News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Senior Administrative Support Coordinator – Diocese of Parramatta.
- Youth Minister/Coordinator (part-time) – St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill.
- Regional Coordinator – Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Sunday 26 June.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
- Disability Support Worker – Garden Crew – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
- Community Outreach Worker – Aboriginal Identified – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
- Family Preservation Caseworker – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
More details at: https://www.seek.com.au/jobs?advertiserid=39387017 or by emailing careers@ccss.org.au
Free lecture – The Outsider Pope: Where is Francis leading our Church?
Tuesday 5 July 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.
Natural Family Planning and Breastfeeding Session: 21 June
MET Natural Fertility is holding an information session via Zoom for couples wanting to know how breastfeeding delays the return of fertility. Hear from an experienced couple that have used Natural Family Planning before starting their family and then to space their children. The session will be held on Tuesday 21 June at 7:30pm. To register and receive your Zoom Link, please contact Catherine on catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or 0400 427 605.
LIFTED Retreat 2022 “Wonder & Awe”: 1 to 3 July
You are invited to Catholic Youth Parramatta’s annual young adults retreat. Take some time away from the busyness of everyday life and spend a weekend away full of prayer, talks, and community. For 18-35 year-olds. $100 per person. Register at parracatholic.org/cyp-lifted-retreat.
Tri-Diocesan Social Justice Reflection Evening: 20 July
You’re invited to the Annual Tri-Diocesan Social Justice Reflection Evening to be hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta in partnership with the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Diocese of Broken Bay. This year we explore how people across our region have responded to the “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor” – the 2021-22 Social Justice Statement. The event will feature presentations by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and a Diocesan Laudato Si’ Action Team. For more information and to register visit – https://parracatholic.org/tri-diocesan/
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.
Pastoral Formation Workshops at Your Parish
Looking for post-Covid ways to rejuvenate community attendance and involvement in your parish? Pastoral Formation are offering workshops on welcoming people to Church, digital/social media and reflection days for people in the second half of life. Contact the team via met@parracatholic.org to run any of these workshops face-to-face at your parish.
Soul Food Podcast – Pastoral Formation
Do you find life & faith inspiration by listening to the experiences of others? Pastoral Formation’s Soul Food Podcast features life & faith stories of people from our diocesan family. Listen now for FREE via our website or on Spotify: https://pfparra.org.au/soulfood/.
All Are Welcome Workshop – 29 June
Passionate about inviting and welcoming people to our church communities? On Wednesday 29 June, Pastoral Formation, Diocese of Parramatta, will be running two parish welcome workshops. Sign up now: https://fb.me/e/2vSTxlOJo or by emailing Donnie on met@parracatholic.org.
The FaithFeed Conversations Event: 15 July
Looking for an event to engage those in their mid 20s-40s in life and faith conversation? On the evening of Friday 15 July, The FaithFeed is on as a diocese-wide networking opportunity, offering an organic initial connection for this age group to your parish community. Invite those in their mid 20s-40s to register and find out more by signing up via: https://fb.me/e/1PAVFKal7 or emailing met@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.
Office for Worship RCIA Seminar Series: Beginning 3 August
The Office For Worship will be running a series for RCIA coordinators & teams and anyone who might be interested in understanding the RCIA process. Topics to be covered include: The Fundamentals of RCIA, Ecclesiology, Social Teaching of the Church, and the journey of Mystagogia. The workshops will run on five Wednesday evenings from 3 to 31 August at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact anne.stanton@parracatholic.org or at (02) 8838 3456.
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.
Aboriginal Catholic Services NAIDOC Week Celebration: 4 July
Catholic Care’s Aboriginal Catholic Services is hosting a community celebration to commemorate NAIDOC Week on Monday 4 July from 10am to 2pm at the Holy Family site in Emerton. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the many who have driven and led change in our communities over generations with a variety of entertainment, music, rides, stalls and more. Show your solidarity and have some family fun with members of our local Aboriginal community.
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 Bass singers
If you are a good singer and you sing bass, St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir is looking for you. The Cathedral Choir is offering paid scholarships, remunerating at $100 per Mass/service sung ($5700 per annum maximum). Here more of the Cathedral choir at facebook.com/choirSPC. Interested applicants can submit their expression of interest at https://bit.ly/3sLep7S. The Choir will consider any application to any voice part, but at this time, are only offering paid positions to successful Bass applicants. They can only offer volunteer positions for the other voice parts at this stage.
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.
Sing in Solidarity Fundraising event: 18 June
Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, in solidarity with singer and songwriter Pat Drummond, are holding a fundraising event on Saturday 18 June from 7 – 9pm to support a child seeking asylum to have access to childcare. Come along and enjoy music performances and show your support for refugees and people seeking asylum. Entry is free with donations encouraged at the door. RSVP and purchase your ticket via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sing-in-solidarity-tickets-341005435437?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Glenbrook Parish Faith Formation Session: 21 June
The Youth Group and Connect Group of Young Families at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, are hosting a faith formation session entitled ‘I love Jesus, but why do I need the church? Family, Youth and Faith’ at the parish church on Tuesday 21 June at 7pm. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 4742 6958 or email secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Other Notices
Volunteer Position Available – Housing Maintenance Volunteer, House of Welcome
House of Welcome (HOW), a partner of the Diocese of Parramatta is seeking a handyman to look after their properties, as they continue to support people in need in our communities. The Housing Maintenance Volunteer will also be required to provide face-to-face support for Occupants with practical components of their property and its care. This will be a short-term appointment, 1 day a week. For more information please contact HOW Volunteer Program Manager, Lumka Liwela Power on 0402 549 962 or l.liwelapower@houseofwelcome.com.au.
Refugee Week Prayer Service: 20 June
Join the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office and the ACBC Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace for an online prayers service on World Refugee Day, 20 June from 6pm AEST. Join them as they reflect on this year’s Refugee Week theme of ‘healing’ and how we can draw upon shared hardships to heal wounds and learn from each other. Register for the prayer service via https://bit.ly/RefugeeWeek2022Prayers. For more information, contact the Diocesan Peace, Justice and Ecology Facilitator – James.Atanasious@parracatholic.org.
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.
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/
Jesus Light of the World Communities “ReCHARGE” Gathering
Every Saturday at 3pm, the Jesus Light of the World Communities in Rockdale are hosting a “ReCHARGE” gathering with praise and worship, prayer, empowerment and fellowship at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Rockdale. For enquiries, please contact Ida on 0424 267 500 or Helen on 0433 455 114 or visit www.jlowcom.org.
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.
