News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 18 October 2026
Design the Catholic Outlook Magazine front cover for Christmas 2026!
We’re inviting you to design the front cover of the Catholic Outlook Magazine’s Christmas and Summer 2026 edition! People of all ages from across the Diocese of Parramatta are welcome to submit their artwork for consideration. Let’s make this Advent and Christmas season a canvas of faith and joy – together. Submit your entry by Friday 6 November 2026 – with a short description of your artwork – via parracatholic.org/artcomp
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
Faith in Action – The Radical Love Story of Dorothy Day: 19 October
You are invited to an evening of conversation with Martha Hennessy, peace activist and member of the Catholic Worker Movement, co-founded by her grandmother Dorothy Day: Monday 19 October 2026, 5:30pm – 8:00pm, at Parramatta Mission, 119 Macquarie St, Parramatta. Registration is essential. Please register online at tinyurl.com/dorothyday-parra
2026 LIFTED Live in the Forecourt: 24 October
All are welcome to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on Saturday, 24 October for LIFTED Live in the Forecourt 2026. Join hundreds of young people and families for a Youth Mass at 6pm followed by festivities in the forecourt. Encounter the variety of talent and passion of Western Sydney and Blue Mountains, with live performances, inflatable games, small businesses, adoration and more. Register by visiting parracatholic.org/lifted-live
Music Workshop for Advent: 5 November
All musicians in the diocese are invited to attend the Office for Worship’s upcoming music workshop on November 5th. Mr Eric Grella will focus this workshop on choosing music that is suitable for the liturgical season of Advent and will be present to answer any questions you may have. It will be held on Thursday 5th Nov at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre from 7pm-8:30pm. Please register via parracatholic.org/music-workshop
Rosary Making Workshops: Next on 5 November
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: 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
The FaithFeed ECHO: 6 November
Looking for a space that brings together creativity, music and meaningful conversations? Searching for a place where gifts among those in their 20s, 30s and 40s can be celebrated and empowered? Register for TFF ECHO – an experience from The FaithFeed. Food, drink and live music provided! Doors open at 7pm with live music from a 7:30pm start. Register via parracatholic.org/events/the-faithfeed-echo
Serving at the Altar Workshop: 14 November
A day of ongoing formation for acolytes and ministers of the altar will be held at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre on Saturday 14 November, 2026 from 9:30am-3pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Topics covered: Basic structure of the Mass: including how various rites can be inserted into the Mass, practical scenarios of planning celebrations, the use of incense, benediction, planning Mass with the Bishop and time for all your questions. Please register by 9 November at parracatholic.org/events/ofw
Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass: 15 November
Join us for the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass to be held on Sunday 15 November at 2:30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, followed by afternoon tea. Those celebrating a significant wedding anniversary will receive a certificate. If you would like to attend, please register your full names, years married, and numbers attending via parracatholic.org/events/wedding-anniversary-mass by 6 November.
Download promotional material here.
Parramatta Street Feast: 17 November
You are warmly invited to the Parramatta Street Feast, a Festival of Welcome: 17 November 2026, 10:45am–2:30pm, St Patrick’s Cathedral Precinct, Parramatta. It’s a space for people from all walks of life to come together in a spirit of community, solidarity and friendship, and to enjoy delicious food, free services, creative activities and great music! You can support the Street Feast as a volunteer, or share your talent by hosting an activity table. Find out more and express your interest at parracatholic.org/streetfeast
WYD27 Songwriting Competition: Submissions close 16 December
Young people of the Diocese of Parramatta, we want your original song to inspire our pilgrims on their journey to World Youth Day! Open to individuals or groups aged 16–35. All musical genres welcome. Find out more and submit your song via our WYD27 website: parrawyd.org
Across our Parishes
Free Legal Clinic at Catholic Care, Springwood every Monday (fortnightly)
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.
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
Catholic Theological College: Online information session for prospective students: 26 October
Catholic Theological College would like to invite you to our online information session on Monday 26 October at 7pm (AEDT). In this session, you will 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. Interested participants may register via Google Forms. Registration is essential.
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.
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 website: www.engagedencounter.org.au Choose any of the coming Weekends: Nov 14-15, Feb 13-14, May 22-23.
MGL Sisters “Alive” Family Retreat Day: 14 November
The MGL Sisters warmly welcome you and your family to the “Alive” Family Retreat Day to unleash the power of the Holy Spirit. When: 9am – 4pm on November 14 2026. Where: Our Lady of Mt Carmel parish hall. Why: Your family has been carefully chosen and put together by God and has an important mission entrusted only to you. Discover as a family the power of the Holy Spirit to live with boldness and love! This is an interactive retreat, beginning with the 9am Mass at Our Lady of Mt Carmel parish, Varroville and then moving over to the parish hall for a day of inputs and activities that all ages in your whole family can enjoy. As it can be difficult to cater safely for dietary needs and preferences these days, we ask that you bring your own lunch and snacks that you know your own family will enjoy. Further information and Registration: trybooking.com?DIDCJ
