News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Parish Office Coordinator – St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong – Applications close 10pm Sunday 4 December 2022
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
FirstCPR Training Expressions of Interest!
The Diocese of Parramatta is participating in a program called FirstCPR that involves education and training in responding to cardiac arrest in the community. The program will provide you with CPR accredited training to parish staff and volunteers and is free of charge. Sessions will be organised across the Diocese and require a minimum of 10 people per session. For more information, and to express your interest, please visit https://parracatholic.org/cpr-training-eoi/
Bishop’s Christmas Appeal for Catholic Care’s Assistance with Care and Housing Service
No one should be homeless or without support. Your Christmas gift today will enable Catholic Care to give homeless people practical and emotional support, and a safe place to call home. Please stretch out your hand to the poor and give generously via the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal envelopes, at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal. Thank you for your prayers, heartfelt compassion, and help to end homelessness.
Mass and prayers for deceased clergy: 25 November
The Diocese of Parramatta invites you to its first official Mass for our deceased clergy on Friday 25 November at 10.30am at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, followed by prayers at the gravesites of clergy buried in Castle Hill Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and give your gift of prayer to those whose lives were dedicated to bringing us all closer to Christ.
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.
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.
Glenbrook Parish Advent Concert: 27 November
You are invited to St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook’s Advent Concert, as part of their ‘Music for the Soul’ series on Sunday 27 November at 3pm in the Parish Church. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 4742 6958 or email secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Memorial Mass for those bereaved by suicide: 28 November
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains together with the Diocese of Paramatta invite those bereaved by suicide to a celebration of Mass to honour loved ones who have taken their lives on Monday 28 November at 7.30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. RSVP for catering purposes and more information to Rita Chater on (02) 8843 2500 or email rita.chater@ccss.org.au
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
Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses 2023
The Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses will recommence next year in February. This is formation for anyone interested in serving within the Liturgical Ministries either as Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Communion to the Sick and Dying and Ministers at the Altar. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact the Office for Worship on 0460 037 795 or mary.gale@parracatholic.org or visit our website to download an enrolment form at https://officeforworship.org.au/
Marriage Preparation Courses in 2023
Getting married in 2023? Let the Diocese of Parramatta help you prepare. Visit www.parracatholic.org/pmp to view weekend course dates in the New Year, 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.
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.
Patrician Brothers College Blacktown Enrolment Opportunities
Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown, has a small number of vacancies for Year 7 2023 and is accepting early applications for 2024. Contact the College Enrolment Department for more information on (02) 8811 0300, email patricianbros@parra.catholic.edu.au or https://forms.gle/ANccWVNQBZjQ4pSD6
Catholic Womens League Diocese of Parramatta Christmas Luncheon: 7 December
The Catholic Womens’ League, Diocese of Parramatta, invites you to its fun and friendly Christmas Luncheon at St Anthony of Padua Parish Hall, 27 Aurelia Street, Toongabbie, on Wednesday 7 December from 12noon. The lunch will be $20 a head, with the Catholic Womens’ League subsidising most of the cost. For any enquiries, and to book individually or a table, please contact Lyn on 0412 689 261.
Glenbrook Parish Advent Retreat: 10 December
You are invited to join St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook for their Advent Retreat, titled, ‘Jesus the greatest gift from God’ on Saturday 10 December from 9am to 3pm. Most Rev David Walker, Bishop Emeritus of Broken Bay, will be the guest presenter. For more information and to RSVP, please contact the parish office on (02) 4742 6958 or secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Glenmore Park Advent Parish Mission: 16 and 17 November
St Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park, is organising a Parish Mission during Advent on the theme of ‘Bethlehem – House of Bread’ on Friday 16 December at 7pm and Saturday 17 December at 5.30pm. Come and receive the Grace of God from Adoration, Mass and Preaching. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Fr Suresh on 0488 448 844 or visit the event Facebook page: https://fb.me/e/2itSOhcKf
Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens Parish Carols by Candlelight: 17 December
St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens, invites you to their annual Carols by Candlelight evening on Saturday 17 December at 7.30pm in the grounds of St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 8883 5981.
SAVE THE DATE – Diocesan World Day of the Sick Mass: 11 February 2023
A Mass for the World Day of the Sick, including the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, will be held on Saturday 11 February 2023 at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. All are welcome, including those who may be sick, and those who care for the sick and dying and health care professionals. More information to come
Other Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Personal Assistant, Sisters of Mercy Parramatta. Full-time position and based at Parramatta.
Please contact Anthony Spata at REACH Human Resources for further information on 0402 210 055.
Caritas Australia’s Advent 2022 Resources
Journey through Advent with Caritas Australia’s new Parish Resources, useful for small groups or individuals. Exploring seasonal themes of peace, hope, joy and love through a social justice lens, this resource offers Gospel readings, stories of people Caritas Australia serves, reflection questions, prayers, song suggestions and ideas for putting faith into action. Visit www.caritas.org.au/advent to download the resource.
Synod of Bishops Continental Stage
The Church around the world has entered the Continental Stage for the Synod of Bishops on Synodality. Groups around the country are praying with and responding to the Document for the Continental Stage, which was published recently. Download prayer resources, including for use in liturgies, read the document and access the submission portal at: www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch
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 – Roll up your sleeves, make a difference overseas
Do you require professional renewal, or are you seeking a retirement challenge? Communities in countries such as American Samoa, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tanzania and Timor-Leste are asking for qualified and experienced Australians to mentor their people in education, health, administration, agriculture and more. Embrace one of the Palms Australia mission opportunities abroad by visiting www.palms.org.au, or by calling (02) 9560 5333 or 0422 472 567
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.
Divine Retreat Centre One Day Pilgrimage Retreat: 27 November
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a one-day pilgrimage from 9am to 4pm on Sunday 27 November and will feature praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass, with separate ministry for children and teenagers. Bookings are required and limited numbers are available. Please call (02) 4372 1598 or email drcsydney@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org.au for more information.
Sydney Alliance Assembly with NSW Treasurer Matt Kean: 30 November
You are invited to join people from across the Diocese of Parramatta to participate in a Sydney Alliance Assembly. At this event, we will discuss the issues of housing, cost of living, energy, and climate change with NSW Treasurer Matt Kean on Wednesday 30 November from 6pm–8pm (dinner provided) at Parramatta Mission, 119 Macquarie St, Parramatta. Please register at www.bit.ly/3hHJQNv. For any questions, please contact Quyen Nguyen at qnguyen@sydneyalliance.org.au or 0451 018 808.
Catholic Theological College Information Session: 5 December
The Catholic Theological College is hosting an online information session ‘CTC 2023 Find Your Path’ on Monday 5 December at 730pm AEDT. The event will be an ideal opportunity to explore the possibilities offered at CTC for personal, theological, and spiritual development through a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Registration is essential via ctc.edu.au.
Willoughby Antioch 40 Year Reunion: 21 January
Former members of the Willoughby Antioch community are invited to a 40-year reunion on Saturday 21 January 2023 at St Thomas’ Church, Willoughby. For more information and to RSVP, please email willoughbyantioch@gmail.com
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.
