The strongest winds of 2025 whipped Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains over the weekend – an uncanny echo of the first Pentecost, when a “sound like the rush of a violent wind” filled the house where the disciples were gathered (Acts 2:2).
That same Spirit stirred across 47 parishes in the Diocese of Parramatta as communities came together to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost – the day the Church was born through the descent of the Holy Spirit.
About Pentecost
Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season and commemorates the moment the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles, empowering them to speak in different tongues and go forth to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. It is known by many as the Church’s Birthday.
Celebration cake at St Andrew the Apostle Marayong. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Pentecost is the fulfilment of Christ’s promise and the beginning of the Church’s mission — a mission that continues today throughout the Diocese of Parramatta, where the Spirit is made visible through prayer, multicultural gatherings, and vibrant expressions of faith, unity and service.
This same Spirit is at the heart of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, which shapes the mission and ministry of our local Church. The Plan begins with a foundational principle: the action of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is a powerful reminder that it is the Spirit who animates the Church, guides its journey, and unites us in faith and purpose.
St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith. Image: Facebook.
The Holy Spirit leads the Church on its synodal path, helping us remain grounded in the Gospel of Jesus. As the People of God, we are called to listen attentively — to Scripture, to the living Tradition of the Church, and to one another. In this shared discernment, we open ourselves to the Spirit’s promptings, allowing our efforts to be shaped by grace and directed toward deeper communion and shared mission.
The Diocesan Plan priorities of Community and Mission support this calling, encouraging us to go out into the world, strengthened by the Spirit, to share the Good News across our parishes and communities.
Parish cultural celebrations
At St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, the community hosted a joyful fiesta, with families sharing food and music from their cultural traditions. Following Mass, Parish Priest Fr Fernando Montano, who also serves as Vicar-General of the Diocese and Episcopal Vicar for Social Welfare, brought his vibrant Mexican spirit of fiesta to the day, wholeheartedly joining in the parish’s many celebrations, cultural food stalls, and activities.
St Bernadette’s Parish Castle Hill. Image: Dennis Frketic, F Studio Photography.
The celebration was a powerful reminder of the many gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church, reflected in the rich cultural diversity of the Diocese of Parramatta – one of the most multicultural dioceses in Australia.
In Winston Hills, the Pentecost Mass at St Paul the Apostle Parish included the wedding of four young couple,s supported by the Filipino Chaplaincy choir. Their union during this solemn feast highlighted the Spirit’s presence in love and sacrament.
Newlyweds at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills. Image: Facebook.
Filipino Chaplaincy Choir. Image: Facebook.
At St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens, Mass was followed by a lively cultural showcase, where parishioners wore traditional dress, shared homemade dishes, and performed music and dance representing their heritage.
It was a vibrant expression of the unity and diversity of the Church, brought together by the Spirit.
Children were front and centre at Holy Family Parish, South Granville, where the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy celebrated both Pentecost and Children’s Day. After Mass, the parish honoured the role of children in the life of the Church and offered a message of encouragement grounded in faith.
In Baulkham Hills, parishioners from St Michael’s Catholic Church and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church came together in large numbers, sharing food, laughter and music in a joyful Pentecost gathering. Despite the large attendances, the abundance of food and goodwill reflected the Spirit’s power to unite and provide.
A delicious cultural feast in Baulkham Hills. Image: Facebook.
At St Andrew the Apostle Parish in Marayong, the church was decorated with a striking backdrop image of the Holy Spirit, setting the tone for a full day of youth activities, games, music and multicultural food.
St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The parish’s diverse community came together in celebration, reflecting the shared mission of all believers.
A special cake cemented the importance of the day, lovingly made by members of the parish community.
Marayong Parish. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
In every Mass, every shared meal, every act of service and celebration, the Church continues to be renewed by that same Spirit – alive in the hearts of the faithful, calling us to go out, just as the Apostles did, and proclaim the Gospel to others in our world.
View the photos of St Andrew the Apostle Parish Marayong and St Bernadette’s Parish Castle Hill on Flickr.
Visit the parishes on Facebook for more photos of local community celebrations.
