News & Events Weekly Update

News & Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond.
A popular annual event in the Diocese of Parramatta is the Music & Readings for Christmas in St Finbar's Church, Glenbrook, on 18 December 2016. Image: supplied.

The Epiphany Pilgrimage – the Journey of the Magi: 2-8 January 2017

The Epiphany Pilgrimage is a seven-day, 100km pilgrimage through the Blue Mountains bushland. Pilgrims stay overnight at parishes along the route, experiencing the welcoming hospitality of parishioners and spending time in prayer, adoration and fellowship. Pilgrims include Fr Piotr Kruk OP, Assistant Priest at Kingswood Parish, and Sr Rosie Drum MGL, Assistant Director of CYP. The pilgrimage finishes on the Feast of the Epiphany at the Chapel of the Magi at Bell. There are many ways that you can participate, either as a walking pilgrim or in the evenings of prayer, adoration and fellowship. To find out more click here.

House of Welcome needs your support

The House of Welcome is a work of St Francis Social Services that supports refugees and asylum seekers. They are about to move into the former St Joseph’s Convent at Granville and urgently need help to make the premises ready to receive clients. St Francis Social Services will be raising funds and seeking volunteers who can assist with maintenance projects, kitchen installation, carpeting, painting, etc. To make a contribution to ensure this service can reach people in need, tel (02) 9727 9290 or click here.

Christmas at St Pauls Books & Gifts Centre

Visit St Pauls Books and Gifts Centre for a great range of gifts that capture the true spirit of Christmas. Books for children telling them the story of the first Christmas, liturgical diaries and religious calendars, nativity sets, candles, beautiful icons, Christmas cards with religious themes, statues and framed pictures of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and the saints. At 238 Church St, Parramatta, tel (02) 9126 8912, email bookcentreparra@stpauls.com.au or shop online at www.stpauls.com.au/book-centre

The Lights of Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral: 8-25 December 2016

Experience the joy of Christmas with sound and light projections on St Mary’s Cathedral. Bring the whole family to view the Fantasia-style animation of the classic Christmas favourite The Nutcracker Suite, Christmas carols and beautiful visions of the Madonna and Child as painted by the great art masters. Starts 7.30pm with a choir performance. The light show comes on just after dusk and stays on until midnight. Each night until, and including, Christmas Night. For further information, click here.

Twilight Carols: 15 December 2016

Everyone is welcome to Twilight Carols in the Mausoleum of the Resurrection Chapel at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery from 7pm-8pm. Help to bring some joy to those less fortunate by donating canned goods, packaged goods and toiletries to the Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria Christmas Hamper Appeal. You are invited to bring a plate of food to share after the service. A ‘special guest’ will also make an appearance for the children. For more information tel 1300 114 997 or send an email to events@catholiccemeteries.com.au

A Christmas Celebration at St Mary’s Cathedral: 16 December 2016

Celebrate the Christmas season with a concert featuring the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir and the Orchestra of the Antipodes, performing a selection of your favourite carols and Christmas reflections. Two performances: 11.00am and 7.00pm. For all details and to purchase tickets, please visit www.achristmascelebration.com.au

Christmas Carols at the Schoenstatt Shrine: 17 December 2016

The Schoenstatt Sisters would like to invite you to join them for an evening of carol singing at the shrine. Please bring a blanket or chairs and some snacks if you wish. Children are encouraged to come dressed as angels and shepherds. You are welcome to enjoy a picnic dinner in the grounds before the carols commence. From 7.30pm-8.30pm at Mt Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. This is a free event – everybody is welcome.

Music & Readings for Christmas: 18 December 2016

Spectacular annual Christmas concert with massed choir, Penrith Symphony Brass, harp, handbells,  solo artists, Amy Johansen organ and Robert Ampt conductor. Join in congregational carols, experience the thrill of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus with choir, organ, brass and timpani on this night of Christmas joy. Suggested minimum donations: families $30 & individuals $10. Starts 7.30pm in St Finbar’s Catholic Church, 46 Levy Street, Glenbrook.

Noel! Noel! Christmas Concert in Paarramatta: 19 December 2016

New Zealand soprano Madison Nonoa will join the voices of the Brandenburg Choir for this year’s performance of Noël! Noël! in St Patrick’s Cathedral. The program includes choral folk melodies, much-loved carols, rousing 16th Century hymns, and other rare musical delights from around the world. Starts 7.30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Plc, Parramatta. To book online, click here.

Mass of the Holy Innocents: 28 December 2016

The principal celebrant for the 23rd annual pro-life Mass will be Sydney’s Auxiliary Bishop Richard Umbers. Mass at 11am at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 8 Diana Ave, Kellyville, followed by a rosary procession to the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents for devotions and benediction. Everyone is welcome to pray for the protection of all human life (especially the unborn) from conception to natural death. A luncheon will be provided – please bring a plate to share. Inquiries (02) 9629 2595.

Catholic Super’s Pre-retirement Seminars during January 2017

The Australian Government has recently shifted the incentive for saving via super. Catholic Super can help you to learn more about your superannuation, take control of your finances and plan for a rewarding future. Catholic Super’s FREE seminars cover wealth-related issues as well as broader health and lifestyle issues to consider now and for retirement. Non-members, friends and family are all welcome.

Seminar dates include: Thursday 19 January from 10am-2pm at Burwood RSL Club, 96 Shaftesbury Rd, Burwood, and on Tuesday 24 January from 10am-2pm at Fairfield RSL Club, 14 Anzac Ave, Fairfield. For other dates and venues call 1300 658 776 or click here.

Pilgrimage to Israel Information Night: 6 February 2017

Fr Paul Marshall, Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Greystanes, is accompanying a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from 7-21 October 2017. An information night will be held on Monday 6 February 2017 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 198 Old Prospect Rd, Greystanes. RSVP for catering purposes (Middle Eastern treats) by Friday 27 January 2017, tel 1300 550 830 or katrina@olivetreetravel.com.au Bookings are being taken up to early February 2017. For more details or booking forms, please contact the parish office tel (02) 9631 8135.

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