News
World Day of Peace, 21 September
In his message for this year’s World day of Peace, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, tells us, “Today, amidst staggering volatility, the search for peace feels overwhelming—but it has never been more urgent….”
Bishop Vincent Presents: Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and Elisabetta Pique: 26 August
Bishop Vincent, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame Australia and Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, warmly invites all to a special public lecture featuring two of the world’s most respected Vatican journalists, Gerard O’Connell and Elisabetta Piqué.
Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division
The latest Social Justice statement, Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division, was released in Brisbane on August 7.
“This statement invites us to see our current social climate as an opportunity to witness to the Gospel,” writes Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB in the preface to the statement.
Homelessness Week Australia, 3-9 August
The National Homelessness Week theme for 2026 is "Homelessness Action Now". In Australia there are almost 123,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given nightt.
Catholics Encouraged to Identify Themselves in the Census
“Census data tells us a great deal about the demographics of self-identifying Catholics in particular regions, and for this reason, it is invaluable to pastoral planning,” Dr Dantis said.
“It is also an important aspect of planning for our Catholic organisations, since many Australians seek assistance from these institutions in times of personal crisis, and for services such as schools, health care facilities and welfare.”
For Evangelisation in the City
In his prayer intention for the month of August, Pope Leo invites us to pray that in large cities, often marked by anonymity and loneliness, we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel.
World Day Against Trafficking in Humans
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30 to raise awareness of human trafficking and protect victims' rights. Locally, ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans’ is highlighting its free education modules.
CRA (Catholic Religious Australia) Calls for Increased Efforts to Combat Antisemitism
In a submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, CRA (Catholic Religious Australia) of which Sisters of Mercy Parramatta is a member, has called for increased efforts to combat antisemitism and all forms of religious and ethnic hatred, including Islamophobia, to enhance social cohesion.
NAIDOC Week
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
An ‘extraordinary chapter’ in the Long Life of Parramatta’s Sisters of Mercy
One of the oldest religious communities in the Diocese of Parramatta has met to decide on its future, and to give thanks for the hundreds of their members over the years who have dedicated their lives to help the less fortunate.
Catholic Religious call out racism towards First Nations People
CRA called for genuine government consultation with First Nations communities and decisive action to dismantle systemic racism, and the creation of mechanisms for genuine dialogue and truth-telling, at all levels of society.
Video: “Magnifica Humanitas”
The dignity of the human being as the criterion to orient technical progress
Bishop Vincent’s Homily for the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Parramatta
Gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral for the 40th anniversary of the foundation of our diocese formally established by St John Paul II on April 8th, 1986.
Pray with the Pope: For the Values of Sports
Let us pray that sport may be an instrument of peace, encounter and dialogue between cultures and peoples, and may promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
World Environment Day, 5 June
The theme for World environment Day 2026 is “Climate action”, with the official campaign slogan “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For our Future”. The slogan captures the urgency to address climate change for the sake of all life forms in our common home.
National Reconciliation Week, 27 May - 3 June 2026
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The Sistine Chapel Reimagined in Sydney
Located near St Mary’s Cathedral and arriving during the cultural energy of Vivid Sydney, the Sistine Chapel Exhibition Sydney offers a rare opportunity to experience Michelangelo’s masterpiece in an entirely new way.
Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical “Magnifica humanitas” to be Published May 25
Pope Leo XIV’s first Encyclical Letter Magnifica humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence, will be released on May 25, 2026.
A Supported Ministry: Mercy Works
Listen to a conversation with Sally Bradley rsm, the Executive Director, and Andrew Lowry, Head of Programmes, with Mercy Works, recorded to mark the 25th anniversary of Mercy Works.
Bishop Vincent Features in new ABC Education Series for Australian Students
In a new ABC Education series Journeys of Hope from Vietnam, the story of our Parramatta Bishop, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, is offered not merely as a personal testimony but as a profound witness to faith, migration, and human resilience.