News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Pastoral Formation Facilitator – Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Sunday 10 April
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Mentoring Couples to be Married: 9 April
Following the success of the Masterclass on Mentoring Engaged couples for Marriage, we are offering an additional Zoom for those who missed out on recent face-to-face training. Are you a married couple looking to accompany Engaged couples preparing for Marriage using the SmartLoving Online program? This time limited commitment of 4-9 weeks can be undertaken in your own home. To learn more and register for the Zoom Session on Saturday 9 April at 10am, please call Marisa on (02) 8838 3460 or email met@parracatholic.org.
CYP Good Friday Night Walk: 15 April
Young people are invited to join Catholic Youth Parramatta and Bishop Vincent for the annual 21km Good Friday Night Walk from Blacktown to the Cathedral. For more information and to register visit https://parracatholic.org/goodfridaywalk/
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.org or phone Karin on 0403 305 431 or Marisa on 0412 280 017.
Caritas Project Compassion 2022
Caritas Australia’s Lenten Project Compassion campaign has begun and will 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
Diocesan, Deanery and Parish Pastoral Council Formation and Training: 30 March
The next Parish, Deanery and Diocesan pastoral council formation and training session will be held on Wednesday 30 March at 7.30pm via Zoom. This session will be on ‘Formation for Mission and Professional Development’ with Sr Grace Roclawska – Head: Formation for Mission, Diocese of Parramatta. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2p8h68xd. For any further information, please contact Tanya Quinn on met@parracatholic.org or call 0459 133 665.
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.
Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal raising funds for Catholic Care’s Community Drop-In Centres
Catholic Care is working hard to reach our neighbours in need and to reduce social isolation and loneliness throughout our community. Will you be a Good Samaritan and help Catholic Care reach our vulnerable neighbours, so they have safe, welcoming places to connect with others and access support? Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal or scan the QR code. Thank you for your heartfelt prayers and support.
Dr Laurie Woods Gospel Study Series: Starting 29 April
All are invited to join the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for catechesis on the Gospel of St Luke with Dr Laurie Woods over 5 Fridays starting 29 April. The sessions will be held from 10am to 2pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre (formerly the IFM), Blacktown. To RSVP, please contact ccassar.ccdparra@hotmail.com
Catholic Outlook Lent/Easter edition out now!
Catholic Outlook Easter edition is out now and free to all parishioners. We feature a range of articles on choosing your next step in life as well as how the faithful across the Diocese celebrate Holy Week. Pick up your free copy from your local Catholic Church, Catholic School or Catholic office today.
Catholic schools across the Diocese are enrolling now!
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Parramatta are enrolling now for 2023. To learn more please contact your local Catholic school or visit our website www.parra.catholic.edu.au/our-schools/find-a-school.
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 11am at Holy Family Church, South Granville, 200 The Trongate, Granville. 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 is seeking new singers
If you are a good singer and you sing tenor or bass, St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir is looking for you. The Cathedral Choir is seeking male voices, but recruitment is open to all, with paid and voluntary places available. Paid scholas are remunerated at between $2500 and $4000 per annum, depending on attendance. Here more of the Cathedral choir at facebook.com/choirSPC. Interested applicants can submit their expression of interest at https://bit.ly/3sLep7S.
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
Glenbrook Parish Lenten Biblical Studies Program
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, invites you to their Parish Lenten Biblical Studies program, focussing on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus according to the Gospel of Luke. Sessions will be held on Tuesday 8 March, Tuesday 22 March and Tuesday 5 April from 7pm to 8.30pm in the Parish Hall. Entry is a gold coin donation. Please RSVP your attendance via secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Sydney Alliance Community Organising Training: 6 and 7 April
The Diocese of Parramatta is co-hosting a “Community Organising” Foundations Training, run by the Sydney Alliance on 6 and 7 April from 9am to 5pm, 16 Masons Dr, North Parramatta. Learn how to win campaigns for the common good through relationship building and strategic planning. All are welcome – free for members of parishes and organisations in the Diocese. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/sydalliance
Other Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Education Officer: Aboriginal and Islander Education – Catholic Education Northern Territory – Applications close 4pm Wednesday 30 March
- Speech Pathologist – Catholic Education Northern Territory, Darwin – Applications close 4pm Friday 1 April 2022
For more details, please visit https://www.ceont.catholic.edu.au/employment/current-vacancies/
- Benefactor Support Officer (part-time) – Aid to the Church in Need Australia – Applications close Sunday 3 April
- Coordinator, Friends of the suffering Souls Association (FOSS) (part-time) – Aid to the Church in Need Australia – Applications close Sunday 3 April
For more details and to apply, please visit www.aidtochurch.org/jobs
Donate to Caritas Australia’s Ukraine Appeal
Caritas Australia’s long-standing partner, Caritas Ukraine, is on the ground providing shelter, food, clean water, medicine and psychological support. Donate now to help the people of Ukraine. Donate today at www.caritas.org.au/ukraine or call 1800 024 413 toll free. Keep up to date on how Caritas agencies are responding to this crisis by visiting www.caritas.org.au/ukraine-news
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 First Friday Healing Service: 1 April
The Divine Retreat Centre is hosting their First Friday Healing Service from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday 1 April 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: 1 April
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a Divine Mercy Friday celebration from 6pm to 8.30pm on Friday 1 April. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit https://divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
Divine Retreat Centre One Day Malayalam Retreat: 2 April
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day Malayalam retreat from 10am to 2.30pm on Saturday 2 April. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit https://divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
Divine Retreat Centre Divine Youth Ministry: 2 April
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a divine youth ministry program for young adults aged 18+ from 5pm to 7.30pm on Saturday 2 April. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call Melinda on 0423 786 768 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit https://divineretreatcentre.org or ‘Divine Young Adult Ministry’ on Facebook for more information.
Light to the Nations (LTTN) 2022: 14 – 17 April
LTTN is an Easter Pilgrimage event held biannually for Catholics (singles and families) aged 16+. Camp under the open skies with up to 1,000+ as we celebrate the Easter Triduum. Held in the grounds of Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville from 14 – 17 April 2022. Visit www.lttn.org.au for more information and register today. Contact rego@lttn.org.au or ring Therese on 0432 228 250.
Divine Retreat Centre Spiritual Retreat: 18 April
The Divine Retreat Centre is hosting a spiritual retreat from 7pm to 9pm on Monday 18 April at St Patrick’s Church, Wallsend. All retreats are held with NSW COVID-Safe compliance. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit https://divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
Disciples School of Mission: 20 – 24 April
Are you aged between 18-40 and searching for an adventure in 2022? If so, then join us for the Disciples School of Mission. This 4-day live-in course, held at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, calls people from across Australia and beyond to be equipped for youth ministry and evangelisation. Be renewed in your own journey, equipped for mission/youth ministry, and formed in the Catholic faith – you won’t regret it – it’s an adventure! For more information visit disciplesschoolofmission.com.au or ring Fiona on 0411 144 208.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 22 – 24 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
Divine Retreat Centre Divine Mercy Growth Retreat: 22 – 24 April
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting an Inner Healing Retreat from 6pm Friday 22 April to 4pm Sunday 24 April. 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 https://divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
Divine Retreat Centre Divine Mercy Feast Day Retreat: 24 April
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day pilgrimage from 9am to 4pm on Sunday 24 April, Divine Mercy Sunday, and will feature praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass and ministry for children and teenagers. 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 https://divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 30 April – 1 May
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 30 April to 1 May. 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
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.
