Event Notices from the Archdiocese
by Woden South
17 – 19 July | INSTAGRACE |
INSTAGRACE is a three-day Catholic residential program organised by Jesus Youth Canberra for teenagers aged 13 to 17. Running successfully for nearly a decade, it helps young people grow in self-understanding and develop a personal relationship with Jesus through talks, music, and life testimonies.
Venue: Outward Bound Australia, Naas Road, Tharwa, ACT
Date & Time: Friday, 17 July 2026 (9:00 am) to Sunday, 19 July 2026 (4:00 pm)
Registration Fee: $290
Registration Closes: 12 July 2026
Registration: Register via the link or QR code provided
For any further enquiries, please contact Jerin Niju on 0469 738 253.
21 July | “Who is the Church?” Formation Forum | Cenacle: Institute for Synodal Evangelisation | 5 – 7 PM
Join us as we explore the identity and mission of the Catholic Church in Australia today and reflect on its challenges, opportunities and invitation to all. Featuring interviews and personal stories, we will consider pastoral planning, voices within and beyond the pews and our shared journey of “walking together.” In-person at Australian Catholic University and online option available for those outside Canberra. Register: bit.ly/formation-forum-church
22 July | July Veritas Lecture | Waluwin Ngurambang, Waluwin Bagir-ngun, Waluwin Mayiny: Sovereign Research, Wiradyuri Women, and the Future of First Nations Health | 05:30 pm
First Nations health research in Australia has long been done by non-First Nations researchers about First Nations peoples rather than by community, homogenising diverse sovereign Nations leading to health policies, programs and practices that are structurally harmful. This lecture explores what it means to design research from within Country, culture, and Nation sovereignty, where yindyamarra guides relational ethics, wayamiilbuwawanha shapes reflective practice, and community leadership
22 July | Guinness and God | 06:30 pm
Guinness and God is back for 2026! Featuring Simon Carrington talking on “Dating with Passion and Purpose.” G&G is a space for university students and young adults, 18-30yo, to explore those big questions with no pressure. Enjoy live music, inspirational speakers, connection, and good company. Full details at www.guinnessandgod.com
6:30-9pm, 22 July, King O’Malley’s Irish Pub, City Walk, Civic.
25 July | Eucharistic Retreat Day | 08:30 am
Eucharistic Retreat Day with the Dominican Srs of St Cecilia on Saturday 25 July, from 8:30am – 3:30pm at Sacred Heart Primary School, Pearce & Mary Help of Christians Parish, South Woden. For more information, contact the Sisters at sydney@op-tn.org and register via trybooking.com/DLVXK.
26 July | Marriage & Family Sunday | 11:00 am
The Archdiocese is hosting Marriage & family Sunday in conjunction with the World Day for Grandparents and the elderly. The event starts at 11 am with a Mass at the cathedral followed by a gathering and light refreshments in Haydon Hall behind the Cathedral. This is a great occasion to celebrate all things marriage and family and gather in a place of belonging. All are welcome.
6 August | The Marriage Course (Alpha)
Are you interested in enriching your marriage? Whether you’ve been married recently or many years this 7-week Marriage Course from 6 Aug – 17 Sep on Thursdays from 7-9 pm (via Zoom) hosted by the Archdiocese. A wonderful course for couples to connect or reconnect and strengthen your relationship through private discussion.More information: https://alpha.org.au/more-from-alpha/the-marriage-course/. Register: https://cgcatholic.org.au/marriagefamily/home/marriage-course-acg/
Saturday 8th August – Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop
Pilgrimage to Eden – 12.00pm Mass (Our Lady Star of the Sea)- Launch of Novena.
11 August | BE RADIANT! St Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Night | 05:00 pm
Calling all youth and young adults!! As the St Carlo Acutis Relic makes its pilgrimage around Australia and reaches Canberra, we invite you to join us for a night of games, testimonies and fun! On Tuesday 11 August 5-8:30pm, starting with a Holy Hour with the relic in St Christopher’s Cathedral, then moving to Haydon Hall from 6pm for many exciting programs, including a session on the Eucharist by Fr Paul Nulley. Register via the QR code provided or through Instagram @jycanberra.
15-16 August | ST. CARLOS ACUTIS MAJOR RELIC PILGRIMAGE TO TUMUT MISSION |
The relic of the Newest Saint and the First Millennial Saint, St Carlo Acutis will make the journey of a pilgrimage to the Tumut Mission from Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th August.
The First-Class relic is a section of the Saint’s heart and is carried worldwide by the Diocese of Assis, as custodian of the relics of Carlo Acutis while respecting Church guidelines. It is a unique and wonderful opportunity to get to know the First Millennial Saint more.
16 August | SOUTHSIDE HYMN FESTIVAL | 02:00 pm
All choirs & musicians from the Southern Deanery (South Canberra, Weston Creek, Woden, Tuggeranong, Braidwood, Cooma, Queanbeyan area, etc.) are warmly invited to play and sing at the Southside Hymn Festival from 2.00-4.30pm at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Curtin ACT on Sunday, 16 August 2026. All parishioners are welcome. FREE admission and afternoon tea. Organised by the Knights of the Southern Cross. Please register by 6.00pm 26 June 2026. E-mail Bob Perkins at perkins.family@aapt.net.au
Sunday 16th August – Parish Launch/Intercessory Prayers and Conclusion of Novena.
Monday/Tuesday 17th –18th August – Parish & Communities’ initiatives
17 August | STAND FOR LIFE @ Federal Parliament, CBR | 11:30 am
Please join us and stand peacefully with our Christian sisters and brothers for the 4th annual campaign to speak up for the rights of pre-born babies and support Federal pro-life parliamentarians who are trying to progress pro-life legislation. We need thousands to attend! Mon 17 Aug, Federal Parliament House lawns, Canberra. More info https://www.acl.org.au/babybooties/
Wednesday 19th August – 5.00pm Ordination to the Diaconate – Mr Don Gomez (Cathedral).
Thursday 20th August – 9.00am Catholic Education – Launch of new initiatives (National Convention Centre).
“Grounded in Faith: Growing in Service”
Friday 21st August – 5.00pm Ecumenical Prayer Vigil (Cathedral).
“Witnesses of Hope: Prayer, Testimony and Encounter”
22 August | THE ARCHDIOCESAN 2026 ASSEMBLY FESTIVAL-“GET UP! LISTEN! GO!” | 09:00 am
On Saturday, 22nd August, people will gather from 9am -4pm there will be a hub for this Assembly in the Tumut Mission at Tumut’s McAuley College Hall
Sunday 23rd August – 11.00am Mass of Thanksgiving (Cathedral).
26 August | August Veritas Lecture | Supporting the participation of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): An occupational therapy perspective | 05:30 pm
In this lecture, I will share my research findings of an occupational performance and participation approached known as the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance Approach (CO-OP) is an evidence-based problem-solving approach that supports children and adults learn new skills and achieve personally meaningful goals. I have trialled CO-OP with three children with FASD and will share my learning from this research and approach
To register, go to: www.acu.edu.au/about
20 September | St Anthony’s Parish 50th Anniversay Mass | 09:00 am
Save the Date:
The Archbishop will celebrate the 50th Anniversary Mass at St Anthony’s on Sunday 20 September, 9:00am. All past parishioners are invited to attend.
September 2026 | Dominican Pilgrimage to Spain, France and italy
Embark on a sacred Dominican Pilgrimage to Spain, France, and Italy, a profound 14-day journey through the heartlands of European faith, study, prayer, and preaching.
Walk in the footsteps of St Dominic, St Catherine of Siena, and other great Dominican saints as you trace the origins and living legacy of the Order of Preachers. From Caleruega, the birthplace of St Dominic, travel through the early foundations of the Order in Prouilhe and Toulouse, places where the Dominican charism first took root and flourished.
The pilgrimage continues into Italy, visiting Bologna, a historic centre of Dominican study and community life; Siena, home of St Catherine’s witness of faith and courage; and Rome, the heart of the universal Church. Along the way, you will encounter towns, monasteries, and sacred sites that reveal how prayer, truth, and preaching shaped Europe—and continue to renew the Church today.
Journeying with the Dominican Friars and the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, this pilgrimage offers daily opportunities for prayer, reflection, and shared celebration of the liturgy. It is an invitation not only to visit holy places, but to deepen your understanding of the Dominican charism: to contemplate, and to share the fruits of contemplation.
Departs Saturday, 26 September 2026
14 Days / 11 Nights
Spain • France • Italy
CONTACT US
info@harvestjourneys.com
www.harvestjourneys.com
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30 September | Explosion 2026: Increase & Overflow | 05:30 pm
Registrations are now open for Explosion 2026, a Catholic youth conference for students in years 7 to 12. Hosted by the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community, Explosion will be held at St Clare’s College, Canberra, from September 30 to October 3, offering inspiring speakers, powerful prayer and worship, and the opportunity to build lasting friendships while growing in faith. Early bird pricing available until August 8. For more information and to register, visit explosionyouth.com.
