News & Events Weekly Update

13 September 2022

 

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.
  • Business Operations Manager – Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill – Applications close 10pm Monday 19 September.

More details at: parracatholic.org/employment

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

Catholic Outlook Spring/Season of Creation edition out now!

Get your free copy of the Spring edition of Catholic Outlook now. This month, we talk about pilgrimages, the Season of Creation, and focus in on how our parishes are working towards sustainability. There’s great kids activities too. Pick up your copy from our church now!

Pastoral Formation Marriage and Natural Fertility Short Course: 20 October

Preparing for marriage? Searching for a conversation space where mutuality, intimacy and wholeness in your relationship can be nurtured? Karin Abrams and Catherine Bourne invite you to Thursday 20 October for a workshop on marriage & natural fertility. Face-to-face from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre (1-5 Marion Street Blacktown). LIMITED SEATS. Register by October 10 via met@parracatholic.org OR via https://pfparra.org.au/signup/

MET Worship Formation for Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying: 22 October

MET – Worship will be hosting a formation session for those already active in the Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying on Saturday 22 October from 9.30am – 3pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. The formation day includes a reflection on the Spirituality of Suffering, Working within Safeguarding Guidelines and the Practicalities of this ministry. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact the Office for Worship on (02) 8838 3456 or mary.gale@parracatholic.org

Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass: 30 October

The annual Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 30 October at 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Bishop Vincent will celebrate Solemn Mass, followed by a light lunch at the Cathedral Hall. All couples celebrating a significant wedding anniversary will receive a certificate from Bishop Vincent. Please register your name, years of marriage and numbers attending at marriage@parracatholic.org by 21 October. Family and friends are welcome.

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.

Office for Safeguarding Spring Training Opportunities

The Office for Safeguarding is offering a range of opportunities to complete your Safeguarding training this spring.

  • Full-day training session on Monday 17 October from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown
  • Weekly training sessions on Monday 24 and 31 October and Monday 7 November from 10am to 11.30am at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong.
  • Full-day training session on Saturday 29 October from 10am to 3pm at St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor.

To register for one of these options, please email safeguardingtraining@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/

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: 1 September – 4 October

Pope Francis and the Australian Bishops invite all Catholics to join the ecumenical Season of Creation from 1 September to 4 October. They encourage us all to make this a special time of prayer and action in caring for our common home. Learn more and find events and resources at www.parracatholic.org/seasonofcreation

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.

Diocesan Season of Creation Mass: 18 September

The Diocsee of Parramatta’s Laudato Si’ Action Team and Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt, invite you to a Diocesan Season of Creation Mass on Sunday 18 September at 10.30am at Holy Family Parish, 252-254 Luxford Road, Emerton. Morning tea will be celebrated afterwards. To RSVP and for any inquiries, please contact met@parracatholic.org.

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.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees – “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees”: 25 September

The Diocese of Parramatta’s “Diocesan Journey… Walking with Refugees” Team invites you to a family friendly event on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Sunday 25 September in Blacktown. Mass will be celebrated at 2pm by Bishop Vincent Long at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown, followed by an afternoon of fun, food and fellowship at the All Saints of Africa Centre, 63 Allawah St, Blacktown. Please register at www.shorturl.at/ahxyZ or call 0476 873 519.

OLQP Greystanes Festa: 25 September

The Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Greystanes Festa is back on after a COVID hiatus on Sunday 25 September on the parish grounds. Mass will be celebrated at 1pm, with festivities from 2.30pm and a fireworks display at 8.30pm. For more information, please contact the Festa Committee on festa@olqp.org.au

Aboriginal Catholic Services NAIDOC Week Celebration: 27 September

Catholic Care’s Aboriginal Catholic Services is hosting a community celebration to commemorate NAIDOC Week on Tuesday 27 September 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.

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 “Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse” invites us to engage with a complex and challenging 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 www.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.

Catholics in Coalition for Justice and Peace webinar: 22 September

Catholics in Coalition for Justice and Peace, based in the Diocese of Parramatta, are holding a Zoom webinar on 22 September from 4pm to 6pm. Guest speaker Dr Michelle Maloney, a lawyer, economist and Director of Earth Laws Australia, will be speaking on “How can Economic and Political Systems Operate to Support the Ecology of the Planet?” To RSVP and receive the Zoom link, please email ccjp@bigpond.com

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.

Fertility Awareness Education Session: 12 October

Are you still looking for answers for miscarriage or infertility? You are invited to a free fertility awareness education session on Wednesday 12 October from 7.30pm to 8.30pm via Zoom. Vinetta Lobo, a Certified FertilityCare Practitioner, will explain how The Creighton Model FertilityCare System can help you identify your fertility on any given day. Register today to confirm your spot by contacting vinettajoy@hotmail.com or 0430 509 890.

Mercy Works Annual Friends Gathering: 13 October

Mercy Works is pleased to be hosting a hybrid event for their Annual Friends Gathering on Thursday 13 October either in person from 5pm to 7pm at the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta, 6 Victoria Rd, Parramatta, or from 6pm to 7pm via Zoom. Come and hear what Mercy Works is doing and meet the people they are working with. For more information, please contact mercyworks@mercyworks.org.au

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.

 

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