News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
NOTE: Major events happening this week include:
- Diocesan Mass for Deceased Clergy on 12 November at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere.
- The annual Bishop Vincent Vatican II Lecture on 12 November at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall.
- The final Diocesan Retreat for the Jubilee Year of Hope on Saturday 15 November at Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, Mulgoa.
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 16 November 2025
New notice:
Celebrate the Feast of Christ the King
All parish Youth Ministry Leaders, incoming Year 12 School Leaders, and pilgrims attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne are invited to a Diocesan celebration Mass of the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday 23 November, 6pm, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. The Mass will include a commissioning and blessing of youth pilgrims and ministry leaders, followed by refreshments. Please RSVP with any dietary requirements to cyp@parracatholic.org
Positions Vacant
- Catholic Chaplain – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains
- Parish Secretary (permanent part-time) – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville
More details at: parracatholic.org/jobs
Bishop’s Christmas Appeal – supporting Catholic Care Grief and Loss Counselling
Christmas is drawing near, and with it the promise that God is with us. For many in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, that promise is needed right now. Many individuals and families are carrying grief, stress and uncertainty – wrestling with the rising cost-of-living, unstable work and the heartbreak of losing a loved one. Your generosity is the way to open the doors of hope for the broken-hearted ensuring that no one in our community grieves alone. Please give generously at parracatholic.org/appeal or scan the QR code. Thank you.
Download promotional material: QR code and PowerPoint slide.
New 2026 Academic Scholarship Opportunity
Nagle College Blacktown is now offering a limited number of Academic Scholarships for Year 7 students commencing in 2026. These scholarships are intended to recognise exceptional academic promise and help make an excellent Catholic secondary girls’ education more accessible to families. Please review the eligibility criteria and application process on the school website as soon as possible. Learn more here: https://www.nagleblacktown.catholic.edu.au/nagle-scholarship.
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 last session of the FaithLIFE Ministry short course with Alison & Donnie from the Mission Enhancement Team (MET) on Wednesday 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
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Rosary Making Workshops throughout November
Come along for a fun day of community and crafting rosary beads that will then be donated to the sick and dying in hospitals across our Diocese. The craft days and evenings will be held at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown on the following days.
- Tuesday 18 November from 7pm to 8:30pm
Costs are $10 per person – payable on arrival (includes all materials). To register and for more information, please visit parracatholic.org/rosary-workshops
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.
Diocesan Advent Week Scripture Reflection Evening; 26 November
In what way would you say I’m ‘awaiting’ God’s presence this Advent? How do I see myself in Advent Scripture stories this year? Register for the Diocesan Advent Scripture Reflection Evening w/ Dr Debra Snoddy on Wednesday 26 November 2025 – 6:30PM to 8:30pm. RSVP via https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-advent-scripture-night-26-november/ or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
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
Plumpton Parish Gospel of Matthew Reflections: From 30 October
This Advent, we begin a new liturgical year – Year A, in which the Gospel of Matthew will be read during Mass. Join The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, as they explore Matthew’s Gospel through a beautiful video series and guided reflections over 4 Thursday Nights (30 October, 6 November, 13 November and 20 November) in the Parish Meeting Room from 7pm. All are welcome! Bring along your friends and family. Please register here: https://forms.gle/UjH3DmnvQRhZNE7y6. The parish will hold a second part to the reflections in early 2026.
Baulkham Hills Parish Garage Sale: 15 November
The Parish of Baulkham Hills are organising a garage sale at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Saturday 15 November from 8am to 3:30pm. There will be a variety of items for sale including baby and children’s clothing, toys, plants, vases, crockery and more. Donations of good condition may be dropped off at OLOL parish house on a Tuesday morning after 10.30am and Friday mornings after 9.30am Mass. For enquiries, please email dalyburn2003@yahoo.com.au.
Plumpton Antioch Community 40th anniversary: 16 November
This year, Plumpton Antioch joyfully celebrates 40 years of witnessing faith, friendship and community with a celebration on Sunday 16 November from 3pm at Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton. Bishop Vincent will celebrate Mass at 6pm, alongside fellowship, food, music and the rich traditions of Plumpton Antioch. Whether you were part of Plumpton Antioch in the past, are journeying with us today, or want to join the celebration – all are welcome. RSVP via the following form for catering purposes: https://forms.gle/RpH8RSoStaDz81dCA. For enquiries, contact Russell and Nicole Arayon on 0433 121 381 or 0416 329 924.
Baulkham Hills Parish Christmas Carols: 6 December
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with the Parish of Baulkham Hills’ fun-filled Christmas Carols event on Saturday 6 December at St Michael’s Primary School Hall from 6.30pm (after Mass). Bring a picnic and a comfy chair and enjoy a great night of music, laughter, and friendship. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9639 0598 or email baulkhamhills@parracatholic.org.
Download promotional material here.
Grow your own veggies at Mamre House and Farm
Learn food-growing skills with farmer Joe at Catholic Care’s Mamre House and Farm, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. These free workshops cover seeds, garden beds and pest management – and you’ll take home your own plant. Workshops are held on Wednesday 19 November, 5pm–7pm or Saturday 22 November, 2pm–4pm. Register: tinyurl.com/mamre-house
Blue Mountains Deanery Christ the King Eucharistic Procession: 23 November
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.
Download promotional material here.
Baulkham Hills Christmas Luncheon: 25 December
The Parish of Baulkham Hills are are hosting a Christmas Lunch for anyone who will be on their own on Christmas Day. You may be in town for a visit, or just moved into the area, or may simply be unable to share Christmas Day with your loved ones. So come and share it with us. It will be held on Thursday 25 December in and around the St Michael’s Prmary School hall, and everyone is welcome, families and individuals. But places are limited, so you will need to register to attend. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9639 0598 or email baulkhamhills@parracatholic.org.
Download promotional material here.
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
Caritas Australia’s Global Gifts are Christmas Cards with purpose!
Every card you buy helps build brighter futures for children, women and men experiencing hardship and poverty. By putting your compassion into action and shopping for the Global Gifts of your choice you will bring hope and joy to the world’s most vulnerable and communities, while giving your loved ones a meaningful Christmas card. View the range of Global Gifts: www.globalgifts.org.au
Download promotional material: Bulletin document with image and QR code and PowerPoint slide.
Divine Retreat Centre offerings for November
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout November including an Inner Healing 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.
St Mary’s Singers Tribute to Ted Grantham: 14 November
St Mary’s Singers at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, are presenting a Concert on Friday November 14 at 7pm in tribute to chorister and organist Ted Grantham, who died in tragic circumstances earlier this year. The Concert will feature Mozart’s Missa Solemnis in C. KV337 (excluding the Credo) and Haydn’s Te Deum, as well as an excerpt from a Mass composed by Ted Grantham. Tickets are $35 for adults and under 16s are free. Purchase your tickets today by visiting www.trybooking.com/DEKKU
Jesus Light of the World Communities “Breakthrough” Retreat: 22 November
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
