News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Nominations open for Papal, Civil and Diocesan Awards
From today until Thursday 7 September 2023, you can nominate an outstanding individual who has contributed to the Catholic Church and society for a Papal Honours Award, Civil Award or Diocesan Award. Please visit parracatholic.org/awards. The Awards Ceremony will be held in November. More details to come.
Nine-Week Novena for the Diocesan Synod
All are invited to pray a Nine-Week Novena for the Diocesan Synod. The Novena will begin the week of Sunday 13 August and conclude the week of Sunday 8 October in the lead-up to the Synod Assembly: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 October. You are invited to pray once a week as a parish community, with your family, ministry groups or during personal prayer. More information: https://parracatholic.org/synod2023/
Kairos Prison Ministry for Women
This support group is for women who have family members serving a prison sentence. Live-in weekends are held twice a year at Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. This is a safe space where women can meet and share with others their challenges. The next weekend will be held November 10 – 12, 2023.
Mandatory Safeguarding Face-to-Face Training Opportunities
Mandatory Modules 1-3: St Canice’s Church, Katoomba on Saturday 28 October, 10am-3pm.
Renewal Mandatory Safeguarding Training (4 points):
Tuesday 22nd August 2023: Renewal Module 4 – Understanding the Child Safe Standards & Working With Vulnerable People, and Tuesday 29th August 2023: Renewal Module 5 – Legal Compliance – Risk of Significant Harm & Mandatory Reporting
Venue: Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Greystanes
Time: 10.00am-11.30am
Renewal Modules will soon be available on our online training platform.
Please register for these face-to-face renewal modules at: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
For further information please contact Maria Kervin at: maria.kervin@parracatholic.org
Diocesan Food Drives
Many vulnerable people in our community rely on the ‘food banks’ run by Jesuit Refugee Services and the House of Welcome, which operate thanks to donations from community food drives. All parishes and schools are encouraged to run a food drive for those seeking safety in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Find out more information about how you can help at parracatholic.org/fooddrive or emailing james.atanasious@parracatholic.org
Liturgical Ministry Formation Course
The Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses will recommence in September. 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/
FaithLIFE – 3 Night Short Course on Synodal Spirituality: Beginning 22 August
Pope Francis has invited the Church to be more ‘synodal’. But what does that mean as an expression of Christian spirituality? Sign up for the FaithLIFE 3-night short course on synodal spirituality with Sr Patty Andrew, brought to you by the Mission Enhancement Team (MET). 6:30PM to 8:30PM on three Tuesday: 22 Aug + 29 Aug + 5 Sep. Downstairs @ Bishop Bede Heather Centre: 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown NSW 2148. RSVP via https://pfparra.org.au/faithlife/
MET Marriage Retrouvaille Program Information Session: 25 August
The Diocese of Parramatta aims to offer the Retrouvaille program for couples who are having difficulties in their marriage. We are looking for married couples who are committed to helping others heal their marriage relationships. You will be trained to facilitate this program. An information evening will be held on 25 August at 7.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Contact Karin on (02) 8838 3460 or register at marriage@parracatholic.org
Diocesan Adult Confirmation: 5 September
Adult Confirmation 2023 will be held on Tuesday 5 September at 7:30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral with the Catechesis and Formation Day to be held on Saturday 2 September at 9:30am – 2pm at the Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Adult Confirmation is a community celebration for those who have reached the age of 16 years and have received both the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. If you would like more information, please contact the Office for Worship on 0460 037 795 or hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org.
Volunteer for the House of Welcome
Volunteers are needed by the House of Welcome to do odd jobs around properties which house refugees and people seeking asylum. If you are a handyman or woman with a few hours you can donate, contact Maricar at m.tupaea@houseofwelcome.com.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.
Soul Food Podcast – Mission Enhancement Team
Do you find life & faith inspiration by listening to the experiences of others?
The Mission Enhancement Team’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/
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
Quakers Hill Parish Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill-Schofields celebrates a Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Church. All are welcome to join. For more information, please contact the parish office on (02) 9626 3326 or parishoffice@maryimmac.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
Free English and Citizenship Classes
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are offering English and Citizenship classes at Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills, on a Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 2pm during school terms. Free childcare is available. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact Mamre Crèche on (02) 8843 2506 or Nepean Community College (02) 4724 9000.
Castle Hill Parish an Evening of Sacred Music: 25 August
St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, will be hosting an evening of Sacred Music on Friday 25 August at 7:30pm. The event will be a night of performances by choirs, music groups and soloists from around the Diocese, performing a selection of hymns and choral music. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at https://www.trybooking.com/CJJSM. Entry includes light refreshments during intermission. For more information, please contact the parish office on (02) 9634 2622 or email admin@stbernadette.org.au
St Marys Parish Don Bosco Relic Visit: 23 – 27 August
The relic statue of St John Bosco, better known as Don Bosco, will be visiting Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys, as part of the celebrations of the centenary of the arrival of the Salesians on Australian soil. There will be opportunities to venerate the relic and celebrate Mass, Adoration and Confessions throughout the week. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9623 1962 or email secretaryolrchurch@iinet.net.au
MET Natural Fertility: Instruction for Couples
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is for couples wanting to achieve and avoid pregnancy.
It is suitable for couples at all stages of life, enhances communication and involves shared responsibility.
If you are:
Preparing for marriage
Expecting a baby soon or breastfeeding
Looking for an effective, natural option and wanting to cease contraception
Peri menopausal
Then NFP is for you!
For more information or to book an appointment contact Catherine M: 0400 427 605 E: catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org
Other Notices
Join our 11th Annual Assumption Walk from Kellyville to Parramatta Cathedral
On Tuesday 15 August there will be Mass at 11.30am at the Shrine of the Holy Innocents followed at 1pm sharp with a 14km walk to Parramatta Cathedral. There will be two stops along the way for refreshments: 2.30pm at St. Michael’s, Baulkham Hills; and 4.30pm at St. Monica’s, North Parramatta. Arrival at the Cathedral for prayer and readings will be at approximately 6pm. Banners and statues are welcome. You may join the Walk at any point or time of the day. Please register your interest with the parish office for catering purposes (9629-2595).
NATSICC Indigenous Voice Website – One Journey Together
NATSICC and Caritas Australia have launched www.indigenousvoice.church – a website that empowers Catholics to make an informed decision at the 2023 Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum. The site contains a collation of statements of Catholic Organisations, resources to assist in discernment and the voices of First Australians and our Catholic Leaders.
St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust
The St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in leadership/ministry or a specialised activity, such as promoting faith enhancement, social justice and pastoral care. More information and Applications Forms are available on our website pallottine.org.au/svpscholarship. Applications close 4 August 2023.
Missionaries of God’s Love Overshadowed Retreat: 18-20 August
Join the MGL Sisters in a weekend retreat exploring what happens we say ‘yes’ to the Holy Spirit. Experience the life-changing power of deepening in God’s love, surrendering to Jesus and living under the grace of the Holy Spirit. The retreat will be held at Carmel House, 345 St Andrews Rd, Varroville NSW, from Friday 18 to Sunday 30 August. Bookings can be made before 11 August by visiting http://www.trybooking.com/CFBQX. For more information, please contact Katherine on mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
Are you interested in bringing the Gospel message to prisoners and their families?
Kairos Prison Ministry is hosting an information session on Saturday 16th September at 2.30pm–4.30pm at Blacktown Uniting Church, 59 Bungarribee Road, Blacktown.
Come and hear how you can join other Christians in dramatically changing lives.
RSVP to kidillwyniasec@kairos.org.au or phone Yvonne on 0419 284 128.
New Adoration Chapel (24/7) at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere
Holy Name of Mary Parish has a new Adoration Chapel that is open to the public 24/7 located at 4 Myrtle Street, Rydalmere. Fr. Chadi welcomes everyone to the Chapel. For after-hours access please contact the Parish Office or Blake on 9684 1541 or admin@holymary.org.au
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Mass (Wednesday Nights)
Holy Name of Mary Parish invites you to join us for our Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 6pm every Wednesday. During Adoration, Fr. Chadi is available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 6-6:45pm. Holy Mass is then celebrated at 7pm.
Peace, Justice and Ecology Sharing
You are invited to a “Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharing”. 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,and learn more about this area. The zoom meeting will be held 9 August, 6:30-8:00pm. Please RSVP to met@parracatholic.org to receive the link.
WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
You’re warmly invited to save The Date for the family-friendly event.
Word Day of Migrants & Refugees.
WHEN: 16 September 2023
Time: 2pm to 5:30pm
WHERE: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 7 Grantham Road, Seven Hills
For more information, please contact met@parracatholic.org
External:
An Invitation to Understand the Uluru Statement
Walking Together Workshop – Blacktown
Date: Monday, August 21
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Max Webber Library Blacktown
Registration: Walking Together Workshop – Max Webber Library Blacktown
Celebrate St. Monica’s Spring Fair on Sept 16 at 32 Francis Street, Richmond.
Enjoy a delightful day with kids and family, featuring an array of entertaining activities. Indulge in exciting games, delicious treats, captivating performances, and more! Mark your calendars for this joyous community event that promises laughter and memories for all. See you there!
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.
