News and Events Weekly Update

Stay in touch with what's happening across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond.

CatholicCare Choices NDIS Information Days

In the Diocese of Parramatta, CatholicCare Choices is holding information days on the National Disability Insurance Scheme: NDIS and YOU – Your Questions Answered.

From 10am-4pm on these dates:

Thursday 25 August, CCSS Centre, 38 Prince Street, Blacktown;

Monday 29 August, 326 High Street, Penrith;

Friday 2 September, 2A Villiers Street, Parramatta;

Wednesday 7 September, Shop 3/163 Macquarie Road, Springwood.

There is no charge but bookings are preferred tel (02) 8822 2222, choices@ccss.org.au

New Diocesan Ministry Centre at Blacktown

The new Diocesan Ministry Centre is located in Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, 51-59 Allawah St, Blacktown. Tel (02) 8838 3460. These ministries are now at the new centre: Social Justice Office, Office for Worship, Family & Life Office, Pastoral Planning Office and Catholic Youth Parramatta.

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 Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata accompanied by a 3.7m high wooden Mercy Cross have commenced a three-month journey through the Diocese of Parramatta.

On Sunday 28 August 2016, the Mercy Cross and Relics will be hosted by the Parish of Richmond, 1A Bourke Street, Richmond, tel (02) 4578 1410.

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.

Love In Action – Social Justice Ideas: 25 August

Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) invites young adults aged 18-35 to the next Parra-Matters! Roaming Formation for Youth Ministry. From 7pm-9pm at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 125 Barnier Dve, Quakers Hill. For updates, join CYP on Facebook Catholic Youth Parramatta

The Cardoner Project

A young adult ministry of the Jesuits, the Cardoner Project offers 2016 School Leavers and University Students an Immersion Program to Cambodia, Thailand/Vietnam, Nepal, and Mexico.  These immersions involve community service working in construction, schools, orphanages, and communities, as well as spiritual reflection in the Ignation tradition, while experiencing the culture of the country visited. The Nepal immersion includes an inspiring trek high into the Himalayas! Immersions are priced from $4500- $5500, and places are limited & booking out quickly. Upcoming immersions include: Cambodia 21 November – 6 December; Nepal 5 December- 22 December; Thailand/Vietnam 5 January – 22 January; Mexico 1-18 February; Nepal 8-26 February. For more info: immersions@thecardonerproject.org or call Cathy Hammond tel 0427 960 918.

Faith in Marriage Seminar: 26 August

Keynote speakers: Sophie York on ‘The Beauty and Joy of Marriage’ and Ben Smith on Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation ‘The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia). Presented by CatholicCare Social Services and the Family & Life Office, Parramatta. St Paul the Apostle Parish, 40 Buckleys Rd, Winston Hills. Commencing at 7.30pm and concluding with a light supper. Registrations: CatholicCare tel (02) 8822 2222, marriage@ccss.org.au

Check out Notre Dame’s Open Day: 27 August

Experience why Notre Dame is one of Australia’s highest rated universities at its annual Open Day on Saturday 27 August, from 9am-3pm. Discover courses that match your interests and aspirations when you speak directly to School Deans, lecturers and current students about study and career opportunities within the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Philosophy & Theology and our Academic Enabling & Support Centre. Prospective students can also find out about the unique admissions process. The Campus is at 140 Broadway, Chippendale. Prospective Nursing and Medicine students should head to the Darlinghurst Campus at 160 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Free shuttle buses to both campuses will leave every 30 mins from Railway Square. For full program click here or tel (02) 8204 4404.

In Paradisum: 27 August

A sacred music concert featuring the Requiem by Gabriel Faure and music by Mozart and Poulenc. Performed by the Choir of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Directed by Mr Bernard Kirkpatrick, Director of Music. Soloists: Stephanie Poropat (soprano) & Harrison Collins (baritone). Accompanied by Michael Butterfield on the Cathedral’s magnificent 1898 Norman & Beard pipe organ. This concert is a fundraiser and farewell for one of the Cathedral’s choristers, Stephanie Poropat. Stephanie is an aspiring lyric coloratura soprano who has been offered a small scholarship to study a Masters of Music (Performance) at the Royal Northern College of Music in the UK.

Starts 7.30pm. Cost: $20/$15 concession. Venue: St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. To make a reservation please contact St Patrick’s Cathedral Office, tel (02) 8839 8400, or send an email to mili@stpatscathedral.com.au

Campion College Australia Book Fair: 27 August

The Library at Campion College Australia will be holding a book fair with a large number of second-hand books for sale. Genres include theology, literature, history and philosophy. From 10am-3pm at Campion College, 8-14 Austin Woodbury Plc, Old Toongabbie. Inquiries tel (02) 9896 9307 or send an email to k.doughty@campion.edu.au

World Day of Migrants & Refugees: 28 August

Pope Francis has chosen this year’s theme: ‘Migrants and Refugees Challenge Us. The Response of the Gospel of Mercy.’ A resource kit prepared by the Australian Catholic Migrant & Refugee Office can be downloaded from acmro.catholic.org.au

Permanent Diaconate Information Afternoon: 28 August

A deacon is called by Christ to serve the Church and the world through a ministry of the altar, the Word and charity. Single men and married couples who are interested in finding out more about the ordained ministry of the permanent deacon in the Diocese of Parramatta are invited to an Information Afternoon, from 2-5pm in St Anthony of Padua Parish Hall, 27 Aurelia St, Toongabbie. For further information about the permanent diaconate, click here or tel (02) 9631 3316, secretary@stanthonyschurch.org.au

Save the date: 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).

Adult Confirmations: 1 September

Confirmation for Adults will take place on Thursday 1 September at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. The Office for Worship will host a Catechesis and Formation Day for candidates who are interested. All sponsors must attend. Saturday 20 August, 9.30am-2pm at the Diocesan Assembly Centre, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. A light lunch will be provided on the day. Inquiries: (02) 8838 3456, alobo2@parra.catholic.org.au

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 the 4th Tuesday each month, St Joseph’s Conference Centre, MacKillop Drive, Baulkham Hills. Contact: Peter Huby 0411 394 844.

City of Parramatta Circle, 7pm on the 3rd Thursday each month, Lachlan’s at Old Government House, Parramatta Park. Contact: Michael Tan mgtan@tpg.com.au

Praisefest Youth Gathering: 2 September

Part of the PROCLAIM 2016 conference on the New Evangelisation, Praisefest is a vibrant gathering of youth celebrating our faith through prayer, incredible music & community. It is a joyful celebration with youth high school aged and older and, in a special way, for pilgrims who have returned from WYD in the city of Mercy, Krakow. Starts with a BBQ at 6pm at Our Lady of Dolours Church, 94 Archer St, Chatswood. For more information, click here RSVP youth@dbb.org.au

Theology of the Body Weekend Retreat: 9-11 September

‘Engaging the Culture’ Theology of the Body Retreat with international speaker Fr Thomas Loya, host of EWTN’s Light of the East radio program Fr Loya has several years’ experience in delivering insight on St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, speaking at various conventions (WYD 2002) and directing spiritual retreats. Hosted by the Family & Life Office, Parramatta. This retreat is for people aged 18 years and over. Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Bookings close 25 August: trybooking/214195

Corpus Christi Primary School Market Day: 10 September

Rain, hail or shine, everyone is welcome to this market day where there will be baby animals, face painting, live entertainment, mini-golf, cake stall, pizza, hot dogs, beauty products, and clothes. From 11am-3pm at Corpus Christi Primary, Andromeda Dve, Cranebrook. For information about stall availability, send an email with the subject Spring Market Question to corpuschristi@parra.catholic.edu.au

Campion College Australia 10th Anniversary: 11 September

This year Campion College is proud to be celebrating 10 years since it welcomed the first intake of students. Everyone is invited to a 10th Anniversary Celebration Mass at 11am on Sunday 11 September in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Inquiries tel (02) 9896 9318, foundation@campion.edu.au

Chorus & Fanfare at St Finbar’s: 11 September

A wonderful afternoon concert presented by the Sydney Welsh Choir and the Blue Mountains Concert Band starts 2.30pm in St Finbar’s Church, 46 Levy St, Glenbrook. Tickets at the door: adults $20, concession $15. Inquiries tel (02) 4739 0384.

Holy Hour for Vocations: 15 September

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.

Jesuit Mission Indian Bazaar: 17 September

This annual fundraiser supports Jesuit Mission’s work in some of the most marginalised communities in the world, in places like Timor Leste, Cambodia, Myanmar, India and Malawi. Your support of the great work of Jesuits immersed in these communities enables families in the poorest parts of the globe to have access to the basics of life: clean drinking water, food, healthcare and education. To donate gifts for the bazaar, please contact Meg Morrison tel (02) 9955 8585, or send an email to communityengagement@jesuitmission.org.au From 8.30am-4.30pm at St Ignatius’ College Riverview, 1 Tambourine Bay Rd, Lane Cove. For more information about the work of Jesuit Mission click here. Join Jesuit Mission on Facebook.

Celebrating the Journey Mass & Lunch: 18 September

This annual gathering for older married couples and their families is hosted by CatholicCare Social Services. Mass at 11am in St Patrick’s Cathedral with lunch afterwards in the Cathedral Hall. All married couples and their families are welcome with special acknowledgement to couples who have significant wedding anniversaries of 25+ years. RSVP 8 September through your parish office or CatholicCare tel (02) 8822 2222, marriage@ccss.org.au

Australian Catholic Women’s Colloquium: 17-18 September

The colloquium theme, ‘Women as Witnesses to the Joy of Gospel’, will set the scene for theological and pastoral reflection on Pope Francis’ call to “create still broader opportunities for a more inclusive female presence in the Church”. (Evangelii Gaudium 103). The keynote addresses and workshops will examine this theme and consider the issues facing women in the family, women in the Church and women in society. An initiative of the Council for Australian Catholic Women. The venue is Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney. Further information: www.cacwcolloquium.org.au

12th National eConference on Mercy – A Way of Being in the World: 20 September

The Broken Bay Institute, in partnership with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, delivers the eConferences to people across Australia and the globe. The next eConference will commemorate the Jubilee Year of Mercy and take up Pope Francis’ invitation to explore this central element of our faith. Speakers: Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane and Member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Sr Veronica Lawson RSM, Scripture scholar and author of the highly praised book, The Blessing of Mercy; Phil Glendenning, Director of the Edmund Rice Centre and President of the Refugee Council of Australia. The Institute for Mission at Blacktown will be a host site, from 10.30am-2.45pm, to book send an email to: connect@ifm.org.au For more information and individual registrations, click here

Bishop Manning Lecture 2016: 20 September

This year’s lecture will be delivered by Melinda Tankard Reist. ‘Why sex is not work: Stories from the sex trade. How should we respond?’ The Bishop Manning Lecture is a leading Church forum hosted by the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations in celebration of the significant pastoral and social justice achievements of Bishop Kevin Manning. Arrive 5.30pm for a 6pm start, Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Crescent, Lavender Bay. Drinks and canapés will be served following the lecture. Tickets are free but places are strictly limited. Registrations essential. 

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: 23-25 September

Relationship enrichment for married couples at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Bill and Ardell Sharpe tel (02) 4283 3435, wsharpe@bigpond.net.au

RCIA 2016 – Foundations and Pathways with Nick Wagner: 24 September

The Office for Worship will be hosting Nick Wagner, author and producer of TEAMRCIA USA, for one day at Parramatta. All parish RCIA teams and those who want to learn more about the RCIA process are invited to attend this conference. From 9am-3pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral Precinct, 1 Marist Plc, Parramatta. Cost: $50 parish team (five members); $20 individuals. To register your parish team or as an individual, send an email to the Office for Worship or tel (02) 8838 3456

Social Justice Sunday: 25 September

In Australia, we celebrate Social Justice Sunday on 25 September. This year, the Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement is entitled, A Place at the Table: Social justice in an ageing society. The statement celebrates the value and dignity of older people in Australian life. It challenges us to recognise their significant contribution to society and emphasises that this contribution should not be valued in mere economic terms. The statement calls for justice for those who are most vulnerable and warns about a view of older people as burdensome or dispensable.

The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council’s website will have resources available for download free of charge before Social Justice Sunday. These will include liturgy notes, a PowerPoint presentation and resources for schools and social justice groups. Copies of the statement, prayer cards and Ten Steps leaflets can be ordered from the ACSJC, tel (02) 8306 3499 or send an email to admin@acsjc.org.au

Come and See: 25 September

The Sister Disciples of the Divine Master warmly invite young women aged between 18 and 30 years who would like to learn more about the consecrated life as a religious sister to ‘Come and See’. The day will begin with the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration at 10am, followed by other activities, shared lunch and conclude with Benediction at 4pm. We’re looking forward, with joy, to welcoming you. Our convent is at: 55 Broughton Rd, Strathfield. RSVP: tel (02) 9764 2860 or (02) 9764 6648, or send an email to nswvoc@pddm.org.au

Mount St Benedict’s Pennant Hills Reunion: 8 October

Bennie’s Girls Class of ’76 (or ’74 if you got out earlier). Class reunion on 8 October 2016. Please contact Ann Jackson tel 0407 236 724. Beth Mees tel 0408 416 174.

For more events please go to: http://parracatholic.org/events/

Read Daily
* indicates required

RELATED STORIES