact MercyWorks on (02) 9564 1911 or visit mercyworks.org.au.
Castle Hill Parish Melbourne Cup luncheon: 4 November
St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, are hosting a Melbourne Cup Lunch on Tuesday 4 November 2025 from 12pm-3:30pm at The Heritage House, Kenthurst. Tickets are $120pp, and includes canapes on arrival, 2 course lunch (mains and dessert). Drinks are buy-as-you-go. Sweeps and games will be available to enter, with prizes to be won! Tickets on sale now at the St Bernadette’s Parish Office, Castle Hill, or online via the QR Code. All Welcome.
Download promotional material: flyer and QR code.
Catholic Care Sewing and Crochet classes
All are welcome to join Catholic Care’s weekly sewing and crochet classes every Thursday during school terms, 10am-1pm at Mamre House and Farm, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. Learn new skills, connect with others, and enjoy a friendly, supportive environment. Perfect for anyone wanting to meet new people! To register, contact Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500 or email enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au.
Download promotional material here.
Low Cost Counselling Services
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains provides low cost and affordable counselling services for individuals seeking support. Whether you’re looking for general guidance or assistance with specific challenges like grief, loss, or family matters, Catholic Care is here to help. Call Catholic Care on 8843 2500 for a friendly chat today.
Mount Schoenstatt Monthly Shrine Time for Youth and Young Adults
Join us for Monthly Holy Hour for youth and young adults at the Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa, every fourth Sunday of the month for praise, worship, silence, prayer, reflection and benediction at the Shrine. There is the opportunity to go to confession and there is a small social gathering afterwards. For further information please contact Sr M Rita via srrita@schoenstatt.org.au or 0493 026 628. Web: https://schoenstatt.org.au/
Mount Schoenstatt Monthly Shrine Time for men
Men at the Shrine is a monthly hour for men at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Mulgoa, held on the second Wednesday of the month from 8-9pm. The hour includes a brief reflection, silent personal prayer and the opportunity for confession. The Shrine has been a place of pilgrimage in the Diocese since 1968 and in 2025 is also one of the three locations in the diocese to gain the Jubilee Indulgence.
Other Notices
Divine Retreat Centre offerings for September
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout September including an Eucharistic Miracles Retreat and its last Sunday day retreat. All are welcome. For more information, please visit www.divineretreatcentre.org or contact (02) 4372 1598.
Download promotional material here.
Missionaries of God’s Love Creative Retreat: 10-12 October
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Worldwide Marriage Encounter Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 24-26 October
We are offering an opportunity for you to learn to become the best version of yourselves together and live your best life in love! Come and join us on 24-26 October at a Marriage Encounter Weekend at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW – a stunning & tranquil oasis on the edge of Sydney. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Christine & Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.org.au
Missionaries of God’s Love Immerse Silent Retreat: 31 October – 2 November
Dive deep into the graces of silence and contemplation. Immerse yourself in the love of God who waits for us to abide in Him. Join with the Saints and complete the Jubilee Year with a retreat focused on redemption, rest and refreshment. Join the Missionaries of God’s Love sisters from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November at Carmel House, Varroville. To register, please visit trybooking.com/CZPWY
Responding in Mercy – Pilgrims of Hope: 5 November
The Mercy Futures team is privileged to present Sr Áine Barrins RSM all the way from Ireland, who will be joining them in Parramatta to share her invaluable insights into Catherine McAuley, Woman of Hope. The conclusion to this presentation will take place on 5 November. Come along and bring a friend (or few) and be part of this unique presentation. The session will also be livestreamed, and the link will be provided closer to the date. Please RSVP to mercyfuture@parrasom.org.au with any dietary requirements by 29 October.
Download promotional material here.
Women and the Australian Church National Conference: 14-16 November
Women and the Australian Church (WATAC) is delighted to announce that one-day tickets are now available for the National Conference 2025, held from 14-16 November at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney. This year’s gathering will inspire and nourish women working for an inclusive, diverse and welcoming Church. Those joining with a one-day ticket will enjoy full access to the conference sessions on Saturday and the conference dinner in the evening. Registrations close on 30 September, so don’t miss this opportunity! For more information about the conference program and to book tickets, head to WATAC’s website: https://watac.net.au/conference/
