News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Peace, Justice and Ecology Facilitator – Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close Monday 7 March
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 Local Submissions extended!
The local consultation period for the global Synod on Synodality has been extended. Submissions can now be received through the online portal until Sunday 13 March. Don’t miss out on this chance to take part in a global conversation about the Catholic Church. How are we called to walk together as Christians? How can we listen to one another in making important decisions about our faith and our mission? Find out more and share your contribution at bit.ly/synod2023
MET LIFTED Live meets The FaithFeed: 24 February
Don’t miss the first major collaboration of MET Parramatta 2022 when Catholic Youth Parramatta’s LIFTED Live meets Pastoral Formation’s The FaithFeed on Thursday night from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at West HQ (formerly Rooty Hill RSL), Rooty Hill. Join us for an evening of music, community, story-telling and shared mission face to face. To RSVP, please email met@parracatholic.org.au.
Masterclass for Mentor Married Couples: 18 March
The Diocese is looking to more deeply accompany couples preparing to be married. Have you been married for more than 5 years? Committed to living the sacrament of Marriage? Willing to give time limited assistance to couples preparing for marriage? Join us for a Masterclass on Friday 18 March at 7.30pm at the Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, on Mentoring engaged couples in your Parish using the SmartLoving Engaged Online program. To book your attendance or to ask further questions, please email met@parracatholic.org or phone Marisa 0412 280 017.
MET Natural Fertility Online Information Session: 22 March
MET Natural Fertility’s online information session on Tuesday 22 March at 7.30pm will focus on and how couples observe their naturally occurring symptoms of fertility to space their children. Come along to learn about The Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning. To register and receive your Zoom link, contact Catherine on catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605.
Marriage Preparation Courses in 2022
Getting married in 2022? Let the Diocese of Parramatta help you prepare. Visit www.parracatholic.org/pmp to view weekend course dates, to book and pay. An online preparation called SmartLoving can also be booked via the website. For more information email met@parracatholic.orgor phone Karin on 0403 305 431 or Marisa on 0412 280 017.
Caritas Project Compassion 2022 starts on Sunday
Caritas Australia’s Lenten Project Compassion campaign will start on Project Compassion Sunday (27 February) and lead us all the way towards Easter. This year’s theme For All Future Generations comes from the biblical story of the great flood (Genesis 9:12-15). It reminds us that the good we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. Find out more at caritas.org.au/project-compassion or contact our Diocesan Director of Caritas: Sebastian.Salaske-Lentern@parracatholic.org or 0409 399 505.
Youth Ministry Leadership Pathway
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. For more information and details to sign up visit parracatholic.org/ducinaltum/ or email qwayne.guevara@parracatholic.org
Pastoral Formation offering leadership and formation courses in 2022
In 2022, we can still deepen our community connections and growth in faith! To encourage this, Pastoral Formation – Diocese of Parramatta has two programs FOR YOU – all offered in a COVID-safe manner.
1) Ministry Leadership Program: Perfect for current and aspiring ministry leaders. 10 or 20 sessions ($10/session).
2) Themes of Faith Program: Ideal for people interested in asking life & faith questions in discussion groups. 10 sessions ($5/session).
See our website pfparra.org.au or email met@parracatholic.org for more details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arabic Mass available in the Diocese
There is an Arabic Mass open to everyone in the Diocese of Parramatta celebrated on the First Sunday of the month 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.
God’s Word 2022 daily reflections booklet available at St Pat’s Gift Shop!
God’s Word 2022, a book of daily reflections, offers a great service for all who wish to unite their prayer with the Sacred Liturgy and be spiritually nourished by the Word of God. Copies are now available from St Patrick’s Gift Shop, located in the grounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta for $19.95. Visit the website www.stpatricksgiftshop.com or grab in store on Tuesdays to Fridays 10am-3pm and Sundays 9am-1pm.
St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir returns for 2022
After their January recess, the St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir has returned to the 11am Solemn Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. They are excited to serve God and you, the faithful, once again, every Sunday until Christmas. Stay up to date with the Cathedral Choir by vising their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/choirSPC
Glenbrook Parish Lenten Ecumenical Gatherings
This Lent, three Glenbrook Christian Churches, including St Finbar’s Catholic Parish, are sharing a bowl of soup in ecumenical friendship and to help those in need in the local community. Gatherings will be held on Sunday 6 March at St Finbar’s, 20 March at Glenbrook Baptist Church and 3 April at St Andrew’s Uniting Church and the cost is a donation to a local Blue Mountains charity. For more information, contact the St Finbar’s parish office on (02) 4742 6958 or glenbrook@parracatholic.org
Other Notices
Positions Vacant:
- General Manager Finance – Catholic Education Northern Territory, Darwin – Applications close 4pm Monday 28 February
For more details, please visit https://www.ceont.catholic.edu.au/employment/current-vacancies/
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
ACU database offers easily accessible Church teaching on ethics questions
Explore www.ethicsfinder.com. Wish you could easily find Church teaching and the best articles, books and videos on bioethics, business ethics, cancel culture, human rights, marriage, family, subsidiarity, and 100+ other topics? Try ACU’s free, digital tool www.ethicsfinder.com.
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
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.
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre Prayer Weekend: 4 – 6 March
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre is offering a “Woman at the wedding” prayer weekend from 4 to 6 March. The retreat is an opportunity for all to hear and see the Good News through the words and lives of named and unnamed women in the Gospels exploring each story through Lectio Divina, poetry, Visio Divina, photography, labyrinth walks, art, midrash and silence. The retreat is $310. download the registration form from their website http://towersretreat.org.au or email contact@towersretreat.org.au
The Gift of Joy! A retreat in the Spirit of Taizé: 11 – 13 March
The Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, are hosting a Taizé retreat from Friday 11 March at 6pm to Sunday 13 March at 12.30pm. Rest, pray and reflect in community with the songs and prayers from Taizé in the season of Lent. Workshops, group sharing and personal reflection time will be a part of this retreat. All are welcome, with a special invitation to those aged 18-35. Register and pay at www.mtcarmel.com.au
Palms Australia International Mission Information Session: 17 March
Palms Australia has 60 years of experience preparing and assisting Australians to learn and pass on their skills in another culture. Is one of their assignments your opportunity to Reach Beyond? Join their online forum on Thursday 17 March at 5.30pm via Zoom and hear and engage with a panel of their most experienced program participants. To find out more and to register for the forum, visit palms.org.au/ or phone 0422 742 567.
Mt Schoenstatt 24 Hours for the Lord: 25 – 26 March
Come and spend time in 24 hours of Adoration before Our Lord and His Mother at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. It begins Friday 25 March at 6pm with Holy Mass and a BBQ meal, concluding Saturday 26 March at 5pm with Mass. Reconciliation will be available on Friday from 7.15pm to 10pm and Saturday 4pm to 4.45pm. For more information, contact (02) 4773 8338 or visit the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine & Retreat Centre, Mulgoa Facebook page.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 16 – 18 April
The Worldwide Marriage Encounter team are hosting a Marriage Enrichment Weekend from 22 – 24 April at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. 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 and Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.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.
