News and Events Weekly Update

16 March 2026

 

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

 

Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 22 March 2026

 

Positions Vacant: 

  • Catholic Chaplain – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains
  • Facilities & Contract Manager – Diocese of Parramatta. Applications close 17 March 2026.
  • Property & Project Coordinator – Diocese of Parramatta. Applications close 17 March 2026.

More details at: parracatholic.org/jobs

Download promotional materials: 10 March.

Bishop Vincent presents Archbishop Ryan Jimenez: 21 April

Archbishop Ryan Jimenez, Archbishop of Agana in Guam and President of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific is the first guest speaker for this year’s Bishop Vincent Presents series. Join us at 6pm on Tuesday 21 April in Cloister Hall, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, for an evening with Archbishop Jimenez as he reflects on the theme “An Immigrant Bishop for an Immigrant Church.” To register, please visit parracatholic.org/jimenez

Download promotional material here.

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 

Lenten Retreat at Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook: 22-25 March

Join us for a prayerful Lenten Retreat at Corpus Christi Catholic Church from 22–25 March, led by Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI. Enjoy Mass, guided reflections and fellowship to renew hearts and prepare for Holy Week. All are warmly welcome. Contact the parish office for more details.

Launch of Fr Joe’s new book: 26 March

Fr Joe, Parish Priest of Baulkham Hills, has just published a new book with the title “Augustine on Listening, Humility and Unity. The Augustinian Root of Pope Leo XIV.” Launched by Sister Dr Margaret Ghosn, Theologian and Principal of Maronite College of the Holy Family in Harris Park, and Most Rev Vincent Long Nguyen, Bishop of Parramatta. Join us on Thursday 26 March 2026 at 7pm at St. Michael’s Downey Room, 1 Chapel Ln, 2153 Baulkham Hills. To register: admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au

Outdoor Stations of the Cross at St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith, Friday 27 March at 7pm

During the Stations we will give thanks to the Lord with the survivors and remember family members and friend’s families who were lost due to cancer. Please wear a white shirt and join us as we carry our big wooden cross around ours and the school’s grounds.”

Stations of the Cross at Mount Schoenstatt: 3 April
Join us on Good Friday April 3rd at 10 am (beginning in the valley) for Stations of the Cross. Address: Mount Schoenstatt – 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa 2745. All welcome.

Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Celebrations: 6 April

You are invited to celebrate with us the 75 years of the arrival of the first Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary to Australia AND 60 years of the Schoenstatt Movement in Australia. Join us on Easter Monday, 6th April 2026 from 1:30pm – 5:30pm at Mount Schoenstatt – 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa 2745. nPlease bring a plate to share for afternoon tea. Parallel children’s program will also be available. RSVP Shirley Hall 0417 153 930 movtoffice@schoenstatt.org.au

Free Weekly Legal Clinic at Catholic Care, Emerton

Every Thursday from 11 am at Catholic Care (11 Emert Parade, Emerton) you can visit for FREE legal advice on matters including: Family Law, Care and Protection, Local Court matters, Wills and Estates and Traffic Offences. Walk-ins are welcome, to make a booking call 8843 2500.

Enrolling now for 2027 – Belong to something Greater

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese has 80 welcoming schools delivering excellence in education for today’s students. Our caring teachers get to know every student to understand their needs, interests and abilities. We teach children to become responsible, caring and productive young people. Visit parra.catholic.edu.au to find a school near you.

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.

Be a stronger you – Free empowerment course for women

Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains has partnered with Survivor Voice Australia to run a free six-week empowerment program for women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. The program will be held in the lower Blue Mountains on Wednesday mornings. To find out when the next program starts, contact Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500 or Survivor Voice Australia on 0422 876 700.

Download promotional materials here.

Other Notices      

Women’s Breakfast – Celebrating the Feast of St Joseph: 21 March

All women are warmly invited to a special community breakfast celebrating the Feast of St Joseph and honouring the legacy of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph, on Saturday 21 March
8:00am – 10:00am at Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry, 33 Barina Downs Rd, Baulkham Hills. Cost: $20 per person (breakfast included). Guest speaker: Sr Virginia Bourke rsj. Bookings essential. All women are welcome.

Download promotional material here.

Easter Triduum Youth Event – Light to the Nations: 2-5 April
2–5 April 2026 (Holy Thursday–Easter Sunday) at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville. A Holy Week pilgrimage for young adults (18+; ages 16–17 with an adult) featuring prayer, worship, camping and Easter liturgies. Hosted by the Disciples of Jesus Community.

Download promotional material here.

Winbourne Retreat Centre Spirituality for Modern Life: 21 March

The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day on ‘Jesus – Christ yesterday, today and tomorrow’ on Saturday 21 March from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Christ’s life offers a blueprint for our own, yet we must still discern how to live that pattern within our own experience. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org.

Winbourne Retreat Centre Labyrinth Reflection Day: 15 April

The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a Labyrinth reflection day on Wednesday 15 April from 10am to 3pm. Focussing on “finding peace despite turmoil”, the retreat will be a mainly quiet reflection day with an introduction to labyrinth walking for those who are unfamiliar. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org.

Divine Retreat Centre offerings for March 2026

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout March. For more information and bookings, please contact (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org for more information.

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