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
- Administrative Support (Pastoral Formation) – Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Sunday 10 July.
- Chaplaincy Coordinator – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains – Applications close 10pm Sunday 10 July.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
- Garden Crew Supervisor – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
- Support Worker – Domestic Assistance – 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
Springwood Parish is hiring! Parish Office Administration Assistant
St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, is seeking a parish office administration assistant to work 12 hours a week on a Thursday and Friday. The role requires compassion, discretion, complete confidentiality and a ‘can do’ attitude and a willingness to work autonomously. Duties include answering all enquiries at the door and on the phone, maintaining parish databases and records and creating the parish bulletin. Applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two reference. Please send applications by Monday 4 July to springwood@parracatholic.org.
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. 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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday (3 July) and NAIDOC Week
Every year, on the first Sunday in July, Catholics come together across Australia to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts of Australia’s First Peoples in the Catholic Church. This year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday focuses on the theme “The Harvest is Plentiful, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37). It also marks the start of National NAIDOC Week. You can find more information and resources at natsicc.org.au/2022-atsi-sunday.html and naidoc.org.au
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.
2022 Faith in Marriage Seminar: 12 August
Guest speaker Robert Haddad will discuss “Living marriage, living faith, ideas to inspire your children” at the Faith in Marriage Seminar hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta’s MET – Marriage team. The seminar will be held on Friday 12 August at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, from 7.30pm. The event is free, but booking is required. Free parking is available in the lower ground car park and on neighbouring streets. Please register your attendance to (02) 8838 3460 or marriage@parracatholic.org
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.
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.
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 preparing for Second Plenary Council Assembly
From 3 to 9 July 2022, the Catholic Church in Australia will gather for the Second Assembly of the Plenary Council and will vote on 30 motions across 8 mission areas. Find the motions and more information about this historic milestone for our Church at parracatholic.org/plenary.
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.
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.
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.
Young Adult Faith Formation: 3 July
Young adults aged 18 to 35 are invited to a young adults faith formation session on Sunday 3 July at The Hustle, 4-6 Purdy St, Minchinbury, starting from 7pm. Join Deacon Adam Carlow for a discussion on scripture and the Eucharist. A donation of $5 is suggested. Come along for fun, faith and fellowship! Call Mark on 0477 004 678 for more information.
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.
Plenary Council Second Assembly: 3 – 9 July
The Second Assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia takes place from July 3-9. Masses and sessions will be live-streamed each day and people are invited to send messages of prayer, hope and support to the Members gathering in Sydney. The Diocese of Parramatta has a website where you will find useful links to the livestream and other documents at plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au.
Euthanasia in NSW information seminar: 9 July
The Knights of Malta Australia, in collaboration with the Australian Catholic Medical Association, are hosting an information seminar on Euthanasia in NEW – what is the future for ethical end-of-life care at St Anne’s Catholic Church Hall, Bondi Beach on Saturday 9 July from 2pm – 4pm. To register and to find out more, please visit catholicmedicine.org or email admin@catholicmedicine.org
Stella Maris Australia Sea Sunday: 10 July
Next week is Sea Sunday, when the church prays for all those who live and work at sea. There will be an Appeal for Stella Maris, Apostleship of the Sea, the official maritime welfare agency of the Catholic Church. Funds collected will be used to provide practical and spiritual support to seafarers visiting our ports. As it is dependent on voluntary donations, please give generously. To donate or for more information about its work, visit www.stellamarisaustralia.org
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.
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.
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Offerings for July and August
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre in Douglas Park, NSW, is offering a series of day, weekend and multi-day retreats throughout July and August on topics such as ‘At home in the heart’, ‘In the company of women’, ‘In the heart of creation with Jesus’ and ‘Life’s journey experience’. For enquiries and to register, please contact (02) 4630 0233, email contact@towersretreat.org.au or visit http://towersretreat.org.au
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.
