News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Project Coordinator (part-time) – Catholic Youth Parramatta, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Monday 7 November.
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
Advertising opportunities available in December Catholic Outlook Magazine
The Catholic Outlook Magazine reaches 8,000 families in the Diocese of Parramatta. Advertising starts at only $240. To place your ad in the December edition, call Christina on 0439 594 726.
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
LIFTED Live in the Forecourt is back for 2022!
All are welcome to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 22 October from 7pm to 10pm for LIFTED Live. Encounter the vibrancy and dynamism of young people of our Church. Live performances, games, activities, art exhibition, and adoration. Share your gifts and talent with our Diocesan community by visiting www.parracatholic.org/liftedeoi. If you have questions? Email qwayne.guevara@parracatholic.org
Masterclass for Sponsor Married Couples: 28 October
The Diocese is looking to more deeply accompany couples preparing to be married. Have you been married for more than 5 years? Committed to living the sacrament of Marriage? Willing to give time limited assistance to couples preparing for marriage? Join us for a Masterclass on Friday 28 October at 7.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, on Sponsoring engaged couples in your Parish using the SmartLoving Engaged Online program. To book your attendance or to ask further questions, please email marriage@parracatholic.org or phone Marisa on (02) 8838 3460.
MET Worship Sacramental Teams Thanksgiving Mass: 28 October
The Worship – Mission Enhancement Team are inviting all Sacramental Teams, RCIA Teams, facilitators and volunteers to a Thanksgiving and Appreciation Mass on Friday 28 October at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, at 7.30pm. This will be a great opportunity to catch up with one another and to be acknowledge for your work. To RSVP for catering purposes, please contact the Worship team on (02) 8838 3456 or email 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.
Fertility Awareness Online Evening: 3 November
Are you looking for answers to infertility? On Thursday 3 November at 7.30pm, couples are invited to an online Natural Fertility session hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta. Vinetta Lobo, a Certified FertilityCare Practitioner will explain how The Creighton Model FertilityCare System can assess and evaluate your current fertility status and treat infertility. Listen to real couples share their experience. To register, or for more information, please contact Catherine on 0400 427 605 or catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org
MET Worship Formation for Ministers at the Altar: 12 November
The Worship – Mission Enhancement Team are organising an Ongoing Formation Day for Ministers at the Altar, Adult servers and Acolytes on Saturday 12 November at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, from 9.30am to 3pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. To register, please contact the Worship team on (02) 8838 3456 or email mary.gale@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.
Office for Safeguarding Spring Training Opportunities
The Office for Safeguarding is offering a range of opportunities to complete your Safeguarding training this spring.
- 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/
Diocesan Food and Toiletries Drive for Refugees
Each week, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and the House of Welcome (HoW) provide much needed food and toiletry items to hundreds of Refugees from across the Diocese of Parramatta. These services depend on donations. You can organise a food and toiletries drive in your parish, school or workplace, or make a cash donation to support JRS and HoW. 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.
Parish of Richmond Position Vacancy
The Parish of Richmond is looking for a Parish Coordinator of Ministries (PCM) on a casual, 14 hour a week status. The successful candidate will be accountable to the Parish Priest and be responsible for providing support for the parish clergy in their ministry. The coordinator will develop four key focus areas of ministry: coordination, promotion and recruitment, formation and communication. To obtain an application pack, please contact the parish office on admin@parishofrichmond,org.au or phone (02) 4578 1410. Applications close Friday 25 November 2022.
St Bernadette’s Lalor Park Wednesday Evening Devotions
St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park, is hosting weekly devotions to Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette every Wednesday evening at 6.30pm with Adoration and Rosary and special prayers, followed by Mass at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9672 4037 or admin@stbernadetteslalorpark.org.au
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 Conversation with the Holy Spirit Seminary: 21 October
St Finbar’s Parish Glenbrook invites you to attend an evening of conversation with Fr Paul Marshall, Fr John Frauenfelder and the seminarians of the Diocesan Holy Spirit Seminary on Friday 21 October at 7pm at the parish centre. Hear from the team about how the seminarians are formed, what they study and their vision of priestly ministry. To RSVP, please email secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Rouse Hill Parish Mass of Depositing of St Faustina and St John Paul II Relics: 22 October
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, will be celebrating Mass for the Deposition of the first-degree Relics of St Faustina and St John Paul II on Saturday 22 October, the Feast of St John Paul II, at 5.30pm, with celebrations to begin with prayers at 4.30pm. The relics will be enshrined in a special chapel within the parish and will be kept on permanent display for veneration. All are invited to join in this joyful celebration.
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
Parramatta Marist Bicentennial Celebrations: 28 October
Parramatta Marist High School, Westmead, warmly invites all Old Boys and former staff to join them on Friday 28 October at the school from 6.30pm to 11pm to celebrate 200 years of continuous Catholic schooling. Tickets are $40pp and are available at www.parramarist.catholic.edu.au
Kenthurst Parish Dinner Dance: 4 November
Join us for the St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish Dinner Dance at Oatlands House on Friday 4 November. Tickets are $150 each and can be ordered via stmadsdinnerdance@gmail.com. If you have any questions or queries, please contact Kim on 0418 220 963 or Sally on 0407 945 986.
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.
Nigerian Catholic Community Family Day Out Picnic: 26 November
The Nigerian Catholic Community invites you to a special family day out picnic on Saturday 26 November at the Spinebill area of the Plough and Harrow East part of the Western Sydney Parklands, Abbotsbury, from 12.30pm to 5pm. Join them for a range of kid and family-friendly activities, food and drinks and music. For more information, call 0431 479 272 or 0450 974 550 or email nigeriancc@parracatholic.org
Nigerian Catholic Community Annual Thanksgiving Mass: 27 November
The Nigerian Catholic Community invites you to their annual Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday 27 November at the Holy Family Church, 200 The Trongate, South Granville from 11am. Mass will be followed by a performance by the Nigerian Catholic Community Choir at 2pm. For more information, please contact nigeriancc@parracatholic.org or call 0478 044 886.
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
Register now for the National Evangelise Conference: 20 – 22 October
Catholics around Australia are invited to a unique, national event that will inspire, transform and revitalise faith communities! With presentations and workshops hosted by some of Australia’s most renowned Catholic speakers, ‘Evangelise’ will cover a range of mission and ministry topics, from cultural engagement to liturgy and Sacraments. This is an event you do not want to miss! To view the event program, keynote speakers, and to register, head to www.evangelisation.catholic.org.au.
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.
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
Join the Catholic Bushwalking Club
The Sydney-based Catholic Bushwalking Club seeking new members to join their club. Membership is not restricted to Catholics, and is open to all who share an interest in bushwalking and the outdoors. Membership offers a choice of graded walks for a variety of fitness levels on most weekends, and some on weekdays. To learn more about the Club and to become a member, visit http://www.cbcnsw.org.au/ or call Adriana on 0478 919 427.
Catholic Theological College ‘Engaging Your Faith’ online series
‘Engaging Your Faith’ is a series of online short sessions, open to all, offering an opportunity to explore your faith through a variety of topics including: Theology, Spirituality, Biblical Studies, Pastoral Studies, Laudato Si’, Christian Meditation, Future Technology, and Science and Religion. All topics are presented by lecturers of Catholic Theological College and run from 10 to 28 October. For a full description of the sessions please go to https://ctc.edu.au/news-and-events/engaging-your-faith/
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.
MGL Sisters Open Wide – Spirit-Led Discipleship Retreat: 28 – 30 October
Join the MGL Sisters on retreat as we deepen in God’s love, receive restoration and be empowered to live life wide open to the Holy Spirit! The retreat will include inputs, the sacraments, prayer times and times for spiritual conversation with others. It’s for men and women aged 18+ and is a great chance to rest and restore before the final two months of the year are upon us. More info and register: www.trybooking.com/BWMKC
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
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 12 – 13 November
Got your wedding plans under control? How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. The next Engaged Encounter Weekend will be held on 12 – 13 November. If COVID restrictions prevent a face-to-face weekend, it will be held via Zoom. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au/
NSW Catholic Charismatic Renewal Power Gathering: 12 November
The NSW Catholic Charismatic Renewal community invite you to an afternoon of worship and ministry on Saturday 12 November at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall, Peakhurst, from 2pm to 4.30pm. Registration is essential, so reserve your spot by emailing email@ccrnsw.org.au
The Entrance Parish 75th Anniversary Celebrations: 20 November
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, The Entrance, is celebrating the 75th Anniversary (1947) of the founding of their parish and the 60th Anniversary (1962) of the opening of the parish church (on the same site as the original church). To mark these two milestones, Bishop Anthony Randazzo will be celebrating Mass on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 20 November, at the 9.30am Mass, followed by a morning tea in the parish centre. All are welcome to help celebrate!
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.
