News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 30 August 2026
Positions Vacant:
- Parish Secretary – St Madeline’s Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst
More details at: parracatholic.org/jobs
Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal – Honour a lifetime of faithful service
We give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers, mentors and spiritual fathers who have guided us with love, wisdom and faith. Among them are our priests, who have devoted their lives to serving God’s people. They have celebrated the Sacraments with us, prayed with us, accompanied our families and helped bring us closer to Christ. After a lifetime of faithful service, many of our senior priests now need practical care and support as they face the challenges of ageing, illness and retirement. Your generous tax-deductible gift will help care for our retired and unwell priests and ensure they can live with the dignity, care and support they deserve. Please give generously at parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal or scan the QR code. Thank you for caring for those who have spent their lives caring for us.
Rosary Making Workshops
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 craft evening will be held on the following days: 10 September, 23 September, 15 October, 5 November. Costs are $5 per person – payable on arrival (includes all materials). To register and for more information, please visit parracatholic.org/rosary-workshops
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 8:30am–4.30pm and includes Mass with Bishop Vincent, light refreshments, and lunch. Couples will explore topics including Expressions of Love, Living Your Vocation of Marriage, 7 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. Bookings are essential. Register now at parracatholic.org/marriedcouplesretreat/.
MET Natural Fertility Session: 7pm via Teams: 10 September
Are you looking for help to track your fertility cycle? Come and explore a Natural, Effective, Healthy and Scientific approach to achieve, space/avoid pregnancy or monitor women’s health. Engaged and married couples, single women, and those wanting to know more about their menstrual cycles are welcome to attend. If you’d like to learn the Creighton Model FertilityCare System https://fccau.org/ this free session is valued at $125 and gives you all the information you need to be ready for Session 2. To register or for more information visit parracatholic.org/natural-fertility
Music Workshop for Weddings & Funerals: 10 September
All musicians in the diocese are invited to attend the Office for Worship’s new upcoming music workshop on 10 September at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre from 7pm-8:30pm. Mr Eric Grella will focus this workshop on choosing music that is suitable for weddings and funerals and will be present to answer any questions you may have. Please register via parracatholic.org/music-workshop
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
Neocatechumenal Way Community Grow in Faith Program for Adults: From 10 August
The Neocatechumenal Way Community from Baulkham Hills Parish 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.
‘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
Catholic Care WSBM – Free Legal Clinic – Fortnightly starting 7 September
Access FREE legal advice on matters including Family Law, Care and Protection, Local Court matters, Wills and Estates, Traffic offences. When: Every second Monday from 11 am starting 7 September. Where: Catholic Care, 3/163 Macquarie Rd, Springwood. To make a booking call (02) 8843 2500 or (02) 8843 2545. Walk-ins welcome.
Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni at Mary Immaculate Parish Quakers Hill-Schofields: 5-7 September
The parish community warmly invites all parishioners and families to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni at Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill. Triduum Novena Masses 5–7 September 2026 Rosary: 6:30 pm Mass: 7:00 pm Feast Day Mass Tuesday, 8 September 2026 7:00 pm Come and honour Our Lady of Vailankanni, seeking her intercession for good health, healing and blessings for our families and communities. All are welcome to join in prayer and fellowship. “Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us.”
Catholic Care WSBM – Suicide Memorial Service: 10 September
Catholic Care WSBM, together with White Lady Funerals, invite you to a memorial service to remember loved ones who have died by suicide or tragically lost their lives. Join us on 10 September at 11am at Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. The service will include the opportunity to plant a rose bush in our Garden of Remembrance, followed by light refreshments. Free to attend, please RSVP by 7 Sept to Lisa 0439 917 129 or Christy 4731 4385.
Catholic Care WSBM – Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Day at Mamre House & Farm: 13 October
Catholic Care and White Lady Funerals will be holding a memorial service followed by the opportunity to place a plant in memory of your lost loved one in our Garden of Remembrance. Where: Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. Free to attend, please RSVP by 8 October to Lisa 0439 917 129 or Christy 4731 4385.
Be a Witness to the Holy Shroud of Turin Exhibition at St Patrick’s Cathedral: 6-13 September
An extraordinary opportunity to encounter the mystery and history of the Holy Shroud of Turin. Show in the Chapel St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta from 6–9 September 2026 — Open all day. 10–13 September 2026 — Open till late. And while you’re there, experience Be the Witness, a powerful musical exploring the life of Jesus through the eyes of Peter from 10–13 September 2026 at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta.
Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Jubilee Year Celebration: 13 September
The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary is pleased to invite you to the Centenary Jubilee Celebration of the international community at Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. The day will begin with a Solemn Holy Mass followed by light refreshments and an official program. Date: Sunday, 13th September 2026 Main celebrant: The Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP (Archbishop of Sydney). Please be seated by 9:45am for a 10am start. The celebration is to conclude at approximately 3pm. RSVP is required for catering purposes by 1st September 2026. Parish or chaplaincy bus groups are encouraged, and reservation is essential for parking purposes. Please ensure you arrive early to secure a parking space. General parking will be available onsite in the valley.
Parish Feast Day Triduum & Celebration at St. Padre Pio Parish: 17-20 September
All are welcome to join St. Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park in celebrating the Feast Day of St Padre Pio. A 3-day Triduum Novena and Mass will be held on Thursday 17 Sept and Friday 18 Sept at 7:00pm and on Saturday 19 September at 5.30pm. On Sunday 20 September, a procession will start at 10am, followed by the Feast Day Mass, Veneration, Blessing with his Relic and fellowship meal. For any enquiries: (02) 4789 2232 or glenmorepark@parracatholic.org
Westmead Parish Gala Dinner: Friday 18 September
Join Sacred Heart Parish (Westmead) in celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, Friday 18 Sept, 6:30pm at Waterview Function Centre, Bicentennial Park. Following canapes on arrival, the evening includes a three-course dinner, DJ entertainment, raffles and auctions, with all funds going towards building the new parish church. For ticket enquiries, contact the parish office: office@sacredheartwestmead.com.au or see flyer on website: sacredheartwestmead.com.au/
Baulkham Hills Parish Gala Dinner: Friday 18 September
Join Baulkham Hills Parish for a memorable evening in support of their treasured heritage-listed church on Friday 18 September at 6:00pm at Fontana Amarosa, 49 Balmoral St, Blacktown. The evening includes a three-course dinner, live band & DJ, raffles and auction prizes. To buy tickets, call (02) 9639 0598 or email admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au.
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
Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Gathering 2026: 3-4 September
Caritas Australia and Catholic Religious Australia warmly invite you to participate in the Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Gathering 2026: Listen, Reflect, Act, a national online event on 3–4 September 2026. The Gathering offers inspiring keynote presentations and practical workshops to help participants deepen their faith and respond to the call to care for our common home. Parishioners can register individually for $20. Groups can register for $100 to join online from the same location.Learn more and register: www.caritas.org.au/soc-gathering
Pro-life rally outside NSW Parliament House: 15 September
A pro-life rally is to be held outside NSW Parliament House, at 6pm on Tuesday September 15th in support of a bill banning the practice of sex-selective abortion. A show of significant numbers will greatly help this cause as we advocate for the protection of all unborn children and particularly our baby girls who are especially vulnerable. They have no voice but ours. Please do all you can to attend and bring others with you. This will be a family friendly event. More information can be found at: https://www.drjoannahowe.com.au/nswrallyforlifeseptember2026
Eucharist28 Update: Eternal Life in the Eucharist
The International Eucharistic Congress (‘Eucharist28’) is coming to Sydney in 2028! At every Mass, the celebration of the Eucharist is a moment of communion, where we are united in Christ, whose body and blood we share. In the Scriptures, Jesus tells us, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (John 6:54). This invitation is for everyone, even those who have died. At each Mass, the Church offers the Eucharistic sacrifice for the faithful departed, that they may experience eternal life and unity with Christ. To discover more, visit eucharist28.org
Divine Retreat Centre: August Events
The Divine Retreat Centre offers a peaceful sanctuary for individuals and families seeking spiritual growth and healing, centred on the devotion to the Divine Mercy. Each month, they host residential retreats, one-day prayer services and personal retreats. For more information: divineretreatcentre.org/events
ARISE AND SHINE Retreat: Saturday 26 September
From 1:00 – 5:30 pm Rosary + Praise and Worship + Talk + Prayer of Empowerment + Fellowship Speaker: MARINA GEORGE Catholic preacher, who loves sharing her deep relationship with God the Father, Love of God the Son and the Holy Spirit Venue: St Joseph’s Parish Hall, 11 Walz St. Rockdale, NSW (Parking ENTRY at Parker St.) Booking Essential, Afternoon Tea Provided Enquiries: Helen: 0433 455 114 Esperance: 0407 749 182 E: jlowcommunity@gmail.com
MGL Sisters Creative Healing Retreat: October 16-18
Handmade: Creative Healing Retreat October 16-18, Carmel House, Varroville In his hand is the life of every creature” Job 12:10 Come away for a weekend of reflection on how carefully God has made and upheld your life through different creative prayer experiences. This retreat is for both men and women. Hosted by the MGL Sisters. Registration link: www.trybooking.com/DIDCB
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.
