News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Positions Vacant
- Facilities Coordinator – Diocese of Parramatta
- Property Lawyer – Diocese of Parramatta
- Communications Lead – Diocesan Pastoral Plan
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Thank You for Supporting our Catholic Care’s chaplaincy services
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains thank you for your kind-hearted generosity and support for people in hospital and prison who might otherwise feel abandoned. Our Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal has raised over $X [parish administrator to provide], which will provide pastoral, spiritual, and sacramental support to people in times of darkness. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit parracatholic.org/appeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
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/jubilee2025/
Bookings now open: Diocese of Parramatta’s Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage
Young people (18-35 years) from Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are invited to join an 18-day pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome from July 19 – August 5, 2025, including a visit to Greece to trace the footsteps of Saint Paul and a celebration of the canonisation of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati in Rome. With only 45 spots available, secure your place by booking before May 10, 2025, with a deposit of $800, and find out more or book at parracatholic.org/jubilee2025/
3 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. For timeframes and details, see the three options of retreats below:
May 24: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-24-may/
August 16: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-16-august/
November 15: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-15-november/
FaithLIFE Theology Short Course: Wednesdays in May
Considering learning about theology? Interested in faith seek understanding? Looking to learn more about the Jubilee Year of Hope? Sign up now for the 3-session FaithLIFE Theology short course with Alison Ryan from MET on Wednesdays 7 + 14 + 21 May: parracatholic.org/faithlife
Special Mass for the Canonisation of Bl Carlo Acutis, Rouse Hill: 27 April
A special Mass will be celebrated by Fr Tom Green on Divine Mercy Sunday, 27 April at 10am at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill in celebration of the Canonisation of Bl Carlo Acutis which will be held in Rome at the Jubilee of Teenagers. All welcome.
Study of Luke’s Gospel with Dr Laurie Woods: Fridays 2–30 May
Join us for an enriching study of Luke’s Gospel, led by Dr Laurie Woods and hosted by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). Sessions will take place each Friday in May from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. All parishioners are welcome to attend. For more information or to RSVP by 30 April, contact ccd.training@parracatholic.org
10th Anniversary of the Consecration of Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse Hill: 2 May
Our Lady of the Angels Parish welcomes you to join them in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Consecration of the church at a special Mass on Friday 2 May at 7pm. Followed by a social gathering in the courtyard beside the church. Kindly RSVP via the parishes’ Google form for catering purposes.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities: 3 May
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Renewal Training will be held on Saturday 3 May at Holy Family Church, Emerton for Cycle 2 (Modules 4-5). More training opportunities will be available throughout May. 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
Music Workshop ‘Exploring Music for the Solemnities’: 8 May
Musicians from the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond are invited to attend this workshop led by MET Music Formation Facilitator Eric Grella. The workshop will outline suggested hymns and explore music new and old for the many Solemnities and Feasts that occur in the period of Eastertide. Bring any music related questions along on Thursday 8 May to the Bishop Bede Heather Centre 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown at 7pm. Please RSVP by 2 May via parracatholic.org/events/OFW . For enquiries, please contact ofw@parracatholic.org or 0488 000 211.
Children’s Liturgy Workshop: 15 May
Are you a part of children’s liturgy or looking to get started? Come along to this informative workshop to learn more about the Diocesan guidelines, meet children’s liturgy teams from other parishes, and ask any questions you may have about this rewarding ministry.
This workshop will be held at Bishop Bede Heather Centre 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown on Thursday 15 May at 7-8:30pm. Please RSVP via parracatholic.org/events/OFW by 12 May. For enquiries, please contact ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
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/
African Mass 2025 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta: 18 May
The African Catholics who live in the Dioceses of Parramatta, Broken Bay, and the Archdiocese of Sydney invite you to the African Mass 2025: Sunday 18 May, 12:30pm for 1:00pm start, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Followed by a community gathering and refreshments. For RSVP or more information contact met@parracatholic.org
Ministry of Care Courses: 4- 25 June
Those who visit the sick and are involved in the Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying in Hospitals, Aged Care Facilities and in Homes are invited to attend this course on the Ministry of Care. It will be held every Wednesday evening at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown. Attend all 4 sessions to receive a certificate of completion or just attend the session(s) that interest you. Please visit parracatholic.org/events/OFW to reserve a spot. For enquiries, please contact ofw@parracatholic.org or 0488 000 211.
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
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
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
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 in a Covid safe environment 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
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.
