News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Administrative Officer – Office for Safeguarding, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 5pm Wednesday 9 December
- Sacramental Coordinator – Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes – Applications close Thursday 10 December
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Diocese of Parramatta COVID-19 update
Parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have COVID-Safety plans in place requiring social distancing, maximum attendance figures and other safety measures. We also highly recommend wearing masks to Mass and other services. You are encouraged to check with your parish on what measures they have in place before attending. For more information, please visit the Diocesan website www.parracatholic.org/covid19
Welcome to The Well
The Diocese of Parramatta proudly announces its latest initiative – The Well. In what can be described as ‘Netflix for Catholics’, The Well is a new online platform that provides free, ‘on-demand’ inspiration for families, children, young people and faith communities. Explore fresh offerings every week on topical issues that inform, entertain and challenge. Check it out at www.thewell.org.au
Catholic Outlook Magazine Summer 2020/21 Edition
Catholic Outlook Summer edition is out now and free to all parishioners. Read about our amazing HSC students, the new bells of St Patrick’s Cathedral and how the new Vatican Ambassador who originates from Castle Hill is settling in. Plus what the symbols of Advent really mean. Pick up your free copy from your local Catholic Church, Catholic School or Catholic office today.
Natural Fertility Services is still open
Following COVID-19 restrictions, Natural Fertility Services has reintroduced face-to-face instruction. We will, however, continue with Zoom meetings as this has enabled more couples access to information. We have educators available to teach any of the three methods of Natural Family Planning. If you would like more information, or to book an appointment, please contact Catherine via email catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605.
Office for Worship Resources available
The Office For Worship has a range of resources available for purchase for individuals and parishes. Resources such as parent material for a child’s baptism and a collation of prayers can be purchased from the Office For Worship by contacting (02) 8838 3457.
Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal remains open
The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta remains open and committed to assisting anyone who has questions regarding marriage annulments. Please direct all enquires to the Tribunal office on 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org. The office is open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
St Bernadette’s Lalor Park Wednesday Evening Devotions
St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park, is hosting weekly devotions to Mary Immaculate and St Bernadette every Wednesday evening at 7pm, followed by Mass at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For more information, contact the parish office on 02 9672 4037 or admin@stbernadetteslalorpark.org.au
Social Justice COVID-19 Food and Toiletries Drive
Jesuit Refugee Service and House of Welcome are dealing with a 400% increase in emergency assistance calls and are needing to feed over 1,000 people facing destitution each week. You can help by running a food and toiletry drive or donating yourself. For more information, contact Patrice Moriarty 0409 399 505 or, House of Welcome office@houseofwelcome.com.au or JRS amelia.savage@jrs.org.au
Bishop’s Christmas Appeal
This Christmas, let us unite in demonstrating God’s unconditional love and keep families together. Your compassionate gifts and prayers will help CatholicCare’s Project Elizabeth to support vulnerable families to build strong, loving relationships. You can help give people like Sharen, Dale and baby Jackson the emotional and practical support they need to live their lives in love and joy. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal: yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal
Life, Marriage and Family Office Marriage Preparation Courses
Dates for the Diocesan Life, Marriage and Family Office’s in-person marriage preparation weekend courses in 2021 are now available, with the SmartLoving Engaged Online course another option to prepare for your marriage. For more information, or to book your course, visit www.parracatholic.org/pmp or call (02) 8838 3460.
2021 Vacation Care places still available
There are still places available for January Vacation Care in 15 Catholic Out of Hours School Care centres throughout the Diocese. You may be entitled to up to 85% rebate. Lots of fun activities planned! Bookings close 7 December. Details are at https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/vacationcare.
Plenary Council Reflection and Action Session: 3 December
You are invited to attend the Reignite the Flame of Plenary Council Reflection & Action Session on Thursday 3 December from 11am to 12.30pm via ZOOM. Some of the Diocese’s Plenary Council delegates will share on the Joyful, Hope-filled & Servant Community theme and will share some good news stories happening around this theme in our diocese. To register, visit https://dioceseofparramatta.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAvd-qvpzkoHdOGpZ2YR1UTzJzASUOxges-
Young Adult Faith Formation: 6 December
Young Adult faith formation sessions continue on Sunday 6 December at The Hustle, 4-6 Purdy Rd Minchinbury, at 7pm. Seminarian Andrew Rooney will speak and lead discussion on virtue ethics, particularly the theological virtues of faith, hope and love. We encourage all adults 18-35 to come along and enjoy some faith formation and fellowship! Call Mark on 0477 004 678 for more information.
Plenary Council Reflection and Action Session: 9 December
You are invited to attend the Reignite the Flame of Plenary Council Reflection & Action Session on Wednesday 9 December from 7pm to 8.30pm via ZOOM. Some of the Diocese’s Plenary Council delegates will share on the ‘Open to Conversion, Renewal and Reform’ theme and will share some good news stories happening around this theme in our diocese. To register, visit https://dioceseofparramatta.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsce2uqj8sHtIE71B1MKXI_PqfNolbUS_e
Permanent Diaconate Information Session: 12 December
Couples considering a call to the Permanent Diaconate are invited to attend an information session on Saturday 12 December from 10am to 12noon at the Institute for Mission, Blacktown. Couples who decide to proceed with the discernment process will be asked to meet with the Vocations Committee in 2021. To RSVP, please contact Deacon Willy Limjap on 0428 332 619 or wlimjap@gmail.com or Deacon George Bryan on 0408 440 769 or George.Bryan@parracatholic.org
Rouse Hill Parish Christmas Novena Dawn Masses: From 16 December
This Christmas, Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill will be celebrating a Novena of Dawn Masses (also known as Simbang Gabi) leading up to Christmas. Commencing on 16 December, they will be celebrated at 5.00am. Bookings are required via https://www.trybooking.com/BMWOD. For details, please contact the parish on rousehill@parracatholic.org or (02) 8883 4063.
The Epiphany Pilgrimage 2021
The Epiphany Pilgrimage is a not-for-profit event of the Diocese of Parramatta and outreach of the Blue Mountains Deanery. From 2 – 9 January, pilgrims walk through the beautiful Blue Mountains bushland and spend time in prayer and fellowship. Limited overnight registrations are available, and day walkers are welcome. For more information and to register, visit www.epiphanypilgrimage.org. To follow the journey see https://www.facebook.com/epiphanypilgrimage/
Other Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Head of Mission Integration – Caritas Australia
For more details, please visit https://www.caritas.org.au/about/jobs/positions-vacant
- Education Officer: Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy (7-12) – Teaching and Learning – Catholic Education Northern Territory, Darwin – Applications close 4pm 7 December 2020
- Education Officer: Aboriginal Education – Teaching and Learning – Catholic Education Northern Territory, Darwin – Applications close 4pm 7 December 2020
For more details, please visit https://www.ceont.catholic.edu.au/employment/career-opportunities/
Diocese of Broken Bay Office Space for Lease
The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay has Office space for lease in the Caroline Chisholm Centre in Pennant Hills. If your organisation is looking for a competitive price on Office Rental accommodation, please call Phil Greenwood on 02 8379 1671 or email Philip.greenwood@bbcatholic.org.au for more information.
Donate to Caritas’ Asia Emergency Appeal
Caritas Australia’s thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, who have been devastated by unprecedented flooding. Homes have been destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing to evacuation centres, where the risks of spreading COVID-19 are high. With your help, Caritas can provide vital support to those affected by this and other disasters. Donate today at www.caritas.org.au or by calling 1800 024 413.
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre Staged Reopening
St Mary’s Retreat Centre in Douglas Park, NSW, has re-commenced its 2020 retreat program. They invite you to take advantage of their remaining program for 2020 and early 2021. Places are filling fast, so for more information on the available retreats, please contact contact@towersretreat.org.au, phone (02) 4630 0233 or visit https://www.towersretreat.org.au/
Madonna magazine – a gift of spiritual sustenance that lasts a whole year
Madonna magazine, published by Jesuit Communications, is an ideal spiritual companion – containing daily prayers, deep reflections and faith-focused articles. We invite you to subscribe or consider taking out a gift subscription for a loved one for only $53 a year. You can find out more about Madonna, how to subscribe, purchase a gift subscription or donate a subscription on the website: www.madonnamagazine.com.au/article/subscriptions
Mt Schoenstatt Spirituality Centre is taking bookings for 2020/2021
As a COVID-safe registered business, the Mt Schoenstatt Spirituality Centre, Mulgoa, is once again available for personal or small group bookings to discern and plan for what the future might look like. They have also begun taking bookings for 2021, with numbers set to increase as restrictions return to normal. For more information, please call (02) 4773 8338, email info@schoenstatt.org.au or visit www.schoenstatt.org.au
Vote to authorise The Sydney Statement
After numerous workshops and drafts over 18 months, Youth PoWR (Parliament of the World’s Religions) launched The Sydney Statement, a new charter for interfaith relations on Thursday 15 October. Young adults aged 18-35 from different religions are encouraged to vote for The Sydney Statement and to authorised its publication. Don’t miss out on this chance to transform interfaith relations in Sydney and beyond. Voting is online at http://bit.ly/33OLrHA
Hope for healing after an abortion
Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Ministries is offering three new online reflections to bring healing and hope to those who seek spiritual healing from grief and loss. There are two free online one-to-one facilitated reflections, and a free retreat healing experience on Saturday 5 December from 9am to 1pm. Register at info@rachelsvineyard.org.au or call our confidential phoneline on 0400 092 555. Please mention you are registering for an online session. More details: rachelsvineyard.org.au
Pastoral Ministry Network Oceania Webinar: 8 December
The Pastoral Ministry Network, formerly NAPPA, is hosting an online Oceania webinar ‘Advent Recollection: Reflecting on the Joys and Struggles of 2020’ on Tuesday 8 December from 11am to 12.15pm. Falling on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the webinar will be a time of reflection on the year that was and focus on Mary’s story to our story. To register, visit tinyurl.com/adventrecollectiondec8
Mass for Expectant Mothers: 12 December
All expectant mums and their families are invited to a special Mass and blessing celebrated by Bishop Richard Umbers at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, on 12 December, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Unborn. Mass will be held at 12pm. To register, please visit www.stmaryscathedral.org.au/ – you will find the link on the bottom-left column. For enquiries, contact chris.dasilva@sydneycatholic.org
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 21 – 22 February 2021
How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. The next Engaged Encounter Weekend will be held on 21 – 22 February 2021 at St Joseph’s Baulkham Hills. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.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.