News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Communications and Digital Manager – Diocese of Parramatta
- Communications Assistant – Diocese of Parramatta
- Lead Support – Diocesan Synod, Diocese of Parramatta.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
CCD St Matthew’s Gospel Series: Starting 28 April
CCD is hosting Dr Laurie Woods presenting A Study of St Matthew’s Gospel – April 28; May 5, 12, 19 & 26. 10 am to 2pm at Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. To book please email Maree Collis ccd.training@parrcatholic.org
REACH Wellbeing program for people over the age of 18 years: Starting 2 May
Reach Recovery Program, designed by the Black Dog Institute. Tuesday 2 May from 10am to 12pm, for 9 weeks at Bank Bazaar and Bank Bar & Cafe, 290/294 Windsor Street, Richmond. Morning Tea provided. Presenter Virginia Field. RSVP: (02) 8843 2500 or email enquiries@ccss.org.au
MET FaithLIFE Scripture Course: Starting 2 May
Want to learn more about different ways to pray? Sign up for the FaithLIFE 3-night short course on “Prayer” with Br Barry Donaghue, brought to you by the Mission Enhancement Team (MET). 6:30PM to 8:30PM on three Tuesday: 2 + 9 + 16 May. Downstairs at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown. RSVP via https://pfparra.org.au/faithlife/
REACH Wellbeing program for people over the age of 18 years: Starting 4 May
Reach Recovery Program, designed by the Black Dog Institute. Startin on Thursday 4 May from 10am to 12pm for 9 weeks at The Carrington Hotel, 15-47 Katoomba St, Katoomba. Morning Tea provided. Presenter Virginia Field. RSVP: (02) 8843 2500 or email enquiries@ccss.org.au
MET Worship Liturgical Music Workshop: 4 May
Musicians, Clergy & Liturgy Planners are invited to attend a Music Workshop Presented by Eric Grella on Singing the Psalms & Chant on Thursday 4 May from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. RSVP by 1 May to hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org
The FaithFeed On The Move: 7 May
Have questions about life & faith? Join with others on the search at The FaithFeed live studio audience – hosted by Glenbrook in the Mountains Deanery – all are welcome! The FaithFeed will be on Sunday 7 May at the parish hall after the 6PM mass. Doors open 7:00PM for a 7:30PM start. The night will feature faith stories + live music + activities + great conversation. Book now: https://tinyurl.com/tffrego
Invitation to Register for CPR Training: 13 May and 5 June
You are invited to register for an accredited CPR Course being offered by Surf Life Saving NSW. This is being offered as FREE course to the Parishes of the Diocese of Parramatta as part of a project being offered by the University of Sydney, Westmead Applied Research Centre. The course runs for 2.5 hours and will be presented at two locations across the Diocese.
- St Thomas Aquinas Springwood on Saturday 13th May beginning at 10am, or
- Bishop Bede Heather Centre Blacktown on Monday 5th June at 4pm.
Please contact the Parish Office for information on how to register for the venue of your choice.
2023 Diocesan Faith in Marriage Seminar: 19 May
The annual Diocesan Faith in Marriage Seminar returns in 2023 with Chris Padgett, American Speaker, Musician, Author and Professor of Theology. This free event will be held on Friday 19 May at 7:30pm at St Paul the Apostle Church, 40 Buckleys Road, Winston Hills. Please register your attendance at marriage@parracatholic.org
MET Natural Fertility Seminar – Couples Hoping to Conceive: 20 May
Hear about Restorative Reproductive Medicine and natural methods of achieving pregnancy. This topic is of particular interest to couples that are trying to conceive a child where they may have infertility issues and are seeking medical intervention to help them. Hear from trained professionals about a women’s health science, the Creighton Model which is used in conjunction with NaProTechnology www.fccau.org. This is a free event and will be held on Saturday 20 May from 1pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. For more information and to register contact catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605.
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.
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.
Mass available for the South Sudanese Catholic Community
The South Sudanese Catholic community come together to celebrate Mass every Sunday at 2pm at Mary, Queen of the Family Catholic Parish, 51-59 Allawah Street, Blacktown 2148. For more information, please contact Deacon John Cinya on (02) 9622 1125 or John.Cinya@parracatholic.org
Other Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Executive Assistant (permanent part-time) – NSW Catholic Conference of Religious Educators in State Schools (CCRESS) – Applications close Friday 21 April 2023
For more information and to apply, visit https://catholicjobsonline.com.au/job/executive-assistant-to-ccress-nsw-act/
PALMS Mission: Transform Lives – theirs…and yours
Communities in Africa, Asia or the Pacific are seeking Australians from a variety of professions and trades to share their skills and knowledge with those who have few other chances for training. Build enduring global relationships while assisting sustainable, self-reliant, community development. See news including stories from those currently supported in Timor-Leste, Samoa, American Samoa and Thailand. Please enquire further about potential assignments for you or someone you know: RING: (02) 9560 5333 or 0422 472 567 or visit www.palms.org.au
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in April
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend retreats throughout April, including a Lenten Growth retreat and its monthly one-day pilgrimage. For more information and bookings, please contact 0468 486 782 or email drcsydney@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
Mission: One Heart, Many Voices Conference: 3-5 May
Catholic Mission and Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) invite you to save the date for the sixth biennial national Mission Conference. Three days of professional and personal development focused on mission.
Date: Wednesday 3 May to Friday 5 May 2023.
Venue: SMC Conference & Function Centre, 66 Goulburn St, Sydney.
For more information, visit www.mohmv.com.au.
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 6-7 May
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 6 – 7 May. 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/
‘Anointed’ MGL Sisters Pentecost Intensive Retreat: 24-28 May
Deepen in your anointing as a Christian called to intentional relationship with the Trinity, radical discipleship, generously sharing the charismatic gifts and a life of mission and service through inputs, discussion and practical workshops. Join us for 5 days live-in at Carmel House, Varroville. More info & register: www.trybooking.com/CFBRF
