News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices for Sunday 8 March 2026
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:
- Tuesday 10 March at Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, from 7pm.
Costs are $5 per person – payable on arrival (includes all materials). To register and for more information, please visit parracatholic.org/rosary-workshops
Download promotional materials: 10 March.
Safeguarding Training Dates for Deaneries
From this year, parishes within a Deanery will have the same Safeguarding Training Renewal and Refresher Dates. In 2026, the dates for those in a Deanery to update and complete their Training will be:
- Blacktown Deanery – April 2026
- The Hills Deanery – August 2026
- Cumberland Deanery – November 2026
The remaining Deaneries will renew in 2027. Online Training Modules are always available for those who are entering ministry. Face-to-face opportunities can be found at: https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training. For further inquiries and to book in F2F Training dates at your Parish, please contact: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
When should I complete my Safeguarding Training?
All Clergy, employees and volunteers in parish ministry are required by the NSW Children’s Guardian Act 2019 to be current and complete with Safeguarding Training. Check with your Parish Office when you are due to update your Safeguarding Training.
- If you are new to ministry, you must complete the Introductory Modules 1-3 (Cycle 1).
- If you completed Cycle 1 modules two years ago, you must complete Renewal Modules 4 and 5 (Cycle 2)
- If you renewed your Cycle 2 two years ago, you must complete a Refresher Module 6 (Cycle 3)
Safeguarding Training Modules can always be completed online at https://learning.safeguarding.org.au/. Face-to-face training opportunities can be found at https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training.
MET Natural Fertility – Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Are you looking for help to track your fertility cycle? Come and explore a natural, effective, healthy and scientific approach to achieve, space/avoid pregnancy or monitor women’s health. NFP is suitable for all situations including post-contraception, breastfeeding mothers and women experiencing peri-menopause. Express your interest at www.parracatholic.org/learn/natural-family-planning
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
Seniors Rights Information Sessions: Later Life Planning & Documents for the Future: 9 & 11 March
Free community information session for seniors and their families. 9th and 11th March at Orchard Hills, Springwood and Emerton. For more information, please contact Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500.
24 Hours for the Lord at Mount Schoenstatt: 13-14 March
Come and spend time with our Lord and His Mother in the Schoenstatt Shrine. Begin: Friday 13th March 6:30pm with Holy Mass (followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation) End: Saturday 14th March 5:30pm with Holy Mass (Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available from 4pm). Please bring a plate to share for the fellowship on Friday evening after mass. Contact Sr M. Rita 0493026628 srrita@schoenstatt.org.au to be added to the roster to secure a time of adoration.
St Patrick’s Primary Parramatta Centenary Celebration: 14 March
The St Patrick’s Parramatta School Community warmly invites all former staff, students, and families to join us in celebrating 100 years of faith, learning and community on Saturday 14 March at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Mass begins at 1:30pm, with an afternoon tea to follow. Let us come together in Eucharist to share memories and celebrate companionship across generations. RSVP via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZCpRA1DLrNElCkwClltsabrOw43l5RYq3LiRTzvAlkOFmaA/viewform
Download promotional material here.
Lenten Retreat at Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook: 22-25 March
Join us for a prayerful Lenten Retreat at Corpus Christi Catholic Church from 22–25 March, led by Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI. Enjoy Mass, guided reflections and fellowship to renew hearts and prepare for Holy Week. All are warmly welcome. Contact the parish office for more details.
Stations of the Cross at Mount Schoenstatt: 3 April
Join us on Good Friday April 3rd at 10 am (beginning in the valley) for Stations of the Cross. Address: Mount Schoenstatt – 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa 2745. All welcome.
Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Celebrations: 6 April
You are invited to celebrate with us the 75 years of the arrival of the first Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary to Australia AND 60 years of the Schoenstatt Movement in Australia. Join us on Easter Monday, 6th April 2026 from 1:30pm – 5:30pm at Mount Schoenstatt – 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa 2745. nPlease bring a plate to share for afternoon tea. Parallel children’s program will also be available. RSVP Shirley Hall 0417 153 930 movtoffice@schoenstatt.org.au
Enrolling now for 2027 – Belong to something Greater
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese has 80 welcoming schools delivering excellence in education for today’s students. Our caring teachers get to know every student to understand their needs, interests and abilities. We teach children to become responsible, caring and productive young people. Visit parra.catholic.edu.au to find a school near you.
2026 ACBC Social Justice Statement on the cost of living
The Australian Bishops have released the first of two Social Justice Statements for 2026, titled “The Cost of our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good”. The new statement and accompanying resources can be found at socialjustice.catholic.org.au. Printed copies and prayer cards can be ordered directly from the ACBC at shop.catholic.au
Blacktown Parish presents ‘The Witness’
The community of Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, are bringing to life the musical “The Witness” – telling the story of the life of Jesus through the eyes of St Peter. We encourage anyone interested in being part of The Witness experience to register. For vocal auditions, contact our Music Director, Marianne Fernandes, at music@bethewitness.com.au. To learn more, visit Be The Witness – The Musical or email info@bethewitness.com.au.
Volunteer Cook Wanted for Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes program
Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes program is seeking a volunteer cook to lead simple, hands-on cooking sessions for a small group of women once a month. Sessions run on a Friday from 10am to 12midday, with all ingredients provided, and conclude with participants sharing the meal together. All required screening and training will be supported. For more information or to express interest, please contact enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au or call (02) 8843 2500.
Be a stronger you – Free empowerment course for women
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains has partnered with Survivor Voice Australia to run a free six-week empowerment program for women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. The program will be held in the lower Blue Mountains on Wednesday mornings. To find out when the next program starts, contact Catholic Care on (02) 8843 2500 or Survivor Voice Australia on 0422 876 700.
Download promotional materials here.
Other Notices
Missionaries of God’s Love Discernment Retreat Weekend: 13-15 March
An opportunity for single women aged 18-35 to come and listen for the voice of Jesus, ask questions and experience prayer, talks, sisterhood and times of sharing to help you discern your vocation. The weekend will be held on from 13 to 15 March at Carmel House, 345 St Andrews Road, Varroville. Registration: mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
Catalyst for Renewal Catalyst Cafe: 14 March
The Catalyst Café will be open for lunch on 14 March from 12.30pm to 2.30pm in the Parish Hall at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Hunters Hill. We provide a light lunch (sandwich, cake and fruit) plus food for the soul. This session will feature Julie Thorpe speaking about her recent book “Reasons for Hope”. Cost $35. Bookings essential via (02) 4971 4090 or visit www.cfr.org.au.
Australian Catholic Historical Society Gathering: 15 March
The next event for the Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held on Sunday 15 March in the crypt of St Patrick’s, Church Hill at 2pm. Professor Paul Watt from Adelaide University will be presenting on “Writing a history of Gregorian Chant in Australia: Why is it complicated and occasionally controversial?” 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/
Women’s Breakfast – Celebrating the Feast of St Joseph: 21 March
All women are warmly invited to a special community breakfast celebrating the Feast of St Joseph and honouring the legacy of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph, on Saturday 21 March
8:00am – 10:00am at Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry, 33 Barina Downs Rd, Baulkham Hills. Cost: $20 per person (breakfast included). Guest speaker: Sr Virginia Bourke rsj. Bookings essential. All women are welcome.
Download promotional material here.
Winbourne Retreat Centre Spirituality for Modern Life: 21 March
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day on ‘Jesus – Christ yesterday, today and tomorrow’ on Saturday 21 March from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Christ’s life offers a blueprint for our own, yet we must still discern how to live that pattern within our own experience. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org.
Winbourne Retreat Centre Labyrinth Reflection Day: 15 April
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a Labyrinth reflection day on Wednesday 15 April from 10am to 3pm. Focussing on “finding peace despite turmoil”, the retreat will be a mainly quiet reflection day with an introduction to labyrinth walking for those who are unfamiliar. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org.
