Supporting the persecuted: Help rebuild a Cathedral in the Philippines
In 2017, Christians in the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines faced brutal persecution from Islamist militants. More than 800 people were killed and thousands of families were displaced. During the five months of violence, the Cathedral of St Mary was bombed, desecrated and destroyed.
Nine years on, there is a growing desire for healing and reconciliation. The poor and faithful people of Marawi have asked for our help to rebuild their beloved cathedral so they can once again gather, pray, and be witnesses of Christ in this Muslim-majority region.
To learn more or provide your support, please scan the QR code or visit: aidtochurch.org/monthlyproject
Thanks to generous supporters, every contribution during August will be doubled.
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.
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 infohttps://www.acl.org.au/babybooties/
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
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
28 August | Homecoming Silent Retreat 28th -30th August, Carmel House, Varroville, NSW |
“His father saw him, ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Lk 15: 20
Your heavenly Father waits for you to come away with him for a weekend of silently soaking in his great love for you. Embrace this opportunity for encountering deep peace and serenity. This retreat is for men and women aged 18+. Hosted by the MGL Sisters.
Choose from a weekend retreat or extend your time with a 5 day retreat opt
w/e: www.trybooking.com/DIDBK
extended: www.trybooking.com/DIDBU
12 September | St Vincent de Paul Society and National Capital Orchestra Charity Concert | 03:00 pm
The St Vincent de Paul Society and the National Capital Orchestra present a major charity concert at 3.00 pm in Llewellyn Hall. Internationally acclaimed pianist Lucas Krupinski will perform Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (“Titan”). Proceeds from the concert will support the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society in assisting people experiencing hardship across the Canberra and Goulburn region.
Tickets will be available soon through Ticketek.
20 September | St Anthony's Parish 50th Anniversary 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.
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
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
SAMOAN MASS AT ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH, PAGE Everyone is invited to join Samoan Mass at St Matthew’s Church, Page. The Mass commences at 12.30PM on the 4th Sunday of the Month.
GOT YOUR WEDDING PLANS UNDER CONTROL? How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. For further information visit our web site: www.engagedencounter.org.au. Choose any of the coming Weekends: Feb 21-22, May 23- 24, Aug 8-9
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16 July | ALIVE: BBQ & Praise Night | 06:00 pm
Join us for a BBQ dinner and praise night at ALIVE - a time to deepen your faith and gather as a young adult community. Whether you’re seeking renewal, encouragement, or simply a moment to pause and encounter God, this night is for you.
Who: Young Adults
Date: 6pm, Thursday 16th July 2026
Location: ACU Signadou Chapel, 223 Antill Street, Watson
For any enquiries, please contact Ethan on 0413 545 808. ALIVE is an event run by ACU Campus Ministry and the Disciple of Jesus Covenant Community.
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.
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.
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.
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 infohttps://www.acl.org.au/babybooties/
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
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 Anniversary 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.
30 September | Explosion 2026: Increase & Overflow | 05:30 pmRegistrations 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
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
SAMOAN MASS AT ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH, PAGE Everyone is invited to join Samoan Mass at St Matthew’s Church, Page. The Mass commences at 12.30PM on the 4th Sunday of the Month.
GOT YOUR WEDDING PLANS UNDER CONTROL? How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. For further information visit our web site: www.engagedencounter.org.au. Choose any of the coming Weekends: Feb 21-22, May 23- 24, Aug 8-9
Follow Catholic Voice
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicVoiceAustralia/
https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicvoice/
https://www.youtube.com/catholicvoice