Praise & Worship

Sunday 22 June, 3-5pm

Supported by MacKillop Parish Charlestown and the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle you are invited to experience an encounter of Praise and Worship - a beautiful opportunity to express our Catholic faith through music, led by local worship leaders. Whether this is something new and unfamiliar to you, or already a rich part of your prayer, this event is for you. We extend the welcome to all people from around the Diocese to come and see, and to worship together with us! For more information and to register – https://mn.catholic.org.au/event/praise-worship-evening/ 

Diocesan Young Adult Retreat

27– 29 June

Calling all young adults in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. You are invited to come away on retreat together, stepping into a weekend of community, praise, Adoration, inputs by expert speakers, and an opportunity to encounter Christ's personal love for you.

For more information and to register - Young Adult Retreat 2025 - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Melbourne

29 November – 3 December

Expressions of interest have opened for 100 young people across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to join Bishop Michael for ACYF25 - a national gathering of Catholic youth, from Grade 10 through to 25 years old. The experience provides young people an opportunity to come together and connect whilst deepening their faith and relationship with Jesus. It’s not a conference; it’s a Catholic festival. For more information and to register visit - Australian Catholic Youth Festival - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

NATSICC Assembly – Hunter Valley

29 September – 3 October

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is incredibly proud to host the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council Assembly. Themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ it will welcome hundreds of delegates and bishops from across Australia alongside a keynote presentation from Stan Grant. This will be a powerful moment in our diocesan journey towards reconciliation – not to be missed. For more information and to register visit - 2025 Assembly

SRE Reflection Day with Bishop Michael

Thursday 10 July

Are you a teacher of Special Religious Education or someone eager to explore this vital ministry? Come and be inspired at Bishop Michael's Reflection Day—a special gathering to reflect, learn, and connect. Join us 9:30am – 12:30pm at St Stephens, Tea Gardens. Deepen your understanding, share experiences, and be encouraged in your role. For more information and to register - SRE Reflection Day with Bishop Michael Kennedy - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

NAIDOC Week Prayer Service

Sunday 6 July – 1:30 for 2pm

Sacred Heart Cathedral will host the NAIDOC Week Prayer Service celebrating the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”. This is the 50th year of NAIDOC Week and will feature the burial of a time capsule, a symbolic gesture preserving this legacy for generations to come. For more information and to register visit - 2025 NAIDOC Week Prayer Service - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Monday 7 July – 9am

Be a part of this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations, which coincides with its 50th anniversary. Hosted by Awabakal Ltd, and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese Maitland-Newcastle, the event starts at Civic Park, with a flag raising ceremony at 9am before a united procession to Foreshore Park where the festival is held. For more information and to register - 2025 NAIDOC Week Community Festival - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Introductory Unit to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

CPE is a formation program that focuses on developing the skills needed for pastoral and spiritual care. This course is a pre-requisite for some Chaplaincy roles within the health care sector. The course will take place at MacKillop Parish Centre, Charlestown over the course of five consecutive Mondays, commencing on Monday July 14 from 9am to 3pm. Further enquiries can be sent to Fr Roger Zohrab: rzohrab@bigpond.com

Click here for application form

Caritas Australia appeals for support for amputees in Gaza

The UN described Gaza as being “home to the largest cohort of child amputees in modern history”. As of April, the UN reported that 4,500 people have been made amputees due to the current conflict. 

In response, Caritas Jerusalem is working to support those affected by the loss of limbs, as part of a program supported by Caritas Australia’s Gaza Emergency Appeal.

We urgently need your support. Please donate to Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal. You can donate online www.caritas.org.au/gaza or phone 1800 024 413