Catholic Diocese of Bathurst

08/09/2026

On the World Day of Prayer for Creation, the Diocese of Bathurst made history. 🌳💛

On 1 September, the Diocese launched Australia's first Tree Protection Plan, ensuring that all trees on land in the care of the Diocese, such as parishes, schools, presbyteries and cemeteries, cannot be unnecessarily removed or inappropriately pruned, ensuring a long life into the future.

May this be a reminder to us all that creation is not simply nature to be studied, but a gift from God, calling us into universal communion and responsibility for the world we share. This Season of Creation, may we all be inspired to care for our common home. 🌍

To learn more, please visit: catholicmission.org.au/ecological-action-plan

08/09/2026

Love Protects: Safeguarding Sunday 2026

Catholic communities across Australia will mark Safeguarding Sunday on 13 September, concluding National Child Protection Week.

This year’s theme, “Love Protects”, reminds us that genuine Christian love is active. It protects those who are vulnerable, listens when concerns are raised, speaks truthfully and never allows silence to take the place of safety.

On Safeguarding Sunday, we pray for all who have experienced abuse, together with their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm caused within Church settings and renew our commitment to creating communities in which every person is safe, heard, respected and included.

Safeguarding is more than policies, training and compliance. It is a Gospel responsibility expressed in our relationships, ministries, leadership and everyday actions. A safe Church is one where children, young people and adults at risk can participate fully, speak openly and know they will be taken seriously.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Each of us helps create a safer culture by remaining attentive, respecting appropriate boundaries, listening carefully and responding properly when concerns arise.

Safeguarding Sunday is not the conclusion of this work. It is a reminder of our continuing responsibility to make every parish, school, ministry and agency a place where people are cherished, protected and treated with dignity.

Further information and support contacts are available here.

08/09/2026

A Saint for Our Time: St Carlo Acutis Visits the Diocese

From 27–31 August 2026, the Diocese of Bathurst had the extraordinary privilege of welcoming the Major Pilgrim Relic of St Carlo Acutis — a relic of his pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart — together with a relic of his hair and an exhibition of his work documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

For more information and photos of the visit to Bathurst, Oberon and Dubbo go to https://bathurst.catholic.org.au/a-saint-for-our-time-st-carlo-acutis-visits-the-diocese/

07/09/2026

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On the 8th of September, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity (the birth) of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary’s birth brought the dawn of hope to the world. As we reflect on her life of grace and perfect trust in God, we are reminded of her gentle strength and her profound "yes" to God's plan.

Today, we especially celebrate with the parish community at St Mary and St Joseph and keep the students and staff at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Orange in our thoughts and prayers as they honour their patroness on this feast day.

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May her example of faith inspire our Diocesan family.

Blessed Virgin Mary... Pray for us.

05/09/2026

Bishop Michael McKenna’s 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭@𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 for⁣⁣ the
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm 94:1-2, 6-9. R. v.8
Romans 13:8-10
Matthew 18:15-20

Today's Reflection
If today you hear his voice: do not harden your hearts

+Michael McKenna
Bishop of Bathurst

The theme of today’s first reading from Ezekiel is taken up in the Gospel: helping one another to hear God’s call to turn back to him and the community of faith. It is always a delicate undertaking, requiring the gifts of wisdom and humility.

The promise of Jesus, that where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them gives us confidence in what it means to belong to his Church and to proclaim the truth by living it together.

We are so familiar with his promise that we may take it for granted. I invite you to quietly turn it over in your mind this morning. Then, when you gather for worship today, be aware that Jesus is keeping his promise: and thank God for your brothers and sisters whose fellowship with you makes his presence a reality.

Christ’s presence in the assembly is a deep principle and necessary power of our life together as the Church. The Church teaches three more ways that he is present when we offer Mass: in the proclamation of holy scripture; in the unique ministry of the priest; and especially when the bread and w**e becomes Christ’s body and blood.

St Paul teaches that Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour. Only in the love which Christ’s presence brings, if we say yes to it, can we openly and honestly discover truth together.

Come, Lord Jesus, let us meet you present in our midst, to love one another and become witnesses of that love for our troubled world.

03/09/2026

Today is the 14th Anniversary of the Ordination to the Priesthood of Fr Reynold Jaboneta, parish priest of St Patrick's in Lithgow and St Vincent's in Portland.

4 September 2012

Luke 17:10: “We are no more than servants; we have only done our duty.”

03/09/2026

Father’s Day Appeal this Weekend

As you leave Mass this weekend, a special collection will be taken up for the annual Father’s Day Appeal, which supports the care and welfare of our retired and sick priests.

The Father’s Day Appeal is a tangible expression of our gratitude to the priests who have dedicated their lives to serving our parish communities, celebrating the sacraments, and walking with us in faith. Through this collection, our Catholic community assists the diocese in providing essential healthcare, comfortable accommodation, and ongoing support for those who have tirelessly cared for the flock over many decades.

Donations can also be made via this link https://www.bpoint.com.au/pay/CATHOLICDIOCESEOFBATHURST?billercode=1700384

Thank you for your generosity and for supporting those who have given so much to our Church. Please keep all our priests, both active and retired, as well as all fathers, in your prayers this weekend.

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

Catholic Observer Wins Australasian Award

The Catholic Observer has won the Best Front Page – Print award at the 2026 Australasian Catholic Press Association Awards.

The award was announced at the ACPA Conference and Awards Dinner in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Thursday 27 August. It recognises the work involved in sharing the stories of the Diocese through print and digital media. The Christmas Art painting used on the cover was painted by Zeke, who was a student at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Dunedoo.

More information about the awards is available at https://bathurst.catholic.org.au/catholic-observer-wins-australasian-award/

02/09/2026

Bishop McKenna launches Diocesan Tree Protection Plan

On 1 September, 2026 members of the diocesan Laudato Si’ group, the Blayney Eco Hub Committee, education leaders, parishioners from Blayney, and people from across the region, including local politician Andrew Gee MP, gathered at the Blayney Eco Hub. Also present were many who had helped to establish and restore the Eco Hub.

To read more, and an edited version of Bishop McKenna's homily go to https://bathurst.catholic.org.au/bishop-mckenna-launches-diocesan-tree-protection-plan/