This year marks 10 incredible years of LIFTED Live in the Forecourt, and the celebration promises to be bigger than ever.
A feature act will be Alyssa Delpopolo, a rising star who has captured the nation’s attention on Channel 9’s The Voice program with her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances.
Alyssa is a Sydney-based singer-songwriter whose sound blends jazz, pop, and R&B, driven by a voice that is both powerful and emotive. Influenced by icons like Amy Winehouse, Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, and Yebba, her singing has drawn comparisons to Whitney Houston, Adele, and even Christina Aguilera!
About Alyssa
Alyssa performed for Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School Quakers Hill earlier this year. Image: supplied/Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
For those not yet familiar with Alyssa, her achievements are extraordinary – and they began when she was just two years old.
She was named Sony’s Junior Songwriter of the Year (2021), a finalist in Sydney Senior Singer of the Year (2024), and most recently appeared as a contestant on The Voice Australia (2025).
Reflecting on her faith and career, Alyssa said, “I feel like my faith really gives me confidence in myself… it’s kind of like a support system to kind of look back on, you know, to help me through my journey.”
A proud graduate of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), Alyssa credits her time at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, with helping her find her voice.
“Attending the school was really great,” she said, adding she built the confidence to perform at school assemblies in her senior years.
“I had a lot of supportive people there, teachers, and a lot of peers as well. They definitely helped me bring me out of my shell… and just help me share my passion.”
Her lifelong passion for music continues to captivate audiences wherever she performs.
A new album on the way
Currently working on her debut original music, scheduled for release in 2026, Alyssa aims to bring her songs to the world while staying grounded in her faith and values.
She recently shared her excitement about performing at LIFTED.
“I’m just really excited about the community, sharing more music and my passion with everyone… I’m just really excited – such a privilege to be able to perform.”
Alyssa hopes her music inspires young people in their faith.
“I kind of just hope I’ll inspire youth to just be themselves… to be able to give a message to just be yourself and believe in yourself,” she said.
Alyssa performs for younger fans at Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School Quakers Hill. Image: supplied/Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
What to expect at this year’s LIFTED celebration
The Diocese of Parramatta’s LIFTED Live in the Forecourt is fun, energetic, and welcoming for youth and young adults – as well as people of all ages!
This year’s 10-year milestone makes it a truly special occasion. Bring your family and friends, and be part of an unforgettable night of music, joy, and community.
SAC Music Ministry from St Andrew’s Catholic College Marayong perform at the 2024 Lifted Live in the Forecourt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
When: Saturday 25 October 2025
Where: St Patrick’s Cathedral Forecourt, Parramatta
Featuring: Alyssa Delpopolo and other talented local artists, as well as Youth Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, inflatable games and challenges, gaming, food and merch stalls, and much more.
Celebrate a decade of LIFTED, and witness a rising star performing live right here in the cradle of Catholicism – Parramatta!
Follow @catholicyouthparra for more updates.
This initiative aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community and Prayer, and the objective to be a Church renewed in Spirit and Prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
