News & Events Weekly Update

2 November 2021

 

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

 

Diocese of Parramatta Notices

 

Positions Vacant:

  • Human Resources Consultant – Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Limited, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 5pm Thursday 4 November
  • Digital Content Creator – Diocese of Parramatta
  • 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. Explore with Catholic Youth Parramatta the importance of honouring the holy men and women who have gone before us as we commemorate All Saints’ Day. Visit www.thewell.org.au today.

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.

Invitations are open to join the Diocesan Pastoral Council

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv is inviting parishioners across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains to apply for membership to the Diocesan Pastoral Council. If you feel called to serve in this way or know someone in your parish that would be a wonderful candidate, apply today by visiting parracatholic.org/diocesan-pastoral-council/. Applications close Monday 15 November.

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.

Fr Renato Paras Funeral Arrangements: 4 November

A Mass of Christian Burial for Fr Renato Paras, Pastor Emeritus of St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill, will be celebrated on Thursday 4 November at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown. As per current NSW Regulations for places of worship, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people may attend the church. Registration and the wearing of face masks are compulsory. Under the four square metre rule, 250 people are allowed at St Patrick’s Church, not including essential people. The Mass will be livestreamed and will be able to be seen on the Diocese of Parramatta Facebook page and the Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown Facebook page.

CYP HSC Livestream: 7 November

Year 12 students, their families and supporters across the Diocese are invited to share in a LIFTED experience on Sunday 7 November at 8pm with Bishop Vincent. It will include a blessing, music and numerous messages of support from other students, parish priests and Catholic Youth Parramatta. Tune in at https://www.facebook.com/catholicyouthparra

Fertility Awareness Online Evening: 17 November

Are you looking for answers to infertility? On Wednesday 17 November at 7.30pm, couples are invited to an online Natural Fertility session hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta. Vinetta Lobo, a certified FertilityCare Practitioner will explain how The Creighton Model FertilityCare System can assess and evaluate your current fertility status and treat infertility. To register, or for more information, please contact Catherine on 0400 427 605 or catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org

  

Other Notices

 

Positions Vacant:

  • 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.

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

Synod of Bishops – Have your say

Catholics across Australia are invited to participate in a period of local consultation for the next international Synod of Bishops, which has the theme: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. Pope Francis has invited us to embark on this journey together, with the first step being to contribute our thoughts to the conversation. You can contribute to the conversation at bit.ly/listeningchurch and find out more at http://www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch

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 residential retreats

St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre in Douglas Park, NSW, is offering a series of residential retreats (subject to the health situation) throughout November and December on topics such as ‘Turning to God’ and ‘Be Filled with Grace like Mary’. Retreats commence 5.30pm on the first date and conclude 2.30pm on the final date. 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 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/

Inaugural Australian Cardijn Institute Lecture: 13 November

Venezuelan lay theologian and advisor to the Synod of Bishops Professor Rafael Luciani will deliver the inaugural Australian Cardijn Institute’s Cardijn Lecture on the theme “The Emergence of Synodality: The Latin American Experience” via Zoom on Saturday 13 November at 1pm AEDT. To register for the webinar, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqdOivrTIuE9EcJaLYu9tRAawD2fxbyjby. For more information, please email Stefan Gigacz at aci@australiancardijninstitute.org or visit the Australian Cardijn Institute website.

**CANCELLED** Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 21 November

Regrettably, the Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day planned at St Benedict’s Monastery, Arcadia, for 21 November has been cancelled. It is hoped, COVID permitting, that they can welcome people back in the new year, with more information to come closer to the proposed renewal days. For enquiries, please contact Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or (02) 9653 2637.

Divine Retreat Centre One Day Pilgrimage Retreat: 28 November

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day pilgrimage from 9am to 1pm on Sunday 28 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.

Catholic Theological College 2021 National Conference: 29 – 30 November

The Catholic Theological College is hosting their national conference on ‘Recontextualising Pedagogy’ from 29 to 30 November in Melbourne. The conference offers an opportunity to showcase new learning and ongoing research into recontextualising pedagogies exploring areas such as Leadership and Teacher practice. Bookings are still being accepted for online attendance and for individual workshops and keynote addresses. For more information, please visit https://ctc.edu.au/news-and-events/recontextualising-pedagogy-national-conference/

 

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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