News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Bishop Vincent’s federal election pastoral statement
Bishop Vincent has released a pastoral statement on the 2019 Australian federal election that will be held on Saturday 18 May. The pastoral statement can be found at parracatholic.org/election2019
Good Shepherd Sunday: 12 May
Today is the World Day of Vocations and Good Shepherd Sunday which is being celebrated in Catholic parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The Catholic Church invites you to pray for those you might know whom God may be calling to a priestly vocation and would benefit from your prayers. To learn more about priestly vocations, the priesthood and seminary life in the Diocese of Parramatta, visit www.parracatholic.org/vocations
World Day of Vocations: 12 May
Today is the World Day of Vocations. Pope Francis tells us: There can be no greater joy than to risk one’s life for the Lord! I would like to say this especially to you, the young. Do not be deaf to the Lord’s call. If he calls you to follow this path, do not pull your oars into the boat, but trust him. Let us pray for the young people in our community, and in our families and circle of friends. May our prayers help them to be open to the Lord’s call to consecrated life or priesthood.
Sri Lankan Memorial Mass: 19 May
The Diocese of Parramatta will celebrate a Month’s Mind Requiem Mass to pray for all who were killed in the recent Sri Lankan terrorist attacks targeting Catholic Churches and hotels. This Mass will be celebrated at St Nicholas of Myra Church, Penrith on Sunday 19 May at
10am.
Exploring Laudato Si: 24 May
CCD invites all parishioners and friends to attend a presentation by Sr Valda Dickenson RSM that explores aspects of Pope Francis’ Letter on Our Common Home – Laudato Si. Held on Friday 24 May at the IFM Blacktown from 10am to 2pm. Please register with Maree on 02 8838 3486 and BYO lunch.
St Philomena Mass and Devotions: 25 May
Mass and Devotions for St Philomena will be held on Saturday 25 May at St John Vianney Parish, Doonside. Mass will be held at 12Midday. Please bring a snack to share. For further information, contact Libby Peoples – 0423 154 463 or epeoples9@gmail.com
Other Notices
Catholic bishops’ federal election statement
The bishops call for respect in public debate, share Catholic social teaching and detail some key issues to reflect on before you vote. “Politics in service of peace: a statement by the Catholic bishops of Australia for the 2019 federal election” can be found at www.catholic.org.au
Mary in my life Retreat: 17-19 May
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth are running a retreat for women aged 18 to 35 who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus and Mary at the Holy Spirit Convent, Plumpton, from 17 May at 6pm to 19 May at 1.30pm. This retreat is meant to help participants slow down, collect and centre themselves, and explore the peace available in each and every moment. RSVP to Sr Paula – vocationscsfn@gmail.com or 0449 656 406.
Rod Dreher talk: 18 May
Campion College Australia will host bestselling author of The Benedict Option Rod Dreher in Australia for the first time. He will speak about his revolutionary book and the issues facing Christianity in today’s world at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall in Parramatta on 18 May from 6pm to 8.30pm. RSVP by 10 May to foundation@campion.edu.au
Christian Meditation: 19 May
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day at St Benedict’s Monastery, Arcadia. Presentations, Introduction to Meditation for newcomers and Meditation for on-going meditators. After the lunch break for BYO picnic lunch we will have Mass. This is a free event and accommodation may be available at the monastery guest house. For enquires please contact Ann Bergman on anniebergman@hotmail.com or Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or 9653 2637.
Oz Rosary: 24-26 May
Oz is happening again! 24-26 May. On the weekend of the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians. Pray for Australia and its protection. This year we are praying in particular also for our political leaders and the spiritual leaders of our church, our Cardinals, Bishops and Priests. To register: facebook.com/OZROSARY53 or ozrosary53@gmail.com or contact Jane on 0476 535 595.
ACU Catalyst for Renewal Forum: 25 May
Renowned theologian Dr Anna Rowlands is visiting Australia for the first time and will speak at the Catalyst for Renewal Forum at the ACU Strathfield Campus, 25a Barker Road, Strathfield, 25 May from 10am to 3.30pm. $25 entry. For enquiries please contact Catalyst for Renewal – 9990 7003 or catalyst-for-renewal@tpg.com.au
The Marriage Project Seminar: 25 May
Engaged & newly married couples are invited to The Marriage Project’s next event on 25 May – Building a Marriage to Last a Lifetime – presented by Mike & Alicia Hernon, from the Messy Family Project. They offer down to earth, practical insights into marriage and family life. Come along and meet other young couples and hear from these well renowned international speakers! Details at www.themarriageproject.com.au
The Encounter: 25 & 28 May
Jesus Light of the World Communities invite you to “The Encounter – The road to Emmaus Experience” led by Bishop David Campbell who will also celebrate Mass. These two days include a Retreat on 25 May from 9am-5pm at St Joseph Parish Hall, Rockdale and a Healing Mass on 28 May at 7pm at St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill. RSVP Luming 0406 587 717 or jlowcommunity@gmail.com or www.jlowcom.org
Palms Information Session: 26 May
Communities in Myanmar, PNG, Samoa, Timor Leste, Kiribati and Kenya seek volunteers for 1 to 2 years to mentor locals and build capacity. These assignments are not quick fixes. If you have teaching, medical, business, administration or trade skills, you can give opportunity by sharing them with our global family! Sunday May 26 from 10:30am at Aquinas Academy, 141 Harrington Street, The Rocks or www.palms.org.au for more information.
National Fair Trade Conference: 31 May – 1 June
The conference will examine how the Christian Gospel relates to the way we do our shopping. Keynote speaker: John Bell from the Iona Community, Scotland. 31 May and 1 June at Springwood Uniting Church. 0408 115 210 or fairtradefaithconference.com.au for more information.
Holy Hour for Vocations: 6 June
Youth aged 18 to 35 are invited to join The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth for the Holy Hour for Vocations at the St Joseph Convent, Quakers Hill, on Thursday 6 June at 7pm. Dinner will be served afterwards. RSVP to Sr Paula – vocationscsfn@gmail.com or 0449 656 406.
Women in Leadership: 4 – 7 July
The Benedictine Abbey, Jamberoo invites women of any age and any experience in formal leadership positions, and for those who exercise leadership without a formal title in business, schools, homes, offices, parishes, anywhere to the Women in Leadership workshop. The aim is to support women to explore their unique gifts – as people, as women and as leaders. 4-7 July. 02 4236 0533 or cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.au for more information.
Renaissance of Marriage 2019: 26 – 27 July
Renaissance of Marriage 2019 – Building a Catholic Marriage Culture – will be held on 26 and 27 July at the University of Notre Dame Sydney. Keynote Speakers include Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and Kevin Donnelly. Registrations open at www.ROM.org.au
For more events please go to: 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.
