News & Events Weekly Update

21 September 2021

 

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

 

Diocese of Parramatta Notices

 

Positions Vacant:

  • Project Coordinator – Mission Enhancement Team (MET) Parramatta, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Friday 24 September
  • Human Resources Partner – Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Limited, Diocese of Parramatta
  • Human Resources Manager – Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Limited, Diocese of Parramatta
  • Accountant (General)/Analyst – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Sunday 26 September
  • Digital Content Creator – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Monday 4 October

More details at: parracatholic.org/employment

Diocese of Parramatta COVID-19 update

Due to stay-at-home orders from the NSW Government, all church buildings, adoration chapels and other buildings used for prayer and religious services are closed. Public Masses have ceased. Many parishes around the Diocese are celebrating Masses online. For more information, please visit the Diocesan website www.parracatholic.org/covid19

‘The Well’ offers spiritual nourishment during lockdown

Need some inspiration and spiritual encouragement during lockdown? Why not check out The Well? The Diocese’s ‘on demand’ streaming site has a tonne of video and prayer resources for you to explore and engage with during this difficult time. As we commemorate World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday 26 September, why not watch our Australasian Catholic Press Association award-winning series My Journey, Our Journey. Check it out on www.thewell.org.au

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.

Thank you for caring for our retired clergy

Thanks to your kind and compassionate support, the Clergy Support Foundation can continue to ensure our priests’ physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing is nurtured. And, where needed, support our ageing priests’ daily living, health care and medical expenses; along with home comforts and essentials for living well. Donations for the Father’s Day Appeal can be made at parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal or call (02) 8838 3482.

Young people of the Diocese – we are with you

“I am with you always” Matthew 28:20. The Diocese has launched a new website in response to the mental health crisis impacting our young people. The website parracatholic.org/withyou contains links and information about services that can help young people whose wellbeing is suffering. Please share widely with young people and their families.

Season of Creation 2021

Join Pope Francis and Christians around the globe in praying and taking action for our common home during Season of Creation (1 Sept – 4 Oct). For more information, resources, and activities in the Diocese of Parramatta, visit parracatholic.org/seasonofcreation

Diocese of Parramatta launches Plenary Council resource website

A new website provides resources for parishioners in the Diocese of Parramatta to stay involved in the Plenary Council, which is exploring what the future of our Church should look like. The first assembly starts in October, so visit parracatholic.org/plenary-2021/ to find a range of information, a Diocesan prayer and more.

Office for Safeguarding offering online training to keep our parishes safe

The Office for Safeguarding is providing an opportunity for all of us to develop our awareness and skills in ensuring our parishes are safe and welcoming places for all. The team are currently offering accompanied online training courses throughout September and October. If you are interested or have any questions about the Safeguarding Training, please email our Safeguarding office on safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org or maria.kervin@parracatholic.org.

UPDATE: Social Justice COVID-19 Food and Toiletries Drive

During lockdown, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and House of Welcome (HoW) cannot receive physical food and toiletry donations. However, many refugee families are still relying on their foodbanks or the provision of food vouchers. In this difficult time, please support JRS and HoW with a cash donation if you can. Find more information at parracatholic.org/diocesanfooddrive or call JRS on (02) 9356 3888 or HoW on (02) 9727 9290.

Pastoral Council Formation and Training Session: 22 September

The next Parish, Deanery and Diocesan pastoral council formation and training session will be held on Wednesday 22 September at 7.30pm via Zoom. This session will be on listening to the signs of the times in the local neighbourhood, hosted by Raimie Caramancion from the Mission Enhancement Team. Register at https://tinyurl.com/29ru2hu9. For any further information, please contact Tanya Quinn on tanya.quinn@parracatholic.org or call 0459 133 665.

Migrant & Refugee Sunday 2021: 26 September

On 26 September, the Catholic Church around the world celebrates the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (also known as Migrant and Refugee Sunday). Pope Francis invites us to work Towards an ever wider “we” and embrace the resilience and contribution of Migrants and Refugees to the church and society. The “Diocesan Journey… Walking with Refugees” team invites you to a Virtual Diocesan Conversation with Refugees on 26 September from 3pm – 4.15pm. RSVP via www.bit.do/diocesan-refugee. Find more information and resources at migrants-refugees.va and acmro.catholic.org.au.

 

Other Notices

 

Positions Vacant:

  • Principal – Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Karama, Northern Territory – Applications close Monday 27 September
  • Business Manager – O’Loughlin Catholic College, Darwin – Applications close Friday 1 October
  • Physics and Chemistry Teacher – O’Loughlin Catholic College, Darwin – Applications close Wednesday 6 October
  • Re-Advertised Internal Audit and Risk Officer – Catholic Education Northern Territory, Darwin – Applications close 4pm Friday 5 November
  • Expression of Interest – Classroom teacher – St Francis Xavier Catholic School, Daly River, Northern Territory – contact mcginlay@nt.catholic.edu.au for further information

For more details, please visit https://www.ceont.catholic.edu.au/employment/current-vacancies/

  • Re-advertised Principal – St Catherine’s Primary School, Berwick –Diocese of Sale Catholic Education – Applications close Wednesday 6 October

For more details, please Mr Richard Wans, Manager: Leadership and Professional Culture via email rwans@doscel.catholic.edu.au or phone (03) 5614 5107.

Fan the Flame – Towards Plenary Assembly One October 2021
‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’ Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48
The healing hands and support offered by a humble and merciful community are at the heart of a response to trauma and woundedness. Many need and yearn for full integration into the life of a loving community, where one is known and belongs. (Humble, Healing and Merciful – Discernment Paper p. 12)
www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/fantheflame/

Support Mass for You at Home

Many people who are isolated, in prison, in hospital or don’t have internet rely on Mass for You at Home. The Catholic Mass is broadcast free-to-air each Sunday morning on Channel 10 and WIN at 6am. Find some familiar faces from the Diocese of Parramatta celebrating Mass over the coming weeks. Find out more at www.massforyou.com.au

Get vaccinated for the common good

Vaccination against COVID-19 is a morally good thing, providing protection for the person vaccinated and the wider community. Some COVID-19 vaccines are associated with ethically questionable production and research practices, but Pope Francis and the Australian Bishops have advised that it is morally permissible to receive any vaccine made available. More information is available at https://www.catholic.org.au/coronavirus

Vinnies Support Centres are still available to those in need

St Vincent de Paul Support Centres across Greater Sydney are still available and taking calls to arrange for food vouchers or other items to be provided to those in need. If you need assistance, call the Support Centres in Blacktown on (02) 8861 9777, Harris Park on (02) 8861 9757 and Penrith on (02) 8861 9770. To find out more about what support is available, visit http://vinnies.org.au/covidsupportnsw

Sign the petition to welcome 20,000 refugees fleeing Afghanistan

In a sign of unity, major Australian church denominations and Christian organisations have come together to urge the Prime Minister to provide a special intake of an additional 20,000 refugees fleeing Afghanistan and support the ongoing wellbeing of all Afghan refugees and their families. For more information and to sign the petition go to www.unitedforafghanistan.com/?partner=dioceseparramatta

Donate to Caritas’ Emergency Response Appeal for Haiti

Caritas Australia’s thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti who have been devastated by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Over 1,400 people have died, and thousands more left injured. There is immediate and urgent need for food, water, shelter, hygiene kits and first aid on the ground. Donate to Caritas Australia’s Emergency Response Appeal by visiting www.caritas.org.au or by calling 1800 024 413 toll-free.

Caritas Australia responds to humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Lebanon

In Afghanistan, people have been forced from their homes, with half of the population in urgent need of food, water, shelter and protection. In Lebanon, the country is running out of power, water, fuel, medicine and food. Please donate to Caritas Australia respond to crises like these by visiting caritas.org.au/lebanon or www.caritas.org.au/afghanistan or call 1800 024 413 toll-free to provide much needed support.

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

St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre offering online retreats

St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre in Douglas Park, NSW, is offering a series of online live retreats throughout September and October. All retreats, ranging from a single day to 5 days, start at 10.30am on the first date and conclude at 7pm prayer gathering and will be presented using Microsoft Teams. For further information or to register for any of the retreats, email contact@towersretreat.org.au or visit https://towersretreat.org.au/

Divine Retreat Centre Daily Silent Adoration Livestream

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW, is livestreaming daily silent adoration from 8.45am to 8.45pm on their ‘Divine Healing & Retreat Centre Sydney Australia’ YouTube Channel. You are free to send prayer requests at any time during the adoration. To tune in, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuFdwfRHPRD95UYnOIFa-lQ

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Online Discernment Retreat: 25 September

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth are inviting single women aged 18-35 to an online discernment retreat on Saturday 25 September from 4pm. The retreat will include a reflection and talk, a Q&A session and Evening Prayer. If you would like to participate in the Zoom meeting, or for more information, please contact Sr Paula on 0449 656 406 or vocationscsfn@gmail.com

Campion College Virtual Open Day: 28 September

Campion College, the Australian liberal arts college based in Toongabbie are holding a virtual open day on Tuesday 28 September from 10am to 5pm. This is the perfect opportunity for prospective students to find out more about the College and their liberal arts degree. For more information, and to register, please visit https://www.campion.edu.au/virtual-open-day/

2021 Abraham Conference – Women Leaders in the Abrahamic Traditions: 10 October

The Abraham Conference plays an important role in bringing Jews, Christians and Muslims together to discuss contemporary issues of concern for the members of the three religions and for the wider society. This year’s conference, which will discuss ‘Women Leaders in the Abrahamic Traditions: Role Models for Our Time’, will be livestreamed for free via Zoom on Sunday 10 October from 2.30pm to 4pm. To register, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/2021-abraham-conference

The Global Foundation Road to Assisi Roundtable: 21 October

You are invited to The Global Foundation’s upcoming ‘Road to Assisi’ Roundtable, which will be held online on Thursday 21 October from 5pm to 7pm AEST. Hosted by Fr Frank Brennan SJ, the roundtable will speak on climate change and will focus on practical actions which may be undertaken by those taking part. For more information, and to register by 11 October, please contact sg@globalfoundation.org.au

St Vincent de Paul Rosalie Rendu Forum: 21 October

You are invited to the St Vincent de Paul Society’s annual Rosalie Rendu Forum, which will be held online on Thursday 21 October from 6pm to 7.30pm. This year’s Forum will explore the intersections between gender, poverty and domestic and family violence, as there are rising concerns of a shadow pandemic of domestic and family violence. Bookings are essential and early RSVP is recommended. Register by Monday 18 October by visiting https://bit.ly/RosalieRendu2021

 

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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