News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Parish Office Administration Assistant – St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood.
- Policy Coordinator – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Monday 20 February 2023.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Ordination to the Presbyterate: 2 February
Bishop Vincent Long and the Diocese of Parramatta invite you to the Ordination to the Presbyterate of Adam Carlow, Matthew Dimian and Jack Elkazzi on Thursday 2 February at 7.30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Please RSVP to the Cathedral Parish team at secretary@stpatscathedral.com.au if you are able to attend. We hope you will be able to join us at this joyous event for our Diocese and our faith community.
Sr Nathalie Becquart Sydney Public Forum and Lecture: 3 February
Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, the Vatican’s most influential female, is coming to Australia for a whirlwind tour in February 2023. Sr Nathalie will be in Sydney on Friday 3 February, presenting at a public forum at 4pm and a public lecture at 7pm, both held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Places are limited, so please register via https://parracatholic.org/srnathalie/.
Annual Legal Red Mass: 6 February
Members of the judiciary and legal community, public service officials, law students and their families are cordially invited to the annual Legal Red Mass on Monday 6 February 2023 at St Patrick’s Cathedral from 7.30pm. The Red Mass is an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to justice and faith for the new year. For catering purposes, please confirm your attendance by 3 February via enquiry@stpatscathedral.com.au or (02) 8839 8400.
Diocesan World Day of the Sick Mass: 11 February
A Mass for the World Day of the Sick, including the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, will be held at 11am 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. RSVPs are required by 6 February 2022 to hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org
Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharing: 15 February
Peace, Justice and Ecology (PJE) Sharings are quarterly online gatherings for everyone who is interested in Social Justice, Care for Creation or Global Peace. You are invited to join the conversation, this time with a focus on Caritas Project Compassion 2023 on Wednesday 15 February from 6:30pm to 8pm. To receive a Zoom link, please RSVP via email: met@parracatholic.org
Memorial Mass of St Josephine Bakhita: 19 February
You are invited to the Memorial Mass of St Josephine Bakhita, Patron Saint of South Sudan and Sudan, and victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking on Sunday 19 February at 2pm at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. We hope you will join us to commemorate the victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in Australia and worldwide and look forward to celebrating the legacy of St Josephine Bakhita with you.
MET – Worship Celebrating Holy Week Seminar: 4 March
The MET – Worship team are organising a seminar for acolytes and ministers at the altar (senior servers) in preparation for the celebration of Holy Week. Presented by liturgist Chris Ohlsen, the session will be held on Saturday 4 March from 9.30am to 3pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion St Blacktown. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. To RSVP by 28 February, please contact mary.gale@parracatholic.org or phone (02) 8838 3456.
Toongabbie Parish Position Vacant
St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie, is advertising for a Sacramental/SRE Coordinator. The successful applicant will be in charge of the Sacramental Program, the Special Religious Education (SRE) Program and provide administrative assistance to the Parish Priest and Parish Secretary. Hours will be 18 hours per weeks worked over 3 days. Please forward applications and resumes to the parish Secretary by 1 February 2023 to secretary@stanthonyschurch.org.au
Last chance to secure your Diocese of Parramatta WYD23 Pilgrimage spot!
There are only 10 seats left on the Diocesan pilgrimage with Bishop Vincent to WYD23 in Lisbon! Young people aged 16-35 are encouraged to secure their place as soon as possible to avoid missing out. View the pilgrimage itinerary, inclusions, indicative pricing and registration information at www.parrawyd.org
Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses 2023
The Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses will recommence 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 0419 242 435 or Marisa on 0412 280 017.
MET Natural Fertility assisting couples in 2023
MET Natural Fertility offers couples a NATURAL option to plan their families. It is suitable for:
- Women wanting to know more about what their cycles reveal.
- Those preparing for marriage.
- Breastfeeding women.
- Couples having difficulties conceiving.
- Couples looking for an effective, natural option to space their children.
- Couples wanting to cease contraception.
- Peri menopausal women.
For more information or to book an appointment contact Catherine on 0400 427 605, email catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or visit https://parralmf.org.au/fertility/
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 available for in-person, virtual appointments
The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm for enquiries regarding marriage annulments. Interviews are being conducted in person with Zoom and telephone interviews available for those unable to attend the office. 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.
Rouse Hill Parish Lunar New Year celebrations: 29 January
The Chinese community of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, invite you to their Lunar New Year celebrations on Sunday 29 January from 11.30am at the parish hall. Join them for lion dances, cultural performances, karaoke and yummy food. Mass will be celebrated at the parish at 3pm. To RSVP, please contact Jaclyn at jacjiang77@hotmail.com.
Faith and formation session for Catholic Healthcare professionals: 11 February
You are invited to a faith and formation session for those who work and volunteer in the health care ministries of the Church on Saturday 11 February, from 9am to 10.30am at the All Saints of Africa Centre, 51-59 Allawah Street, Blacktown. Join us afterwards for the World Day of the Sick Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown. Please RSVP for catering purposes by 6 February to met@parracatholic.org. For enquiries, please contact Michael.Tan@parracatholic.org
Glenbrook Parish Shroud of Turin Presentation and Talk: 21 February
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, is hosting a presentation by local parishioner and former journalist William West on the Shroud of Turin on Tuesday 21 February at 7.30pm. William will discuss the history of the Shroud, which he explores in his book Riddles of the Shroud – Questions Science Can’t Answer. Entry is via gold coin donation. To RSVP, please contact secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Other Notices
Word of God Sunday Celebrations: 5 February
The Church in Australia celebrates the Sunday of the Word of God on the first Sunday in February – February 5 in 2023 (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A). Pope Francis established the day, which is devoted to “the celebration, study and dissemination” of the Word of God. Visit www.catholic.org.au/wordofgodsunday to access resources to help commemorate the day and for suggestions on how to better engage with Sacred Scripture in various ways and settings.
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
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
Sydney Alliance Community Organising Foundations Training: 7-8 February
The Sydney Alliance invites you to a Community Organising Foundations Training. Learn how to address issues in your local community, and win campaigns for the common good through relationship building and strategic planning. 7–8 February 2023, North Parramatta. Register via www.bit.ly/sydalliance. Parishioners, students or staff from the Diocese of Parramatta: select “Partner Organisation” for a free ticket.
Redefining Normal: Mental Health Workshop: 10 February
This workshop will introduce the “Curious Grace” model and focus on practical ways to support people with challenges in the fields of mental health and trauma, alcohol and drug addiction, gambling and other addictive behaviours. Friday 10 February, 9:30am – 12:30pm, St Joachim’s Catholic Parish, 2 Mills St, Lidcombe. Please register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/511172640127
Sacred Connections Retreat: Beginning 12 February
Beginning 12 February Jamberoo Abbey are hosting a series of online retreats pondering the values of Silence/Listening, Reverence and Community, which are integral to both Aboriginal and Benedictine Spirituality. All videos and texts from the retreat sessions will be available on the Jamberoo Abbey website. The cost of the retreat is $300. Register online today at jamberooabbey.org.au/retreats/online-retreats. For enquiries and registration, contact onlineretreat@jamberooabbey.org.au.
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 25 – 26 February
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 25-26 February. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au/
Sydney Alliance NSW Election Assembly: 28 February
Join Bishop Vincent Long and people from across the Diocese to participate in a NSW Election Assembly with NSW Treasurer Matt Kean (LIB), Shadow Treasurer Daniel Mookhey (ALP) and representatives of the crossbench. The assembly will focus on social justice issues like housing, climate and cost of living. The assembly will be held on Tuesday 28 February from 6:15pm – 8:15pm at the Morley Centre, 2 Darcy Rd, Westmead. Please register at https://bit.ly/nswelectionassembly.
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.
