News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Positions Vacant
- Administration Assistant: Mission Enhancement Team
- Risk & Compliance Facilitator: Governance, Risk & Compliance
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Nominations open for the 2025 Papal & Diocesan Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Papal and Diocesan Awards, recognising individuals and groups—both religious and lay—who have made outstanding contributions to the Catholic Church and its community. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised? Nominations close at midnight on 31 May 2025. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit parracatholic.org/contribute/papal-diocesan-awards/
Bookings now open: Diocese of Parramatta’s Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage
Young people (18-35) across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are invited to embark on an 18-day pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome from 19 July – 5 August 2025. The journey includes a visit to Greece, tracing the footsteps of Saint Paul, before heading to Rome for the celebration. To book your spot or for more information visit parracatholic.org/jubileeyouth2025
MET Celebrating Holy Week Liturgies: 11 March
Musicians and Liturgy Planners are invited to attend an evening exploring Music for the Easter Triduum on Tuesday 11 March 2025 from 7pm to 9pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. The session will be presented by Eric Grella, Music Formation Facilitator, Mission Enhancement Team. Registrations are essential, please RSVP online by 6 March https://parracatholic.org/events/music-easter-triduum/ All enquiries please contact ofw@parracatholic.org | 0488 000 211.
Safeguarding the Elderly Project: 13 March
Are you interested in sharing and listening to ideas about how we can meet the needs of older people in our Parish communities? You are invited to ‘Share a Cuppa’ on Thursday 13 March from 10am-12noon at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Those involved in ministries such as Ministers of Communion to the Sick and Pastoral Care Groups, are invited to share their experiences and reflections. Please contact Maria Kervin (Manager, Prevention, Healing & Support) at: mariakervin@parracatholic.org if you would like more information on hosting such a Morning Tea within your own Parish with your Ministry Team.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities: 17 & 24 March
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Renewal Training will be held on Monday 17 and 24 March at Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill for Cycle 2 (Modules 4 and 5). More training opportunities will be available soon. 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
MET Natural Fertility Instruction Sessions: 18 March
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, track your fertility cycle, space out pregnancies and identify the best time to reach your family goals. These sessions are free to attend, for all interested. The next Billings Ovulation Method® is on 18 March at 7:30pm and the Creighton Model Introductory Session on 3 May at 2pm. For more information and to register, please visit parracatholic.org/natural-fertility
Celebrating Holy Week Liturgies Seminar: 22 March
Acolytes, Ministers at the Altar, Senior Servers and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion are invited to attend this day seminar which will focus on the different Holy Week and Easter Triduum liturgies presented by Mr Chris Ohlsen. Saturday 22 March from 9:30am-3pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown. Liturgies covered: Palm Sunday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Morning tea and lunch provided.
Please register for catering purposes by 17 March via parracatholic.org/events/celebrating-holy-week-seminar Please share this with parish acolytes and Ministers at the Altar.
At The Well Gathering for Women: 23 March
This At the Well Gathering is a small scale, casual gathering of women aimed at providing a space for conversation, community and encounter. This gathering will be a collaboration with the Women of St Clare with a focus on the topic of “Living as a Catholic woman in a secular world.” The evening will engage three women from various vocations to share from their own experiences, and to answer questions from the crowd. For more information and to register visit parracatholic.org/events/at-the-well-gathering-23-march/
The FaithFeed: 29 March
Have questions about life & faith? Join with others on the search at The FaithFeed live studio audience – hosted by Baulkham Hills Parish in the Hills Deanery – all are welcome! The FaithFeed will be held on Saturday 29 March. Doors open 7:00PM for a 7:30PM start. The night will feature faith stories, live music, activities and great conversation. RSVP via parracatholic.org/events-faithfeed
Office of Tenebrae: 14 April
All are welcome to attend the annual Office of Tenebrae at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Monday 14 April at 7:30pm. The Office of Tenebrae is a Holy Week reflection liturgy including Scripture, psalm chanting and motets and will feature the Cathedral Choir. As the Diocese and the global Church prepares for Holy Week, the Tenebrae service is a reminder of the eternal light and hope brought into the world through Christ’s Resurrection. Catholics are invited to attend the Office of Tenebrae at least once in their life.
Commissioning Mass of Liturgical Ministers: 13 May
In this Jubilee Year of Hope all liturgical ministers – readers, servers and extra ordinary ministers are invited to join us for our Annual Commissioning Mass of Liturgical Ministers. Families and friends are also invited. This celebration will take place at 7:30pm on 13th May 2025, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. To register your attendance and guests please visit parracatholic.org/events/liturgical-ministers-commissioning-mass/
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.
Across our Parishes
Filipino Chaplaincy celebrates Feast of St Joseph: 15 March
The Filipino Chaplaincy warmly invites you to its annual Feast day of Joseph, the Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday on 15 March at 10:30AM at St Patrick’s Church of Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, 51-59 Allawah St, Blacktown.
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.
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/
Other Notices
Sydney Alliance Federal Pre-Election Assembly: 13 March
Join the Diocese of Parramatta’s delegation at the Sydney Alliance Federal Pre-Election Assembly 2025. A great opportunity to experience and showcase our faith in action as this non-partisan assembly invites decision-makers to commit to concrete post-election action on housing and renting, affordable and renewable energy, and climate resilience: 13 March 2025, 5:40pm–7:40pm, Morley Centre, 2 Darcy Rd, Westmead. Register at events.humanitix.com/sydney-alliance-federal-assembly-2025 and please include “Catholic Diocese of Parramatta” and the name of your parish or organisation.
MGL Sisters Consecrated Life Weekend Discernment Retreat: 14-16 March
Are you wondering what God has in store for your life? Single women aged 16-35 are invited to join us and listen for the voice of Jesus, ask questions and experience prayer, talks, sisterhood and sharing to help discern your vocation. For more information and to RSVP please contact mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com or call 0402 602 520.
Catalyst for Renewal luncheon with Dr Susan Connelly RSJ: 15 March
Join us for a luncheon with Dr Susan Connelly RSJ on the ACBC’s Social Justice Statement 2024-25 “Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World” on 15 March at 12.30pm. It is held at Hunters Hill Parish Hall, tickets $35 each. For further information, call 02 4971 4090, email catalyst-for-renewal@outlook.com or book via https://www.trybooking.com/CYPEV
Bishop Vincent presents at Australian Catholic Historical Society: 16 March
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 16 March. Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta will share a personal reflection on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Entry is free, all are welcome. Details of the programme of the ACHS as well as resources on church history are on the website https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/
Australian Catholic Safeguarding: Ireland & Rome Pilgrimage & Study Tour
Embark on a profound journey into the heart of Ireland’s Catholic heritage. Walk in the footsteps of the faithful, from St. Patrick, St. Kevin and St Brigid to the devoted Sisters of Mercy and Presentation Sisters. Experience the timeless beauty of Ireland’s sacred sites and historic cities, each graced by the warmth of traditional Irish hospitality. Bookings and deposits are required by mid-March and final payments at the start of April. For more information contact louise.zavaone@catholic.org.au
Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 23-25 May
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 23-25 May 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
National Conference for Ecumenical and Interfaith Works – ‘Walking Together’: 30-31 May
The Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue invites Catholics engaged in ecumenical and interfaith activities to a two-day conference exploring unity, dialogue, and synodality in today’s Church. Marking 1700 years of the Nicene Creed and 60 years of Nostra Aetate, the event includes plenary sessions, workshops, and discussions. For details, contact Louise Zavone (Australian Catholic Bishops Conference): louise.zavone@catholic.org.au
