News & Events Weekly Update

19 October 2021
A screenshot of the Introduction to Safeguarding module on the Points Build training program run by the Office for Safeguarding. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

 

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

As NSW reaches its 80% double dose vaccination target, parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are opening their doors for private prayer, Reconciliation and for the celebration of Mass and sacraments such as baptisms, weddings and funerals. Please contact your local parish to check Mass and liturgy times and the COVID-Safe arrangements in place.

Livestreamed Masses from across the Diocese of Parramatta are still available on the Diocesan website https://www.parracatholic.org/covid19/#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. Celebrate the joy of returning to public Mass with a special Worship Wednesday session titled ‘A Light at the end of lockdown’. 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.

Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal is open

The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta remains open and committed to assisting anyone with enquiries regarding marriage annulments. Interviews are being conducted via telephone and Zoom in response to COVID-19. Please contact the Tribunal office on (02) 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org.

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. Beyond the First Assembly of the Plenary Council, visit parracatholic.org/plenary-2021/ to find a range of information, a Diocesan prayer and more as we move into a time of prayer, reflection, maturation and development.

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 October and November. 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:

  • 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
  • Principals’ Consultant – Support Officer – Catholic Education Northern Territory, Darwin – Applications close 4pm Monday 8 November

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

  • Expressions of Interest – Classroom teacher (immediate start) – St Francis Xavier Catholic School, Daly River, Northern Territory
  • Expressions of Interest – Early Years teacher (immediate start) – St Francis Xavier Catholic School, Daly River, Northern Territory

If this position interests you, please contact the Principal at kellie.mcginlay@nt.catholic.edu.au for further information.

  • Education Officer: Catholic Identity and Religious Education (F-12) – Diocese of Sale Catholic Education – Applications close 4pm Wednesday 20 October

For a copy of the position description and to apply, please visit https://www.ceosale.catholic.edu.au/work-with-us/positions-vacant

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 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/

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

Divine Retreat Centre One Day Pilgrimage Retreat: 31 October

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day pilgrimage from 9am to 1pm on Sunday 31 October. All retreats are held with NSW COVID-Safe compliance and masks are mandatory. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.

Divine Retreat Centre Divine Mercy Friday: 5 November

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a Divine Mercy Friday celebration from 6pm to 8.30pm on Friday 5 November. All retreats and programs are held with NSW COVID-Safe compliance and masks are mandatory. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.

Divine Retreat Centre One Day Malayalam Retreat: 6 November

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day Malayalam pilgrimage from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 6 November. All retreats are held with NSW COVID-Safe compliance and masks are mandatory. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.

Divine Retreat Centre Divine Youth Ministry: 6 November

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a divine youth ministry program for young adults aged 18+ from 5.30pm to 9pm on Saturday 6 November. All retreats are held with NSW COVID-Safe compliance and masks are mandatory. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call 0423 786 768 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.

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.

 

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