News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 19 April 2026
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.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities for May 2026
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Renewal Training will be held on 2 May at St Joseph’s Parish, Kingswood. More training opportunities are available throughout May at different parishes. 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
Commissioning Mass of Liturgical Ministers: 12 May
All liturgical ministers – readers, servers, extra ordinary ministers are invited to join us for our Annual Commissioning Mass of Liturgical Ministers. Families and friends are also invited. This celebration will take place at 7:30pm on 12 May 2026, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Liturgical ministers are asked to please arrive by 7pm and be seated by 7:15pm. To register the number of guests and ministers attending please register by Thursday, 7th May. To register please contact ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
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 20 April: https://parracatholic.org/events/online-conversation-homelessness/
Download promotional material here.
Music Workshop ‘Exploring Music for the Solemnities’: 5 May
Musicians throughout the Parramatta Diocese and beyond are invited to attend this workshop led by MET Music Formation Facilitator Eric Grella. On Tuesday 5 May to the Bishop Bede Heather Centre 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown, the workshop will outline suggested hymns and explore music new and old for the many Solemnities and Feasts that occur in the period of Eastertide. Please RSVP by 1 May via https://parracatholic.org/events/music-workshop-exploring-music-for-the-solemnities. For enquiries, please contact ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
Download promotional material here.
Rosary Workshops in May
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 evening will be held on the following days: Tuesday 5 May at Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, from 7pm. Wednesday 20th May at Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown from 7pm Cost: $5 per person – payable on arrival (includes all materials). To register and for more information, please visit parracatholic.org/rosary-workshops or ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
Download promotional material here.
Ministry of Care courses: 3-24 June
Those who visit the sick and are involved in the Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying in Hospitals, Aged Care Facilities and in Homes are invited to attend this course on the Ministry of Care. The course will take place every Wednesday in June at 7pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Please register via parracatholic.org/ministry-of-care-courses to reserve your spot. For enquiries, please contact ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
Download promotional material here.
Nominations open for the 2026 Papal & Diocesan Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Papal and Diocesan Awards, recognising individuals – both religious and lay – who have made outstanding contributions to the Catholic Church and its community. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised? Nominations close at midnight on 30 June 2026. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit parracatholic.org/contribute/papal-diocesan-awards/
Across our Parishes
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
Corpus Christi Adoration at Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill
On the Feast of Corpus Christi, Mary Immaculate Parish Quakers Hill will have the Blessed Sacrament exposed between their Sunday Masses: following the end of the 7:30am Mass to the start of the 5:30pm Mass. Everyone is welcome to come especially between 1:15pm to 5:15pm as the church will be open and quiet for personal reflection. For more information, please contact the parish office on 9626-3326 or email on parishoffie@maryimmac.org.au
Free Legal Clinic – Catholic Care, Emerton
Catholic Care offers free weekly legal advice every Thursday from 11am at 11 Emert Parade, Emerton. Areas covered include Family Law, Care and Protection, Local Court matters, Wills and Estates, and Traffic Offences. Bookings are recommended – call 8843 2500. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Download promotional materials here.
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
Billings Ovulation Method® Short Course: 15 and 16 May
Are you a Doctor or other Health Professional interested in the science underpinning the Billings Ovulation Method®? This short course will give participants sufficient knowledge to give women an overview of this method of natural fertility regulation. CALL: 1800 335 860 for further information EMAIL to: jennykelly@thebillingsovulationmethod.org
Download promotional materials here.
Sistine Chapel Revelations – An Immersive Exhibition: 16 May to 19 July
Experience the Sistine Chapel: Revelations immersive exhibition at St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt, Sydney (16 May–19 July 2026). Discover breathtaking digital recreations, sacred art, and the story of salvation. Book tickets at sistinechapelsydney.com.au.
Engaged Encounter courses for 2026
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. For further information visit our web site: www.engagedencounter.org.au Choose any of the coming Weekends: May 23-24, Aug 8-9, Nov 14-15
