News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Volunteers – CatholicCare Mamre Creche
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Plenary Council 2020
The Plenary Council invites people to continue to participate in the journey towards the Council sessions in 2020 and 2021. The “Listening and Discernment” phase recently opened and a guide has been developed to encourage groups to take part in communal discernment on the National Themes for Discernment. Learn more about the Christian practice of discernment and download the guide, “Let’s Listen and Discern”, at www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au
CatholicCare Blacktown Neighbourhood Aid Volunteers Needed
Blacktown Neighbour Aid, a program with CatholicCare, is looking for volunteers to support our senior clients in the Blacktown area to remain living independently in their own home. If you feel you would like to make a positive difference to other’s lives in this way, please contact the Manager, Deb Woolacott on 0418 114 055 or email deb.woolacott@ccss.org.au.
Upper Blue Mountains Adoration Chapel
Beginning Tuesday 24 September, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish in the Upper Blue Mountains is opening an Adoration Chapel at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba. If you would like further information or would like to sign up for a weekly hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, please call the parish office on 02 4782 2804.
Nigerian Mass in Igbo
The Nigerian Catholic community come together to celebrate Mass every second and fourth Sundays of the month at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes. For more information, please contact Nigerian chaplain Fr Chinonye Akamadu via the parish office on 02 9631 8135 or Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.
Chime in for the Bells of St Patrick’s Cathedral
The Bells of St Patrick’s Cathedral Appeal offers a rare opportunity to create history and donate a bell that commemorates a loved one, or honours your family name, organisation or community group. As a Benefactor, you’ll also have the privilege of naming your bell in honour of a revered Catholic Saint and helping make the dream of a peal of bells for St Patrick’s Cathedral become a reality. For further information, visit yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/bellsappeal
Baulkham Hills Parish Adult Catechesis: 12 August – 3 October
The last sessions of Baulkham Hills Parish’s series of catechesis for adults and teenagers will be held on Monday 30 September and Thursday 3 October at 7.30pm. 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.
OLQP Greystanes Old Testament Sessions: 3 – 31 October
Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes is hosting a series of five talks on ‘The Old Testament?’ every Thursday through October from 7.30pm to 9pm at the St George Preca Centre in the parish. The talks will be presented by assistant priest Fr Joseph Lam. Please register your details with the parish office on 02 9631 8135 or parishoffice@olqp.org.au.
Office for Worship RCIA Workshop: 5 October
The Diocese of Parramatta has once again the exciting opportunity to have Nick Wagner, co-founder of TeamRCIA, to facilitate a workshop. This full-day workshop will be held on Saturday 5 October at the Institute for Mission, Blacktown. For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Office for Worship on 8838 3457 or ingrid.vergano@parracatholic.org.
Our Lady of Lourdes Baulkham Hills Golden Jubilee: 12 – 13 October
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Baulkham Hills South is celebrating its Golden Jubilee (1969-2019). Celebrations will commence with Mass at 6pm on 12 October, followed by a social gathering at 7pm. Bishop Vincent will celebrate the Golden Jubilee Mass at 9.30am on 13 October with a luncheon to follow. For more information, or to assist, contact Louise in the OLOL office on (02) 9639 8385 or olol@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au or speak to coordinator Bernie on bryall@joeys.org or 0419 925 404.
Springwood Church Centenary: 19 October
St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, is celebrating the centenary of the opening of its second church (corner Macquarie and Hawkesbury Roads, Springwood) on Saturday 19 October. If you attended Mass or school at this site, you are warmly invited to wander in for a memory walk between 12noon and 2pm. For more information, please contact the parish office on 02 4754 1052.
Blacktown Legion of Mary Rosary Procession: 26 October
The Legion of Mary Blacktown Comitium is celebrating the Month of the Holy Rosary with a Rosary Procession on 26 October. The procession will start at Alpha Park, Blacktown at 12.30pm and will process from 1pm to St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown. Benediction will close the event at 2.30pm.
CYP LIFTED Live in the Forecourt: 26 October
Join Catholic Youth Parramatta, Bishop Vincent and over 1000 other youth and young adults as they celebrate the feast of St John Paul II during LIFTED Live in Forecourt at the St Patrick’s Cathedral Precinct on Saturday 26 October from 7-10pm. There will be live music, food stalls, rides and entertainment. $5 entry on arrival. For more information, visit https://parracatholic.org/liftedlive/
Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass: 27 October
All married couples and their families are warmly invited to the Diocese of Parramatta’s Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral on 27 October at 11am. Bishop Vincent will celebrate Mass and will join couples and their families for a light lunch in the Cathedral Hall afterwards. Please register your names and numbers of years married, and the numbers attending the lunch by contacting the Life, Marriage & Family Office on 02 8838 3460 or email lmf@parracatholic.org.
Alpha Program Weekend Training: 8 – 10 November
The Pastoral Planning Office is running a training course in the Alpha Catholic program at the Institute for Mission, Blacktown. A sample Alpha evening will be held on Friday 8 November from 7pm to 9pm, before full-day training sessions on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch will be provided. To register, and for more information, please contact Lisa in the Pastoral Planning Office on 8838 3497 or lisa.bright@parracatholic.org
St Philomena Mass and Devotions: 9 November
Mass and Devotions for St Philomena will be held on Saturday 9 November at St John Vianney Parish, Doonside. Mass will be held at 12Midday, with confession from 11.30am. Please bring a snack to share. For further information, contact Libby Peoples on 0423 154 463 or epeoples9@gmail.com.
Other Notices
Positions Vacant
- Retired Priests Care Coordinator (Part-time) – Broken Bay Diocese
- Clergy Development Officer (Part-time) – Broken Bay Diocese
For more details, please contact Kelly Paget on 02 8379 1612 or kelly.paget@bbcatholic.org.au
- Mission Coordinator (Part-time) – Sisters of Mercy Parramatta
For more details, please contact Anthony Spata at REACH Human Resources, on 0402 210 055.
ACBC Social Justice Statement 2019/20
The Australian Catholic Bishop Conference has launched its 2019/20 Social Justice Statement: ‘Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world,’ ahead of Social Justice Sunday on 29 September. The Statement shares Pope Francis’ challenge to us to ‘boldly become citizens of the digital world’. Order the Statement online at bit.ly/socialjusticeshop. For further details about the Statement, visit the Office for Social Justice website www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au or call (02) 8306 3499.
Country Care Link Volunteers Needed
Open Support, a not-for profit, community service organisation is in need of volunteer drivers for their Country Care Link program, which is a transport service for regional NSW families, couples and individuals when in Sydney for medical appointments and hospital stays. For more information or to receive a volunteer information pack, please email volunteer@opensupport.org.au, call 02 8382 6437 or visit www.opensupport.org.au
Holy Hour for Vocations: 3 October
Youth aged 18 to 35 and families 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 3 October at 7pm. Dinner will be served afterwards. RSVP to Sr Paula – vocationscsfn@gmail.com or 0449 656 406.
World Community for Christian Meditation Evening: 3 October
The World Community for Christian Meditation Australia is presenting an evening with Laurence Freeman OSB, Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation on Thursday 3 October at St James’ Anglican Church, 173 King St, Sydney from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets are $30 or $20 for concession. For more information, contact Jan Wylie on 0418 655 291 or janwylie@tpg.com.au or visit www.wccmaustralia.org.au
Broken Bay Bible Conference: 11 – 12 October
The Broken Bay Diocese Bible Conference – ‘The Holy Spirit Through the Pages of Scripture’ – will be held from 11 to 12 October at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills. $88 for the conference, or $44 per day. Lunch and morning/afternoon tea is included. RSVP by 4 October through www.trybooking.com/BCKBE. For enquiries, contact Tania Rimac on 02 8379 1629, faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au or visit www.bbcatholic.org.au/bible
Campion College Theatre Society Production: 12 – 13 October
Campion College Theatre Society’s end of year production will be held on 12 and 13 October from 6.30pm at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral, 40-46 Alice St, Harris Park. The society will perform both Peter Pan and Animal Farm in a double feature. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 concessions. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=551659&
Jesus Light of the World Communities Formation Retreat: 12 October
The Jesus Light of the World Communities is hosting a formation retreat on 12 October from 9.30am to 5.30pm at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Walz St, Rockdale. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. Registration is $30 and bookings are essential. To register, please contact Helen on 0433 455 114, Ida on 0424 267 500, email jlowcommunity@gmail.com or visit www.jlowcom.org
Youth PoWR Southern Sydney Consultation Session: 13 October
Youth PoWR (Parliament of the World’s Religions) is travelling across the four corners of Sydney, calling on young people to generate The Sydney Statement – an interfaith statement that will help build bridges between different religions. The Southern Sydney consultation session will be held on 13 October at the LMA Function Centre in Lakemba. For more information, and to register, visit events.humanitix.com.au/youth-powr-2019-south
Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day Celebrations: 13 October
St Benedict’s Parish, Arcadia, is celebrating the feast day of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima at St Benedict’s Church, Arcadia, NSW, on Sunday 13 October at 1pm. The feast day commences with a play and recital of the rosary, followed by a procession and Mass. All are welcome to attend. For details, please contact Paul and Paula El-Chaar on 0423 078 282, Angela and Guido Scotti on 9652 1184 or Angela Egiziano on 9652 1358.
Spirit of Jesus Community Healing Mass: 15 October
The Spirit of Jesus Community, part of the Jesus Light of the World Communities, are hosting a Healing Mass on 15 October from 7pm at St Aidan’s Church, Rooty Hill. For more information, please contact Luming on 0406 587 717 or Anita on 0451 832 977, email jlowcommunity@gmail.com or visit www.jlowcom.org
Spirit of Jesus Community Healing Mass: 17 October
The Light of Jesus Family Sydney, part of the Jesus Light of the World Communities, are hosting a Healing Mass on 17 October from 7.30pm at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown. For more information, please contact Jaime on 0410 292 047 or Hydie on 0430 671 918, email jlowcommunity@gmail.com or visit www.jlowcom.org
Healing after Abortion: 25 – 27 Oct
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat offers a sanctuary in which to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion in a safe, supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment. Rachel’s Vineyard offers a confidential voicemail number: 0400 092 555 or email info@rachelsvineyard.org.au. The retreats for 2019 will be held at Varroville, NSW on Oct 25-27. Brochures are in the church or see the website: www.rachelsvineyard.org.au
Weekend Retreat for Adults: 1 – 3 November
With details to be finalised this is a great weekend to get away for some peace and prayer, in the lovely retreat centre at Mt Schoenstatt. You will experience the graces of the Shrine along with comfortable and clean, twin share rooms with ensuite, home cooked meals and the tranquil atmosphere of the property. To express your interest in this weekend please phone: 02 4773 8338 or email: info@schoenstatt.org.au. Further details will be provided in the next few weeks.
Youth PoWR Eastern Sydney Consultation Session: 3 November
Youth PoWR (Parliament of the World’s Religions) is travelling across the four corners of Sydney, calling on young people to generate The Sydney Statement – an interfaith statement that will help build bridges between different religions. The Eastern Sydney consultation session will be held on 3 November at Bondi Pavilion in Bondi. For more information, and to register, visit events.humanitix.com.au/youth-powr-2019-east
God is Love Retreat: 4 – 8 November
Fr Tony Kelly CSSR will present a retreat weekend on ‘God is Love: John 1:4 – Theological Implications and Spiritual Application’ at the St Clemens Retreat and Conference Centre, Galong from Monday 4 to Friday 8 November. Ensuite room $550, room with shared bathroom facilities $450. For bookings, contact the centre on 02 6380 5222 or info@stclement.com.au
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 8 – 10 November
The Worldwide Marriage Encounter are hosting a Marriage Enrichment Weekend from 8 to 10 November at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. Take the time to step back from everyday distractions and rediscover your relationship. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Adrian and Janet on 0490 774 419 or adrian.janet1@bigpond.com
ACU Centre for Liturgy Pastoral Formation Day: 16 November
What do Catholics believe about Sacraments of Healing? How do priests, deacons and lay ministers care for the sick? These questions and more will be investigated during a pastoral formation day run by the ACU Centre for Liturgy at the Institute for Mission, Blacktown on 16 November from 9am to 4.45pm (registration from 8.30am). Cost is $60 and registration is essential via http://www.acu.edu.au/pastoral_formation_days. For more information, call 02 9701 4751.
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.
