News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Positions Vacant
- Administration Assistant: Mission Enhancement Team
- Risk & Compliance Facilitator: Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Administration Assistant: Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair
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—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 Adult 35 years+ Jubilee Pilgrimage
Join a life-changing 19-day pilgrimage from 7 to 25 September 2025, exploring sacred sites in Greece, Turkey, and Rome. Open to adults aged 35 and over, this journey follows St. Paul’s path and the early Church, culminating in the Jubilee Year of Hope in Rome. Bookings close on 2 May 2025, with a deposit of $800 required at the time of booking. The final payment is due by 7 July 2025. Don’t miss this incredible faith experience. For more information and to register, visit parracatholic.org/jubileepilgrimage2025/.
Bookings now open: Diocese of Parramatta’s Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage
Young people (18-35 years) 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
Safeguarding the Elderly Project: 18 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 Tuesday 18 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. RSVP by Friday 14 March. 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.
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/
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities: 24 March
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Renewal Training will be held on 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
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.
Enrolling Now for 2026: Belong to something Greater
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese has 80 welcoming schools with so much to offer, including an excellent and personalised education for today’s student. Our professional teachers cater for the needs, interests and abilities of every child. We teach children to become responsible, caring and productive young people. Visit parra.catholic.edu.au and learn more.
Across our Parishes
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
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
Blue Mountains Interfaith Group Gathering: 30 March
The Blue Mountains Interfaith Group welcome you to share our spirituality and care for the environment in these challenging times – with music, ideas and ceremony. Join us on Sunday 30 March from 2pm at the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre. There will be children’s activities, and afternoon tea at no charge, donations appreciated. Bookings required via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/interfaith-gathering-our-spirituality-our-land-tickets-1260898404069
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
Sri Lankan Tour: September 2025
Join Fr Michael Kelly OSB on a unique tour of Sri Lanka, exploring its cultural and historical sites, stunning natural landscapes, and Benedictine monasteries. The itinerary includes visits to key landmarks, a wildlife park, and a scenic rail journey. Departure Date: 22 September 2025. Duration: 13 Nights/ 14 Days. Cost: AU$5,945.00 per person, twin share. Upgrades: Airfares, land-only options, and single supplements available. To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit of AU$500 per person is required. Contact for further information and booking: johanne@ettravel.com.au; (02)9232 1711 or for information, Fr Michael Kelly: mkelly@silvestrini.org; 0455 329 607.
