News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 19 July 2026
Positions Vacant:
- Housekeeper Supervisor – Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park
- Sacramental Coordinator – St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith
More details at: parracatholic.org/jobs
Catholic Outlook magazine out now
The latest Catholic Outlook magazine is out now, keeping you connected with news and events across the Diocese of Parramatta. Inside this edition, you’ll find: Celebrating 40 years as a Diocese, Catholic entrepreneurs providing hospitality and welcome, Giving thanks for our new Deacons, Hospitality in our Parishes … and much more. Pick up a copy at your local parish or read online at catholicoutlook.org/e-edition
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities for July 2026
There are several face-to-face Safeguarding Training opportunities available throughout July 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
Rosary Workshops in July 2026: 18 & 19 July
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. There are multiple workshops hosted throughout June. 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.
RCIA Seminars for parish coordinators: 29 July & 5 August
The Office for Worship team is hosting two seminars for RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) coordinators to come together to learn and ask questions about how to run an RCIA program in their parish. These workshops will be held on Wednesdays 29 July and 5 August at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown at 7pm.
For more information and to register please see the website https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?topic=rcia or contact ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
Get #Active4Vocations: Spur on our City2Surf team and Holy Spirit Seminarians
This National Vocations Awareness Week, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and our Holy Spirit Seminarians will get #Active4Vocations in City2Surf on Sunday 9 August. Please pray for vocations and support our seminarians as they take on the 14km journey from Sydney to Bondi to promote priestly vocations. Spur them on with a donation at tinyurl.com/Active4Vocations. If you feel called to the priesthood, visit parracatholic.org/contribute/discern-my-vocation/priesthood
From stories to solidarity – A table talk on Homelessness: 9 August
Join us for an afternoon of conversation, connection and community as we explore how relationships can inspire meaningful action on housing insecurity and homelessness. What is the call to us as members of the Diocese of Parramatta? What strategies can we put in place? What to Expect: Light refreshments, Table conversations in mixed groups, Practical action we can take together. All are welcome! Please register at https://parracatholic.org/events/pje-table-talk-homelessness/
Diocese of Parramatta World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Launch: 12 August
Come and discover the pilgrimage to the 17th International World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea (26 July – 11 August 2027), themed “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Join us for an inspiring evening to learn about the pilgrimage, hear testimonies from past pilgrims, explore the faith and culture of the Korean Church, and enjoy fellowship with other young people. Date: 12 August 2026 Doors open at 6:30pm. Venue: Nagle College, 58A Orwell Street, Blacktown Register today at parracatholic.org/events/wyd27-launch/ We look forward to welcoming you!
Married Couples’ Retreat – Reflect, Renew & Reconnect: 5 September
Married couples are invited to a special retreat day, Reflect, Renew & Reconnect, on Saturday 5 September 2026 at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1 Marion Street, Blacktown. The day runs from 9am–4.30pm (registration from 8.30am) and includes Mass with Bishop Vincent, morning and afternoon tea, and lunch. Couples will explore topics including Expressions of Love, Living Your Vocation of Marriage, Masters of Relationship – The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work, Creating a Marriage First Aid Kit, and a Couple Prayer and Commitment Ceremony. Cost is $45 per couple. Places are strictly limited to 20 couples. Bookings are essential and close Friday 21 August. Register now at https://parracatholic.org/marriedcouplesretreat/.
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. Held on Saturday 29 August, 9.30am – 2.00pm at Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. A light lunch will be provided. 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 1 September 2026 at 7:30pm at the St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Please Note: Enrolment forms and a copy of Baptismal Certificates should be sent to OFW before Monday 18 August 2026. For more information, please contact the Office for Worship ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
Annual African Mass 2026: 27 September
The African Catholic communities of the Diocese of Parramatta, in collaboration with the Diocesan Office for Migrant Chaplaincies and the Nigerian and Ghanaian Chaplaincies, warmly invite you to the African Mass 2026. Join us on Sunday 27 September from 1pm–5pm at Mary Queen of the Family Parish (St Patrick’s Church), 51–59 Allawah Street, Blacktown, for a vibrant celebration of faith, culture and community. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided following Mass. All are welcome.
Across our Parishes
Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit at Our Lady of the Rosary, St Mary’s: 13-26 July
Out of love for the Eucharist, St Carlo Acutis created a website that compiled the details of every recorded Eucharistic miracle. These miracles are moments of extraordinary grace, where Christ’s real presence in the Sacred Host is manifested in some physical way. The Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition has since been made available for display in parishes throughout the world where people are able to spend time learning about these extraordinary events as a community of faith.
Throughout this year, the Diocese of Parramatta is displaying the Exhibition at various parishes for people to come and see.
Our Lady of the Rosary will be the second host parish from Monday 13th to Sunday 26th July.
Eucharistic Seminar – The Resurrection and the Eucharist: 25 July
Join Fr Matthew Dimian on Saturday 25 July from 4:00–5:30pm, at Our Lady of the Rosary, St Marys, for a seminar on the topic ‘The Resurrection and the Eucharist’, held as part of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibition, running until 26 July. RSVP at https://parracatholic.org/events/eucharistic-seminar-25-july/
‘Be The Witness’ Musical: 10-13 September
Arrives at Riverside Theatres Parramatta, 10–13 September. Presented by Mary Queen of the Family Parish, with a full cast and chorus now in place and rehearsals beginning this weekend, excitement is building. Gather your parish and book now at bethewitness.com.au
Baulkham Hills Parish Grow in Faith Program for Adults: From 10 August
The Baulkham Hills Parish community will be hosting a new series of Catholic talks every Monday and Thursday at 7:30pm. starting Monday, 10 August. These evenings are open to everyone aged 14 and above— for those who have been practising their faith for years, those who have drifted away from the Church, and anyone simply curious about the Christian faith. Sessions will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Baulkham Hills in the Parish Hall (underneath the church). For more information, call Lucas 0428 813 256.
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.
The theme for 2026 is “Totus Tuus” (“Totally Yours”). There will be a decade of the rosary, reflection and personal prayer at each church. Adoration and Confession will be available at times also. This event is perfect for active women who would like to spend a day in prayer whilst pushing themselves physically in order to pray for themselves or family. Water, snacks and light lunch provided. Registration is essential $20 www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1569560 For more info call Victoria on 0494173359 or email bethanypilgrimage@gmail.com
Kenthurst Parish Dinner Dance: Friday 18 September
All are welcome to attend the St Madeleine’s Dinner Dance on Friday 18th September at 6.30pm at the Dural Club, 662A Old Northern Road, Dural. Cost is $130 and includes a three-course dinner. To enquire about tickets or how you can donate to the silent auction (goods, services or monetary contributions), please contact Sally Coppini on stmadsdinnerdance@gmail.com.
Download promotional material and a flyer on how to donate 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.
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.
Other Notices
Eucharist28 Update – This is My Body, Given For You
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 catechetical material to help your parish and community prepare for this moment, head to eucharist28.org/resources
Homecoming Silent Retreat 28-30th August, Carmel House, Varroville
“His father saw him, ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Lk 15: 20. Your heavenly Father waits for you to come away with him for a weekend of silently soaking in his great love for you. Embrace this opportunity for encountering deep peace and serenity. This retreat is for men and women aged 18+. Hosted by the MGL Sisters. Choose from a weekend retreat or extend your time with a 5 day retreat option. w/e: https://www.trybooking.com/DIDBK extended: https://www.trybooking.com/DIDBU
Got your wedding plans under control?
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: Aug 8-9, Nov 14-15, Feb 13-14
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.
