News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- ICT Service Desk Analyst (full-time, 6-12 initial contract) – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Sunday 14 August.
- Credo Youth Groups Coordinator – St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta – Applications close 5pm Friday 19 August.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
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
The Diocese of Parramatta is heading to WYD23 in Lisbon
Bishop Vincent has announced a pilgrimage to the next World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal from July 21 – August 11, 2023. Young people 16-35 and their families are encouraged to learn more at www.parrawyd.org and register for the upcoming Launch Event featuring Fr Rob Galea on August 18. For all enquiries contact James Camden, Head Mission Engagement – james.camden@parracatholic.org
Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharing: 10 August
“Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharings” are quarterly online gatherings for everyone who is interested in Social Justice, Care for Creation or Global Peace. They are an opportunity to connect, meet like-minded people, find out and discuss what is currently happening in the Peace, Justice & Ecology space. You are invited to join the conversation on Wednesday 10 August from 6:30pm to 8pm. To receive a Zoom link, please RSVP to sebastian.salaske-lentern@parracatholic.org
Pastoral Formation Scripture Short Course: Starts 11 August
Are you passionate about the Bible? Looking for a face-to-face introductory program on Scripture? Join Dr Laurie Woods for 4 Thursday nights: 11, 18 and 25 August and 1 September. Each night hosted from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre (1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown). LIMITED SEATS. Register by August 3 via met@parracatholic.org
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.
Are you looking for a new way to manage your fertility?
Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods, also known as Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) are natural, effective, healthy and modern approaches to managing fertility. No drugs, devices, or side effects! NFP is especially helpful for couples having difficulties achieving pregnancy as well as those that feel their family is complete. For more information about your options please contact Catherine on catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or 0400 427 605 or visit https://parralmf.org.au/fertility/
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/
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.
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.
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.
Young Adult Faith Formation: 7 August
Young adults aged 18 to 35 are invited to a young adults faith formation session on Sunday 7 August at The Hustle, 4-6 Purdy St, Minchinbury, starting from 7pm. Join Fr John Rizzo for a discussion on mercy in scripture. A donation of $5 is suggested. Come along for fun, faith and fellowship! Call Mark on 0477 004 678 for more information.
Kellyville Parish 10th Annual Assumption Walk: 15 August
Join Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville’s 10th Annual Assumption Walk from the Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville, to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on Monday 15 August. There will be Holy Mass at the Shrine at 11.30am and the walk begins at 1pm sharp. You may join the walk at any point. Banners and statues are welcome. Register your interest at admin@olorparishkellyville.org.au or call (02) 9629 2595 for catering purposes at the stops along the way.
Other Notices
Position Vacant – Personal Assistant, Sisters of Mercy Parramatta
Personal Assistant, Sisters of Mercy Parramatta. Full-time, 12-month position and based at Parramatta. Please contact Anthony Spata at REACH Human Resources for further information on 0402 210 055.
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.
Volunteers urgently needed for the Diocese of Broome
The Diocese of Broome, WA, urgently requires volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal Missions for a range of tasks including administration, building maintenance and gardening. Placements are preferred for a period of six months plus. In return, volunteers are offered accommodation, living expenses and an allowance. For further details and an application form, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Janet Ryan on (08) 9192 1060 or email volunteers@broomediocese.org
JRS is hiring a Schools Engagement Officer
JRS Australia requires a Schools Engagement Officer with a passion for engaging and educating school communities on issues facing people seeking asylum and refugees. In this dynamic role, the officer will be creating and delivering workshops, supporting young people in their advocacy and action, coordinating school engagement events and developing educational resources for a range of audiences. To read the job description and apply for the role, please visit https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/JRS/schools-engagement-officer
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
Palms Australia celebrating a return to global mission
Following the challenges of COVID, Palms Australia is offering Australian Catholics the chance to consider mission opportunities abroad and re-engage with our sisters and brothers globally. If you are interested, you can enquire online via palms.org.au/current-opportunities/assignments-abroad/ or phone 0422 742 567.
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
Catholic Theological College Ageing Persons and Pastoral Care Unit
The Catholic Theological College is offering a unit on Ageing Persons and Pastoral Care over six Saturday sessions beginning 30 July. Commencing with the ancient Christian understanding of the “care of souls” the course unit explores the evolution of pastoral and spiritual care to the present day as they contribute to the personal, mental and social wellbeing of ageing persons in our society. Contact the Academic Records Office for enrolment information and appointments on (03) 9412 3309 or registrar@ctc.edu.au
Legion of Mary 33 Days Preparation for Total Consecration to Mary
The Legion of Mary, Senatus of Sydney, invites you to participate in 33 Days Preparation for Total Consecration To Jesus Through Mary, commencing on 12 July through to 13 August at 8.30pm via Zoom. The consecration day will be held on Sunday 14 August. All are welcome. Zoom ID: 828 9012 6930 Passcode: 784626.
Sydney Alliance Convention: 2 August
You are invited to the Sydney Alliance Convention: ‘Together in Dignity’ on Tuesday 2 August from 4pm to 8.30pm at the UTS Great Hall, 15 Broadway, Ultimo. The convention brings delegates from partner organisations to listen and share in stories, struggles, and solidarity across the diversity of our community and endorse a common vision for Greater Sydney and a strategy for the Alliance in 2022-23. For more information, and to register, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-alliance-convention
The Bishop’s Blend Breakfast: 8 August
Looking to network with other young Catholic professionals and learn how to live your faith in the workplace? Then join Bishop Richard Umbers, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney on Monday 8 August at 7am at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney for The Bishop’s Blend Breakfast for Young Professionals. Online booking is essential. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://sydneycatholic.eventsair.com/the-bishops-blend/tbbx or contact us at bishopsblend@sydneycatholic.org
Missionaries of God’s Love Claiming Hope Creative Healing Retreat: 12 – 14 August
Join the MGL Sisters at Carmel House, Varroville, for a healing retreat experience. Come to God in your woundedness, journey with Him through creativity, and allow Him to transform you into a living sign of hope. For enquiries, please contact mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com or visit https://www.trybooking.com/BWMJN
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.
