News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Positions Vacant
- Property Lawyer – Diocese of Parramatta
- Communications Lead – Diocesan Pastoral Plan
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Pentecost Scripture Reflection with Dr Deborah Snoddy: 28 May
What does the Holy Spirit look like in your life? How can Scripture stretch our imagination when comes to Pentecost and the Holy Spirit? Register for the Diocesan Pentecost Scripture Reflection Evening with Dr Deborah Snoddy on Wednesday 28 May at 6:30- 8:30pm. RSVP via parracatholic.org/events/pentecost-scripture-night or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
Laudato Si’ Week (16 – 24 May): Celebrating 10 years of inspiration from Pope Francis
During this Laudato Si’ Week, 16 – 24 May, we are invited to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the inspiring ecological encyclical Laudato Si’ of our late Pope Francis and recommit ourselves to caring for God’s creation. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Caritas Australia provide resources for prayer and to raise awareness at tinyurl.com/LSW25-resources. More inspiration is available on the website of the international LS Week (celebrated a week later): laudatosiweek.org
Registrations now open 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 time to 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:
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 and 21 May: parracatholic.org/faithlife
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities: 22-24 May
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Renewal Training will be held on Thursday 22 May at St Finbar’s Church, Glenbrook for Cycle 2 (Module 5). Safeguarding Renewal Training Cycle 2 (Module 4-5) will be held at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill on 24 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
Diocese of Parramatta’s Adult 35 years+ Jubilee Pilgrimage: Bookings close 31 May
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 31 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/
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.
SAVE THE DATE: Tri-Diocesan Social Justice Evening 25 June 2025
The Tri-Diocesan Social Justice Evening is an annual collaboration between the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Dioceses of Parramatta and Broken Bay. This year, Parramatta will be hosting on Wednesday 25 June 2025, 6:30pm – 9:00pm, St Monica’s Parish Hall, 8 Daking St, North Parramatta. Engaging speakers will discuss the ACBC Social Justice Statement 2024-25 “Truth & Peace – A Gospel Word in a Violent World”, while you can enjoy a delicious meal and good company.
Nominations to close 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/
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
Position Vacant: Sacramental program and Special Religious Education Coordinator
St Anthony of Padua Parish Toongabbie is looking for a Sacramental program and Special Religious Education Coordinator. This is a permanent part-time position with 15 hours per week. Please forward applications and resumes to the Parish Secretary secretary@stanthonyschurch.org.au by 9 June 2025. For more information you may contact 9631 3316.
Schoenstatt’s Annual Marian Pilgrimage: 18 May
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will be celebrating Mass at Schoenstatt Shrine in 18 May at 10:30am. Join us from 9:30am for Reconciliation Mass a Eucharistic procession, and more. This is an outdoor event so please bring your own chairs. Drinks & food will be available for purchase. All Pilgrim Mother Coordinators are encouraged to bring along your Pilgrim Mother Shrines. For more information contact Sr. M. Rita: 0493 026 628 srrita@schoenstatt.org.au or visit schoenstatt.org.au or FB page: /MtSchoenstattMulgoa/
FREE Diamond Women Employment Workshop: 20 May in Emerton
Are you a mum returning to work? Are you worried that your resume gaps are holding you back? We can help to change that! We’ve partnered with Diamond Women to host a series of workshops for mothers. Join us on Tue 20 May from 11-1pm at 11 Emert Pde, Emerton NSW the topic is Transforming challenges into growth opportunities. RSVP to marsha@diamondwomen.com.au
Holy Family Parish 60-Year Jubilee Celebration, Holy Family Parish Mt Druitt: 1 June
Join us as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt, since its establishment in 1965. The celebrations will take place on Sunday, 1 June 2025: Mass at 10:30am with Bishop Vincent followed by a Multicultural Festival and lunch. If you have any memorabilia to share, wish to register for the event, or need more information, please email us at jubilee@holyfamily.org.au. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with our parish community!
Risk and Compliance Workshop hosted by Holy Family Parish, Emerton: 21 June
We are hosting a Risk and Compliance Workshop on Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 10am to 12pm at the Holy Family Primary School Hall, 11 Emert Parade, Emerton NSW 2770. This workshop will introduce understanding risk and include a practical session to help you learn how to complete a Risk Assessment Activity Plan. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in risk management. All are welcome to attend! For more information or to register, please contact: 02 9628 7272 OR email enquiry@holyfamily.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
Pre Pentecost gathering – Jesus Light of the World Communities: 7 June
Join us at on 7 June, from 1-50pm at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, 11 Walz St. Rockdale, NSW (parking entry thru Parker St), for a pre-Pentecost gathering filled with praise and worship, talks, prayer, ministry and fellowship. Speaker: Ron Maldigri (Catholic lay evangelist with a powerful gift of Deliverance, Healing and Prophecy).Afternoon tea will be served. For enquiries contact Helen 0433 455 114 or Esperance 0407 749 182 E:jlowcommunity@gmail.com
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. Register for this event via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/walking-together-2025-tickets-1271883270099
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in May 2025
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout May. All are welcome, no bookings required. For more information, please visit www.divineretreatcentre.org or contact (02) 4372 1598
