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.
- Diocesan Centre Receptionist – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Monday 7 November.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
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.
Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharing: 9 November
You are invited to a “Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharing” evening on Wednesday 9 November from 6.30pm to 8pm. These sharings are quarterly online gatherings for everyone who is interested in Social Justice, Care for Creation or Global Peace. They are an opportunity to connect, meet like-minded people, find out and discuss what is currently happening in the Peace, Justice & Ecology space. To receive a Zoom link, please RSVP to met@parracatholic.org
Open invitation to the Parramatta Street Feast: 12 November
Parishioners in the Diocese of Parramatta are invited to the Parramatta Street Feast on Saturday 12 November at 12pm to commemorate the World Day of the Poor. Come and share a meal and company with members of our community who are on the margins of society. This free event will be held at Prince Alfred Square in Parramatta from 12pm to 2pm. All are welcome. For more details contact met@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
Safeguarding Responding to Domestic and Family Violence Training: 22 November
You are invited to a face-to-face training on the topic “Developing a Respectful Response to Domestic and Family Violence” on Tuesday 22 November from 10am to 12pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown. The training is based on the Australian Bishops’ 2022-23 Social Justice Statement and hosted by the Office for Safeguarding, MET – Peace, Justice, Ecology, and Catholic Care. Please register for this elective safeguarding module and help raise awareness about domestic violence. Email safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown 70 Years Celebrations: 11 November
Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown is inviting past students, staff and their families back to the college for tours and a BBQ to celebrate its 70th anniversary on Friday 11 November from 4pm to 8pm. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/patsblacktown70yrs or scan the QR code. For more information, contact the school on (02) 8811 0300.
Young Adult Faith Formation: 13 November
Young Adult Faith Formation sessions continue on Sunday 13 November 2022 at The Hustle, Unit 4, 4-6 Purdy Rd, Minchinbury at 7pm. The speakers are Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, Pakistan, and Miss Regina Lynch, International Head of Projects, ACN International (Germany). They will speak of the suffering Church and share inspiring stories of the Witnesses of Faith; those brothers and sisters following Christ amidst oppression and persecution. All adults 18-35 are encouraged to come along and enjoy some faith formation and fellowship!
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
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/
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.
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.
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
Marayong Parish Social Justice Fundraiser: 26 November
St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong, will be holding a concert to raise funds for their Social Justice initiatives to mentor refugees and help them settle in Australia. The concert will be held on Saturday 26 November, from 7pm at the St Andrew School Hall. Each concert ticket is $10 and are available by contacting the parish office on 02) 9622 0817. The support of your parish/group would be very much appreciated.
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
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.
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.
Found: Real Life Stories of the Refugee Experience: 3 and 4 November
Local refugee students from the Holroyd High Intensive English Program are performing their live stories as part of the Treehouse Theatre production ‘Found: Real Life Stories of the Refugee Experience’ at the Seymore Centre in Chippendale, near Sydney University. Watch young refugees who have experienced the horror of war, trauma and persecution perform their own true stories in a symphony of spoken word, music and movement. The performances run on Thursday 3 November at 10am and on Friday 4 November at 10am, 12.30pm and 7pm. Tickets are available from $20. To book, visit https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/found-treehouse/
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
Catalyst for Renewal Bishop Mackinlay Q&A: 13 November
Catalyst for Renewal are hosting a Q&A conversation on ‘Looking forwards in the Australian Church after the Plenary Council’ with Plenary Council Vice President Bishop Shane Mackinlay on Sunday 13 November in the Crypt at St Patrick’s Church, Grosvenor Street, The Rocks, from 1.30pm to 3pm. No need to book, but a suggested donation to attend is $10. For more information, contact (02) 4971 4090, email catalyst-for-renewal@outlook.com or visit catalystforrenewal.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!
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 20 November
You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia, on Sunday 20 November from 10.30am to 3pm, with registration from 10am and Mass celebrated in the afternoon. Morning tea will be provided, but BYO picnic lunch and other refreshments. No need to register ahead of time. For enquiries, please contact either Ann Bergman on anniebergman@hotmail.com or Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or (02) 9653 2637.
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.
