News & Events Weekly Update

5 August 2019

 

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

 

Diocese of Parramatta Notices

 

Plenary Council 2020:

The National Centre for Pastoral Research has just published Listen to what the Spirit is saying, the final report of the Listening and Dialogue stage of the Plenary Council. The report captures the voices of the more than 222,000 people who shared their submissions, questions and stories of faith during the 10-month process. Access the report at: www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/resources/reports

Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses

The Office for Worship is taking enrolments for its Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses for those who are interested in being Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion or Bringing Communion to the Sick and Dying. The course will be at the Institute for Mission (Downstairs Hall). NOTE: Introduction Session on 12 August is compulsory. Enrolments close on 5 August 2019. Please see your Parish Office for a form or for more information, contact 02 8838 3456 or ingrid.vergano@parracatholic.org

National Vocations Awareness Week: 4 – 11 August

Vocations come from families, communities and parishes. Strong families and communities are the place where vocations are first nurtured. In this National Vocations Awareness Week, let us pray for all families in our parish, and for those preparing for marriage. Let us also pray that our parish community may always be welcoming and encouraging of vocations to marriage, priesthood and consecrated life. For more information about Vocations in the Diocese of Parramatta, please visit www.parracatholic.org/vocations/

CatholicCare Bereavement Support Program: 8 August – 19 September

CatholicCare Solo Parent Services is starting a bereavement support program for those whose spouse has died. The programme will be held weekly on Thursdays from 10am to 12midday from 8 August to 19 September at Mackillop Hall, Granville. An Information session will be held on Thursday 1 August at 10am. For more information, call Rita at Solo Parent Services on 02 8843 2575.

Baulkham Hills Parish Adult Catechesis: 12 August – 3 October

Baulkham Hills Parish is conducting a series of catechesis for adults and teenagers starting on 12 August and running every Monday and Thursday evenings at 7.30pm until 3 October. Sessions will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Hall, Baulkham Hills and are free, for more information, please contact Lucas Neira on 0428 831 256 or the parish office on 02 9639 8385.

CatholicCare Seminar – Understanding Family Law: 10 August

CatholicCare Solo Parent Services is hosting a two session seminar on “Understanding Family Law,” for anyone experiencing a divorce or separation. These sessions are presented by an Accredited Family Law Specialist and will be held on Saturday 10 August at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall. $10 per session. Registration is essential. Contact Rita on 02 8843 2575 or email soloparentservices@ccss.org.au

Fr Ray Sanchez CP: 10 – 11 August

The Diocese of Parramatta presents Fr Ray Sanchez CP as he explores the relevance of Passionist Family Groups in the changing era of our Church today. Fr Ray will speak at the 6pm Mass at Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens on 10 August, and at the 8am and 10am Mass at St Michael’s and St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown on 11 August. For more information, please contact Elizabeth and Dennis Farrar on 0425 209 840.

Feast of the Assumption Pilgrim Walk: 15 August

The Annual Pilgrim Walk from the Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta will be held on the Feast of the Assumption Thursday 15 August. Bishop Vincent Long will celebrate Mass at 12Noon before the pilgrimage begins. Anyone is welcome to begin walking from any point of the 14km walk. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9629 2595.

Holy Spirit Seminary Open Day: 18 August

“Come and See Day” at Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park on 18 August is a whole-day event, inspired by Our Lord’s invitation to the two disciples of John the Baptist to “Come and see”, found in the Gospel of John. Open Day provides single men open to a priestly vocation with the opportunity to experience seminary life, beginning with Holy Mass at St Oliver’s Parish Church at 10am, followed by talks, a tour, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and dinner with Bishop Vincent. RSVP essential. Please contact Fr John Paul Escarlan via johnpaul.escarlan@parracatholic.org or 0420 310 771

IFM Reflective Ministry Program: 20 August

The Institute for Mission’s Reflective Ministry Program – Component 2 starts on August 20. This is a great opportunity to enrich and enthuse those involved in the ministries of the Catholic communities. Go to ifm.org.au for more information and registration, or contact the IFM team on 02 9296 6369.

Natural Fertility Services Information Evening: 20 August

Are you looking for a healthy, natural and effective method to manage your fertility? Learn how to identify the best time to achieve or postpone pregnancy. You are warmly invited to this event on Tuesday 20 August at the Diocesan Ministry Centre, 51-59 Allawah St, Blacktown from 7pm. For more information and to register please contact Catherine on 02 8838 3460, 0400 427 605 or catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org

2019 Faith in Marriage Seminar: 30 August

American Catholic Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers is the guest speaker at The Life, Family and Marriage Office’s 2019 Faith in Marriage Seminar on Friday 30 August at St Paul’s Catholic College Hall, Greystanes from 7.30pm. Free entry and a light supper will be served afterwards. Donations are welcome. Please register your attendance to 02 8838 3460 or lmf@parracatholic.org

Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Retired and Sick Priests: 1 September

There will be a special collection for the Clergy Support Foundation of the Diocese – on Father’s Day. Your donation helps them cover healthcare costs and expenses associated with everyday living, supplementing the pension that some receive. Please give generously this Father’s Day Appeal. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Donations can be made here: parracatholic.org/csf

Adult Confirmation: 10 September

Adult Confirmation for 2019 will be held on Tuesday 10 September at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta from 7.30pm. A Catechesis Day for Adult Confirmation will be held on Saturday 31 August from 9.30am to 2pm. Any adult over 16 years wanting to be confirmed please see your Parish Office for information or contact the Office for Worship on 02 8838 3456 or mary-louise.walsh@parracatholic.org

Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying Ongoing Formation: 14 September

The Office for Worship is organising a formation day for those already involved in the ministry, Ministers of Communion to the Sick and the Dying on Saturday 14 September at the Institute for Mission, Blacktown, from 9:30am until 2pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. RSVP by 10 September. To RSVP, please contact the Office for Worship team on anne.alimangohan@parracatholic.org or 8838 3456.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Perth: 7 – 11 December 2019  

ACYF19 is a biennial national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Bishops of Australia. The event involves three days of exciting, large scale Plenary’s, tens of workshops, concerts, prayer experiences, fun, expos and concludes with an outdoor mass with the City of Perth. Bishop Vincent and Catholic Youth Parramatta will be leading an expected 200 participants. Free twin-share hotel accommodation is being offered now. For more information and to register visit www.catholicyouthparramatta.org

 

Other Notices

Volunteer in the Kimberley

The Catholic Diocese of Broome, WA, is looking for volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church in the Kimberley. There are various voluntary tasks: administration, building maintenance, gardening, shop staffing, cooking, cleaning etc. Placements are preferred for a period of six months. For further details, please contact volunteer coordinator Anneliese Rohr on (08) 9192 1060, email volunteers@broomediocese.org or visit www.broomediocese.org/volunteering

Divine Renovation Workshop: 8 – 10 August

The Divine Renovation 3-day workshop, titled ‘Leading your Parish from Maintenance to Mission’, is taking place from 8 to 10 August at the Chevalier Centre, Roma Ave, Kensington, NSW. This is an opportunity for those interested in supporting the movement of parishes going from maintenance to mission, to gather and actively learn from others already active in the process. For more information and to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/divine-renovation-workshop-tickets-63363671447

Young Women Day Retreat: 10 August

A retreat day for young women aged 18 and over is being held at Mount Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa on Saturday 10 August from 10am to 3.30pm. The theme is “Discerning Where God is Leading Me in the Here and Now.” Discover how to deepen your relationship to Jesus in your everyday life. RSVP by Monday 5 August to Sr M Luka Junemann on 0439 537 843 or srmluka@schoenstatt.org.au

‘Called to Holiness’ Weekend Retreat for Men: 10 – 11 August

Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, is hosting a weekend retreat for men on the theme ‘Called to Holiness’. 10 to 11 August from 9am. $165 all-inclusive or $55 day rate. RSVP by 1 August. For further enquiries, contact mensbranch@schoenstatt.org.au or 0432 487 927. To book, contact info@schoenstatt.org.au or 02 4773 8338.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: 10 – 11 August

Take the time to step back from everyday distractions and rediscover your relationship at the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Marriage Enrichment Weekend from 10 to 11 August at St John Bosco Parish, Engadine. Book online at www.wwme.org.au. For further enquiries, contact Adrian and Janet Sullivan on 0490 774 419, adrian.janet1@bigpond.com

Jesus Light of the World Communities Formation Day: 17 August

The Jesus Light of the World Communities is hosting a Formation Day on the theme ‘Here I Am (Isaiah 6:8)’ at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Walz St, Rockdale on Saturday 17 August from 9am to 4pm. Morning and afternoon tea will be served. For enquiries, contact Helen on 0488 037 631, Ida on 0424 267 500 or email jlowcommunity@gmail.com

Nature, Science and the Bible in Australia: 17 August

The Blackheath History Forum is presenting religious historian Dr Meredith Lake as she discusses the topic ‘Nature, Science and the Bible in Australia’ on Saturday August 17 at Blackheath Public School. Doors open at 3.30pm with afternoon tea, talk starts at 4pm. $5 entry fee (free for those 18 and under). For more information, contact richard.white@sydney.edu.au or visit https://blackheathhistoryforum.org.au

Divine Retreat Centre Inner Healing Retreat: 17 – 18 August

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is holding an inner healing retreat on 17 and 18 August. Accommodation and food will be provided. For more information, please contact 0468 486 782, email drcsydney@gmail.com or visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au

Christian Meditation: 18 August

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.

Faith in a changing climate: 18 August

The Blue Mountains Centre for Faith and Public Issues will host a public forum with Dr Seforosa Carroll on ‘Faith in a changing climate: Disappearing Islands, Displacement and Justice’. Sunday 18 August at Our Lady of the Nativity Church Hall, Lawson from 2pm. For enquiries please contact William Emilsen – wemilsen@gmail.com or Allan Walsh – secretary@bmert.org

Divine Retreat Centre Spiritual Healing Retreat: 25 August

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a spiritual healing on Sunday 25 August. The day will include Eucharistic Adoration, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Mass and ministry for children and teenagers. For more information, please contact 0468 486 782, email drcsydney@gmail.com or visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au

Campion College Australia Book Fair: 31 August

The Library at Campion College Australia will be holding a book fair with a large number of second-hand books for sale. 10am-3pm at Campion College, 8-14 Austin Woodbury Plc, Old Toongabbie. Inquiries (02) 9896 9307 or email k.vanaardt@campion.edu.au

Holy Hour for Vocations: 5 September

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 Holy Spirit Convent, Plumpton, on Thursday 5 September at 7pm. Dinner will be served afterwards. RSVP to Sr Paula – vocationscsfn@gmail.com or 0449 656 406.

OLMC Parramatta 50 Year Reunion: 21 September

Did you commence Year 7 at OLMC in 1964, or attend any year thereafter, such that you did your HSC in 1969, or your SC in 1967?  It’s OK if you left before your exams, you’re still welcome at our 50th Reunion! Contact Jennifer Newton: email fiftyyearsonolmc64-69@hotmail.com or Facebook page OLMC Parramatta 1964-1969 50th Reunion (September 2019).

Rome Pilgrimages

Rome Pilgrimages, by the Archdiocese of Sydney, is a Catholic pilgrimage which deepens one’s prayer life, offers a cultural experience, and connects pilgrims to our tradition and faith. The cost of the 7-day Pilgrimage is $2,350.00 (twin share accommodation – excludes airfares, some meals and travel insurance). Discounts available for large groups. Pilgrims stay at Domus Australia in the heart of Rome with opportunities for daily Mass. For more information, call 1800 753 959 or email pilgrimage@sydneycatholic.org

Visiting Rome? Stay at Domus Australia:

Domus Australia is a Boutique Pilgrim Guesthouse established by the Australian Catholic Church, welcoming travellers to Rome seeking comfortable accommodation and an ideal base from which to explore historical and cultural sites of the Eternal City. Centrally located with a magnificently restored Chapel featuring daily Mass in English, Domus Australia is the perfect oasis in the heart of Rome for Aussie pilgrims. For enquiries, please contact reservations@domusaustralia.org or visit www.domusaustralia.org

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.

 

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