News & Events Weekly Update

21 June 2022

 

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

 

Diocese of Parramatta Notices

 

Positions Vacant:

  • 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.
  • Administrative Support (Pastoral Formation) – Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Sunday 10 July.

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.

 

Catholic Outlook Ordinary Time/Winter 2022 edition out now!

Catholic Outlook Ordinary Time/Winter 2022 edition is out now and free to all parishioners. We feature a range of articles on the World Meeting of Families, our Diocesan outreach to Refugees and People Seeking Asylum and nurturing the God-seed within all of us. Pick up your free copy from your local Catholic Church, Catholic School or Catholic office today.

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 Most Rev Vincent Long Van Nguyen 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Divine Retreat Centre First Friday Healing Service: 1 July

The Divine Retreat Centre is hosting their First Friday Healing Service from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday 1 July 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 July

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a Divine Mercy Friday celebration from 6pm to 8.30pm on Friday 1 July. 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.

Divine Retreat Centre One Day Malayalam Retreat: 2 July

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day Malayalam retreat from 10am to 2.30pm on Saturday 2 July. 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.

Divine Retreat Centre Family Growth Retreat: 8 – 10 July

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a live-in Family Growth Retreat from 5.30pm Friday 8 July to 4pm Sunday 10 July. 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 www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.

Divine Retreat Centre Youth Retreat: 15 – 17 July

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a live-in Youth Retreat from 5.30pm Friday 15 July to 4pm Sunday 17 July. 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 www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.

Divine Retreat Centre Spiritual Retreat: 18 July

The Divine Retreat Centre is hosting a spiritual retreat from 7pm to 9pm on Monday 18 July 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 www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.

Divine Retreat Centre One Day Pilgrimage Retreat: 31 July

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day pilgrimage from 9am to 4pm on Sunday 31 July and will feature praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass and ministry for children and teenagers. 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.

 

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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