News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 8 November 2026
Online Information Session on the Undergraduate Certificate of Theology: 11 November
An online information session is being held on Wednesday 11 November at 8pm, for all those interested in the Undergraduate Certificate of Theology being offered by BBI Taite in partnership with the Diocese of Parramatta. Learn more about the course structure, delivery modes and assessment from Profession Gerard Moore, BBI Taite Principal and Course Coordinator. Register here: parracatholic.org/connect/events/?topic=theology
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities for November 2026
There are several face-to-face Safeguarding Training opportunities available throughout November 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
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
Advent Scripture Reflection with Dr Michele Connolly RSJ: 21 November
Prepare for Advent with a guided Scripture reflection led by Dr Michele Connolly RSJ on Saturday, 21 November, from 3pm to 5pm at Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains. Hospitality from 2.30pm. All welcome!
Local World Youth Day & the Feast of Christ the King Mass: 22 November
Join us at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, 22 November at 11am for Mass celebrating Local World Youth Day and the Feast of Christ the King. Give thanks for our youth leaders and celebrate the commissioning of 2027 leaders. Light refreshments follow. All welcome!
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
Red November Mass for persecuted Christians: 25 November
Join us at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta as we pray in solidarity with persecuted and suffering Christians around the world. Celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, join us on Wednesday 25 November at 7:30 pm. A collection will be taken up to support the work of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Pontifical Foundation supporting the suffering and persecuted Church. Learn more: www.rednovember.org
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
Red November – Aid to the Church in Need Australia and New Zealand
ACN is the Pontifical Foundation dedicated to supporting the suffering and persecuted Church. During this Red November, we invite you to pray, support and act in solidarity with 388+ million Christians persecuted for their faith. Around the world, churches and public buildings will light up in red as a symbol of the sacrifice and suffering of our modern-day martyrs. In Australia and New Zealand, over 20 Cathedrals will be lit in red, with some holding Masses and prayer vigils for persecuted Christians. Visit www.rednovember.org to learn more.
Australian Catholic Historical Society – “The Evidence of Trauma upon Frontline AIF Chaplains in WWI”: 15 November
The next event for the Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held in the crypt of Saint Patrick’s, Church Hill at 2:00 PM on Sunday 15 November. The Topic: The Evidence of Trauma upon Frontline AIF Chaplains in WWI. Presenter: Mark Edwards. 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 “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
Inner Healing Residential Retreat: 13 November
A grace-filled weekend of prayer, renewal and spiritual enrichment, featuring: Praise & Worship, Inspirational Talks, Holy Mass, Healing Adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Quiet Time of Prayer & Reflection, Personal Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Hosted by the Vincentian Fathers of DIVINE RETREAT CENTRE, 160 Hensons Road, Somersby NSW 2250. Registration Link: Click here 0451 318 173 ✉️ drcretreatrego@gmail.com
Maronite Youth Australia Spring Festival in Bass Hill: 20-21 November
Raising funds for the South Lebanon Appeal, proceeds will support families and help rebuild lives in communities affected by the ongoing conflict along the border. Details: Fri 20 Nov, 6pm–11pm; Sat 21 Nov, 4pm–11pm at 703 Hume Highway, Bass Hill. Entry is free and open to everyone. Guests can enjoy viral foods and desserts from local vendors, live music, rides and games, and market stalls from Sydney’s faith-inspired makers such as Project Sainthood, Linked By Faith and Little Saints by Norma.
One-Day Worship Pilgrimage: 29 November
Praise & Worship • Preaching of the Word • Eucharistic Adoration • Holy Mass. All our welcome. No booking required. BYO lunch. Hosted by the Vincentian Fathers of DIVINE RETREAT CENTRE, 160 Hensons Road, Somersby NSW 2250.
Christmas Fete at Bodington Wentworth Falls: 4 December
Catholic Healthcare is raising funds to help our residents tick off their bucket list wishes — every contribution makes a difference! Date: 4 December 2026. Time: 4.30pm – 7pm. Location: 6 Bodington Drive (off Tableland Rd), Wentworth Falls.Enjoy local stalls, a toy raffle, refreshments, BBQ, and festive fun for all. Come celebrate community, joy, and the spirit of giving!
