News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Nominations open for Papal, Civil and Diocesan Awards
From today until Thursday 7 September 2023, you can nominate an outstanding individual who has contributed to the Catholic Church and society for a Papal Honours Award, Civil Award or Diocesan Award. Please visit parracatholic.org/awards. The Awards Ceremony will be held in November. More details to come.
Nine-Week Novena for the Diocesan Synod
All are invited to pray a Nine-Week Novena for the Diocesan Synod. The Novena will begin the week of Sunday 13 August and conclude the week of Sunday 8 October in the lead-up to the Synod Assembly: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 October. You are invited to pray once a week as a parish community, with your family, ministry groups or during personal prayer. More information: https://parracatholic.org/synod2023/
Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal: Caring for those who have cared for us
Our priests never stop giving their lives in service to our community. They dedicate themselves to carrying out God’s ministry for as long as they are able. This Father’s Day, let us show our thanks and appreciation for our priests’ lifelong gifts of faithful service. Your compassionate donation will help our Clergy Support Foundation to care for our priests, and provide them with personalised health and wellbeing support. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal at parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities
The Diocesan Safeguarding team are organising sessions for parish clergy, staff and volunteers to complete their Mandatory Safeguarding Modules. Renewal Modules will soon be available on our online training platform.
- Renewal Mandatory Safeguarding Training (Module 5: Legal Compliance – Risk of Significant Harm & Mandatory Reporting): Tuesday 29 August at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes from 10am to 11.30am
- Mandatory Modules 1-3: Saturday 28 October at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba from 10am-3pm.
Please register for these face-to-face renewal modules at: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org. For further information please contact Maria Kervin at: maria.kervin@parracatholic.org
Diocesan Adult Confirmation: 5 September
Adult Confirmation 2023 will be held on Tuesday 5 September at 7:30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral with the Catechesis and Formation Day to be held on Saturday 2 September at 9:30am – 2pm at the Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Adult Confirmation is a community celebration for those who have reached the age of 16 years and have received both the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. If you would like more information, please contact the Office for Worship on 0460 037 795 or hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org.
MET Worship Selecting Music for Mass Workshop: 7 September
Looking for further training on selecting music for mass? Wanting some tips on encouraging a congregation to sing? Eric Grella, Music Formation Facilitator, Diocese of Parramatta will be running a Music Workshop on Thursday 7 September at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown from 7pm-9pm! Musicians, Liturgy Planners and Clergy are invited to attend. RSVP by 5 September on 0460 037 795 or mary.gale@parracatholic.org
World Day of Migrant and Refugees celebration: 16 September
You’re warmly invited to a family-friendly event with Bishop Vincent and our migrant communities for the World Day of Migrants & Refugees on Saturday 16 September, 2pm – 5.30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills. Come hear stories, enjoy free entertainment and activities. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/celebrating-world-day-of-refugees-and-migrants-tickets-675662363317?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Diocesan Food Drives
Many vulnerable people in our community rely on the ‘food banks’ run by Jesuit Refugee Services and the House of Welcome, which operate thanks to donations from community food drives. All parishes and schools are encouraged to run a food drive for those seeking safety in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Find out more information about how you can help at parracatholic.org/fooddrive or emailing james.atanasious@parracatholic.org
Volunteer for the House of Welcome
Volunteers are needed by the House of Welcome to do odd jobs around properties which house refugees and people seeking asylum. If you are a handyman or woman with a few hours you can donate, contact Maricar at m.tupaea@houseofwelcome.com.au.
MET Natural Fertility: Instruction for Couples
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is for couples wanting to achieve and avoid pregnancy. It is suitable for couples at all stages of life, enhances communication and involves shared responsibility.
If you are:
- Preparing for marriage
- Expecting a baby soon or breastfeeding
- Looking for an effective, natural option and wanting to cease contraception
- Peri menopausal
Then NFP is for you!
For more information or to book an appointment, contact Catherine on 0400 427 605 or email catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org
Marriage Preparation Courses in 2023
Getting married in 2023? Let the Diocese of Parramatta help you prepare. Visit www.parracatholic.org/pmp to view weekend course dates in the New Year, to book and pay. An online preparation called SmartLoving can also be booked via the website. For more information, email met@parracatholic.org or phone Karin on 0419 242 435 or Marisa on 0412 280 017.
Soul Food Podcast – Mission Enhancement Team
Do you find life & faith inspiration by listening to the experiences of others?
The Mission Enhancement Team’s Soul Food Podcast features life & faith stories of people from our diocesan family. Listen now for FREE via our website or on Spotify: https://pfparra.org.au/soulfood/
Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal available for in-person, virtual appointments
The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm for enquiries regarding marriage annulments. Interviews are being conducted in person with Zoom and telephone interviews available for those unable to attend the office. Please contact the Tribunal office on (02) 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org.
St Bernadette’s Lalor Park Wednesday Evening Devotions
St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park, is hosting weekly devotions to Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette every Wednesday evening at 6.30pm with Adoration and Rosary and special prayers, followed by Mass at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9672 4037 or admin@stbernadetteslalorpark.org.au
Quakers Hill Parish Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill-Schofields celebrates a Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Church. All are welcome to join. For more information, please contact the parish office on (02) 9626 3326 or parishoffice@maryimmac.org.au.
Mass available for the Nigerian Catholic Community
The Nigerian Catholic community come together to celebrate Mass every second and fourth Sundays of the month at 11am at Holy Family Church, South Granville, 200 The Trongate, Granville. For more information, please contact community chaplain Fr Chinonye Akamadu on 0451 174 438 or chuk.akamadu@parracatholic.org or Stella Nwosu on 0405 478 472.
Mass available for the South Sudanese Catholic Community
The South Sudanese Catholic community come together to celebrate Mass every Sunday at 2pm at Mary, Queen of the Family Catholic Parish, 51-59 Allawah Street, Blacktown 2148. For more information, please contact Deacon John Cinya on (02) 9622 1125 or John.Cinya@parracatholic.org
Free English and Citizenship Classes
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are offering English and Citizenship classes at Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills, on a Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 2pm during school terms. Free childcare is available. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact Mamre Crèche on (02) 8843 2506 or Nepean Community College (02) 4724 9000.
Emu Plains Parish Baptism for Primary Children program
Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, is offering a Baptism program for primary school children in Term 4 this year. Children will attend a blessing Mass and be baptised in their home parish but complete a 4-week preparation program at OLOW. If your parish is interested in participating in this program, please contact OLOW on (02) 4735 1041 or emuplains@parracatholic.org
Rydalmere Parish Perpetual Adoration Chapel now open
Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere, has a new Adoration Chapel that is open to the public 24/7 located at 4 Myrtle Street, Rydalmere. Fr Chadi welcomes everyone to the Chapel. For after-hours access please contact the Parish Office or Blake on (02) 9684 1541 or admin@holymary.org.au
Rydalmere Parish Wednesday Evening Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Mass
Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere, invites you to join us for our Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 6pm every Wednesday. During Adoration, Fr Chadi is available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 6pm to 6:45pm. Holy Mass is then celebrated at 7pm. For further information, please contact the Parish Office on (02) 9684 1541 or admin@holymary.org.au
Sacred Heart Mount Druitt South ANNUAL FETE
Sacred Heart Parish Mt Druitt South FETE on Sunday 27th August 2023 from 10am -3pm at the Sacred Heart Primary School, 25 Nelson Street Mount Druitt. Stalls include books, DVD, videos, cakes & Devonshire tea, choclate wheel, crafts, face painting, Filipino food, Plants, homewares, Jumping castle, Lollies & ice-cream, Raffle, sausage sizzle, show bags Samoan food, and Toys.
Parish of Richmond St Monica’s Spring Fair: 16 September
All are invited to celebrate the St Monica’s Spring Fair on Saturday 16 September at 32 Francis Street, Richmond. Enjoy a delightful day with kids and family, featuring an array of entertaining activities. Indulge in exciting games, delicious treats, captivating performances, and more! Mark your calendars for this joyous community event that promises laughter and memories for all. See you there!
Arise Women’s Retreat: 16 September
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, is hosting a day of reflection, inspiration and encounter with Christ at this year’s Arise Women’s Retreat: ‘Arise – Talitha Koum – Little gril, I say ARISE’ on Saturday 16 September from 8.30am to 8.30pm. The retreat will include Mass, meditation, talks, praise and worship, creative expression, spiritual direction and healing Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. All meals are included. For bookings and more information, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1078404
Other Notices
Australian Church celebrates Social Justice Sunday: 27 August
Today, the Australian Church celebrates Social Justice Sunday. Since the 1940s, the Australian Catholic Bishops have published annual statements that urge the Catholic community to reflect and act on social, economic, and ecological issues. This year’s statement, Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, was launched last week in Emerton. “One of the objectives of this statement is that we want Catholics to understand that Catholic social teaching and Catholic social action are not simply theoretical and academic exercises,” Bishop Vincent said during the launch. Read and download a copy of the 2023/24 statement by visiting bit.ly/SJS2023-24. Over the next fortnight, each Parish will be receiving a handful of copies.
Season of Creation: 1 September – 4 October
The Season of Creation is an ecumenical celebration and this year’s theme is, ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’. It starts on 1 September, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and ends on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October. In his message for this year’s World Day of Prayer for Creation, Pope Francis reminds us that the next chapter in the Church’s synodal journey will begin at the conclusion of the Season of Creation. He hopes that this synodal journey will foster deeper communion enriched by greater dialogue. To learn more, please contact our Peace, Justice and Ecology team via met@parracatholic.org
NATSICC Indigenous Voice Website – One Journey Together
NATSICC and Caritas Australia have launched www.indigenousvoice.church – a website that empowers Catholics to make an informed decision at the 2023 Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum. The site contains a collation of statements of Catholic Organisations, resources to assist in discernment and the voices of First Australians and our Catholic Leaders.
Are you interested in bringing the Gospel message to prisoners and their families?
Kairos Prison Ministry is hosting an information session on Saturday 16 September at 2.30pm–4.30pm at Blacktown Uniting Church, 59 Bungarribee Road, Blacktown. Come and hear how you can join other Christians in dramatically changing lives. RSVP to kidillwyniasec@kairos.org.au or phone Yvonne on 0419 284 128.
Kairos Prison Ministry for Women Weekend: 10 – 12 November
This support group is for women who have family members serving a prison sentence. Live-in weekends are held twice a year at Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. This is a safe space where women can meet and share with others their challenges. The next weekend will be held November 10 – 12, 2023.
Please note, some of these notices have been provided to the Diocese of Parramatta, with the request they be made available to parishes and parishioners. The Diocese of Parramatta makes these notices available for information purposes only and does not expressly endorse any of this material, unless otherwise specified. The Diocese of Parramatta cannot be held responsible for any inaccurate or defamatory content.
