Almost a thousand people gathered in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on Sunday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Parramatta Diocese, marking four decades of growth across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
The celebration brought together Church leaders, elected representatives, educators, community organisations, and parishioners young and old from across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains – many in brightly coloured traditional national costume, reflecting the Diocese’s contribution to one of Australia’s most diverse and rapidly expanding regions.
Among those attending was the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Charles Balvo, in his final public appearance before retiring.
Established in 1986 by Pope St John Paul II, the Parramatta Diocese was created to serve Western Sydney’s rapidly growing population.
The diocese spans seven local government areas, serves more than 322,000 Catholics and supports communities through 45 parishes, more than 80 schools, childcare centres, aged care services, chaplaincies, migrant support programs, outreach and welfare initiatives.
Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate not only the Church’s history but also the people and communities that have shaped Western Sydney.
“Long before the diocese was created, Parramatta was known as the ‘Cradle of Catholicism’ in Australia. From our earliest colonial history, our faith took root and was nurtured by humble generations of Catholics.
“It is with pride that we can say Parramatta has set the tone for an inclusive, welcoming and courageous Australia. Waves upon waves of refugees and migrants who have made their home here since the first settlement continue to attest to the best that this country can be. As you can see, we are the Church of new Australians, beginning with the sitting bishop himself.”
Today, Parramatta Diocese is Australia’s youngest and most multicultural Catholic diocese, representing more than 40 cultural communities and reflecting the extraordinary diversity of modern Western Sydney.
As Western Sydney continues to experience significant population growth and infrastructure investment, the diocese remains focused on supporting families, young people, migrants, refugees and vulnerable communities throughout the region.
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Western Sydney’s Catholic Diocese Marks 40 Years of Growth, Diversity and Community Service (Parramatta Diocese)
