News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 17 May 2026
Positions Vacant:
- Housekeeper Supervisor – Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park
- Parish Secretary – St Monica’s Catholic Church, Richmond
More details at: parracatholic.org/jobs
Bishop’s Good Works Appeal
Across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, people turn to the Church for care, hope, guidance and belonging. Through the Bishop’s Good Works Appeal, our Diocese supports vital ministries including Holy Spirit Seminary, Catholic Care, the Ephpheta Centre and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Over the coming weeks, this Appeal will support Holy Spirit Seminary at Harris Park, helping form the future priests our Diocese will need in the years ahead. Your generosity provides education, spiritual formation, pastoral training and safe accommodation for seminarians as they answer God’s call. Please give generously at parracatholic.org/appeal or scan the QR code. Thank you for supporting the future priests of our Church.
Annual Laudato Si’ Week: Saturday 17 May – Sunday 24 May
Join the Catholic Church across Australia and Catholics around the world in celebrating Laudato Si’ Week. This annual commemoration of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ encourages us to care more deeply for God’s creation. This Laudato Si’ Week and Pentecost, let us gather in community to nurture “seeds of hope” for our suffering planet. Can we also continue to pray as Pope Leo XIV encourages us to offer “a prayer to the Lord who conquered death without weapons or violence.” You can find more ideas for contemplation and action, resources, and events in the following sections:
Laudato Si: LaudatoSiWeek.org
Caritas: https://www.caritas.org.au/resources/parish-materials/laudato-si-week-parish/
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities for May 2026
There are several face-to-face Safeguarding Training opportunities 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
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.
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: 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
National Reconciliation week: Mount Druitt Reconciliation Walk (23 May)
Please join Catholic Care and Holy Family Parish Emerton at the Reconciliation Walk and Gathering on Saturday 23 May, 10am – 1pm at Dawson Mall in Mount Druitt. There will be activities for the whole family including stage entertainment, stalls, Dreamtime stories, cultural workshops, art displays and stalls. The Reconciliation Walk will commence at 11am.
Download promotional materials here.
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 parishoffice@maryimmac.org.au
Grow Food at Home: Upskill with a Local Farmer Workshop (20 May)
Penrith City Council is hosting two FREE food-growing workshops at Mamre House (181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills). You’ll learn a lot in this workshop and be empowered to start growing some of your own food, with a focus on winter harvest crops. Learn more at https://parracatholic.org/events/grow-food-at-home-workshop/
Catholic Charismatic Renewal ‘The Power of Pentecost’ annual event: 24 May
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Parramatta Diocese and Emmaus Prayer Community Greystanes is hosting PENTECOST SUNDAY – “The Power of Pentecost” on SUNDAY 24TH MAY 2026 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Greystanes from 2 pm to 4.30pm.
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
Pentecost retreat “Hearts on Fire”: 23 May
The JLOW Community welcomes you to the Pentecost Retreat on 23 May from 1-5:30pm. Rosary, praise and worship, talk, prayer of empowerment and fellowship. Venue: St Josephs Parish Hall, 11 Walz St, Rockdale. Bookings essential. Afternoon tea provided. Enquiries to: Helen (0433 455 114), Esperance (0407 749 182). E: jlowcommunity@gmail.com
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.
Engaging your faith Catholic Theological College: Commencing May 2026
Join the Engaging Your Faith workshop in May 2026, offering practical formation and reflection to help participants deepen their relationship with God and live their faith more fully in daily life. To learn more and register visit https://ctc.edu.au/news-and-events/engaging-your-faith/
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in May 2026
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout May. All are welcome, no bookings required. For more information, please visit www.divineretreatcentre.org or contact (02) 4372 1598
Stand Up – CHARIS Australia National Conference 2026: 11-13 June
Join Catholics from across Australia for a powerful weekend of renewal in the Holy Spirit and discovering your charisms. Featuring Dr Mary Healy, Bishop Tony Percy, Fr Chris Ryan MGL, Dr Katherine Ruonala and more. 11–13 June 2026 Servants of Jesus Community, 15 Park Rd, Seven Hills NSW For details/register: https://www.charisaustralia.org.au/2026-national-conference
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
Australian National University survey: Worldviews and ways of life in Australia
ANU researchers are exploring how perceptions and ways of thinking (i.e. worldviews) relate to experiences and ways of living (i.e. participation and inclusion) in Australia. Ensure your community’s representation in this meaningful research: Complete the survey (https://anu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Ao5q9gu3ysrbVQ) and forward on.
