News & Events Weekly Update

24 May 2022

 

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.

Free lecture – The Outsider Pope: Where is Francis leading our Church? 

Tuesday 5 July at 7.30pm.

Novotel Parramatta, 350 Church St Parramatta.

Vatican correspondent from the international The Tablet magazine, author and speaker Christopher Lamb will present a free lecture reflecting on Pope Francis’ battle to renew the Church and Pope Francis as a human being. RSVP essential by 2 July to mark.oconnor@parracatholic.org

Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal for our Holy Spirit Seminarians

Our Holy Spirit Seminary in Harris Park is preparing men who have been called by God to be good shepherds and beacons of Christ’s light.
Will you be their extended formation community and support these faithful men to be formed as priests after the heart of Christ?
Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal or scan this QR code.
Thank you for accompanying our seminarians on their spiritual journey to becoming priests.

Pentecost Scripture Evening: 1 June

You are invited for a night of prayer, scripture and reflection on the theme of Pentecost! The evening will be held on Wednesday 1 June at 6.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown, and led by Dr Michele Connolly rsj. To RSVP, please email Tanya 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.

Mass for Neophytes: 2 June

The annual Mass for Neophytes will be celebrated on 2 June 2022 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta at 7.30pm. This Mass will be for the RCIA teams and parishes, and the newly Baptised Catholics and those who have been received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church marking the celebration as an occasion of the Church universal. All are welcome. Please RSVP for this Mass for seating and catering purposes on 30 May to anne.stanton@parracatholic.org.

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.

Laudato Si’ Action Plan Workshop: 17 June

All are invited to join the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for an informative and practical workshop on how we can respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Catholic Earthcare Coordinator and member of the Diocesan Laudato Si’ Action Plan Team, Sue Martin, will lead the session on Friday 17 June from 10am – 11am at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. All are welcome, but please register with Maree by phone (02) 8838 3486 or email maree.collis@parracatholic.org

Interfaith Dialogue Workshop: 24 June

Join the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine as Fr Patrick McInerney from the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations presents a workshop on Interfaith Dialogue on Friday June 24 from 10am to 12 midday. All are welcome, but please register by contacting Maree on (02) 8838 3486 or email maree.collis@parracatholic.org.

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.

Catholic Charismatic Renewal Pentecost Celebration: 5 June

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal NSW and CCR Parramatta will be celebrating Pentecost Sunday on 5 June at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes. The theme is “We are one in the Spirit”, with Prayer & Praise at 1.30pm followed by Mass celebrated by Fr Brian Steele MGL and then Prayer Ministry concluding at 4.30pm. Enquiries email@ccrnsw.org.au or 0411 404 090 or 0431 778 476.

 

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 Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust

The St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in leadership/ministry or a specialised activity, such as promoting faith enhancement, social justice and pastoral care. More information and Applications Forms are available on our website https://pallottine.org.au/scholarships/st-vincent-pallotti-scholar-shipfor-lay-ministry.html. Applications close 29 July 2022.

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.

National Church Life Survey Webinar: 9 June

The organisers behind the National Church Life Survey, NCLS Research, will present their latest research insights into Australian spirituality plus a reflection about the impact on communities of faith at a free webinar via Zoom on Thursday 9 June at 11am OR 7pm with a live Q&A. Register for free by visiting https://whataustraliansthink_ncls.eventbrite.com.au

Catholic Theological College Conference: 17 June

The Catholic Theological Conference is hosting a free online conference via Zoom on Friday 17 June from 9.30am to 12.30pm on ‘How do we know Christ now?’ The conference will be led by CTC staff and will explore how we know the same Christ more authentically and powerfully today. To find out more and to register, please visit https://ctc.edu.au/news-and-events/how-do-we-know-christ-now/

 

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.

 

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