News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Project Officer – Parramatta Young Christian Workers
- Pastoral Formation Facilitator – Mission Enhancement Team, 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
Synod of Bishops – Have your say
What would you say to Pope Francis if you had 10 minutes? Catholics across the world are invited to participate in a period of local consultation for the next international Synod of Bishops. Find out how to send your message at parracatholic.org/synod-of-bishops
World Meeting of Families: 22 – 26 June 2022
Every three years since 1994, the Church has celebrated the World Meeting of Families in a different city of the world. In 2022 the event will be hosted by the Diocese of Rome with Pope Francis leading special celebrations. However, the Holy Father has also asked that the World Meeting of Families be celebrated concurrently in every diocese of the world in 2022. The idea is for families to gather locally in Parishes and/or Deaneries and explore and celebrate the theme of ”Family love: a vocation and a path to holiness”. Stay tuned for exciting opportunities to participate with the Diocese of Parramatta in 2022
Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses 2022
The Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses will begin in February. This is formation for anyone interested in serving within the Liturgical Ministries either as Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Communion to the Sick and Dying and Ministers at the Altar. If you are interested or would like more information please contact the Office for Worship on (02) 8838 3456 or anne.stanton@parracatholic.org or visit our website to download an enrolment form at https://officeforworship.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 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.
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 at parracatholic.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.
Arabic Mass available in the Diocese
There is an Arabic Mass open to everyone in the Diocese of Parramatta celebrated every Sunday at 7.15pm in St Michael’s Church, Blacktown, celebrated by Fr Chadi Ibrahim SDB, Assistant Priest at Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. For more information, please contact the parish office on (02) 9622 1125.
Mass available for the Nigerian Catholic Community
The Nigerian Catholic community come together to celebrate Mass every second and fourth Sundays of the month at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes. For more information, please contact community chaplain Fr Chinonye Akamadu on 0451 174 438 or chuk.akamadu@parracatholic.org or Stella Nwosu on 0405 478 472.
Congratulations Sacred Heart Church Blackheath for 120 years
To celebrate 120 since the blessing and opening of Sacred Heart Church, Blackheath, the parish have created an historic calendar and will hold a celebration Mass on 26 January at 11.30am. For details contact Julie on (02) 4787 8096.
Youth Ministry Leadership Course: 29 January
A new pathway for leadership in youth ministry is here! Duc In Altum is an initiative of Catholic Youth Parramatta designed to provide practical youth ministry training, build community between youth leaders across the Diocese, and offer intentional time for prayer and reflection. It is a year-long journey with the first Leaders’ Summit to be held on Saturday, 29 January 2022 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. For more information and details to sign up visit parracatholic.org/ducinaltum/ or email qwayne.guevara@parracatholic.org
Annual Legal Red Mass: 3 February
The Annual Red Mass, which gives thanks for the work of those who serve the law, will be held on Thursday 3 February at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 7pm, followed by a light supper. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to justice and faith. For catering purposes, please confirm your attendance by emailing mili@stpatscathedral.com.au or by phone to (02) 8839 8400.
St Josephine Bakhita Feast Day Mass: 8 February
Join us for the livestream as Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv celebrates Mass on the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, Patron Saint of South Sudan and Sudan and of the Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking on Tuesday 8 February 2022 at 7pm via the Mary, Queen of the Family Parish Facebook page or the Diocese of Parramatta YouTube channel.
**CANCELLED** World Day of the Sick Mass 2022
Dear friends. Please be aware that due to the coronavirus, the World Day of the Sick Mass that was scheduled for 11 February 2022 at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown has now been cancelled. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact comms@parracatholic.org or (02) 8838 3400.
RCIA Lenten Seminar 2022: 16 and 23 February
The Office For Worship will be conducting an RCIA Lenten Seminar early next year on Wednesday nights of 16 and 23 February for RCIA coordinators and teams. This seminar will focus on the understanding of Lent, and will take a closer look at the Scrutiny Readings. To register or for more information, please contact the Office for Worship on (02) 8838 3456 or anne.stanton@parracatholic.org
Celebrating Holy Week formation workshop for Acolytes and Ministers at the Altar: 26 February
The Office For Worship is conducting a seminar for Acolytes and Ministers at the Altar on Saturday 26 February from 9:30 am to 3pm at the Bede Heather Centre (formerly the IFM), Blacktown. The workshop will be an opportunity to refine one’s skills in their ministry with a special focus on Holy Week celebrations. If you are interested or would like to RSVP, please contact the Office For Worship at anne.stanton@parracatholic.org or (02) 8838 3456.
Other Notices
Donate to Caritas Australia Emergency Appeal for Tonga
Tonga is reeling after a violent underwater volcano eruption triggered tsunamis, destroyed telecommunications and blanketed the country in ash and rock. Roads, bridges and homes are damaged. Water supplies have been contaminated by volcanic ash and saltwater. Tonga needs your prayer and support urgently. Give now to help with emergency response. Visit www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/pacific or call 1800 024 413 toll free to make your donation.
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
Catholic Earthcare Parishes Programs
Catholic Earthcare Australia now makes it easy for parishes to take up the Australian Bishops’ invitation from the 2021-22 Social Justice Statement to join them in pursuing seven Laudato Si’ Goals towards more sustainability. The Earthcare Parishes Program offers ideas and guidance. Find out more and register for an Earthcare Audit at catholicearthcare.org.au/earthcare-parishes
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
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 now open for residential retreats under COVID Safe arrangements in early 2022. 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 First Friday Healing Service: 4 February
The Divine Retreat Centre is hosting their First Friday Healing Service from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday 4 February at Our Lady of Dolours Parish, Chatswood. The service will include the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Holy Mass and Adoration. To confirm attendance, please email chatswoodoffice@bbcatholic.org.au or call (02) 9410 9000.
Divine Retreat Centre Divine Mercy Friday: 4 February
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a Divine Mercy Friday celebration from 6pm to 8.30pm on Friday 4 February. 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: 5 February
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day Malayalam retreat from 10am to 2.30pm on Saturday 5 February. 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: 5 February
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 5 February. All retreats are held with NSW COVID-Safe compliance and masks are mandatory. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call Melinda on 0423 786 768 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.
Divine Retreat Centre Inner Healing Retreat: 18 – 20 February
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting an Inner Healing Retreat from 5.30pm Friday 18 February to 4pm Sunday 20 February. 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.
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 19 – 20 February 2022
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 19 – 20 February. If COVID restrictions prevent a face-to-face weekend, it will be held via Zoom. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au/
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 20 February
You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia, on Sunday 20 February from 10.30am to 3pm, with registration from 10am. BYO picnic lunch and other refreshments. No need to register ahead of time. Donations welcome. For enquiries, please contact either Ann Bergman on anniebergman@hotmail.com or Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or (02) 9653 2637.
Divine Retreat Centre One Day Pilgrimage Retreat: 27 February
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day pilgrimage from 9am to 4pm on Sunday 27 February and will feature praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass. 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.
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.
