Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope

Hope, faith, and a whole lot of fun filled the air in Newcastle on Sunday 2 March as more than 1,000 people gathered to launch the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.

It started with a Pilgrimage of Hope from Nobbys Beach to Sacred Heart Cathedral, where Bishop Michael Kennedy and people from across the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle walked in unison, celebrating everything they receive from God and offer the world.

After the pilgrimage, the Cathedral was overflowing for an inspiring and reflective Mass before everyone enjoyed a festival of family activities, free food, and connection.

Read more about it here.

At this event, people also picked up a Pilgrim’s Passport to visit our sites of pilgrimage. To learn more about the Passport and how to obtain a Jubilee Indulgence, click here. 

• Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle West
• St Mary Star of the Sea, Newcastle
• St John the Baptist Shrine, Maitland
• St Joseph’s, East Maitland
• St Joseph’s, Murrurundi
• Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace, Scone
• Saints Patrick & Brigid, Cooranbong
• Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Taree

Join us on pilgrimage with Bishop Michael Kennedy.

Open to all staff and parishioners of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, join us as we embark on a 18-day pilgrimage tracing the footsteps of St. Paul and other revered saints, visiting pivotal biblical sites across Greece, Turkey, and Italy. From the ancient wonders of Athens and Corinth to the spiritual heights of Meteora and the holy grounds of Ephesus, each location offers a unique opportunity for deep spiritual reflection and connection to our rich Christian story. The pilgrimage culminates in Rome during the Jubilee Year, where pilgrims will experience the grace and blessings of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, uniting in faith and community. This pilgrimage promises to be a deeply enriching experience, fostering a renewed sense of faith and spiritual growth.

Date: Thursday 25 September - Sunday 12 October.
Cost: approximately $10,950 (twin share)
Application: Those interested in applying for this pilgrimage are required to submit their application by Friday 14 March 2025. All applications will be considered on merit to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.

For more information contact mission@mn.catholic.org.au

Members of the Diocesan community are invited to create an artwork focusing on the theme - “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). Winning entries will travel across the Diocese in a travelling exhibition during the Jubilee Year.

Entry Categories: A. Primary School B. High School C. Adult
Prize for each Category: 1st Prize  - $500, 2nd Prize - $250, 3rd Prize - $100
Key dates:

• Friday 9 May - Registration of artworks Jubilee Art Exhibition
• Saturday 31 May - Exhibition Opening: 2pm-4pm, Veritas Centre, San Clement Catholic College, Mayfield

At the start of March, the Diocese hosted an exhibition about Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian boy who will be canonised a Saint during the Jubilee Year after living a life incredibly close to Jesus.

From 27 April 2025, he will be known as Patron Saint of the Internet because of his unique approach to spirituality in the digital age. His ability to blend his deep faith with a passion for technology was remarkable.

Carlo created a website to document Eucharistic miracles and share his beliefs with the world. He was a devout Catholic and is credited as having a hand in two healing miracles after his death — the requisite number for all Catholic saints.