From the creatives behind the success of The Well streaming platform during the 2020 lockdown, the ministries of the Diocese of Parramatta have ‘dug deep’ again with “HOME Ground” launching this week.
Commencing Monday 26 July 2021 and continuing for four weeks, the ministries of the Diocese of Parramatta invite people to HOME Ground online gatherings featuring an innovative mix of conversation, music, talks and prayer.
Sr Ailsa Mackinnon RSM, Chancellor of Ministries in the Diocese explained, “With the pressure of lockdown and its imminent extension into August, our new Mission Enhancement Team, MET – Parramatta has responded to the times. We want to provide spiritual and emotional support.
“While church buildings are closed, HOME Ground is an additional way we can ‘open our doors’ to our parishioners online,” she said.
James Camden, Head, Mission Engagement in the Diocese added, “HOME Ground seeks to meet people where they are right now. Since ‘lockdown 2.0’ started in June this year, we’ve been inundated with requests from people who are slipping through the cracks.
“These nightly HOME Ground offerings are full of variety and complement the wonderful online ministry and Masses already being led at many parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains,” he said. “There’s something for everyone.”
Gatherings include game nights; social justice round tables; “Worship Wednesdays” featuring Fr Rob Galea and Gen Bryant; the FaithFeed Livestream with follow-up conversation nights; and special check-ins for young people.
Each Thursday, HOME Ground will feature “BE MET Night”, a fun gathering for people of all ages to congregate online, enjoy music, pray together, and get to know each other through ‘ice-breaker’ questions. There’ll also be special guests and advice on surviving lockdown from mental health specialists.
More serious topics will be tackled as well, with informative talks on Euthanasia, co-hosted by the Dioceses of Parramatta and Broken Bay featuring on Mondays across three weeks starting 2 August.
Sr Grace Roclawska, Head, Formation for Mission in the Diocese extended the invitation to everyone in the Diocese.
“Every weeknight people are invited to see what’s on and join us,” she said. “Most events will be conducted through Zoom, with some broadcast to Facebook LIVE. All you need is an internet connection. All the instructions will be sent to you before the event. We’re making it as easy as possible for people to take part.
“We would love to ‘visit you’ through your computer, tablets or mobile screens.”
This is the first major collaborative event of the new Diocese of Parramatta Mission Enhancement Team which was formed in June this year as the reorganised mission arm of the Diocese focusing on outreach, formation and inclusion of the people of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Click here for the full HOME Ground program. The schedule and how to join each evening can also be found via a link on the homepage of the Diocese of Parramatta website – www.parracatholic.org.
Some events will be held via Zoom (links will be emailed on registration), and some will be streamed through the Diocese of Parramatta Facebook page.
You can also email MET@parracatholic.org for details.
