News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession volunteers needed: 4 June
This year, for the Feast of Corpus Christi the Diocese of Parramatta and the Maronite Eparchy are coming together for a vibrant Eucharistic Procession from Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral to St Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday 4 June at 6pm. The team need more volunteers, click here to register.
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 7 June 2026
Positions Vacant:
- Housekeeper Supervisor – Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park
- Parish Secretary – St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
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.
CYP Annual LIFTED Retreat for 18-35’s: 3-5 July
Join young people from Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains at Catholic Youth Parramatta’s annual LIFTED Retreat for 18–35-year-olds. (3-5 July at Benedict XVI Retreat Centre, Grose Vale.) Together we will enter a weekend of connection, prayer and reflection on the theme of Abundance, inspired by John 10:10. Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey, looking for community or need a mid-year renewal, the LIFTED Retreat welcomes you with open arms. Limited spots available. Registrations close 19 June. parracatholic.org/events/lifted-young-adults
CYP Annual LIFTED Retreat for year 10-12’s: 15 July
You’re invited to LIFTED Retreat! A one-day retreat for 16-17 year olds from across the Diocese at St Paul’s, Winston Hills on Thursday, 15 July. Together we will enter a weekend of connection, prayer and reflection on the theme of Abundance, inspired by John 10:10. Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey, looking for community or need a mid-year renewal, the LIFTED Retreat welcomes you with open arms. Limited spots available. Registrations close 19 June. parracatholic.org/events/lifted-high-school
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities for June 2026
There are several face-to-face Safeguarding Training opportunities available throughout June at several 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.
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 closing soon 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
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth invite women 18-35 for one day discernment retreat on Saturday, 4 July 2026, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at 116–132 Quakers Road, Marayong. The retreat offers Mass, adoration, inspiring talks, small group sharing, and quiet reflection time. Bring your questions, your hopes, and an open heart as we listen to God together. Cost is free.
St Thomas Aquinas Parish raffle: Prizes drawn 15 August
Our Online Parish Raffle to help raise funds towards the construction of a new presbytery for our priest, together with a two-storey residence that will be leased to help ease some of the parish’s ongoing financial commitments. This important project will provide suitable accommodation to support the long-term pastoral and spiritual care of our parish community. Funds raised will also contribute towards essential maintenance and improvement works throughout the parish, helping preserve and strengthen our facilities for future generations.
Drawn online: 12:00 PM, Saturday 15 August. Purchase tickets here: https://www.raffletix.com.au/stthomasaquinas
Every ticket purchased helps support the future mission and ministry of our parish. We sincerely thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support.
Download promotional materials here.
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.
Other Notices
Eucharist28 Update – Hearts Set Ablaze!
The International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028 (‘Eucharist28’) will be a global gathering of the Church centred on the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian lives, culminating in a Papal Mass with Pope Leo XIV. It will be a festival of faith, rich with worship, prayer, testimonies, art, music – a truly ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, and a transformative moment for our nation. For more information and regular updates, please register on the website: eucharist28.org
Tim Fischer Oration 2026: 17 June
The third Tim Fischer Oration for Ethics in Public and Political Life will be held on Wednesday 17 June, 6:00–8:00pm at Rosehill Gardens, NSW. Dr Mary Healy will present Citizens of the Kingdom in a Secular Age. Parishioners are encouraged to sponsor Years 11–12 students. Register at tfo.org.au.
Catholic Theological College information session: 15 June
Catholic Theological College is running an online information session on Monday 15 June at 7pm (AEST). In this session participants meet our course advisors and learn about study options at CTC, including the wide range of courses and units that can be undertaken online and/or face-to-face. To learn more and register visit https://ctc.edu.au/news-and-events/information-sessions/
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
Christian Unity Ecumenical Concert for Unity: 14 June
OneSydney: Together in Christ is a groundbreaking ecumenical gathering that brings together believers from more than 55 denominations at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Sunday, 14 June 2026 for two performances at 2 PM (Matinee) and 7 PM (Evening). Website & Bookings: www.onesydney.org
Australian Catholic Historical Society event in the crypt of Saint Patrick’s, Church Hill: 2PM on Sunday 21 June
The Topic: Still Relevant? Fr Julian Tenison Woods in the Twenty-First Century. Presenter: Fr Roderick O’Brien. Members, their guests, and visitors are most welcome and there is no charge. Details of the programme of the ACHS as well as resources on church history and YouTube videos are on the website https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/
MGL Sisters “Gardens” Retreat Day: 27 June
Spend a day reflecting on how while we experience pain, grief and loss in life, we can also discover in such moments that God is renewing us and doing “a new thing” (Rev 21:4) within us. The day will begin with mass at 9am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish, Varroville and end at 4pm. Afternoon & morning tea provided. BYO Lunch Cost: $25. Please rsvp at https://www.trybooking.com/DIDBD or contact us on 0402 602 520.
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.
