News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Positions Vacant
- Safeguarding: Healing and Support Counsellor: Diocese of Parramatta
- Senior Facilitator – Parish Engagement Lead
- Property Lawyer: Diocese of Parramatta
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal for our Holy Spirit Seminarians.
Will you help our seminarians to be ‘Pilgrims and Sowers of Hope’ for God’s people? With your prayers and generosity, they can continue to grow in faith and formation, as they prepare to become priests who will sow hope, faith and love in the hearts of God’s people. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal at parracatholic.org/appeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
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
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 to step away 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:
August 16: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-16-august/
November 15: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-15-november/
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.
Registrations Open: 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. Register via parracatholic.org/tri-diocesan
Nominations closing soon 2025 Papal & Diocesan Awards
Nominations closing soon 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
Young Adult Faith Formation South Mt Druitt: 1 June
Young Adult Faith Formation sessions continue on Sunday 1 June 2025 at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, South Mt Druitt (9 Ropes Creek Rd Mt Druitt) at 7pm. The speaker is Sr Agnes who will talk about and lead discussion on St Padre Pio. All adults 18-35 are encouraged to come along and enjoy some faith formation, pizza, and fellowship! If you have any questions, please call Mark on 0477 004 678.
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 10:30an 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!
Catholic Charismatic Renewal NSW & Emmaus Prayer Community Pentecost Celebrations: 8 June
Please join the Catholic Charismatic Renewal NSW in celebrating Pentecost at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes on Sunday 8 June from 2pm. There will be prayer, praise, testimonies, talks, and prayer ministry, based on the theme of “HOPE – Opening our hearts & minds to the presence of the Holy Spirit in Times of Change.” Enquiries Adrian 0408649327 or Desiree 0477765772.
Feast of St Anthony of Padua: 11-13 June
Join St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie in celebrating the Feast of St Anthony of Padua. There will be 9:30am and 7pm Triduum Masses, Novena, blessing of the Sick (11 June), Blessing of the Children (12 June), and a candlelight procession (13 June). All welcome.
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
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
Catholic Charismatic Renewal NSW & Emmaus Prayer Community Pentecost Celebrations: 1 June
Please join the Catholic Charismatic Renewal NSW in celebrating Pentecost at St John Bosco Catholic Parish 46 Waratah Rd. Engadine on Sunday 1 June from 12:30pm. There will be Praise, Worship, Adoration, Mass and Prayer Ministry, with sausage sizzle. Free admission but booking is essential, register via www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1382650 Any inquires email: email@ccrnsw.org.au
MGL Sisters Retreat Jubilatio Pentecost Intensive: 4-8 June
“Rejoicing in the Holy Spirit” – Come and encounter the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Experience a time of deep renewal and joy as we celebrate and embrace the gift of the Spirit through fellowship, inputs, prayer and practical workshops. trybooking.com/CZPVZ
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
St Clement’s Retreat & Conference Centre, Galong: 16-23 June
Feeling tired and overwhelmed in daily life? Rest a while in the loving and life-giving presence of God at the next retreat offered at St Clement’s Galong. Join Fr David J Hore, C.Ss.R in a silent retreat full of prayer, relfection and refreshment through scripture and song. For more info Phone 02 6380 522 or email info@stclement.com.au, web: www.stclement.com.au
Public Lecture: “Shaping a Culture of Encounter in a Fragmented World” by Prof Leo Lefebure (26 June)
How can religious and interreligious leaders work with political and cultural leaders in shaping a constructive culture of encounter? Georgetown University professor and author Leo Lefebure will explore this question in the areas of Aesthetics, Academic Sharing, Spiritual Encounter, Concern for the World, and Friendship. Please join us for this free talk by Prof Leo Lefebure, from Georgetown University, Washington, at 6.00 pm on Thursday, 26 June at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown NSW 2148. Open invitation to people of all faiths. Register via events.humanitix.com/leo-lefebure-multifaith-event
