News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Senior Administrative Support Coordinator – Diocese of Parramatta
- 2 x Project Coordinator (part time) – Catholic Youth Parramatta, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Sunday 29 May.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Fundraising Campaigns Manager – Put Your Faith Into Action For The Common Good
Parramatta Catholic Foundation is seeking a dynamic Fundraising Campaigns Manager, following Bronwyn Muir’s retirement. This is a heart-warming, for-purpose vocational opportunity to put your faith into action, supporting our mission to share Christ’s message of love and salvation with all. The role is pivotal to nurturing faith, hope and charity throughout Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains through the Diocese of Parramatta’s ministries including our Holy Spirit Seminary, Clergy Support Foundation (caring for retired and ill priests), Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (Special Religious Education) and Catholic Care’s social welfare services. For information please call Dianne Wigan, Head of Fundraising on 0408 922 478.
LIFTED Live featuring Gen Bryant
Friday May 20, 7:30-10pm
WEST HQ, Rooty Hill
Youth, young adults and families are invited to join Catholic Youth Parramatta for a Holy Spirit inspired night of praise and worship
Register at https://parracatholic.org/liftedlive/
Bishop Vincent Presents Sr Patricia Fox NDS
Friday May 27, 7-9pm
Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street Blacktown
Ministering to the poor and marginalised in the Philippines for close to 30 years, Sr Pat Fox was arrested at her convent in northeast Manila and accused by the Filipino president of taking part in illegal political activities and of speaking out against the government. Join us for her compelling presentation, a short response from Bishop Vincent Long, Q&A and light canapes and drinks.
LIMITED SEATS – Bookings essential via email at met@parracatholic.org
SAVE THE DATE Tri-Diocesan Social Justice Reflection Evening: 20 July
The Diocese of Parramatta, together with the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Diocese of Broken Bay, invites you to an evening of delicious food, prayer, and great keynote speakers. Let’s reflect on the Social Justice Statement “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor”, and celebrate how people across all three Dioceses have responded to these cries in 2021-22. The reflection evening will be held on Wednesday 20 July from 6pm to 9pm – more details will follow in June.
Diocesan “Laudato Si’ Action Campaign”
On Friday 22 April, the annual Earth Day, the Diocese of Parramatta responded to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor by launching a Diocesan “Laudato Si’ Action Campaign”. Via a video message, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv invited all Catholic parishes, schools, families, and organisations across the Diocese to participate. Please visit parracatholic.org/laudatosi to download the launch video and for further information.
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.
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
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.
Commissioning Mass for Liturgical Ministers 2022: 26 May
The Commissioning Mass for Liturgical Ministers will be held on Thursday 26 May at 7.30pm at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta. During this Mass, Bishop Vincent will commission those who have completed their specific courses at the Liturgical Ministry Formation Course both previously and this year’s and want to be commissioned. Please RSVP by Thursday 19 May to anne.stanton@parracatholic.org with total numbers of those attending for catering purposes.
Workshop for Children’s liturgy of the Word: 9 June
The Office for Worship is conducting a workshop for parish teams who are running or are interested in running Children’s Liturgy of the Word on 9 June 2022 at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre. This workshop will include planning and leading, a look at diocesan guidelines and practicing safe ministry. If you are interested, please contact (02) 8838 3456, or anne.stanton@parracatholic.org
Adult Confirmation: 1 September
Adult Confirmation 2022 will be held on 1 September 2022 at 7:30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral with the Catechesis and Formation Day to be held on Saturday 20 August at 9:30am at the Bede Heather Centre (formerly known as the IFM). Adult Confirmation is a community celebration for those who have reached the age of 16 years and have received both the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, but are yet to receive the Confirmation. If you would like more information please contact the Office for Worship on (02) 8838 3456 or anne.stanton@parracatholic.org.
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
View the Diocesan synthesis for the Synod of Bishops
All are invited to VIEW the online version of the synthesis from the Diocese of Parramatta Writing Committee for the Synod of Bishops 2023. Visit https://parracatholic.org/synod-of-bishops/ and email met@parracatholic.org with your reflections. The Diocese of Parramatta is a ‘listening Church’ we invite continued dialogue through both the website and direct email address.
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.
St Marys Parish Perpetual Adoration
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys, is looking for Eucharistic Adorers to commit to a rostered weekly hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in their Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Those who would like to assist can contact either Steven Buhagiar on 0415 600 290, Stella Buhagiar on 0415 600 103, or the parish office directly on (02) 9623 1962.
Young Adult Faith Formation: 15 May
Young adults aged 18 to 35 are invited to a young adults faith formation session on Sunday 15 May at The Hustle, 4-6 Purdy St, Minchinbury, starting from 7pm. George and Anne Stanton will lead discussion on scripture and the theme of Covenant. A donation of $5 is suggested. Come along for fun, faith and fellowship! Call Mark on 0477 004 678 for more information.
Rouse Hill Parish Mandarin Mass: 15 May
The next Catholic Mass in Mandarin celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, will be held on Sunday 15 May at 3pm. For more information, please contact the parish office on parishoffice@ourladyoftheangels.org.au or call (02) 8838 4063.
Health Care Ministry Formation Session: 21 May
Those working in the health care ministry in the Diocese are invited to attend a formation session entitled “Let the littles ones come to me” on care of the sick and the dying child. The session will be held on Saturday 21 May at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, from 2pm to 3pm. To register and for further enquiries, please email met@parracatholic.org or michael.tan@parracatholic.org
Springwood East Timor Support Group Trivia Night Fundraiser: 21 May
The Springwood East Timor Support Group invite you to the 23rd anniversary Trivia Night to aid the Timorese people with medical and educational initiatives. Join them for an evening of fun and flashes of brilliance on Saturday 21 May from 7pm for a 7.30pm start at St Thomas Aquinas School Hall, Springwood. Tickets are $20 each, payable on entry, for tables of eight to ten. BYO nibbles and drinks. Pre-reservation of your attendance is essential to Dennis Farrar on 0425 209 840.
Other Notices
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
Plenary Council Walking in the Spirit
The People of God are invited to make a prayerful journey towards the Second Assembly of the Plenary Council through the Walking in the Spirit prayer campaign. Walking in the Spirit begins on Easter Sunday 17 April and runs until the Second Assembly, which opens on Sunday 3 July. Resources have been created for use by individuals, families, schools, parishes and other Catholic communities. Find out more at www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/walkinginthespirit/
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
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Offerings for May
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre in Douglas Park, NSW, is offering a series of weekend and six-day retreats throughout May on topics such as a Men’s Weekend: Journeys Homewards, Living More Deeply in God: Praying with Ignatius of Loyola and Seeing with Fresh Eyes: Encountering the Risen Christ. For enquiries and to register, please contact (02) 4630 0233, email contact@towersretreat.org.au or visit http://towersretreat.org.au
Mary Help of Christians Procession: 21 May
The Servants of Mary, Help of Christians and the Archdiocese of Sydney are hosting a procession for the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians on Saturday 21 May. The pilgrimage will begin at St Peter’s Church, Surry Hills at 10.30am with a blessing, and will conclude with Mass and prayers for world peace at St Mary’s Cathedral at 12pm midday. Parish banners and flags are welcome.
Catalyst for Renewal Forum with Sr Joan Chittister OSB: 31 May
Catalyst for Renewal is hosting a forum on Tuesday 31 May from 7pm to 9pm at Monte Sant’Angelo Mercy College, McQuoin Hall, 128 Miller Street, North Sydney. Sr Joan Chittister osb will be speaking on the topic ‘The Time is Now: a Call to Uncommon Courage.” Tickets are $30 each through Trybooking at https://www.trybooking.com/BYTTG or calling (02) 4971 4090.
MGL Sisters Pentecost Intensive Retreat: 1 – 5 June
Join the MGL Sisters as we deepen together in the experience of Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Come for a five-day intensive retreat from 1 to 5 June at Carmel House, Varroville, in the lead-up to Pentecost and be encouraged in discipleship, activating the charismatic gifts and being equipped for mission through inputs, discussion, prayer and practical workshops. To book, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/BWMJI. For enquiries, please contact mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
Jesus Light of the World Communities Retreat Day: 4 June
The Jesus Light of the World Communities in Rockdale are hosting a retreat with Marina George and Ron Maldigri on Saturday 4 June from 9am to 4.30pm at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Rockdale. To book, visit https://www.trybooking.com/BYXKO. For enquiries, please contact Ida on 0424 267 500 or Helen on 0433 455 114.
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.
