News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Chaplaincy Coordinator – CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains – Applications close 10pm Sunday 28 August
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Catholic Church celebrates Social Justice Sunday: 28 August
The Australian Catholic Church celebrates Social Justice Sunday on 28 August. It is a special day to engage with the Australian Bishops’ new Social Justice Statement for 2022-23: Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse. The statement invites us to engage with a complex and confronting social reality: domestic and family violence and abuse. The Australian Bishops call for all people to take part in the individual and social transformation needed so all people can live in safety. Download the statement at bit.ly/SJS22-23
Ordination to the Priesthood
The Diocese of Parramatta wishes to congratulate Fr Andrew Rooney following his ordination to the priesthood on Friday 26 August. You are invited to watch the livestream from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta at 7.30pm this Friday via bit.ly/ARooney22. Visit catholicoutlook.org in the coming week for an article and photographs from the ordination as well as a video introducing Fr Andrew to the Diocese.
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. Express your interest in coming to Lisbon today! For all enquiries, contact James Camden, Head Mission Engagement – james.camden@parracatholic.org
Pastoral Formation Mission and Evangelisation Short Course: Starts 8 September
Looking for confidence to share your faith? Want to evangelise through life-giving faith conversations? On 3 Thursday nights (Sept 8, 15, 22) journey together with Maddy Forde, a life and faith leader in our Australian Church and representative to the Vatican in the area of youth. Face-to-face from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Bishop Bede Heather Centre (1-5 Marion Street Blacktown). LIMITED SEATS. Register by August 21 via met@parracatholic.org OR via https://pfparra.org.au/signup/
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/
Office for Worship RCIA Seminar Series
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.
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.
Blacktown Parish office space/Retreat venue available for rent
Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown currently has a venue that may be used for office space or a retreat venue for a small parish or religious group. To inquire please contact Sarah or Ged at the Parish Office on (02) 9622 1125 or admin@mqofblacktown.org.au.
Season of Creation Camping Trip: 30 September – 2 October
Set aside your busy lifestyle for a few days to join with friends, family and other members of the Christian community to celebrate the Season of Creation. Enjoy a relaxed camping experience with optional activities to engage in fun, creative and prayerful ways with creation and our Creator.
When: Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2, 2022
Where: Wooglemai Catholic Bush Retreat Centre, Oakdale
Cost: Individual campers $20; Camping couples $40; Family camping groups $50
For more information and to register visit: www.seasonofcreationcamping.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 singers
If you are a good singer and you sing alto/countertenor or 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 approximately). Hear 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 Alto/Countertenor and Bass applicants. They can only offer volunteer positions for the other voice parts at this stage.
Mount Druitt South Parish Fete: 11 September
The Sacred Heart Parish South Mount Druitt fete will be held on Sunday 11 September at Sacred Heart Primary School, Mt Druitt, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Activities include a While Elephant stall, jumping castle, chocolate wheel and showbags. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9832 3896.
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 in various Aboriginal communities 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
2022-23 Social Justice Statement “Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse”
The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2022-23 has been released. It is entitled “Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse” and calls for faith communities to support and believe those going through domestic and family violence and abuse, to hold perpetrators to account and work towards individual and social transformation. You can download the statement and additional resources at bit.ly/SJS22-23
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
St Mary’s Towers Retreat to cease offerings for 2022
The work of the St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre, Douglas Park, is to be paused from 4 September 2022 while a strategic plan regarding the future of the property is underway. Day visits, private retreats, spiritual direction or ministry supervision will cease during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amy Parish, St Mary’s Towers Property Manager by email at amy.parish1976@gmail.com.
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.
Jesus Light of the World Communities Transformation Retreat: 27 August
The Jesus Light of the World Communities are hosting a transformation retreat with Fr Chris Eaton of the Missionaries of God’s Love on Saturday 27 August from 9am to 5pm at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Rockdale. Bookings are essential at https://trybooking.com/CASKV. Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided. For enquiries, please contact Helen on 0422 455 114 or Ida on 0424 267 500.
Focolare Community Mariapolis gathering: 2 – 4 October 2022
The Focolare community in Sydney would like to invite you to their annual gathering called a Mariapolis at the Salvation Army Centre, Collaroy, from 2 to 4 October. The word Mariapolis literally means ‘City of Mary’ and refers to the annual Focolare gathering where youth and adults can experience how life is transformed when we live the universal values of the Gospel. For more information, please contact Margaret Brown on 0450 665 190.
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.
