News and Events Weekly Update

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 24 August 2025

Positions Vacant

• Training & Development Specialist – Safeguarding: Diocese of Parramatta
• Facilitator – Family Engagement: Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta
• Parish Secretary: Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville

More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/

Bishop Vincent Presents Dr Nora Nonterah: 2 September

In the next iteration of the Bishop Vincent Presents series, the Diocese of Parramatta will welcome Dr Nora Nonterah, a leading African theological ethicist from Ghana. She will be presenting on Tuesday 2 September at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta. As a lay woman and recent delegate to the Synod on Synodality in 2023 and 2024, Dr Nora will offer a powerful reflection on leadership, discipleship, and the wisdom of women in the Church. Register today by visting https://parracatholic.org/nora/ 

Bishop Vincent Presents Cardinal Stephen Chow SJ: 15 September

The second of two Bishop Vincent Presents public lectures in September will feature Cardinal Stephen Chow SJ, Bishop of Hong Kong and one of the most senior Church leaders in Asia. He will be presenting on Monday 15 September at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta on the topic of ‘Bridge Building’. With a background in psychology and education, and a deep pastoral heart, Cardinal Chow brings wisdom, courage, and compassion to the challenges facing the Church in our time. Register today by visiting https://parracatholic.org/cardinalchow/

FaithLIFE Spirituality Short Course w/Donnie Velasco: Starting 20 August

Searching for a deeper understanding of spirituality? Hoping to find renewed ways of expressing your faith? Wanting to further discern God’s call in your life? Sign up now for the 3-session FaithLIFE Spirituality short course with Donnie Velasco on Wednesday 20 AUG + 27 AUG + 3 SEP! Registration and more dates and details via https://tr.ee/OkHbjm0Fq1 or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org

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 Church in Australia 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

Promotional material: registrations open and how to register information. 

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.

Jubilee Year Adult Pilgrimage Commissioning Mass: 31 August

Join us on 31 August for 10am Mass at St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie, as we pray and commission the pilgrims from across the Diocese and beyond who will travel overseas for this year of Jubilee, as Pilgrims of Hope. All welcome.

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

Mass for Musicians: 24 September

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we invite all those involved in Music Ministry across the Diocese to join us for our Mass for Musicians. Join us on 24 September, 7:30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. We ask that you arrive at 7pm and are seated by 7:15pm. To register your attendance and the number of guests you are bringing, please RSVP via our website by Friday, 19 September. If you are unable to register via the form, please contact ofw@parracatholic.org or call 0460 037 795.

Download promotional material here.

Registrations now open for 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:

• 15 November: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-15-november/

Download promotional material for 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 

Pray for our Pilgrims!

Please pray for the adults from our Diocese and beyond who will embark on the Jubilee of Hope pilgrimage from 7 to 25 September. May God bless their journey, deepen their faith, and guide their steps as they trace the footsteps of the early Church and join the celebrations in Rome. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to inspire and protect them throughout this transformative experience.

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.

Grow Your Faith with Dr Edward Sri: 30 August

You are invited to attend a free upcoming talk by Dr Edward Sri at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills, on Saturday 30 August from 10am to 2.30pm. This is an opportunity to dive deep into your faith as a community and encounter Christ. Dr Sri is a renowned Catholic author and theologian. He is the host of the acclaimed podcast “All Things Catholic”, holds a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome and is an adjunct professor at the Augustine Institute. RSVP is required: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dr-edward-sri-st-pauls-winston-hills-tickets-1568785181709

Mt Druitt South Parish Novena to Our Lady of Good Health: 30 August – 8 September

Please join the community of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Druitt South, for the Novena and Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, from 30 August to 8 September. There will be Masses in the evenings followed by Rosary and Novena. We conclude on 8 September, the Nativity of Our Lady, with Mass at 7pm followed by a light supper. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9832 3896 or email mountdruittsouth@parracatholic.org

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. 

Parish of Richmond St Monica’s Spring Fair: 20 September  

All are invited to celebrate the St Monica’s Spring Fair on Saturday 20 September from 9am to 3pm at the corner of Windsor St and Bourke St, Richmond. Enjoy a delightful day with kids and family, featuring an array of entertaining activities. Indulge in exciting games, delicious treats, captivating performances, and more! Opportunity knocks for those wishing to hold a stall, donate a prize or voucher or be a Spring Fair sponsor. For more information, contact admin@parishofrichmond.org.au

Download promotional material here: flyer 1 and flyer 2

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!

Download promotional material here.

Castle Hill Parish Melbourne Cup luncheon: 4 November

St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, are hosting a Melbourne Cup Lunch on Tuesday 4 November 2025 from 12pm-3:30pm at The Heritage House, Kenthurst. Tickets are $120pp, and includes canapes on arrival, 2 course lunch (mains and dessert). Drinks are buy-as-you-go. Sweeps and games will be available to enter, with prizes to be won! Tickets on sale now at the St Bernadette’s Parish Office, Castle Hill, or online via the QR Code. All Welcome.

Download promotional material: flyer and QR code.

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/

Catholic Care Sewing and Crochet classes

All are welcome to join Catholic Care’s weekly sewing and crochet classes every Thursday during school terms, 10am-1pm at Mamre House and Farm, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. Learn new skills, connect with others, and enjoy a friendly, supportive environment. Perfect for anyone wanting to meet new people! To register, contact Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500 or email enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au.

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.

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/

Divine Retreat Centre offerings for August

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout August including their Healing Prayer Service and its last Sunday day retreat. All are welcome. For more information, please visit www.divineretreatcentre.org or contact (02) 4372 1598.

Download promotional material here.

Catholic Healthcare Spiritual Care Series

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

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.

Catalyst for Renewal Lunch with Fr Richard Leonard SJ: 13 September

Join Catalyst for Renewal for a light lunch with Fr Richard Leonard SJ to discuss his latest book, Why God? Stories to Inspire Faith on Saturday 13 September at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Hunters Hill. Fr Richard Leonard SJ is a Jesuit Priest and Parish Priest of North Sydney/Lavender Bay/Kirribilli. He has lectured on faith and culture all over the world and is the author of 13 books. Tickets are $35 per person, with registration essential by 4 September. Purchase your tickets through https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1444157 

Kairos Prison Ministry 30th Anniversary celebrations: 27 September

This year marks 30 years of Kairos Prison Ministry Australia—three decades of bringing hope, healing and the gospel to people affected by incarceration. To celebrate, Kairos is hosting an event on Saturday 27 September at Stanhope Anglican Church, Stanhope Gardens, from 12.45pm to 4.30pm, inviting past and present volunteers, supporters, and anyone curious about the work to come and give thanks. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream option is available—making it possible to tune in from anywhere across Australia. For more information, and to register, please visit kairos.org.au/30-years

Jesus Light of the World Communities “Face your Giants Retreat”: 27 September

The Jesus Light of the World Communities invites you to their ‘Face your giants retreat’ on Saturday 27 Septmeber from 1pm to 5.30pm at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Rockdale. Overwhelmed by life’s battles? Discover the Victory through Jesus Christ. The retreat will include praise and worship, a talk, prayer ministry and fellowship. Afternoon tea will be served. Bookings are essential. For enquiries, please contact Helen on 0433 455 114, Esperance on 0407 749 182 or email jlowcommunity@gmail.com

Download promotional material here.

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/

Missionaries of God’s Love Creative Retreat: 10-12 October

Download promotional material here.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 24-26 October

We are offering an opportunity for you to learn to become the best version of yourselves together and live your best life in love! Come and join us on 24-26 October at a Marriage Encounter Weekend at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW – a stunning & tranquil oasis on the edge of Sydney. Book online at  www.wwme.org.au  or contact Christine & Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.org.au

Missionaries of God’s Love Immerse Silent Retreat: 31 October – 2 November

Dive deep into the graces of silence and contemplation. Immerse yourself in the love of God who waits for us to abide in Him. Join with the Saints and complete the Jubilee Year with a retreat focused on redemption, rest and refreshment. Join the Missionaries of God’s Love sisters from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November at Carmel House, Varroville. To register, please visit trybooking.com/CZPWY