News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Human Resources Partner – Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Limited, Diocese of Parramatta
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. Re-watch our recent podcast with Bishop Richard Umbers about the Catholic perspective on the COVID-19 vaccine. Check it out on www.thewell.org.au
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.
Tune in daily to the sessions of the Plenary Council
As the First Assembly of the Plenary Council gets underway on 3 October, you can tune in from home as the almost 300 Members of the Plenary Council discern the future of the Australian Church. The Plenary Council is providing livestreamed Daily Masses from 9.30am AEDT and access to the Plenary session livestreams from 11am AEDT. To find out more and to tune in to the daily sessions, please visit plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/assembly-1
Catholic Outlook book giveaway
You have a chance to win one of three copies of “Opening Doors: A Seeker’s Reflections on the Rooms of Christian Living” by Kevin Treston. ‘Opening Doors’ has been described ‘an easy read that asks hard questions’, designed to help us create a better life and a better world. Entries are now open until Monday 11 October. Enter today via catholicoutlook.org and fill out the form under ‘Book Giveaway’.
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.
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.
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.
Other Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Physics and Chemistry Teacher – O’Loughlin Catholic College, Darwin – Applications close Wednesday 6 October
- Religious Education Coordinator – St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Humpty Doo, Northern Territory – Applications close Monday 18 October
- Assistant to the Principal (Mission) – Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College, Alice Springs, Northern Territory – Applications close Monday 18 October
- School Psychologist – Catholic Education Northern Territory, Darwin – Applications close 4pm Monday 18 October
- Administration Officer IT Support – Catholic Education Northern Territory, Darwin – Applications close 4pm Monday 18 October
- Deputy Principal (Secondary) – Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College, Wadeye, Northern Territory – Applications close Monday 25 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.
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 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. Bookings are now open for two residential retreats in November. 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
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
Catholic Theological College Inter-religious Dialogue Course Information Session: 20 October
The Catholic Theological College is offering a six-week intensive course on “Christian Faith and World Religions: Inter-religious dialogue in Australia” over Zoom in Semester 2 2022. The College is hosting an information session on Wednesday 20 October from 7pm to 7.30pm AEDT, with registration essential at https://divinity.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpfuyorzsiGtGBjOis8utrlDbWvjMe_fWR. Contact the Academic Records Office for enrolment information and appointments on (03) 9412 3333 or registrar@ctc.edu.au
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
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Virtual Enrichment Weekend: 22 – 24 October
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is hosting a virtual Marriage Enrichment Weekend on 22 to 24 October via Zoom. Open to married couples, priests and religious, this is an opportunity for you to learn to become the best version of yourselves together and live your best life in love. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Christine & Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.org.au
Caring for the Earth Retreat: 29 – 31 October
You are invited to attend a Caring for the Earth retreat at the Guntawang Environmental Bush Retreat in Oakdale, NSW, from 7pm Friday 29 October to 2pm Sunday 31 October. The retreat, ‘Quantum Spirit in Creation’ will explore the ecological approach, called for by Pope Francis, to transform our way of living in the world. The retreat is $95 for adults. For a camp brochure or enquiries, visit www.guntawang.org.au or contact Br Frank Richardson fms on 0429 595 231 or antiphon1@gmail.com
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 13 – 14 November 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 13 – 14 November. If COVID restrictions prevent a face-to-face seminar, it will be held via Zoom. 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.
