News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Reminder: LIFTED Live in the Forecourt will be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on Saturday 25 October from 7pm. For more information, visit https://parracatholic.org/events/lifted-live-in-the-forecourt/
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 26 October 2025
Positions Vacant
- Senior Employment Relations Advisor – Diocese of Parramatta
- Administration and Projects Coordinator – Diocese of Parramatta
More details at: parracatholic.org/jobs
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.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities
The next sessions of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on the following days:
- Saturday 15 November for Initial training (Modules 1-3) from 10am to 3pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville.
Please register directly for this training or for other convenient dates and locations by clicking on the training event at: https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training. For more information, please email: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
FaithLIFE Ministry: 5 + 19 November
Wanting to refresh your skills in ministry? Seeking or currently involved in ministry with your faith community? Sign up now for the 2-session FaithLIFE Ministry short course with Alison & Donnie from the Mission Enhancement Team (MET) on Wednesday 5 NOV + 19 NOV 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street Blacktown, cnr Flushcombe Road! Details via https://tr.ee/sAMkSrihAl OR get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
Download promotional material here.
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.
Mass and prayers for Deceased Clergy: 12 November
The Diocese of Parramatta invites you to its annual Mass for our deceased clergy on Wednesday 12 November at 9:15am at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere, followed by prayers at the gravesites of clergy buried in Rookwood Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and give your gift of prayer to those whose lives were dedicated to bringing us all closer to Christ. We encourage each parish to offer a Mass for the deceased priests and deacons who have served in your own parish on the same day, to unite in prayer for this special intention.
Annual Bishop Vincent Vatican II Lecture: 12 November
How does Vatican II continue to inform the work of becoming a synodal church? To learn more, all are invited to Bishop Vincent’s annual lecture on Vatican II on Wednesday 12 November, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street Blacktown, cnr Flushcombe Road. Register for limited seating and share with others via https://tr.ee/xzetr5kVl- OR get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
The FaithFeed ECHO – Emerton Parish: 14 November
An evening of music, creativity, and praise & worship at Holy Family Parish, Emerton, 252–254 Luxford Rd, Emerton from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Friday 14 November. The FaithFeed ECHO (TFF ECHO) is a vibrant, welcoming space that echoes the God of love working within, around us and among us. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s—or simply young at heart – you’re most welcome. Details via https://tr.ee/XTJqW_InNz OR get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
Download promotional material here.
Parramatta Street Feast: 19 November
You are warmly invited to the Parramatta Street Feast, a Festival of Welcome on 19 November 2025 from 11am–3pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral Precinct, Parramatta. It’s a space for people from all walks of life to come together in a spirit of community, solidarity and friendship, and to enjoy delicious food, free services, creative activities and great music! You can support the Street Feast as a volunteer, or share your talent by hosting an activity table. Find out more and express your interest at parracatholic.org/streetfeast
Download promotional material: Social Media tile and A3 Poster.
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
Download promotional material here.
Across our Parishes
Winston Hills Parish Seven Surprises of the Eucharist Presentation: 30 October
St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills, is pleased to announce the next event in its ‘Faith Seeking Understanding’ series. Dr Robert Haddad will present on the topic “Seven Surprises of the Eucharist” on Thursday 30 October at 7.45pm, with optional Mass at 7pm. All are welcome to attend and there is no need to RSVP. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9639 6516 or email winstonhills@parracatholic.org.
Download promotional material here.
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.
Blue Mountains Deanery Christ the King Eucharistic Procession: 23 November – procession update
The Blue Mountains Deanery will be commemorating the Solemnity of Christ the King with a Eucharistic Procession on Sunday 23 November in Springwood. The procession will start at 9.30am at from the sports field within St Thomas Aquinas Primary School and go to St Thomas Aquinas Parish, where Mass will be celebrated at 10am. Morning tea will follow Mass. All are welcome to attend.
Noël! Noël! at St Patrick’s Cathedral: 16 December
Step into the splendour of the season with Noël! Noël!, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir’s much-loved Christmas tradition at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. This uplifting concert weaves together Baroque masterpieces, timeless carols, and festive songs from across the centuries, performed with the Brandenburg’s signature energy and joy. Join us on Tuesday 16 December for a night of reflection, celebration, and pure musical delight: a radiant reminder of the beauty, hope, and spirit of Christmas. Buy tickets now from https://www.brandenburg.com.au/live-concerts/events/noel-noel-2025/
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.
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 October
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout October including a Marian 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 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.
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 8-9 November
How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. The next Engaged Encounter Weekend will be held on 8-9 November, with future dates in February and May 2026. For further information, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au
Catholic Healthcare Christmas Fair: 14 November
Join Catholic Healthcare for a festive Christmas Fete at Bodington Wentworth Falls! We’re raising funds to help our residents tick off their bucket list wishes — every contribution makes a difference! Join us on 14 November from 4pm to 8pm at Bodington Drive (off Tableland Rd), Wentworth Falls. Enjoy local stalls, a silent art auction, face painting, and festive fun for all. Come celebrate community, joy, and the spirit of giving!
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 16 November
You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day on Sunday 16 November from 10am to around 3pm at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia. There will be an introduction to Christian Meditation for newcomers with periods of meditation for ongoing meditators, presentations and prayer with the monks. Mass will be celebrated in the afternoon. Morning tea will be provided, but please bring your own picnic lunch. Donations are welcome. For enquiries, please contact Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or call 0437 340 250.
Jesus Light of the World Communities “Breakthrough” Retreat: 22 November 2025
Join the Jesus Light of the World Communities for their “Breakthrough” Retreat on Saturday 22 November from 1pm to 5.30pm at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, 11 Walz Street, Rockdale. The guest speaker is Brian Welsh, a Catholic lay evangelist with a powerful gift of preaching. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings are essential. For enquiries, please contact Helen on 0433 455 114, Esperance on 0407 749 182 or email jlowcommunity@gmail.com
