News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
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/
Spring | Season of Creation 2023 Catholic Outlook Magazine out now!
The Spring | Season of Creation 2023 edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine – the news and views of the Diocese of Parramatta – is out now! In this edition, we welcome home our World Youth Day pilgrims and we ground ourselves spiritually and environmentally in this Season of Creation. Pick up your free copy from parishes and offices across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains today or read it online via catholicoutlook.org/magazine
World Day of Migrant and Refugees celebration: 16 September
You’re warmly invited to a family-friendly event with Bishop Vincent and our migrant communities for the World Day of Migrants & Refugees on Saturday 16 September, 2pm – 5.30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills. Come hear stories, enjoy free entertainment and activities. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/celebrating-world-day-of-refugees-and-migrants-tickets-675662363317?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Ordination to the Presbyterate: 21 September
Bishop Vincent Long and the Diocese of Parramatta invite you to the Ordination to the Presbyterate of Tom Green on Thursday 21 September at 7.30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Please RSVP to hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org if you can attend. We hope you will be able to join us at this joyous event for our Diocese and our faith community.
Thank you for caring for our retired priests who have always cared for us
Because of your compassion, our Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal raised funds to care for our retired priests and clergy in ill‑health. Your generosity enables our Clergy Support Foundation to nurture our retired priests’ physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, and provide for daily living essentials and medical expenses for our ageing priests. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
Season of Creation Weekly Zoom
Join Peace, Justice & Ecology for an hour on Thursdays during Season of Creation as we ponder, discuss, and pray through Pope Francis’ call to World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Message from Pope Francis. For more information, please email met@parracactholic.org.au.
Diocesan Interfaith Commission Walking Together for Peace gathering: 21 September
The Interfaith Commission Diocese of Parramatta invite you to an interfaith gathering to mark the UN International Day of Peace. This is an opportunity to have real conversations and positive dialogue with people from faiths different to your own. The gathering will be held on Thursday 21 September from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. To RSVP, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/walking-together-for-peace
Diocese of Parramatta Season of Creation Mass: 23 September
Bishop Vincent invites everyone to join him celebrate Season of Creation with a Diocesan Mass held on Saturday 23 September at 9am at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong, followed by a simple eco-friendly morning tea and talk. For more information, please email met@parracactholic.org.au.
Glenmore Park St Padre Pio Feast Day Celebrations
Everyone is invited to join us for our parochial feast of St Padre Pio. There are numerous blessings received by his intercession and we thank God for the gift of our patron: St Padre Pio.
Three Day Triduum:
- Thursday 21 September – 7.00pm Novena to St Padre Pio and Mass
- Friday 22 September – 7.00pm Novena to St Padre Pio and Mass
- Saturday 23 September – 5.30pm Novena to St Padre Pio and Vigil Mass
Feast Day: Sunday 24 September. At 10am: Solemn Procession with the Relic of St. Padre Pio, Solemn Feast Day Mass, Veneration and Blessing by the Relic of St. Padre, Other festivities. Address: 34 William Howell Drive, Glenmore Park. Enquiries: (02) 4789 2232 or glenmorepark@parracatholic.org
Catholic Care Circle of Security Education Program: Starts 11 October
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains is running an online parenting series via Zoom for parents or caregivers of children from birth to 18 to make sense of what your child is really asking from you, and how to strengthen the parent-child relationship. The sessions will run each Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm from 11 October to 29 November. The cost is $105, with discont or free training offers available to eligible families. To register and for enquiries, please call (02) 8843 2500 or email enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au
Catholic Care Keeping Kids in Mind Education Program: Starts 16 October
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, in partnership with CatholicCare Broken Bay, CatholicCare Sydney and CatholicCare Wollongong, are running a five-week online program via Zoom on supporting children following family separation. The course begins with a pre-session on 16 October from 6pm to 7pm, with a session each Monday from 6pm to 8.45pm from 23 October to 20 November. The cost is $10 for workbooks and minimun postage fees. All participants must participate in a pre-group interview. For enquiries, please contact (02) 8843 2500 or email enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au
Masterclass for Sponsor Married Couples: 19 October
The Diocese is looking to more deeply accompany couples preparing to be married. Have you been married for more than 5 years? Committed to living the sacrament of Marriage? Willing to give time limited assistance to couples preparing for marriage? Join us for a Masterclass on Thursday 19 October at 7.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, on Sponsoring engaged couples in your Parish using the SmartLoving Engaged Online program. To book your attendance in-person or via Zoom or to ask further questions, please email marriage@parracatholic.org or phone Marisa on (02) 8838 3460.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities
The Diocesan Safeguarding team are organising sessions for parish clergy, staff and volunteers to complete their Mandatory Safeguarding Modules. Renewal Modules will soon be available on our online training platform.
- Mandatory Modules 1-3: Saturday 28 October at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba from 10am-3pm.
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
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.
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 on 0400 427 605 or email catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org
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, telephone and Zoom 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 appointments available in certain circumstances. 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.
Emu Plains Parish Baptism for Primary Children program
Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, is offering a Baptism program for primary school children in Term 4 this year. Children will attend a blessing Mass and be baptised in their home parish but complete a 4-week preparation program at OLOW. If your parish is interested in participating in this program, please contact OLOW on (02) 4735 1041 or emuplains@parracatholic.org
Rydalmere Parish Perpetual Adoration Chapel now open
Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere, 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 (02) 9684 1541 or admin@holymary.org.au
Rydalmere Parish Wednesday Evening Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Mass
Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere, 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 6pm to 6:45pm. Holy Mass is then celebrated at 7pm. For further information, please contact the Parish Office on (02) 9684 1541 or admin@holymary.org.au
Parish of Richmond St Monica’s Spring Fair: 16 September
All are invited to celebrate the St Monica’s Spring Fair on Saturday 16 September 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!
Arise Women’s Retreat: 16 September
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, is hosting a day of reflection, inspiration and encounter with Christ at this year’s Arise Women’s Retreat: ‘Arise – Talitha Koum – Little gril, I say ARISE’ on Saturday 16 September from 8.30am to 8.30pm. The retreat will include Mass, meditation, talks, praise and worship, creative expression, spiritual direction and healing Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. All meals are included. For bookings and more information, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1078404
Blacktown Parish Golf Day 2023: 29 September
The parish community of Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, is inviting golfers to join their Parish Golf Day, which will take place on Friday 29 September from 7am at Stonecutter Ridge Golf Course – 86 Stonecutters Drive Colebee NSW 2761. All funds raised at this event will go towards the repair of our church roof at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown. For further information and/or to register to participate, please click onto the following website: https://www.mqofblacktown.org/golfday2023 or contact the parish office: (02) 9622 1125 or admin@mqofblacktown.org.au
Other Notices
Resources for Migrant and Refugee Sunday: 24 September
This year’s World Migrant and Refugee Theme is, “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay.” Pope Francis explains for a healthy society there should always be “the freedom that should always mark the decision to leave one’s native land.” Migration movements throughout the world continue unabated, “ensuring that that freedom is a widely shared pastoral concern.” The Migrant and Refugee Kit 2023 includes liturgy resources for primary and secondary schools, homily notes, prayers of intercession and parish bulletin notices. The resources can be accessed at www.acmro.catholic.org.au
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in September
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend retreats throughout September, including its healing services, a Family Growth retreat and its monthly one-day pilgrimage. For more information and bookings, please contact (02) 43721598 or email drcsydney@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
Season of Creation: 1 September – 4 October
The Season of Creation is an ecumenical celebration and this year’s theme is, ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’. It starts on 1 September, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and ends on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October. In his message for this year’s World Day of Prayer for Creation, Pope Francis reminds us that the next chapter in the Church’s synodal journey will begin at the conclusion of the Season of Creation. He hopes that this synodal journey will foster deeper communion enriched by greater dialogue. To learn more, please contact our Peace, Justice and Ecology team via met@parracatholic.org
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.
The Voice to Parliament Discussion with Fr Frank Brennan and Warren Mundine: 15 September
Our Lady of the Way Parish, North Sydney-Lavender Bay-Kirribilli, is hosting an evening on The Indigenous Voice to Parliament with Fr Frank Brennan SJ and Warren Mundine, who will formally address the formation of our consciences regarding how we vote, which will be followed by a Q&A. It will be held on Friday 15 September at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, 42 Ridge St North Sydney. Please book by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1102793
Are you interested in bringing the Gospel message to prisoners and their families?
Kairos Prison Ministry is hosting an information session on Saturday 16 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. If you would like more information, please contact your parish team.
Kairos Prison Ministry for Women Weekend: 10 – 12 November
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. If you would like more information, please contact your parish team.
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.
