Sydney: Sydney’s Catholic community is showing new signs of growth and hope as church leaders and parish groups speak of a renewed spirit of faith across the city. A new documentary titled A Second Spring A New Dawn of Faith in Sydney has drawn attention to this revival, highlighting stories of conversion, parish renewal and increasing participation among young and old.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher has said the idea that Christianity is fading in Australia does not match what he is witnessing in Sydney. He pointed to what he called green shoots of faith in parishes, chaplaincies and ministries. According to the archbishop, the number of adults preparing to join the Church at Easter has reached nearly 400, the highest in recent memory. He also noted growing interest in pilgrimages, retreats and public expressions of faith.
Much of this renewed activity is linked to the work of the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, which Archbishop Fisher established five years ago. The centre supports parishes and communities through leadership training, mission planning and outreach programs under the Go Make Disciples plan. Its members say they are seeing real change in parish life as people take up new responsibilities and invite others to explore the faith.
Recent events around the city also show this momentum. A large gathering of men took part in the Camino of St Joseph pilgrimage, and thousands are expected to attend the Catholic Christmas Festival in Sydney Town Hall later this month. New podcasts and formation sessions have also begun, aimed at helping people deepen their faith and understand issues facing the Church today.
Church leaders say the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025 has encouraged many to take a fresh look at their spiritual lives. The documentary calls on Catholics not only to recognise these signs of renewal but also to take part in them by living out their mission in daily life.
As Sydney looks ahead to the local synod in 2026 and other major events, many believe this second spring is only the beginning of a new chapter for the Church in the city.