Growing Together in Faith
Diocese of Parramatta News
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Join the Diocese of Parramatta's Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage
Young people (18-35) across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are invited to embark on an 18-day pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome from 19 July – 5 August 2025. The journey includes a visit to Greece, tracing the footsteps of Saint Paul, before heading to Rome for the celebration. Express your interest today at parracatholic.org/jubileeyouth2025
MET Natural Fertility Instruction Sessions
MET Natural Fertility are organising a series of instruction sessions on the Natural Family Planning methods offered by the Diocese of Parramatta via Zoom. Learn how to chart your cycle, space out pregnancies and identify the best time to reach your family goals.
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Billings Ovulation Method®: 18 March at 7:30pm
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Creighton Model Introductory Session: 3 May at 2pm
For more information and to register, please visit parracatholic.org/natural-fertility
FaithLIFE Lenten Scripture night by Dr Michele Connolly RSJ: 3 March
Are you looking to read the Bible during Lent but don't know where to start? Consider the FREE Diocesan Lenten Scripture Night guided by Scripture scholar, Dr Michele Connolly RSJ. Monday, 3 March. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. 51-59 Allawah St, Blacktown NSW 2148 – Mary Queen of the Family parish. RSVP via parracatholic.org/events/lenten-scripture-night/ OR email met@parracatholic.org
Safeguarding the Elderly Project: 13 March
Are you interested in sharing and listening to ideas about how we can meet the needs of older people in our Parish communities? You are invited to ‘Share a Cuppa’ on Thursday 13 March from 10am-12noon at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Those involved in ministries such as Ministers of Communion to the Sick and Pastoral Care Groups, are invited to share their experiences and reflections. RSVP by Monday 3 March with any dietary requirements to: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
Please contact Maria Kervin (Manager, Prevention, Healing & Support) at: mariakervin@parracatholic.org if you would like more information on hosting such a Morning Tea within your own Parish with your Ministry Team.
The FaithFeed: 29 March
Have questions about life & faith? Join with others on the search at The FaithFeed live studio audience - hosted by Baulkham Hills Parish in the Hills Deanery – all are welcome! The FaithFeed will be held on Saturday 29 March. Doors open 7:00PM for a 7:30PM start. The night will feature faith stories, live music, activities and great conversation. RSVP via parracatholic.org/events-faithfeed
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities: 3 May
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Renewal Training will be held on Saturday 3 May at Holy Family Emerton for Cycle 2 (Module 4-5). More training opportunities will be available soon. Please register directly for this training or for other convenient dates and locations by clicking on the training event at: https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training. For more information, please email: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
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
Holy Hour for Vocations: 28 February
Join us for a Holy Hour for Vocations at Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill on Friday 28 February from 7-8 pm. Join us afterwards for some refreshments, discussions and games in the pergola space. Email parishoffice@maryimmac.org.au for more details
Young Adult Faith Formation on St Therese of Lisieux: 2 March
Young Adult Faith Formation sessions recommence on Sunday 2 March 2025 at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, South Mt Druitt (9 Ropes Creek Rd Mt Druitt) at 7pm. The speaker is Simon Carrington who will talk about and lead discussion on St Therese of Lisieux. 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.
Mount Schoenstatt Women's Retreat ‘Grace & Silence 2025’ Commencing 8 March
This four-part single-day retreat series is for single young women aged 20-35 discerning their vocation. Attendance on all four days is highly recommended. Spaces are limited, and registration is essential. The retreats take place on Saturdays: 8 February, 8 March, 12 April, and 10 May, from 9:30am to 4:30pm, at "Bethany," 301 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. The cost is $25 per day, including lunch. For more information or to register, contact Hannah on 0433 443 384.
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.
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/
Other Notices  
Ecumenical World Day of Prayer service: 7 March
The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian laywomen, observed annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. Join us on Friday, 7 March, at 10am at Penrith Uniting Church (15 Evans Street, Penrith – behind the Fire Station). All denominations are warmly invited to participate. Morning tea will be provided after the service. For more information, please contact Rev Christine Bayliss Kelly on 0409 925 607.
Sydney Alliance Federal Pre-Election Assembly: 13 March
Join the Diocese of Parramatta’s delegation at the Sydney Alliance Federal Pre-Election Assembly 2025. A great opportunity to experience and showcase our faith in action as this non-partisan assembly invites decision-makers to commit to concrete post-election action on housing and renting, affordable and renewable energy, and climate resilience: 13 March 2025, 5:40pm–7:40pm, Morley Centre, 2 Darcy Rd, Westmead. Register at events.humanitix.com/sydney-alliance-federal-assembly-2025 and please include "Catholic Diocese of Parramatta" and the name of your parish or organisation.
MGL Sisters Consecrated Life Weekend Discernment Retreat: 14-16 March
Are you wondering what God has in store for your life? Single women aged 16-35 are invited to join us and listen for the voice of Jesus, ask questions and experience prayer, talks, sisterhood and sharing to help discern your vocation. For more information and to RSVP please contact mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com or call 0402 602 520.
Catalyst for Renewal luncheon with Dr Susan Connelly RSJ: 15 March
Join us for a luncheon with Dr Susan Connelly RSJ on the ACBC’s Social Justice Statement 2024-25 “Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World” on 15 March at 12.30pm. It is held at Hunters Hill Parish Hall, tickets $35 each. For further information, call 02 4971 4090, email catalyst-for-renewal@outlook.com or book via https://www.trybooking.com/CYPEV
Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd: Ireland & Rome Pilgrimage & Study Tour
Embark on a profound journey into the heart of Ireland’s Catholic heritage. Walk in the footsteps of the faithful, from St. Patrick, St. Kevin and St Brigid to the devoted Sisters of Mercy and Presentation Sisters. Experience the timeless beauty of Ireland’s sacred sites and historic cities, each graced by the warmth of traditional Irish hospitality. Bookings and deposits are required by mid-March and final payments at the start of April. For more information contact louise.zavaone@catholic.org.au
Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 23-25 May
We are offering an opportunity for you to learn to become the best version of yourselves together and live your best life in love! Come and join us on 23-25 May at a Marriage Encounter Weekend at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW – a stunning & tranquil oasis on the edge of Sydney. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Christine & Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.org.au
National Conference for Ecumenical and Interfaith Works – ‘Walking Together’: 30-31 May
The Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue invites Catholics engaged in ecumenical and interfaith activities to a two-day conference exploring unity, dialogue, and synodality in today’s Church. Marking 1700 years of the Nicene Creed and 60 years of Nostra Aetate, the event includes plenary sessions, workshops, and discussions. For details, contact Louise Zavone (Australian Catholic Bishops Conference): louise.zavone@catholic.org.au
Campion College introduces The Compass Program
Campion College is proud to introduce The Compass Program. Through workshops, mentoring, and industry connections, students will integrate their liberal arts education with practical skills and career discernment, ensuring a confident transition from tertiary study to career. Learn more at https://www.campion.edu.au/why-campion/career-prospects/
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Sincerely,
The Communications Team
Communications Team
Diocese of Parramatta
Bethany Centre, 470 Church St Parramatta NSW 2150
T: 02 8838 3400