News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Communications Manager – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm on Wednesday 1 November 2023.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Bishop Vincent presents Christopher White: 9 November
Vatican correspondent and Pope Francis expert Christopher White is coming to the Diocese of Parramatta as part of the Diocese of Parramatta’s ‘Bishop Vincent Presents’ series. His public lecture “Will our faith have children? Reflections on the health and dynamism of global Catholicism after the October 2023 Synod on Synodality” will be held in Parramatta on Thursday 9 November at Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta from 6pm. Places are strictly limited, so register today at https://parracatholic.org/christopherwhite/
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
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 or to ask further questions, please email marriage@parracatholic.org or phone Marisa on (02) 8838 3460.
Ministry of Communion to Sick & Dying Workshop: 21 October
On Saturday 21 October, the MET Worship team will be offering an ongoing formation session for Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying. It will be held from 9:30am until 2pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. We have limited spaces available so please RSVP to Mary by 16 October at mary.gale@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
MET Natural Fertility Creighton Model System Information Session: 21 October
Are you looking for help to track your fertility cycle? Come and explore a Natural, Effective, Healthy and Scientific approach to approach to achieve/space/avoid pregnancy or monitor a woman’s health. Engaged and married couples, single women and those wanting to know more about their menstrual cycles are welcome to attend. If you’d like to learn the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, this free session (valued at $125) and gives you all the information you need to be ready for Session 2. To register and receive your Zoom link or for more information, contact catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or 0400 427 605.
Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass: 29 October
The annual Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 29 October at 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Bishop Vincent will celebrate Solemn Mass, followed by a light lunch at the Cathedral Hall. All couples celebrating a significant wedding anniversary will receive a certificate from Bishop Vincent. Please register your name, years of marriage and numbers attending at marriage@parracatholic.org or phone (02) 8838 3460 by 20 October. Family and friends are welcome.
Table Talk with People Seeking Asylum: 8 November
St Patrick Cathedral Parish, Parramatta, Jesuit Refugees Service and the Diocese of Parramatta are organising a Table Talk event with people seeking asylum on Wednesday 8 November from 7pm to 9pm at the Cathedral Hall. We will hear from people with lived experience, reflect on our own values and see how we can be part of a positive change. To register, visit https://events.humanitix.com/talk-talk-with-people-seeking-aslyum
Parramatta Street Feast: 11 November
You are invited to the Parramatta Street Feast, Saturday 11 November 2023. Come and share a meal, company and entertainment with members of our community who are on the margins of society. This free event will be held in a spirit of solidarity and friendship at the Cloister Hall, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, 10:30AM to 1:30PM. The Street Feast is a collaboration between the Diocese of Parramatta, PAYCE Foundation, Paynter Dixon and St. Merkorious Charity.
125th Anniversary Cathedral Organ Concert: 12 November
St Patrick’s Cathedral Organists, Choir and Guest Performers will present an array of performances at a Gala Concert to celebrate the 125th anniversary of St Patrick’s Cathedral Organ. The Concert will be held on Sunday 12 November from 3pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Tickets can be purchased via this link https://www.trybooking.com/CLUFN or at the door. For more information, contact hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org
Mass and prayers for deceased clergy: 17 November
The Diocese of Parramatta invites you to its second annual Mass for our deceased clergy on Friday 17 November at 10.30am at St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill, followed by prayers at the gravesites of clergy buried in Pinegrove 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.
We encourage each parish to offer a Mass for the deceased priests who have served in your own parish on the same day, to unite in prayer for this special intention.
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.
Marriage Preparation Courses in 2024
Getting married in 2024? 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.
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
Glenbrook Parish Biblical and Theological Lecture Series: 24 October
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, invite you to the next session of their Biblical and Theological Lecture Series on Tuesday 24 October from 7.30pm at the parish hall, 52 Levy Street, Glenbrook. Dr Debra Snoddy, lecturer in Biblical Studies at the Catholic Institute of Syndey will be presenting on women in the bible. Cost of entry is a donation. To RSVP, please contact secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Rouse Hill Parish Natural Fertility Talk: 12 November
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, are inviting all married (or soon to be married) couples to a talk on natural fertility by guest speaker Dr Catherine Lennon on Sunday 12 November at 1pm in the Parish Hall. The talk is an update on Fertility treatments for infertility and helping couples who need to space or avoid a pregnancy. To RSVP, and for more information, please email parishoffice@ourladyoftheangels.org.au.
Other Notices
Free FirstCPR Training Vouchers
16 October is World Restart a Heart Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of CPR. FirstCPR, to which the Diocese of Parramatta is an organisation member, is offering a free training voucher for people wishing to learn CPR. To receive the voucher, contact the FirstCPR team by emailing warc.firstcpr@sydney.edu.au with the subject ‘WRAH Day CPR training voucher’. For more information, contact warc.firstcpr@sydney.edu.au or call 0412 369 519.
Donate to Caritas Australia’s Gaza Appeal
Following a series of surprise attacks against Israel by Hamas in early October, Caritas Australia is supporting partner agencies on the ground to provide emergency cash, shelter, and psychosocial support to those affected by the violence. The efforts of these partner agencies are expected to support 17,000 displaced families, representing around 100,000 of the 1 million people displaced. To support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/gaza-crisis/ or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
Abraham Conference 2023: 22 October
You are invited to attend the 2023 Abraham Conference: ‘The Abrahamic Religions in a Pluralist Society: Help or Hindrance to Peace’ on Sunday 22 October from 2pm to 5pm at Amity College, 27 Queen Street, Auburn (entry beside the Light Bookstore). Tickets are $15 per person, or $10 for concession. Register today at Humantix via https://events.humanitix.com/abraham-conference-2023
Pastoral Ministry Network Alive in the Spirit Conference: 25 October
The Pastoral Ministry Network (PMN) invite you to the Alive in the Spirit Conference on Wednesday 25 October from 10am to 4pm at Hornsby RSL. Discover and celebrate how our Australian faith communities creatively live out God’s mission, to inspire and grow participation and community through 2 keynote addresses and 10 interactive workshops. Tickets are $99 for PMN members and $149 for non-members. Book now via https://www.trybooking.com/CLCTP. For enquiries, please email info@aliveinthespirit.com.au
Campion College Festival: 28 October
Campion College invites the local community to attend its inaugural Campion College Festival, which will be held on Sunday 28 October from 10am to 4pm at the college grounds in Toongabbie. Entry is free with a range of activities including food trucks, children’s rides, campus tours, showbags and a second-hand book sale. All proceeds will go towards the Campion College Scholarship Fund. For more information, please visit campion.edu.au/festival
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in October
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend retreats throughout October, including its healing services, three-day Marian Retreat and its monthly one-day pilgrimage. For more information and bookings, please contact (02) 4372 1598 or email drcsydney@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
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.
Catholic Medical Association Australia National Conference: 10 – 12 November
The Catholic Medical Association Australia’s National Conference ‘That they may have life: Exploring issues of life and truth emerging in modern health care’ will be held from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November at St Joseph’s Baulkham Hills. Member registration is $400, with non-members $500. Special membership and conference packages available for doctors, nurses and allied health. To register and learn more, visit https://catholicmedicine.org
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 11-12 November
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 11-12 November, with future dates in February, May and August 2024. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au/
El Roi – The God Who Sees Me Women’s Retreat: 17 – 19 November 2023
Prepare for Advent through this women’s retreat with the MGL Sisters, as we spend time together listening to God’s unique heart of love for each one of us. This retreat is supported by the Catholic Women’s Network in the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Venue: Carmel House, 345 St Andrews Rd, Varroville NSW
Bookings: http://www.trybooking.com/CFBRE (by 3 November)
Contact: Berna – mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
Sydney Summer School of Evangelisation: 7 – 14 January 2024
Summer School is a week-long, live-in, life-changing retreat at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre in Varroville NSW, featuring praise and worship, inspiring talks, engaging liturgy, time to chill & learn and more in the midst of a community of 150+ young people aged 16-35. Registrations open 31 October. Register by 30 November to receive early bird rates (concession $525/adult $625). More info: contact@summerschool.org.au. Bookings: summerschool.org.au
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.
