News & Events Weekly update

News & Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond.
Catholic Youth Parramatta will organise a Palm Sunday Procession and Good Friday Walk on 9 & 14 April. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

We’re hiring! Several positions in the Diocese of Parramatta

The Diocese of Parramatta is seeking applications for several positions. For further details, click here. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia and who are prepared to undergo appropriate background checks should apply.

Diocesan News & Events in 2017

The Diocese of Parramatta is developing an app to help you keep in touch with what is happening in the Catholic Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. You will be able to find the latest news, events and local Mass times. To sign up to be the first to know when the app is released, click here. You can also keep up-to-date with news and events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond by subscribing to Catholic Outlook’s website to receive daily updates, click here.

‘Come and See’ Weekend Retreats for Women

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth offer weekend retreats for women aged 18-35 who want to discern their vocation to religious life. These retreats offer a one-to-one encounter and include prayer time, talks and accompaniment. Bring only a holy Bible and a smile! Holy Spirit Convent, 120 Capuchin Way, Plumpton. For more information contact Sr Paula tel 0451 965 638, vocationscsfn@gmail.com

Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 9 April

Rev Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu, Chaplain to the Nigerian Catholic community, will celebrate Mass at 11.30am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes. Contact Fr Akamadu tel 0451 174 438, Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.

Journey through Holy Week with Catholic Youth Parramatta: 9 & 14 April

All are invited to join youth and young adults of the Diocese for the Palm Sunday Procession, WYD Mass & Event at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta on Sunday 9 April. The procession down Church Street with Bishop Vincent will depart at 5.30pm from Parramatta Town Hall following a short liturgy.

On Friday 14 April the Good Friday Night Walk will take place at 10.00pm through the night departing St Patrick’s Church at Blacktown and concluding at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta at 7am.

Building on the success of more than 1300 participating last year, the journey will again take us through the parishes of Blacktown, Seven Hills, Toongabbie, Wentworthville, Merrylands and Parramatta. Further details on Catholic Youth Parramatta Facebook Events. Inquiries to James Camden, Director of Catholic Youth Parramatta, (02) 8838 3428 or jcamden@parra.catholic.org.au

The Office of Tenebrae: 10 April

Celebrant: Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. A Holy Week reflection liturgy with Scripture, psalm chanting and motets. St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta, at 7.30pm.

Chrism Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral: 12 April

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will preside at this year’s Chrism Mass, which will be concelebrated by the priests of the Diocese of Parramatta, assisted by the deacons. During the Mass, the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick will be blessed and the Oil of Chrism consecrated. These holy oils will then be given to the parishes for use during the year. During the Mass, the priests renew their commitment to priestly service. Everyone is welcome. Mass at 7.30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta.

Stations of the Cross at Mt Schoenstatt on Good Friday: 14 April

Commences at 10.00am in the valley to the Shrine. Please arrive early as the walk to the valley will take 5-10 minutes. Bring your family and church communities. You may wish to have a picnic in the grounds after the Stations. Mt Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Details on Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/2182862411940142/

Good Friday – quiet meditation at the end of the day: 14 April

The traditional candlelight presentation of music of JS Bach, complemented by Sacred Readings from the Passion of Christ, will be held at St Finbar’s Church, 46 Levy St, Glenbrook, at 7.30pm on Good Friday evening. The Blue Mountains Chorale conducted by Robert Ampt will sing poignant excerpts from St John’s Passion and all will be encouraged to participate in singing congregational hymns, accompanied by the magnificent pipe organ. The service will conclude with quiet meditation. There will be a retiring collection. Suggested donation: $15 and $10 conc. Inquiries tel (02) 4754 1780.

Girls’ Camp at Mount Schoenstatt: 17-20 April

Girls aged 13-15 are invited to a three-day camp at Mount Schoenstatt. Our theme is: Reflected in Our Lady’s image: What is real beauty? Program also includes a movie night where family and friends are invited, prayer, craft and fun activities. From 4.00pm on Easter Monday 17 April to 4.00pm on Thursday 20 April. Venue: Home of Light at Mt Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Cost: $100 includes food and accomm. RSVP: Friday 7 April (registration form and deposit required). Inquiries: Sr M Luka tel 0439 537 843, fax (02) 4773 8530, sr.m.luka@bigpond.com

Invitation to Fr Arthur Cook’s farewell: 23 April

Fr Arthur Cook is retiring from parish life and will be leaving the Diocese of Parramatta at the end of April. To mark the occasion and to thank Fr Arthur for his years of service to the parishes of the Diocese, there will be a celebration on Sunday 23 April at St Matthew’s Catholic Church, 12 Tebbutt Street, Windsor. An invitation is extended to anyone who would like to farewell Fr Arthur. The celebration will start with morning tea after the 9am Mass and will be followed by a BBQ lunch. For catering purposes, please RSVP by 12 April to the parish office, tel (02) 4577 3073 (BH) or send an email to stmcc@tpg.com.au

Discover Retreat for Young Women: 21-24 April 

A self-knowledge weekend on identity and personality, dignity, womanhood, personal ideal, vocation and mission. From 7.00pm on Friday 21 April till 4.00pm on Sunday 23 April. Mt Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. For more information or to register: Sr M Julie Brcar ISSM, tel 0408 728 334, juliebrcar@gmail.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/1094246107354311/

Shrine Time for Young Adults 18-35: 23 April

One Holy Hour with prayer, reflection, meditation, praise & worship. This year is devoted to Praying for Vocations and Devotion to Mary as per our Holy Father’s intentions for WYD 2018 in Panama. From 7.30pm-8.30pm followed by social gathering.

Mary, honoured as the Mother Thrice Admirable, offers 3 graces in the Shrine, this monthly event is a unique opportunity to experience them regularly: Discover your HOME in the hearts of Jesus and Mary; See breakthrough TRANSFORMATION in your life; and Get your spiritual boost to be an authentic WITNESS. In the Shrine at Mount Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa.

Time for Us to go on a Date: 29 April

An evening for couples to dance, dine and prayer together at Mount Schoenstatt on Saturday 29 April from 5.00pm-10.00pm. For more information or to register: Sr M Julie Brcar ISSM, tel 0408 728 334, juliebrcar@gmail.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/1494512160560110/

Nigerian Catholic Women’s Group Retreat: 30 April 2017

Open to everyone the theme is: Mary our model. A one-day retreat to enrich us in preparing spiritually for our Mother’s Day celebration and beyond. Guest speaker/moderator Rev Fr Suresh Kumar – Mary, model of humility for Christian women; and guest speaker Sr Grace Roclawska CSFN – Praying with Mary, our Mother. St George Preca Parish Centre, Our Lady Queen of Parish, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes. Arrive 3.00pm for 3.30pm start, closes 7.00pm with dinner. This retreat is hosted by Rev Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu, Chaplain to the Nigerian Catholic community, tel 045 11 744 38, Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.

Parishes Making Connections NSW Conference: 2 May

Shane Dwyer, director of the National Centre for Evangelisation, keynotes this year’s NSW Catholic Pastoral Conference. Includes presentations and networking with parishes and schools offering successful ministries with small faith groups and with youth engagement. For parishioners, school staff and clergy. Lidcombe, 10.00am-4.00pm, optional dinner. $60 registration: www.trybooking.com/PBCM Endorsed by our Pastoral Planning Office. For inquiries and flyer: Greg Byrne tel 0427 918 568, gregbyrne3@bigpond.com

New Testament Workshops: 10, 12 & 13 May

The internationally respected Scripture scholar Prof vanThan Nguyen SVD will be conducting three face-to-face workshops at The Broken Bay Institute which will be of practical interest to teachers, parishes and religious communities. Prof Nguyen is the Chair of Catholic Missiology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and the Director of its widely respected Master of Divinity Program. He has published extensively in the areas of New Testament Studies and on Spirituality in a Pluralistic Society. Topics: Interpreting and Preaching the Gospel of Matthew (10 May), The Lukan Spirituality of Jesus (12 May) and Reading the Bible in the Context of World Christianity (13 May). For further information and to register: www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/BBites

LIFTED Live! Featuring Steve Angrisano: 13 May

Join Catholic Youth Parramatta for our first LIFTED Live! in 2017 at our new central venue in the Rooty Hill RSL. Last year, more than 400 young people were inspired by Catholic musician, singer, songwriter and storyteller Steve Angrisano. You can expect music, prayer, worship, adoration, drama, laughs and a great night as the LIFTED Band and Steve join forces in faith, formation and fun! $5 entry fee to be inspired and upLIFTED for your ongoing ministry! From 7.00pm-10.00pm at Rooty Hill RSL, 55 Sherbrooke Rd, Rooty Hill. RSVP thru the Catholic Youth Parramatta Facebook event. Inquiries to James Camden, Director of Catholic Youth Parramatta, tel (02) 8838 3428 or jcamden@parra.catholic.org.au

St Anthony’s Parish, Clovelly, Centenary Mass: 21 May

St Anthony’s Parish was formed in 1917, and St Anthony’s Primary School opened in 1918. Past parishioners, students and friends are cordially invited to the Centenary Mass at 10.00am on Sunday 21 May, at which Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP will be Principal Celebrant. Refreshments will follow in the parish grounds. For more information or to indicate attendance, email: centenary@stanthonyclovelly.org.au Facebook: St Anthony’s Clovelly Centenary

Christian Meditation Introduction & Renewal Day: 21 May

Presentations, Introduction to Christian Meditation, two periods of meditation, Eucharistic Celebration and information exchange. BYO picnic lunch – tea & coffee provided. Arrive 10am for 10.30am, concludes about 3pm. Books & CDs for sale. St Benedict’s Monastery is at 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia, tel (02) 9653 1159. Self-catering accommodation may be available in the monastery guest house. Contact Br Terry 0438 282 318. Inquiries: Ann Bergman (02) 9498 2625, anniebergman@hotmail.com or Ann Lomas (02) 9456 4775, atlomas@bigpond.com

Updated 3 April 2017.

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