News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Business Operations Manager – The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton – Applications close 10pm Monday 19 September.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Ordination to the Priesthood
The Diocese of Parramatta wishes to congratulate Fr Andrew Rooney following his ordination to the priesthood on Friday 26 August. 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 Sacraments Short Course: Starts 6 October
Are you passionate about deepening your appreciation of the sacraments? Want to enhance your sacramental vision of life? Over two Thursday nights (6 and 13 October), discover more with Sr Mary Louise Walsh from the Diocese of Parramatta’s Worship team. Face-to-face from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at Bishop Bede Heather Centre (1-5 Marion Street Blacktown). LIMITED SEATS. Register by September 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/
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.
Glenbrook Parish Season of Creation Formation Night: 6 September
To coincide with the Season of Creation, the annual ecumenical celebration that unites the world’s 2.4 billion Christians in prayer and action for our common home, St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, is hosting a talk on ‘Faith and authentic living – Care for neighbour and the care for creation’ by the Diocesan Peace, Justice and Ecology team on Tuesday 6 September from 7pm to 8.30pm in the parish hall. Please register via secretary@stfinbars.org.au.
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.
Glenbrook Parish “The Mind of Pope Francis” Formation Night: 13 September
According to the Papal biographer Austin Ivereigh, Pope Francis is a “Great Reformer” who radically addresses not just Church’s issues, but also is very vocal on social and environmental topics. Parish priest Fr Joseph Lam will uncover the background of Pope Francis’ cultural and intellectual context. The talk will be held on Tuesday 13 September from 7pm to 8.30pm in the parish hall of St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. Please register via secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Glenmore Park St Padre Pio Parish Feast Day Celebrations
Everyone is invited to join Glenmore Park Parish for their parochial feast of St. Padre Pio. The parish will be holding a Triduum Novena and Mass to St Padre Pio from 22 – 24 September. On 25 September at 10am, there will be a Solemn Procession with the Relic of St Padre Pio, followed by the Solemn Feast Mass, Blessing by the Relic of St Padre Pio and other festivities. For enquiries, please call the parish office on (02) 4789 2232 or email glenmorepark@parracatholic.org.
Glenbrook Parish Memorable Melodies Concert: 23 October
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, is hosting a memorable melodies concert for voice, violin and organ on Saturday 23 October at 2pm in the parish church. The concert will feature Rebecca Daniel (violin/soprano) and Michael Taylor (organ). Entry is $15 adults or $10 concession. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 4742 6958 or email glenbrook@parracatholic.org
North Rocks Parish Golden Jubilee Celebrations: 19 November
Christ the King Parish, North Rocks, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with Mass presided by Bishop Vincent on Saturday 19 November, the Feast of Christ the King, at 5.30pm. All are welcome to celebrate this significant parish milestone, with former parishioners particularly invited to the celebration. For catering purposes, please confirm your attendance with the parish office on northrocks@parracatholic.org.
Other Notices
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
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
Palms Australia – Embrace the call to Global Mission
Countries such as American Samoa, Cambodia, the Philippines, Tanzania and Timor-Leste are requesting Australian Catholics to live in and share their skills with parish community. Embrace one of the Palms Australia mission opportunities abroad via https://palms.org.au/current-opportunities/. Enquire online today at https://palms.org.au/current-opportunities/assignments-abroad/ or phone 0422 742 567. You can also register for an upcoming information webinar on Saturday 24 September at 11.30am to hear from a current participant – https://palms.org.au/event/embrace-palms-return-to-global-mission/.
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.
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.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 28 – 30 October
The Worldwide Marriage Encounter team are hosting an in-person Marriage Enrichment Weekend from 28 to 30 October at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. Learn to become the best version of yourselves together and live your best life in love. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Christine and Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.org.au
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.
