News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 13 September 2026
Positions Vacant:
- Parish Secretary – St Madeline’s Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst
- Paralegal & Compliance Support – Diocese of Parramatta
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.
Catholic Outlook Magazine out now | Season of Creation & Spring Edition 2026
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 the Special Year of Saint Francis, our Papal and Diocesan award winners, why St Francis’ message is right for our time, a profile on the new Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains … and much more. Pick up a copy at your local parish or read online at catholicoutlook.org/e-edition
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: 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
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.
At the Well Gathering – Half Day Retreat: 19 September
Centred on the theme “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song,” we will explore the hope at the heart of our faith and what it means to carry that hope in our everyday lives. Whether you’re looking for community, creativity or formation, this Half Day Retreat has something for you. $35 per person. Limited spots are available. Register at https://parracatholic.org/events/at-the-well-retreat/ to secure your place!
Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying Formation course: 17 October
Are you currently taking Communion to the sick and dying in the Diocese of Parramatta? If so, please join the Office for Worship for a day of ongoing formation to further your knowledge and understanding of this important topic. Saturday 17 Oct from 9:30am – 2pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Morning tea and Lunch provided. For more information and to register before 14 Oct at parracatholic.org/events/ministry-of-communion-formation/
Express your interest to be a Stall Holder or Performer at LIFTED Live in the Forecourt 2026!
Be part of a vibrant evening filled with music, dance, activities, food, and community fun hosted by Catholic Youth Parramatta on Saturday, 24th October, within the precinct of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. We invite local performers, small business and organisations to express their interest via the links below! Expressions of Interest close Sunday 20th 11:59pm. Stall Holder EOI: https://forms.gle/9cbyafAiumdgWW1dA Performer EOI: https://forms.gle/cza7pTd48eNL9MxM6
Across our Parishes
Catholic Care WSBM – Free Legal Clinic – Fortnightly from 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.
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.
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 at Catholic Care, Emerton every Thursday
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.
Other Notices
Caritas Australia: Nepal Floods Appeal
Communities in northern Nepal are facing a humanitarian crisis after devastating flash floods swept through the Rasuwa District on 26 August. Over 1,000 people have lost their lives, many remain missing, and thousands of families have been affected. Homes, roads, bridges, schools and essential infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving vulnerable communities in urgent need of support. Caritas Australia is working with Caritas Nepal and local partners to provide lifesaving assistance, including emergency shelter, food, safe drinking water, healthcare and protection support for affected families. Together, we can provide urgent relief and hope to families rebuilding their lives in Nepal. To donate to the Caritas Australia Nepal Floods Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/nepal or call 1800 024 413.
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
Australian Catholic Historical Society – Pope Leo XIV Canon Law Thesis on Leadership in the Augustinian Order: 20 September
Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held in the crypt of Saint Patrick’s, Church Hill at 2:00 PM on Sunday 20 September. The Topic: Pope Leo XIV Canon Law Thesis on Leadership in the Augustinian Order. Presenter: Daniel Canaris. 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/
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
Engaging Your Faith (EYF) is back in October!
Catholic Theological College invites you to our EYF online presentation series. The series features nine stand-alone sessions on a range of themes, presented by CTC staff. For further details, please see the attached flyer or our website. These sessions would be an ideal opportunity to explore the possibilities offered at CTC. Interested participants may register via Humanitix.
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
Public Talk on Nurturing an Australian Spirituality – Pre-Colonisation, Colonisation and Walking Together: 1 November
Join Aboriginal Catholic leader Evelyn Parkin as she explores the meeting of Aboriginal and Christian spirituality, the impact of colonisation, and pathways for walking together. This presentation is part of a series titled the Stockton Conversation, named after the late Fr Eugene Stockton, STD, LSS, who was its inspiration and patron. Sunday 1 November 2026, 2.00pm, Mavis Wood Hall, Mid-Mountains Community Centre, 7 New Street, Lawson. All welcome.
Eucharist28 Update: Walking with Christ
The journey to Eucharist28 has begun! In the years leading up to this moment and beyond, the prayer of Eucharist28 is that across Australia, Eucharistic renewal will continue to flourish, and Eucharistic processions and pilgrimages will become a commonplace way for all to walk with Christ in their lives. Scan the QR code to access Walking With Christ: A Companion for Eucharistic Renewal, a resource designed to accompany you in your spiritual preparation for the continuing journey with Christ. To discover more, visit eucharist28.org
