News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
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Positions Vacant
- Faith Educator x2: Diocese of Parramatta
- Sacramental Program and Special Religious Education Coordinator: St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie.
- Safeguarding: Healing and Support Counsellor: Diocese of Parramatta
- Training & Development Specialist – Safeguarding: Diocese of Parramatta
- Senior Facilitator – Parish Engagement Lead: Diocese of Parramatta
- Cathedral Parish Coordinator: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Still time to donate to the Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal, supporting our Holy Spirit Seminarians
Bishop Vincent and our Holy Spirit Seminary thank you for your generous support in the formation of our future priests. Our Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal raised over $X (parish administrator to provide), which will support our seminarians to deepen their relationship with God and commit more fully to their spiritual calling, so they may serve our faith community. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit parracatholic.org/appeal-thankyou or scan this QR code. Thank you.
Tri-Diocesan Social Justice Evening – 25 June (Register by 18 June)
You are invited to an engaging panel conversation with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Sr Susan Connelly and Fr Patrick McInerney about the Social Justice Statement 2024-25 “Truth & Peace – A Gospel Word in a Violent World”, paired with a delicious meal and good company. This free event is co-hosted by the Dioceses of Parramatta and Broken Bay and the Archdiocese of Sydney and will be held on 25 June (6:00pm – 9:00pm) at St Monica’s Parish Hall, 8 Daking St, North Parramatta. Please register by 18 June at parracatholic.org/tri-diocesan
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 on Thursday, 26 June at 6.00pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown. Register: tinyurl.com/2efk584d
Public Lecture: “Communicating Mission: Clear Story? or Messy Spaghetti?” – 26 June
For all communicators – This webinar is hosted by Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) and will be held on 26 June 11am-midday. The guest speaker for this webinar will be Lana Turvey-Collins, a consultant and facilitator in Formation and Mission for Catholic Mission, who has led the co-design and recent launch of formation.org.au. Register here.
Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage Commissioning Mass – 6 July
Join us on 6 July for 6pm Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta, as we pray for the youth pilgrims who will travel overseas for this year of Jubilee, as Pilgrims of Hope. All welcome.
Volunteers needed: NAIDOC Week Event – Whalan Reserve – 10 July
On 10 July 2025, the annual Mt Druitt NAIDOC Week Event will be co-hosted by Holy Family Parish Emerton, Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, and Blacktown City Council at Whalan Reserve. We’re seeking volunteers from parishes and organisations in the Diocese of Parramatta. If you are interested in supporting this amazing celebration of Aboriginal culture, community and resilience, please visit parracatholic.org/events/naidoc-week-2025 for more details.
Music Workshop – The Importance of Copyright: 19 June
Copyright can be tricky to navigate. Come and learn all about your requirements for reporting music use at Mass, the different types of copyright licensing available, and much more. This workshop will be led by MET Music Formation Facilitator Eric Grella. Be sure to bring along any questions you might have. RSVP by Friday 13 June parracatholic.org/events/music-workshop-19june/
Ministry of Care Courses: Until 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.
CYP LIFTED Retreat (18-35s) (27-29 June)
All young people from the Diocese of Parramatta are warmly invited to join us for this transformative experience. This 3-day retreat will be held at the Collaroy Centre, 22 Homestead Ave, Collaroy. Cost applies. Learn more and express your interest: parracatholic.org/events/cyp-lifted-retreat-june/
CYP LIFTED Retreat (Year 10-12s) (8 July)
Catholic Youth Parramatta hosts an annual LIFTED Retreat, a spiritually enriching weekend designed to connect, support and nourish the young people of the Diocese of Parramatta. This retreat is open to Year 10–12 students (ages 16–17), and will be held on 8 July (10am-3pm) at Don Bosco Youth & Recreation Centre, 10 Mamre Rd, St Marys. Register: parracatholic.org/events/cyp-lifted-retreat-8-july/
Children’s Liturgy Workshop: 24 July
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 24 July at 7-8:30pm. Please RSVP via parracatholic.org/events/OFW by 18 July. For enquiries, please contact ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
Catholic Catechism and Spiritual Warfare: 16 August
Our Lady of the Angels Parish Rouse Hill will be hosting a talk by Fr. Syquia on timely topics on our Catholic Catechism, the Holy Family, the role of Virgin Mary in modern times, the Saints, the Angels and Spiritual Warfare on Saturday, 16th August 2025 at 3:30 pm. The talk will be followed by the Vigil Mass at 5:30 pm which will be celebrated by Fr Syquia. (Rev. Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, is the Director and Chief Exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism.) For further information and to RSVP, please click on the link: https://forms.gle/KBGM6qjt2DsdG8uS7 .
Rome from Home (Youth and Young Adults): 2 August
A retreat for young adults aged between 13 and 35, who want to grow in faith, find community, and be inspired on their journey. To be held on Saturday 2 August (12:30pm – 6pm) at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong, 36-40 Breakfast Rd, Marayong. Register by 26 July: https://parracatholic.org/events/rome-from-home/
Expressions of Interest now open for Australian Catholic Youth Festival – closes 25 August
The Diocese of Parramatta will be joining the Australian Church at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne from 30 November to 3 December 2025! Join thousands of young Catholics from across Australia for an unforgettable festival featuring inspiring guest speakers, artists, and musicians. For more details and to express your interest by 25 August 2025, see parracatholic.org/connect/acyf or email hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org
Adult Confirmation 2025: 23 & 26 August
The Office for Worship will host a Catechesis and Formation Day for those candidates (16+) interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. The catechesis day will be on Saturday 23 August from 9.30am – 2.00pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown and the Confirmation will be on the evening of Tuesday 26 August at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. For more information and to enroll, please contact the Office for Worship on ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795 before Monday 4 August.
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:
– 16 August: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-16-august/
– 15 November: https://parracatholic.org/events/diocesan-retreat-15-november/
Liturgical Ministry Course – Starts September 2025
The Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses will recommence in September 2025 in Blacktown. This free formation is open to anyone in the diocese interested in serving within the Liturgical Ministries either as Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Ministers of Communion to the Sick and Dying and Ministers at the Altar. To enrol and for more information, please contact the Office for Worship ofw@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795. Registrations close 19 August, but spaces are limited so enrol now to avoid disappointment.
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
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
Catholic Creative Retreat for Women, Rouse Hill: 5 July
Join us for a refreshing Catholic Creative Retreat where we’ll explore the beauty of brush lettering and the power of creativity in prayer. Held on 5 July from 12:30pm, concludes with 5:30pm Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish Rouse Hill, 1 Wellgate Avenue, Kellyville. Fee applies. Register: tinyurl.com/4t38n2c9
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
Caritas Australia appeals for support for amputees in Gaza – June 2025
The UN described Gaza as being “home to the largest cohort of child amputees in modern history”. As of April, the UN reported that 4,500 people have been made amputees due to the current conflict.
In response, Caritas Jerusalem is working to support those affected by the loss of limbs, as part of a program supported by Caritas Australia’s Gaza Emergency Appeal. We urgently need your support. Please donate to Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal. You can donate online www.caritas.org.au/gaza or phone 1800 024 413.
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
