News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Digital Content Creator – Diocese of Parramatta
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Diocese of Parramatta COVID-19 update
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 as we emerge from lockdown
Need some inspiration and spiritual encouragement as we emerge from 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. In the latest episode of the At the Well podcast, Qwayne and Joy speak to Sydney Alliance’s Chantelle Ogilvie-Ellis about working with people with different beliefs and values from our own. Visit www.thewell.org.au today.
Vale Fr Renato Paras
A Mass of Christian Burial for Fr Renato Paras, Pastor Emeritus of St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill was celebrated at Mary Queen of the Family Parish (St Patrick’s Church) on Thursday 4 November. Born on 12 September 1938 and ordained to the priesthood on 3 December 1967, Fr Renato was a priest for 54 years. He died on 26 October 2021, aged 84. Read more at: https://bit.ly/frrenatoCO
Help our inmates feel the Christmas spirit
With the beginning of the Season of Advent upon us, the Diocese of Parramatta, through CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, are collecting blank Christmas cards that will be distributed by our prison chaplains to inmates to send to their families this Christmas. You can leave unused Christmas cards at any CatholicCare offices across the Diocese, which can be found by visiting https://catholicoutlook.info/inmatecards
Bishop’s Christmas Appeal
No mother or child should be homeless and without support at Christmas. CatholicCare’s Houses to Homes provides hope for vulnerable women and children facing abuse and hardship. Your kind donation today will help change the lives of homeless young women, who like Mary, seek a safe haven to raise their newborn child. Please give generously via the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal giving envelopes or online at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal
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
Under the remaining influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 atparracatholic.org/diocesanfooddrive or call JRS on (02) 9356 3888 or HoW on (02) 9727 9290.
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 2022 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.
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
Glenbrook Parish Advent Reflection Day: 4 December 2021
You are invited to join the parish of St Finbar’s, Glenbrook, for their Advent Retreat on Saturday 4 December from 10.30am to 4pm, followed by Vigil Mass at 5.30pm. The Retreat will reflect on the birth of Jesus, but also on being in touch with God through reflection on creation. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. The retreat will be $5 per person. For catering purposes, please RSVP by 29 November to secretary@stfinbars.org.au.
Other Notices
Positions Vacant:
- 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
Intercultural Christmas album to raise funds for House of Welcome
A new CD featuring classic Christmas songs in eight languages from the Asia Pacific – Samoan, Filipino, Fijian, Tamil, Tongan, Mandarin, Indonesian and Japanese is raising money for the House of Welcome in the Diocese of Parramatta. Find how to order at linktr.ee/SoundsChristmasAsiaPacific
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 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/
Divine Retreat Centre Advent Retreat: 17 – 19 December
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting an Advent Retreat from Friday 17 December to Sunday 19 December. All retreats are held with NSW COVID-Safe compliance. For more information and bookings, please contact 0468 486 782 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.
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.
