News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant
- Healing and Support Counsellor – Safeguarding: Diocese of Parramatta
- Training & Development Specialist – Safeguarding: Diocese of Parramatta
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Catholic Outlook Magazine Winter 2025 edition out now!
Our special tribute edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine is out now! This edition gives thanks for the remarkable papacy of Pope Francis and welcomes the new pontificate of Pope Leo XIV with a range of tributes and reflections. Pick up your free copy from parishes and offices across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains today or read it online via catholicoutlook.org/magazine
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Catholic Outlook Feedback survey!
Do you engage with Catholic Outlook through our magazine, website or social media? We invite you to tell us what you enjoy, what you’d like more of and how we can continue to engage and inspire all people in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Complete the anonymous survey by Friday 25 July by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/V9J5Y5Z or by scanning the QR code.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday & NAIDOC Week: 6-13 July
On the first weekend in July, the Catholic Church in Australia celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday (6 July) to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts of Australia’s First Peoples. Liturgical resources and more information are available at natsicc.org.au/2025-atsi-sunday.html. The feast day is followed by National NAIDOC Week, an opportunity for all people in Australian to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Find out more at naidoc.org.au
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/
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MET Natural Fertility Billings Ovulation Method Session: 8 July
The next session in our Natural Family Planning series is the Billings Ovulation Method®. Track your fertility cycle, space out pregnancies and identify the best time to achieve pregnancy. Following this instruction, you’ll be set up to chart immediately. The session will be held on Tuesday 8 July from 7.30pm to 8.30pm via Zoom. For more information and to register, please visit parracatholic.org/natural-fertility
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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. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy community stalls, fun rides, a BBQ lunch and a wide array of cultural activities. We’re also seeking volunteers from parishes and organisations in the Diocese of Parramatta. If you are interested in supporting this amazing celebration, please visit parracatholic.org/events/naidoc-week-2025 for more details.
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Secure your seat! Bishop Vincent Presents Mauricio Lopez: 23 July
Mauricio López Oropeza – a leading Latin American lay voice – will share powerful insights on synodality, justice, and the Church’s mission as part of the Bishop Vincent Presents series of lectures. Join us at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, at 6pm or watch the livestream for free. Secure your spot and be inspired! Register now: parracatholic.org/lopez
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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.
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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/
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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
Download promotional material here.
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.
Volunteer Communicators Network
Are you savvy with a camera, writing or social media? We want to hear from you! Share your interest with us to support our storytelling in Catholic Outlook, our websites and social media. Name/contact details are required: parracatholic.org/communicators
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Across our Parishes
Pray for our Pilgrims!
Please pray for the young adults in our Diocese who will embark on the Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage from 19 July to 5 August. May God bless their journey, deepen their faith, and guide their steps as they follow in the footsteps of St Paul and join the celebrations in Rome. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to inspire and protect them throughout this transformative experience.
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.
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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.
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Mt Schoenstatt Coffee, Craft & Conversation: 12 July
A relaxing afternoon of coffee, card making and spiritual conversations with the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary for young women aged 20-35 years. The afternoon will conclude with prayers in the Schoenstatt Shrine, an official pilgrimage site of the Diocese of Parramatta during this Jubilee Year of Hope. The event will be held on Saturday 12 July from 2.30pm to 5pm at Bethany, 301 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. Cost is $15 includes afternoon tea and craft material. Please register by 5 July to Hannah on 0433 443 384.
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Mt Schoenstatt Girls Day Out at the Shrine: 15 – 16 July
An exciting day out at the Schoenstatt Shrine during the school holidays. The day will be filled with games, discussions, prayers and loads of fun. There are two options depending on the age group:
- Tuesday 15 July for ages 15-18 years – cost of $22
- Wednesday 16 July for ages 11-14 years – cost of $22
- Optional overnight stay for leaders 15+ at cost of $55
Young women 18+ are also encouraged to help with the organisation and running of these two days. For more information and registration, contact Sr. M. Rita on 0493 026 628 or srrita@schoenstatt.org.au
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Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Day for single women: 19 July
A retreat day at Mount Schoenstatt for single women aged 20-35 reflecting on our fatherly relationships and our image of God the Father. The retreat will be held on Saturday 19 July from 9.30am – 5pm. Cost is $25 includes lunch, refreshments, and materials. To register by 12 July, contact Hannah on 0433 443 384. For more information, visit the Mt Schoenstatt Facebook page.
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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
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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.
Kenthurst Parish Dinner Dance: 19 September
All are welcome to attend St Madeleine’s Dinner Dance on Friday 19 September at 6pm at the Dural Club, 662A Old Northern Road, Dural. Cost is $120 and includes a three-course dinner. To enquire about tickets or how you can donate to the silent auction (goods, services or monetary contributions), please contact Sally Coppini on stmadsdinnerdance@gmail.com or 0407 942 986.
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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
Catholic Religious Australia 10,000 for 10 Initiative
To mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Catholic Religious Australia has launched the “10,000 for 10” initiative to encourage the planting and/or protection of 10,000 trees. If you cannot plant a tree, you can protect one or make a donation to a not-for-profit organisation focused on regenerative projects. To learn more, visit https://www.catholicreligious.org.au/10000-for-10
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.
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Australian Catholic Historical Society Gathering: 20 July
The next event for the Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held in the crypt of St Patrick’s, Church Hill at 2pm on Sunday 20 July on ‘The history and background to the Aboriginal Mass’ by Sr Carmel Pilcher rsj and Fr David Orr osb. Members, their guests, and visitors are most welcome and there is no charge. Details of the programme of the ACHS as well as resources on church history are on the websitehttps://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/
NATSICC National Assembly: 29 September – 3 October
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council’s (NATSICC) National assembly will be held from Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October in the Hunter Valley. Celebrate and explore Indigenous culture and Catholic faith together on the lands of the Wonnarua people. Assembly highlights include a keynote address from journalist Stan Grant and ‘On Country experiences’. To register and find out more, visit https://www.natsicc.org.au/2025-assembly.html
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National Liturgy and Music Conference: 1 -3 October
The National Liturgy and Music Conference “Pilgrims of Hope: Transformed through Sacrament and Song” will be held from 1-3 October at the Hilton Hotel, Adelaide. The conference builds on the theme for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Mercy: Pilgrims of Hope as it speaks to the transformative power of the liturgical event, through sacrament and song, to change hearts and to inspire God’s people to be a Church on mission to bring the joyful proclamation of the Gospel to the world. Registration is $590, with rates available for students and concessions. To register and for more information, visit https://pilgrimsofhope.com.au/
