Around 450 rosaries, lovingly handmade by passionate volunteers from parishes, agencies, schools and the Diocesan Chancery, have been shared with patients and families in Western Sydney hospitals; offering comfort and prayerful support during challenging and vulnerable moments.
The rosary-making initiative began in October 2025, coinciding with the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the 107th anniversary of the Fatima Miracle, and the month of the Holy Rosary.
With no prior experience required, the initiative provided a simple, hands-on way for people across the Diocese to contribute something practical and valuable to those in need.
At the time, Lucy Woodbury, Mission Enhancement Team facilitator for the Office for Worship, said, “These handmade rosaries are being donated to those in need to offer a connection with God in a deep and meditative way and inviting Mary to be a constant companion.”
With an overwhelmingly positive response to the workshops and uptake across many parishes, the Office for Worship was able to collect and distribute the beloved sacramentals through the Diocese’s Catholic chaplaincy and pastoral ministry teams, including Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
“The rosaries have been given to so many people in need at this time of year – including the sick, injured and dying; as well as their families who often sit at their bedsides, waiting with hope and prayer,” Lucy said.
Feedback from chaplains has been deeply affirming.
“It’s been moving to hear how much these rosaries mean to people,” she said.
“Chaplains have told us that receiving a rosary can bring a sense of calm, connection and reassurance – a reminder that they are not alone and that others are praying with them,” said Lucy, who recently handed a box of 150 completed rosaries to a Westmead Hospital Chaplaincy volunteer.
A Westmead Hospital volunteer receives another 100 rosaries for patients from Lucy Woodbury. Image: supplied.
Rosary-making in 2026
Sister Mary-Louise Walsh ISSM, Liturgy Educator in the Office for Worship Team, said the initiative has opened the door to further outreach in 2026, with rosary-making workshops set to begin again from 9 February.
Rosary Making Workshop
Date: 9 February 2026
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1–5 Marion Street, Blacktown NSW
Further dates will be posted soon – check Find an Event.
Register here, or contact ofw@parracatholic.org to learn more about hosting a rosary workshop in your parish.
This initiative reflects the Mission priorities of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, particularly the Catholic Church’s call to find creative ways to reach people who may feel isolated, marginalised or in need of healing and support. Visit Synodality to learn more.
