News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
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Positions Vacant
- Faith Educator – Confraternity of Christian Doctrine: Diocese of Parramatta
- Cathedral Parish Coordinator: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
- Healing and Support Counsellor – Safeguarding: Diocese of Parramatta
- Training & Development Specialist – Safeguarding: Diocese of Parramatta
- Senior Facilitator – Parish Engagement Lead: Diocese of Parramatta
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Vale Maria Thi Nguyen
Our hearts and prayers are with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and his family following the passing of his beloved mother, Maria Thi Nguyen, on 13 June 2025 at the age of 98. The funeral will be held in Melbourne this Friday 20 June at 10.30am. A livestream will be available here: https://youtube.com/live/2EJoVHrxWmk. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. May she rest in peace.
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 the QR code. Thank you.
Tri-Diocesan Social Justice Evening: 25 June
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
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
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/
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.
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/
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.
Bishop Vincent presents Mauricio López: 23 July
One of Latin America’s most influential lay leaders, Mauricio López Oropeza, will hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta as part of its “Bishop Vincent Presents” series. Mauricio will offer powerful insights on synodality, justice, and the Church’s mission in a changing world. The free public lecture will be held on Wednesday 23 July at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, from 6pm. To register and learn more, please visit parracatholic.org/lopez
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.
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/
MET Natural Fertility Couples hoping to Conceive Seminar: 2 August
MET Natural Fertility is holding a free seminar for couples hoping to conceive on Saturday 2 August from 1pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Hear about Restorative Reproductive Medicine and natural methods of achieving pregnancy. We will have couples present to share their amazing stories of how their fertility has been restored and they’ve achieved pregnancy. To register, visit parracatholic.org/natural-fertility
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 enrol, 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
Glenmore Park Parish Corpus Christi Blessed Sacrament Procession: 22 June
All are welcome to Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park, for their Blessed Sacrament Procession for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi on Sunday 22 June after 10am Mass. You are encouraged to wear white with comfortable footwear for the procession. Please bring a water bottle, flower petals and a plate (finger food only) to share afterwards.
Holy Hour for Vocations: 27 June
The next Diocesan Holy Hour for Vocations will be held on Friday 27 June at Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill, from 7pm to 8pm. Join us afterwards for refreshments and discussions. For further information, please contact the parish office on parishoffice@maryimmac.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
Young Adult Faith Formation: 6 July
Young Adult Faith Formation sessions continue on Sunday 6 July at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, South Mt Druitt at 7pm. Fr Tom Green will talk about and lead discussion on Blessed Franz Jägerstätter. 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.
Penrith Parish Winter Wonderland Holiday Program: 6-9 July
St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith, are hosting a Winter Wonderland Holiday Camp in the July school holidays from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 July for boys and girls aged Kindy to Year 4. Please refer to the attached for more information on activities, cost and how to register your child.
Marsden Park Parish 2025 Dinner Dance: 26 July
Don’t miss out on the 2025 St Luke’s Marsden Park Dinner Dance on Saturday 26 July from 7pm to 11pm at St Luke’s Catholic College, Marsden Park. Tickets are now available at $100 per adult with onsite child minding for kids over 3 years old. For tickets, email stlukesfundraisingteam@gmail.com
Catholic Catechism and Spiritual Warfare: 16 August
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, will be hosting a talk by Fr Jose Francisco Syquia from the Archdiocese of Manila on a variety of Catholic topics on Saturday 16 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. For further information and to RSVP, please click on the link: https://forms.gle/KBGM6qjt2DsdG8uS7.
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.
JRS Australia ‘Free Together’ Refugee Week Event: 4 July
You are warmly invited to JRS Australia’s Refugee Week event, showcasing stories, art and music shared by refugee leaders of JRS Australia’s Refugee Leadership Program. The event will be held on Friday 4 July from 6pm at the St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta. Entry cost is a $10 voluntary donation to cover the costs of dinner for those able to contribute. To RSVP, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/jrsrefugee-week-2025.
