News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 22 February 2026
30th anniversary of St Patrick’s Cathedral Fire: 19 February
Please join us for a special Mass to commemorate the 30 year anniversary of the St Patrick’s Cathedral fire on Thursday 19 February at 7:30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, will be the principal celebrant.
Catholic Youth Parramatta 2026 Kick-Off: 26 February
Young people from across the Diocese are invited to an evening of celebration as we begin 2026 together. Hear testimonies from local leaders, take part in prayer, connect with others, and discover the vision for Catholic Youth Parramatta in the year ahead. Join us on Thursday 26 February from 7pm to 9.30pm at Holy Family Primary School, 11 Emert Parade, Emerton. Register today: https://parracatholic.org/events/liftedlaunch/
Download promotional material here.
Rosary Making Workshops
Come along for a fun evening of community and crafting rosary beads that will then be donated to the sick and dying in hospitals across our Diocese. The craft evening will be held on the following days:
- Thursday 26 February at St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith, from 7pm.
- Saturday 7 March at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park, from 2pm.
- Tuesday 10 March at Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, from 7pm.
Costs are $5 per person – payable on arrival (includes all materials). To register and for more information, please visit parracatholic.org/rosary-workshops
Download promotional materials: 26 February | 7 March | 10 March.
Safeguarding Training Dates for Deaneries
From this year, parishes within a Deanery will have the same Safeguarding Training Renewal and Refresher Dates. In 2026, the dates for those in a Deanery to update and complete their Training will be:
- Blacktown Deanery – April 2026
- The Hills Deanery – August 2026
- Cumberland Deanery – November 2026
The remaining Deaneries will renew in 2027. Online Training Modules are always available for those who are entering ministry. Face-to-face opportunities can be found at: https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training. For further inquiries and to book in F2F Training dates at your Parish, please contact: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
When should I complete my Safeguarding Training?
All Clergy, employees and volunteers in parish ministry are required by the NSW Children’s Guardian Act 2019 to be current and complete with Safeguarding Training. Check with your Parish Office when you are due to update your Safeguarding Training.
- If you are new to ministry, you must complete the Introductory Modules 1-3 (Cycle 1).
- If you completed Cycle 1 modules two years ago, you must complete Renewal Modules 4 and 5 (Cycle 2)
- If you renewed your Cycle 2 two years ago, you must complete a Refresher Module 6 (Cycle 3)
Safeguarding Training Modules can always be completed online at https://learning.safeguarding.org.au/. Face-to-face training opportunities can be found at https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training.
MET Natural Fertility – Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Are you looking for help to track your fertility cycle? Come and explore a natural, effective, healthy and scientific approach to achieve, space/avoid pregnancy or monitor women’s health. NFP is suitable for all situations including post-contraception, breastfeeding mothers and women experiencing peri-menopause. Express your interest at www.parracatholic.org/learn/natural-family-planning
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
2026 ACBC Social Justice Statement on the cost of living
The Australian Bishops have released the first of two Social Justice Statements for 2026, titled “The Cost of our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good”. The new statement and accompanying resources can be found at socialjustice.catholic.org.au. Printed copies and prayer cards can be ordered directly from the ACBC at shop.catholic.au
Blacktown Parish presents ‘The Witness’
The community of Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, are bringing to life the musical “The Witness” – telling the story of the life of Jesus through the eyes of St Peter. We encourage anyone interested in being part of The Witness experience to register. For vocal auditions, contact our Music Director, Marianne Fernandes, at music@bethewitness.com.au. To learn more, visit Be The Witness – The Musical or email info@bethewitness.com.au.
Volunteer Cook Wanted for Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes program
Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes program is seeking a volunteer cook to lead simple, hands-on cooking sessions for a small group of women once a month. Sessions run on a Friday from 10am to 12midday, with all ingredients provided, and conclude with participants sharing the meal together. All required screening and training will be supported. For more information or to express interest, please contact enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au or call (02) 8843 2500.
Catholic Healthcare formation and support Mass: 22 February
The Diocese’s Catholic Healthcare ministry, in collaboration with the Hawkesbury Deanery, is organising a monthly formation and support Mass for those in the healthcare ministry of the Church on Sunday 22 February at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, at 5:30pm. There will be an afternoon tea before the Mass from 4pm for those who wish to attend for networking and support purposes. For further information, please contact Deacon Michael Tan on Michael.Tan@parracatholic.org.
St Patrick’s Primary Parramatta Centenary Celebration: 14 March
The St Patrick’s Parramatta School Community warmly invites all former staff, students, and families to join us in celebrating 100 years of faith, learning and community on Saturday 14 March at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Mass begins at 1:30pm, with an afternoon tea to follow. Let us come together in Eucharist to share memories and celebrate companionship across generations. RSVP via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZCpRA1DLrNElCkwClltsabrOw43l5RYq3LiRTzvAlkOFmaA/viewform
Download promotional material here.
Other Notices
Catalyst for Renewal Spirituality on the Sofa: 4 March
Catalyst for Renewal presents Spirituality on the Sofa (SOS), a program of online conversations that explore aspects of faith and spirituality. On Wednesday 4 March from 7.30pm to 9pm, join Dr Catherine Playoust and Justice Francois Kunc as they explore “Peace: an impossible dream?”. For more details, visit cfr.org.au
Ukrainian Theologian Seminar: 6 March
The United Theological College invite you to two seminars by Ukrainian theologian Professor Cyril Hovorun on 6 March from 1.30pm to 5pm at the Centre for Ministry, 18 Masons Drive, North Parramatta. Professor Hovorun is one of the most celebrated of contemporary Ukrainian theologians and is highly respected on the Russian invasion. Register by 2 March by visiting https://nswactuca.eventsair.com/cyril-serhiy-hovorun/reg. For more information, please contact Clive Pearson on cpearson@csu.edu.au
Download promotional material here.
Missionaries of God’s Love Discernment Retreat Weekend: 13-15 March
An opportunity for single women aged 18-35 to come and listen for the voice of Jesus, ask questions and experience prayer, talks, sisterhood and times of sharing to help you discern your vocation. The weekend will be held on from 13 to 15 March at Carmel House, 345 St Andrews Road, Varroville. Registration: mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
Catalyst for Renewal Catalyst Cafe: 14 March
The Catalyst Café will be open for lunch on 14 March from 12.30pm to 2.30pm in the Parish Hall at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Hunters Hill. We provide a light lunch (sandwich, cake and fruit) plus food for the soul. This session will feature Julie Thorpe speaking about her recent book “Reasons for Hope”. Cost $35. Bookings essential via (02) 4971 4090 or visit www.cfr.org.au.
