The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will join the Catholic Church across Australia in a year of prayer as preparations continue for the International Eucharistic Congress, Sydney 2028 (Eucharist28).

The year of prayer is an invitation for communities to gather, reflect and prepare spiritually for what is being described as a significant moment of grace for the Church in Australia. By praying together, the faithful are encouraged to open their hearts to the renewing work of Christ and to ready themselves for the encounter that Eucharist28 will offer.

To mark the beginning of this journey, Bishop Michael Kennedy is inviting all parishes in the Diocese to unite on Sunday, 1 March, by spending time in Holy Hour adoration following Mass.

The announcement comes as momentum continues to build around Eucharist28, with strong indications that Pope Leo XIV intends to visit Sydney to preside over the Congress. Speaking at a press conference at St Mary’s Cathedral earlier this month, the CEO of Eucharist28, Bishop Richard Umbers, shared that the Pope had expressed his intention to attend, describing the event as one that will draw Catholics from across Australia and around the world.

Scheduled to mark the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first International Eucharistic Congress in 1928, Eucharist28 will feature a week-long program including an opening Mass, a major Eucharistic procession, and a concluding Mass expected to attract hundreds of thousands of participants.

While logistical planning continues, organisers have emphasised that the true measure of success will be spiritual renewal. The hope is that Eucharist28 will deepen faith, renew parish life, and help Catholics return to their communities “on fire with love for the Lord.”

As the Diocese takes its first steps toward 2028, parishioners are invited to participate in this shared journey of prayer, adoration and hopeful anticipation of all that God has in store.

For more information, visit:

Eucharist28