News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta News
Christmas 2018 Mass Times
Christmas Mass and Reconciliation times across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains can be found by visiting: www.parracatholic.org
Thank You for Showing the Compassionate Face of Christ to Homeless Young Mothers and children in crisis
Bishop Vincent, Parramatta Catholic Foundation, CatholicCare and Houses to Homes thank you for supporting the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal. Thanks to your kind-hearted generosity, Houses to Homes can provide more homeless mothers with the shelter, support, independent living and parenting skills programs they desperately need.
Please pray for the wellbeing of all mothers and children in Houses to Homes’ care. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal
Time is running out for Plenary Council 2020
Submissions to Plenary Council 2020 close on Ash Wednesday, 6 March 2019. YOUR voice matters! Make a personal submission now or join a small group. Our question is for everyone: “What you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?” To make a submission or to find out more visit: https://parracatholic.org/haveyoursayplenary2020/
The Epiphany Pilgrimage: the journey of the Magi
The Epiphany Pilgrimage is a not-for-profit event of the Diocese of Parramatta and an outreach of the Blue Mountains Deanery. Beginning at Emu Plains on 2 January and finishing 7 days later at Bell, pilgrims walk through the beautiful Blue Mountains bushland and join parishioners in daily Mass, Adoration, prayer, catechesis and fellowship.
To register for all or part of the pilgrimage, visit www.epiphanypilgrimage.org. For updates and to follow the journey see www.facebook.com/epiphanypilgrimage
St Patrick’s Gift Shop
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta is bringing Christmas cheer by opening an on-site gift shop. Opening hours will be 10am – 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. For more information visit: https://stpatscathedral.com.au/
Christmas at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook: 16 December
Music and Readings for Christmas, a major outreach celebration at St Finbar’s Catholic Church, Glenbrook, will take place on Sunday 16th December. This includes St Finbar’s organ played by Amy Johansen with opening and closing prayers by Father Jolly. Service commences at 7.30pm. 46 Levy Street, Glenbrook. There will be a request for donations ($15/$35 Families). For more information please call 02 4758 6067.
Concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta: 17 December
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Concert. Tickets via www.brandenburg.com.au/ – More details at: https://stpatscathedral.com.au
Holy Trinity Parish Granville Carols By Candlelight: 21 December
Join us for a Solemn evening of carols and readings of sacred scripture as we prepare for the Birth of Our Lord. Friday 21 December from 8pm. Holy Trinity Church – corner Randle St and Bennalong St, Granville
Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 23 December
Rev Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu, Chaplain to the Nigerian Catholic community, will celebrate Mass at 12.30pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes. Contact Fr Akamadu tel 0451 174 438, Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.
Other News
Feast of the Holy Family: 29 December
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth cordially invite family and youth (age 18-35) to join us for a Celebration Vigil for the Feast of the Holy Family. Saturday 29 December 2018 at 3:00pm. Join us also for pizza at 5:30pm. 116-132 Quakers Road, Marayong. RSVP to Sr Paula by 27 December via vocationscsfn@gmail.com or 0449 656 406.
Walk the Camino Portugués
Walk the Camino Portugués. Catholic Mission are holding 17-day Pilgrimages: Lisbon, Fatima, Porto, Santiago de Compostela. Two pilgrimages: May 2019 and June 2019. Small group led by Sr Veronica OP, (0451 387 906). See https://www.catholicmission.org.au/get-involved/immersions/camino-portugues
NAPPA Conference 2019 – Early Bird
The NAPPA Conference will be held on Tuesday 26 February 2019. At this time we simply want to offer a courtesy reminder that our “Early Bird” discount offer closes on the 17 December 2018. You can register via this link: www.nappa2019.wixsite.com/conference or contact Tanya Quinn on 02 8838 3441.
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 2019: Thirsting for Justice
A wonderful opportunity for a faith formation experience for parishioners, leaders, teachers, catechists … all people in ministry and all people who would like to enrich their faith! Join this pilgrimage group to attend the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 18-30 March 2019. Cost of pilgrimage $4350 for 12 days with some additional expenses. Please contact Lisa Bright on 9622 1125 or lbright@mqofblacktown.org.au for an information pack.
Grief to Grace – Healing the Wounds of Abuse
This is a spiritual retreat for anyone who has suffered degradation or violation through physical, emotional, sexual or spiritual abuse. The retreat will be held May 26 – 31 2019. To request an application contact Anne by emailing info@grieftograceaus.org.au or phone 0478599241. For more information visit www.grieftograce.org
For more events please go to: http://parracatholic.org/events/
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.
