News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 29 March 2026
Positions Vacant:
- Catholic Chaplain – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains
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.
Annual CYP Good Friday Night Walk: 3 April
You are invited to the Good Friday Night Walk, an annual pilgrimage attended by 1000+ young people from across Western Sydney each year. Beginning late on Good Friday night and continuing into the early hours of Holy Saturday, this overnight pilgrimage invites participants to journey together in prayer, reflection and reverence as we retrace the steps of Christ during the Easter Triduum.
The pilgrimage begins at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, and concludes at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, with an expected arrival at approximately 7:00am. Registration is compulsory. To register or find our more information, visit parracatholic.org/gfnw If you are interested in supporting the walk as a volunteer, please contact sebastian.duhau@parracatholic.org
Download promotional material here.
Adult Confirmations 2026
The Office for Worship will host a Catechesis and Formation Day for those candidates (16+) interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. This will be on Saturday 29th August, 9.30am – 2.00pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown. A light lunch will be provided on the day. It is recommended that all sponsors attend the catechesis day. A contribution of $40 is suggested from the candidates to assist in covering the Catechesis Day.
The Confirmation will take place on Tuesday 1st September, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Cathedral. Please Note: Enrolment forms and a copy of Baptismal Certificates should be sent to OFW before Monday 18th August, 2026. For more information, please contact the Office for Worship ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
A conversation with the Sisters of Saint Joseph on Homelessness: 23 April
In partnership with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, join us for an hour-long conversation on zoom at 5.00pm on Thursday 23 April to raise some possible responses to the urging of the 2025 Bishops’ Statement: Signs of Hope on the Edge. If you would like to participate in this conversation, please register by Wednesday 1 April: https://parracatholic.org/events/online-conversation-homelessness/
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
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
Vinnies Frederic Ozanam Mass & Commissioning: 30 April
Vincentian members and staff are invited for a special Mass and the commissioning of Central Council President Leon Ross, celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long. Thursday, 30th April at 12:30 pm, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Mass will be followed by light refreshments in the Parish Hall. RSVP by Friday, 24 April to Earnest Henry: 0466 564 022 or Earnest.Henry@vinnies.org.au
Be The Witness: Casting, Chorus and September Performances Announced
Be The Witness – The Musical, endorsed by Bishop Vincent, is progressing strongly. Acclaimed local theatre director Jon‑Claire Lee has been appointed, rehearsals are underway with a 60‑member chorus, and performances are confirmed at Riverside Theatres, 10–16 September 2026, including school matinees on 15–16 September. Casting Call for lead roles, Choreographer call and Marketing, Social Media volunteer opportunities are now open. Email twsydau@gmail.com or register @bethewitness.com.au
Download promotional materials here.
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.
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
Yard Maintenance role Wanted for House of Welcome Volunteer role
House of Welcome is seeking a volunteer for general yard maintenance (lawn mowing, whipper snipper, weeding, pruning) in South Granville on a weekly basis. House of Welcome provides personalised support for people seeking asylum and refugees. Through transitional housing, trauma-informed casework, employment assistance, emergency support, and advocacy, we meet essential needs and empower our clients to rebuild their lives. For further information: Jacqui Clark: J.clark@houseofwelcome.org.au
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 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.
