Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay

Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay Serving the people of God in the northern regions of Sydney - including the North Shore, Manly & Northern Beaches, and the NSW Central Coast...

We, the people of the Broken Bay Diocese, are people of the Good News. And through our Baptism, we are charged with the mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus in our words and actions. One of the most fundamental ways that we proclaim the Good News of Jesus is by worshiping together. We are a Eucharistic community. Every Sunday, from the Northern Beaches, to the North Shore and up to the Ce

ntral Coast, about 25,000 people gather together in 26 parishes to celebrate Mass (2012 figures). These tens of thousands of people who come together every weekend in the Diocese of Broken Bay to proclaim their Catholic faith in Jesus Christ are a powerful witness to the community in which we live.

Celebrated on June 11, the Memorial of Saint Barnabas commemorates a prominent figure from the New Testament who played ...
10/06/2026

Celebrated on June 11, the Memorial of Saint Barnabas commemorates a prominent figure from the New Testament who played an important role in the early Church.

Barnabas was originally a Hellenistic Jew from Cyprus named Joseph. He became a member of the early Christian community in Jerusalem, where he sold his land and donated the entire proceeds to the community by placing the money at the apostles' feet. Because of his character, the apostles named him Barnabas, which means 'son of encouragement'.

Barnabas was one of the Cypriots who helped found the church in Antioch, where he also preached. Though not one of the original twelve disciples, he was recognised as an apostle and played a crucial role in the expansion of the early church.

He undertook extensive missionary journeys as a close companion of Paul the Apostle. Their shared ministry is recorded in detail throughout the Acts of the Apostles and is frequently referenced in Paul's own epistles.

According to Christian tradition, Barnabas was martyred at Salamis, Cyprus, yet the exact historical circumstances of his death remain uncertain.

Saint Barnabas, pray for us.

OneSydney Together in Christ ConcertBe part of a remarkable evening of faith and music at the iconic Sydney Opera House!...
10/06/2026

OneSydney Together in Christ Concert
Be part of a remarkable evening of faith and music at the iconic Sydney Opera House!

When: Sunday, 14 June at 7:00 pm
Where: Sydney Opera House
Tickets: $99 discounted rate for the Broken Bay group section.

Want to sit with other Broken Bay parishioners? Make sure to book through our exclusive link to secure your spot in our dedicated seating area:
https://square.link/u/fTuWmuco

Tickets are strictly limited—don’t miss out on this unforgettable concert!

Fr Paul Durkin has been formally installed as parish priest of St Ives on Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body an...
09/06/2026

Fr Paul Durkin has been formally installed as parish priest of St Ives on Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, by Archbishop Anthony Randazzo.

While Fr Paul has been serving as parish priest since 21 April, however the formal installation took place on the parish's patronal feast day.

In his homily, Archbishop Anthony thanked Fr Paul and encouraged the faithful of St Ives to support him in his ministry.

"Today, with great gratitude, we welcome Father Paul Durkin as your new parish priest. Father Paul, thank you for accepting this appointment and for your generous willingness to serve the people entrusted to your care," he said.

"The ministry of a parish priest is both beautiful and demanding. A priest is called to teach, sanctify, and shepherd God’s people. He is called to lead others to Christ through faithful preaching, reverent celebration of the sacraments, compassionate pastoral care, and a joyful commitment to the mission of the Gospel.

"Father Paul comes among you not as a stranger, but as a shepherd sent by Christ and by the Church. Welcome him warmly. Pray for him faithfully. Support him generously. Walk alongside him in the mission that lies ahead. See in him a pastor who desires to lead and accompany you in holiness, in zeal for the Gospel, in pastoral charity, and in the mission entrusted to every baptised person."

Read the full story here: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/news/latest-news/fr-paul-durkin-installed-as-parish-priest-of-st-ives-by-archbishop-anthony

On June 9, we observe the Memorial of Saint Ephrem, a Doctor of the Church, for his fierce defence of the Catholic faith...
09/06/2026

On June 9, we observe the Memorial of Saint Ephrem, a Doctor of the Church, for his fierce defence of the Catholic faith as a Christian theologian and writer. He was also an accomplished poet, teacher, and orator, most notable for being one of Eastern Christianity's greatest hymnographers.

Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, Ephrem was baptised in his youth, later being appointed as a teacher and serving as a deacon.

When he and other Christians were forced to flee as refugees, they settled in Edessa. There, he dedicated himself to the ministry of his new church and continued his work as an educator.

He became famous for writing a vast array of hymns, poems, verse sermons, and works of exegesis that remained widely recognised and celebrated long after his death. Inspired by the Bible, folklore, and various world philosophies, his hymns feature a vibrant array of metaphors and symbols.

During his time in Edessa, Ephrem ministered to victims of a plague. As a result, he contracted the illness and died in 373.

Saint Ephrem, pray for us.

On Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, known more commonly as Corpus ...
06/06/2026

On Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, known more commonly as Corpus Christi (Latin for Body of Christ).

It is one of the biggest days in the Church’s liturgical calendar and often includes processions and benediction. The solemnity celebrates the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

It was proposed by Saint Thomas Aquinas, to Pope Urban IV to emphasise the joy of the Eucharist being the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

Last year, Archbishop Anthony Randazzo wrote to the clergy and people of Broken Bay, urging a true participation in the Eucharist, rather than just merely being present for its celebration on Sunday.

“We are always at risk of becoming too comfortable, too casual, with the sacred,” he wrote.

“Yet the Eucharist is no ordinary meal, and the Scriptures are no ordinary words. They are Jesus Christ himself, speaking and giving himself to us.

“Let us approach every Mass with renewed reverence, not only for the consecrated bread and wine, but for the Word that is Christ’s own flesh poured into our ears. May we never treat casually what God offers so lovingly. And may our participation in the Eucharist, in both Word and Sacrament, be fully conscious, and life-changing.”

While in many countries the solemnity is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, in Australia it is transferred to the Sunday following.

In keeping with the renewal presented by the Easter Season, Corpus Christi invites the faithful to renew their devotion to the Real Presence and examine ways they can increase their devotion.

On June 5, we observe the feast of Saint Boniface, the English Benedictine monk widely known as the "Apostle to the Germ...
04/06/2026

On June 5, we observe the feast of Saint Boniface, the English Benedictine monk widely known as the "Apostle to the Germans." He was known for his orthodox theology and devoted loyalty to the pope.

In 719, under Pope Gregory II, he embarked on his mission to evangelise the pagan tribes of Germania. During his missions, Boniface found that local communities had mixed Christianity with pagan customs, while some of the local clergy were uneducated or improperly ordained.

In 722, Pope Gregory II consecrated him as a regional bishop, commissioning him to restructure the Church across the Germanic lands. Boniface established a network of Benedictine monasteries, introducing Anglo-Saxon monks and nuns to lead local educational initiatives.

In 732, Pope Gregory III officially elevated Boniface to the rank of archbishop with jurisdiction over regions in Germany.

During his final mission, while preparing new converts for confirmation, Boniface and 52 fellow missionaries were martyred.

Ultimately, he played a key role in creating a Roman-aligned church network in modern-day Germany, successfully restoring the Germanic Church to its fidelity to Rome and converting the pagans.

Saint Boniface, pray for us.

The Diocese of Broken Bay has celebrated 40 years as a diocese at a dinner celebration where six Papal awards conferred ...
02/06/2026

The Diocese of Broken Bay has celebrated 40 years as a diocese at a dinner celebration where six Papal awards conferred by Pope Leo XIV, and 26 Diocesan Medals were presented by Archbishop Anthony Randazzo.

The Pontifical Order of Saint Sylvester, Pope and Martyr
- Ms. Anne Duncan: Awarded for her commitment, leadership, and faith over 43 years of service to Catholic education.

The Croce pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, this is awarded for over 60 years of ministry and distinguished service to the Church and the Pope:
- Reverend Henry (Harry) Kennedy
- Reverend John Hill

The Benemerenti Medal Instituted by Pope Pius VI, this prestigious honour recognises exceptional service to the Church.
This year, we honour 4 recipients:
- Ms. Louise Spencer (Cathedral Parish of Hornsby)
- Mr. Brendan Tertini (Chatswood Parish)
- Mrs. Yvonne Corpuz (Chatswood Parish)
- Mr. Anthony Seeto (Chatswood Parish)

Diocesan Medal Recipients
- 14 parishioners honoured for over 40 years of service to the Ministry of Special Religious Education.
- 12 parishioners honoured for faithfully serving the Church through various ministries.

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine – Diocesan Medal Awards
Ms Carol Real (The Lakes)
Ms Valerie Donovan (The Lakes)
Ms Frances van Schie (Frenchs Forest)
Ms Carmel Smith (Frenchs Forest)
Ms Rita Biviano (Chatswood)
Ms Therese Adamski (Pymble)
Ms Cecilia Kean (Wahroonga)
Ms Gloria Ann Wiggins (Hornsby)
Ms Maria Sproats (Terrigal)
Ms Therese Gorman (Terrigal)
Ms Barbara McCarthy (Gosford)
Ms Dorothy Fulton (Woy Woy)
Ms Robyn Nevin (Gosford)
Ms Mary Luci (awarded posthumously)

Diocesan Medal Recipients
Mr Bruno Spedaleri (Frenchs Forest)
Ms Melanie Hume (Arcia)
Mr Geoffry Marland (Wyoming)
Mrs Norah Marland (Wyoming)
Mrs Janette Merrotsy (Terrigal)
Mr Dennis Southwell (Terrigal)
Mr Brian Bugden (Wyong)
Mrs Kerry Bugden (Wyong)
Mr Owen Casey (Kincumber)
Ms Ann Cartwright (Kincumber)
Ms Winsome Collingridge (Hornsby)
Ms Edith Collingridge (Hornsby)

Congratulations to all the recipients!

Read the full story here: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/news/latest-news/broken-bay-honours-papal-diocesan-award-winners-at-40th-anniversary-dinner

Our 40th Anniversary and Awards Celebration was a wonderfully successful event.Thank you to our sponsors:- Reach HR- Nad...
01/06/2026

Our 40th Anniversary and Awards Celebration was a wonderfully successful event.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Reach HR
- Nader Fine Jewels
- Dentons

Congratulations to our Pennant Hills parishioner whose Secret Key unlocked the box with the diamond and gold bracelet from Nader Fine Jewels valued at $12,500.

And thank you to all our supporters, parishioners and clergy who ensured everyone, especially our awards recipients had a night to remember!

On 1 June, we observe the Feast of Saint Justin Martyr. Known to history as both "Justin the Philosopher" and "Justin Ma...
01/06/2026

On 1 June, we observe the Feast of Saint Justin Martyr. Known to history as both "Justin the Philosopher" and "Justin Martyr", he is the patron saint of lecturers, philosophers, and apologists.

During his youth, driven by an ardent passion for the ultimate truth about God, Justin devoted himself to studying various Greek philosophies. Yet, none of these philosophical thoughts satisfied him.

Around age thirty, Justin met an elderly Christian who challenged his assumptions and pointed him to Christ. Inspired by the ascetic lives of the early Christians and the heroic example of the martyrs, Justin was baptised, embracing Christianity as the ultimate "true philosophy."

At a time when many Christians practised in secret to avoid persecution, Justin chose radical transparency. Believing that silence only fuelled false rumours, he publicly articulated and defended the Christian faith.

His surviving writings, known as the Apologies, provide the Church today with some of the earliest, most invaluable historical descriptions of the celebration of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.

Because of Justin’s bold and public defence of the faith, he was arrested and commanded to sacrifice to pagan idols. He steadfastly refused, uttering the famous words:

"No one in his right mind gives up piety for impiety."

When threatened with torture, Justin confidently remained steadfast. Ultimately, Saint Justin and his companions willingly laid down their lives for their faith in God.

Saint Justin Martyr, pray for us.

A week after celebrating the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity this S...
30/05/2026

A week after celebrating the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity this Sunday, 31 May.

While the Easter Season centres on Jesus Christ and Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity celebrates all three persons of the Trinity.

For most of the Church’s history there wasn’t a specific day to celebrate the Holy Trinity. In the 4th century, Pope John XXII ordered the feast to be celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost, recognising that it was after this that the doctrine of Trinity was proclaimed to the world.

At the heart of the Trinity is mystery. It is more easily understood with the heart than it is with the mind. They are three distinct persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet share one Divine Nature.

Despite this mystery, the Trinity is at the centre of our faith. It is invoked at the beginning of prayer, and at the beginning of every blessing, and all the Sacraments are administered in its name.

So while it is celebrated as a feast just one day a year, the Trinity is a constant companion to the Church through its liturgy, prayer and sacramental life.

May the Son lead us to the Father through the Spirit, to live in the Triune God forever. Amen

Address

Caroline Chisholm Centre: Bldg 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road
Pennant Hills, NSW
2120

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay:

Shortcuts

Share

Category