News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Reminder:
- We congratulate members of our faith communities across the Diocese who will be recognised at the 2025 Diocesan Awards on Thursday 7 August. All are welcome to attend this event from 7pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, to celebrate these outstanding achievements.
- HOPEFEST – a Diocesan Jubilee of Hope three-day experience is being held this week from 8-10 August at St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens. For more information and to register, visit https://parracatholic.org/events/hopefest/
- The Diocese is hosting a Memorial Service during this week’s Homelessness Week on Friday 8 August from 6.30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, honouring those who have died while experiencing homelessness or hardship.
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 10 August 2025
Positions Vacant
- Training & Development Specialist – Safeguarding: Diocese of Parramatta
- Facilitator – Family Engagement: Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharings – 2025-26 Social Justice Statement: 13 August
“Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharings” are quarterly online gatherings for everyone interested in social justice, care for creation, or global peace. The next gathering on Wednesday 13 August from 6.30pm to 8pm will break open the 2025-2026 ACBC Social Justice Statement: “Signs of Hope on the Edge – Serving Homeless People with Mental Ill-Health”, which will be launched on the same day. To receive a Zoom link, please RSVP to met@parracatholic.org
Download promotional material here.
MET Natural Fertility Instruction Sessions: 19 August
MET Natural Fertility are organising a series of instruction sessions on the Natural Family Planning methods offered by the Diocese of Parramatta via Zoom. Learn how to chart your cycle, space out pregnancies and identify the best time to reach your family goals. The next session on the Sympto-Thermal Method will be held on Tuesday 19 August from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. For more information and to register, please visit parracatholic.org/natural-fertility
Download promotional material here.
Expressions of Interest now open for Australian Catholic Youth Festival: Closes 25 August
The Diocese of Parramatta will be joining the Australian Church at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne from 30 November to 3 December 2025! Join thousands of young Catholics from across Australia for an unforgettable festival featuring inspiring guest speakers, artists, and musicians. For more details and to express your interest by 25 August 2025, see parracatholic.org/connect/acyf or email qwayne.guevara@parracatholic.org
Download promotional material here.
Adult Confirmation 2025: 23 & 26 August
The Office for Worship will host a Catechesis and Formation Day for those candidates (16+) interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. The catechesis day will be on Saturday 23 August from 9.30am – 2.00pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown and the Confirmation will be on the evening of Tuesday 26 August at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. For more information and to enrol, please contact the Office for Worship on ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795 before Monday 4 August.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities: 1-3 September
The next sessions of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on the following days at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre:
- Monday 1 September for Initial training (Modules 1-3) from 9.30am to 2.30pm
- Tuesday 2 September for Renewal training (Modules 4 and 5) from 10am to 1.39pm
- Wednesday 3 September for Refresher training (Module 6) from 10am to 12noon.
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
Registrations now open Diocesan Retreat Opportunities
The diocese is hosting three retreat opportunities for adults of all ages to engage more with this Jubilee Year of Hope. Take the to step away from your usual routine to experience a diocesan retreat – a sacred space for prayer, reflection, renewal and encounter with God. Registrations are now open. For more details and to register, see the three options of retreats below:
- 16 August: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-16-august/
- 15 November: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-15-november/
Download promotional material for 16 August and 15 November.
Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal Office
The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to offer advice and assistance regarding marriage annulments and dissolution of marriages. Interviews are preferably conducted in person with Zoom and telephone interviews in special circumstances. Please contact the Tribunal Office on (02) 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org.
Volunteer Communicators Network
Are you savvy with a camera, writing or social media? We want to hear from you! Share your interest with us to support our storytelling in Catholic Outlook, our websites and social media. Name/contact details are required: parracatholic.org/communicators
Download promotional material here.
Across our Parishes
Volunteers needed at Catholic Care Emerton!
Catholic Care is looking for volunteers to help at their Walk-In Centre in Emerton on Tuesdays to Thursdays. Volunteers would assist welcoming people into the drop-in centre, greeting clients for counselling appointments, assisting the local Aunties’ yarning and art gatherings, reception of the OzHarvest food delivery and overall assistance with Catholic Care projects and programs. For more information, please contact Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500.
Volunteers needed at Catholic Care’s Mamre Creche
Are you great with young kids? Catholic Care is looking for friendly, caring volunteers to support staff during crèche sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm at Mamre House, Orchard Hills. If you enjoy spending time with young children (aged 0–5) and have a few hours to spare, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteers will need to obtain a Working with Children Check and Police Check. To help make a difference in the lives of local families, call Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500.
Fr Joseph Lam book on Pope Leo XIV
Fr Joseph Lam, Parish Priest at the Parish of Baulkham Hills, has produced a new book that explores the traces of St Augustine in the words and messages of the successors of St Peter since 2005: Benedict XVI, Francis and Leo XIV. The book is $45, with proceeds to help the renovation of the old heritage building at Baulkham Hills. To pre-order the book, please contact admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au.
Catholic Catechism and Spiritual Warfare: 16 August
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, will be hosting a talk by Fr Jose Francisco Syquia from the Archdiocese of Manila on a variety of Catholic topics on Saturday 16 August 2025 at 3:30 pm. The talk will be followed by the Vigil Mass at 5:30 pm which will be celebrated by Fr Syquia. For further information and to RSVP, please click on the link: https://forms.gle/KBGM6qjt2DsdG8uS7.
Quakers Hill Parish Our Lady of Vailankanni celebrations: 5 – 8 September
Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health – Vailankanni at Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill. Join us in honouring our Blessed Mother through prayer, fellowship and thanksgiving. Triduum Mass & Novena will be held from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 September at 7pm, with the Feast Day Mass and Rosary Procession on Monday 8 September. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9626 3326 or email quakershill@parracatholic.org.
Download promotional material here.
Kenthurst Parish Dinner Dance: 19 September
All are welcome to attend St Madeleine’s Dinner Dance on Friday 19 September at 6pm at the Dural Club, 662A Old Northern Road, Dural. Cost is $120 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 or 0407 942 986.
Download promotional material and a flyer on how to donate here.
Baulkham Hills Parish Community Fete: 21 September
Join the Baulkham Hills Parish for their Community Fete on Sunday, 21 September 2025 from 10am-4pm, at St Michael’s Primary School, Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills. There will be delicious food, music, entertainment, games and activities for all!
Baulkham Hills Parish fete September.
Noël! Noël! at St Patrick’s Cathedral
General tickets are now available for the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s much-loved Noël! Noël! concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Join us for an unforgettable evening of festive music in our beautiful church on Tuesday 16 December, 7.30pm. Tickets will sell quickly, so grab yours today by visiting https://www.brandenburg.com.au/live-concerts/events/noel-noel-2025/
Low Cost Counselling Services
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains provides low cost and affordable counselling services for individuals seeking support. Whether you’re looking for general guidance or assistance with specific challenges like grief, loss, or family matters, Catholic Care is here to help. Call Catholic Care on 8843 2500 for a friendly chat today.
Mount Schoenstatt Monthly Shrine Time for Youth and Young Adults
Join us for Monthly Holy Hour for youth and young adults at the Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa, every fourth Sunday of the month for praise, worship, silence, prayer, reflection and benediction at the Shrine. There is the opportunity to go to confession and there is a small social gathering afterwards. For further information please contact Sr M Rita via srrita@schoenstatt.org.au or 0493 026 628. Web: https://schoenstatt.org.au/
Mount Schoenstatt Monthly Shrine Time for men
Men at the Shrine is a monthly hour for men at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Mulgoa, held on the second Wednesday of the month from 8-9pm. The hour includes a brief reflection, silent personal prayer and the opportunity for confession. The Shrine has been a place of pilgrimage in the Diocese since 1968 and in 2025 is also one of the three locations in the diocese to gain the Jubilee Indulgence.
Other Notices
Caritas Australia prayer for Gaza
On a daily basis, we are all hearing reports of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has claimed over 58,000 lives to date, with tens of thousands more wounded or missing under rubble. Caritas is calling for an immediate ceasefire. Pope Leo XIV encourages us, “one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace.” Caritas Australia invites us to pray for the people of Gaza. If you are able to support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Appeal, please donate online at www.caritas.org.au/gaza or phone 1800 024 413.
Download material here: Word document with prayer and PowerPoint presentation.
National Social Justice Statement Launch – Serving Homeless People with Mental Ill-Health: 13 August
You are invited to the online launch of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2025–2026 on 13 August 2025, 12pm–1:30pm AEST. The new statement will focus on “Signs of Hope on the Edge – Serving Homeless People with Mental Ill-Health”. Please register at tinyurl.com/sjslaunch25-26
Catholic Healthcare Spiritual Care Series: From 19 August
Catholic Healthcare Mackillop House, Norwest, is hosting an 8-week Spiritual Care Series training throughout September and October. The Spiritual Care Series is a globally respected program that equips individuals with practical skills to provide meaningful Pastoral and Spiritual support to older individuals throughout the ageing journey. Experience the deep fulfilment that comes from giving back and walking alongside others on their life journey. For more information contact Adrian 0421 407 270 or complete the registration form ‘Spiritual Care Series’ (at the bottom of the page) at: https://www.catholichealthcare.com.au/volunteers
Sydney’s Picnic for Peace: 31 August
You are warmly invited to bring a plate and break bread with a stranger at Sydney’s first ever “Picnic for Peace”. It is an interfaith, cross-cultural, and intergenerational event that celebrates what Sydney is truly made of: a city of compassion, courage, and peace. Come along on 31 August 2025, 12pm – 2pm, Wentworth Common in Sydney Olympic Park. Find out more and register at picnicforpeace.org
Download promotional material: flyer and social media/website tile
Entries open for the 2025 The Good Oil Writers’ Award
Entries are invited for The Good Oil 2025 Writers’ Award, an initiative of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in partnership with Garratt Publishing. In this Jubilee Year in the Church, the theme of the award is Pilgrims of Hope. The award aims to support and encourage the development of aspiring and published writers. Entry is free and open to writers aged 18 and over. Entries close at 5pm AEST on Friday 29 August 2025. For further information, visit: https://www.goodsams.org.au/article/entries-invited-for-the-good-oil-2025-writers-award/
Australian Catholic Historical Society Gathering: 17 August
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 17 August. The topic: 60 years since Vatican II’s Nostra Aetate – What changed in the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Jewish people? The presenter is Dr Teresa Pirola, writer and faith educator with a special interest in Catholic-Jewish relations. Details of the programme of the ACHS as well as resources on church history are on the website https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 16-17 August
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. The next Engaged Encounter Weekend will be held on 16-17 August, with future dates in November and February 2026. For further information, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 17 August
You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day on Sunday 17 August from 10am to around 3pm at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia. There will be an introduction to Christian Meditation for newcomers with periods of meditation for ongoing meditators, presentations and prayer with the monks. Mass will be celebrated in the afternoon. Morning tea will be provided, but please bring your own picnic lunch. Donations are welcome. For enquiries, please contact Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or call 0437 340 250.
Responding in Mercy – Pilgrims of Hope: 10 September and 5 November
The Mercy Futures team is privileged to present Sr Áine Barrins RSM all the way from Ireland, who will be joining them in Parramatta to share her invaluable insights into Catherine McAuley, Woman of Hope. This is an unprecedented two-part presentation which will take place over our final two sessions – 10 September and 5 November. Come along and bring a friend (or few) and be part of this unique presentation. Both these sessions will also be livestreamed, and the link will be provided closer to the date. Please RSVP to mercyfuture@parrasom.org.au with any dietary requirements by 3 September (part 1) or 29 October (part 2).
Download promotional material here.
NATSICC National Assembly: 29 September – 3 October
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council’s (NATSICC) National assembly will be held from Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October in the Hunter Valley. Celebrate and explore Indigenous culture and Catholic faith together on the lands of the Wonnarua people. Assembly highlights include a keynote address from journalist Stan Grant and ‘On Country experiences’. To register and find out more, visit https://www.natsicc.org.au/2025-assembly.html
Download promotional material here.
National Liturgy and Music Conference: 1 -3 October
The National Liturgy and Music Conference “Pilgrims of Hope: Transformed through Sacrament and Song” will be held from 1-3 October at the Hilton Hotel, Adelaide. The conference builds on the theme for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Mercy: Pilgrims of Hope as it speaks to the transformative power of the liturgical event, through sacrament and song, to change hearts and to inspire God’s people to be a Church on mission to bring the joyful proclamation of the Gospel to the world. Registration is $590, with rates available for students and concessions. To register and for more information, visit https://pilgrimsofhope.com.au/
