The Way of Mercy
Pope Francis has called for a more merciful and inclusive church in “which we are all called to give consolation to each man and each woman of our time”. In response, the relics of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and St Teresa of Kolkata accompanied by a 3.7m high wooden Mercy Cross are on a pilgrimage through the Diocese of Parramatta.
On the weekend of 8-9 October: the Mercy Cross and Relics will be hosted by Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 7 Grantham Road, Seven Hills, with St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park, and St Anthony’s Parish, Toongabbie. Information: tel (02) 9622 2920 or click here.
To find out more about the Way of Mercy and dates when the Mercy Cross and Relics are coming to a parish near you, click here or send an email to the Pastoral Planning Office.
Come and See – Campion College: 5 October
Campion College invites Year 11 and 12 students to experience a day in the life of a Liberal Arts student. Meet the students – Attend a lecture – Explore the campus. Come and see what a Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts can do for your future! From noon-4.30pm (lunch provided) at Campion College, Old Toongabbie. See website for program details and registration: www.campion.edu.au
Praying with Poetry: 8 October
Facilitator: Glenda Bourke SGS. Share ways in which poetry can lead to prayer by exploring the thoughts, feelings & experiences in selected poems, as well as their images, rhythms & capacity to surprise. There will be time for quiet reflection. Participants are invited to bring along a favourite poem to share. From 10am-3.30pm at the Mount St Benedict Centre, 449D Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills (entrance off Hull Rd). Cost: $25. Book by 3 October: tel (02) 9484 6208, mtstbenedict@bigpond.com
Meet the Catenians
Strengthening the spiritual and social lives of Catholic men through faith-based friendship. Visitors are made welcome at:
Castle Hill Circle, 7pm on Tuesday 25 October, St Joseph’s Conference Centre, MacKillop Drive, Baulkham Hills. Contact: Peter Huby 0411 394 844.
City of Parramatta Circle, 7pm on Thursday 20 October, Lachlan’s at Old Government House, Parramatta Park. Contact: Michael Tan mgtan@tpg.com.au
Free Retirement Planning Seminars: 11 October
Australian Catholic Superannuation & Retirement Fund is offering two FREE seminars at Wenty Leagues Club: from 4.30pm-6pm and from 7pm-8.30pm. For more information and to register, click here.
Free Planning for Aged Care Seminar: 11 October
Catholic Super and MyLife MyAdvice offers this FREE seminar, which will cover: types of aged care services, costs of residential aged care, payment options, strategies to cover costs and create the best financial outcomes. Anyone is welcome to attend. Arrive 11.45am for noon start, concludes 1pm. Parramatta RSL, Macquarie Room, cnr Macquarie & O’Connell Streets, Parramatta. To register, click here.
Young Men of God National Conference: 14-16 October
The conference is an annual gathering of young men from around Australia to be further formed in faith through engaging sessions with some of Australia’s best speakers including Fr Rob Galea, Karen Doyle and Fr Ken Barker MGL. Venue is The Tops Conference Centre. To register, click here.
The Acts of the Apostles – Taking the Gospel to a Wider World: 14-15 October
The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay is hosting the 2016 Broken Bay Bible Conference, The Acts of the Apostles: Taking the Gospel to a Wider World, at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills. Bringing together Australian biblical scholars and educators Dr Michele A Connolly RSJ and Dr Laurie Woods, the two-day event will explore the birth and growth of the very early Church, and the journey of Peter, Paul and the other disciples as they take the message of Jesus to the wider world. Topics include: The Beginning of the Christian Community; Luke as Storyteller and Historian; Christianity Catches on in the Greco-Roman World; Peter and Paul; and Women in Early Christianity.
Registrations close 7 October. For further information and registration details, click here, tel (02) 9847 0448 or send an email to registrations@dbb.org.au
Domremy College Five Dock Class of ’76 – 40 Year Reunion: 15 October
Come and reminisce about our Domremy days and please spread the word. From noon at the Metropolitan Hotel, cnr Bridge & George Streets, Sydney. Food and drink at own expense. For further information, please send an email to Maree Collis (nee Burling).
Holy Hour for Vocations: 20 October
Everyone is welcome to join the Holy Hour for Vocations from 7pm-8pm for adoration, prayer, music and quiet time in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Plc, Parramatta.
Renaissance of Marriage: 21-22 October
Renaissance of Marriage 2016 National Marriage Conference. For the first time in five years comes an opportunity for you to be part of reviving and strengthening the marriage culture in Australia. Get inspired, be energised and connect with others over two days of national and international speakers, including Christopher West. For more information on the conference, fee schedule and speakers, visit the website www.rom.org.au
Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat: 21-23 October
This weekend retreat in Sydney is designed to bring psychological and spiritual healing to anyone who has been affected by an abortion experience including women, men, couples and grandparents. Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries Australia is supported by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Confidential inquiries: tel or SMS 0400 092 555, info@rachelsvineyard.org.au For more information visit: www.rachelsvineyard.org.au
Diocesan Family Sunday: 23 October
Theme: ‘Family – An Oasis of Mercy’. Afternoon family gathering with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. From 2pm-5pm at the Shrine of the Holy Innocents, 8 Greyfriar Place, Kellyville. Be part of the Way of Mercy with the Mercy Cross and relics of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and St Teresa of Kolkata. Hosted by the Life, Marriage & Family Office, Parramatta. Family Sunday will be celebrated at Masses throughout the Diocese of Parramatta. Inquiries tel (02) 8838 3441, email lmf@parra.catholic.org.au
Couple Evening: 28 October
Everyone warmly invited to attend the Life, Marriage & Family Office Marriage Enrichment evening entitled ‘Communication 101’. This DVD presentation features Dr Gary Chapman, the well-known author of the Five Love Languages. This event is free and a light supper will be served. Starts 7.30pm in St Paul the Apostle Parish Hall, 40 Buckleys Road, Winston Hills. RSVP to Life, Marriage & Family Office, Diocese of Parramatta: tel (02) 8838 3460 or send an email to lkeane@parra.catholic.org.au
Stella Maris College Manly Ex-students Association: 30 October
All former students are encouraged to come and bid farewell to the Hall/D Block with afternoon tea from 2pm at Benedict Campus, 270 Pittwater Rd, Manly – the old “Fisho’s” – then 2.30pm under the fig tree on the main campus. No cost. Please spread the word. To judge numbers, RSVP with a brief bio to: donna_stimson@stellamaris.nsw.edu
Thanksgiving Mass for RCIA & Sacraments of Initiation teams: 4 November
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will celebrate the annual Thanksgiving Mass for RCIA and Sacraments of Initiation teams and facilitators. Mass at 7.30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. RSVP 2 November: Office for Worship tel (02) 8838 3456 or send an email to alobo@parra.catholic.org.au
‘Leading an Energised Life’: 11-13 November
This weekend workshop is for those who are interested in exploring and developing their spirituality in ways that energise their lives. Facilitated by Br (Dr) Barry Donaghue, Director Emeritus of Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Cedar Rapids, US. Venue is the Edmund Rice Retreat & Conference Centre, Winbourne, 1315 Mulgoa Rd, Mulgoa. Information: click here. Bookings: (02) 4773 5555.
Christian Meditation Introduction & Renewal Day: 20 November
Presentations, Introduction to Christian Meditation, two periods of meditation, Eucharistic Celebration and information exchange. Arrive 10am for 10.30am, concludes about 3pm. BYO picnic lunch. Tea & coffee provided. St Benedict’s Monastery is at 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia, tel (02) 9653 1159. Inquiries: Ann Bergman (02) 9498 2625, anniebergman@hotmail.com or Ann Lomas (02) 9456 4775, atlomas@bigpond.com Self-catering accommodation may be available in the monastery guest house. Contact Br Terry 0438 282 318.
For more events please go to http://parracatholic.org/events/
