News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Liturgy Administration Support – Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 24 November 2023.
- Youth Coordinator (part-time) – St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill – Applications close Thursday 30 November 2023.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
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 and deacons who have served in your own parish on the same day, to unite in prayer for this special intention.
Bishop’s Christmas Appeal for Catholic Care chaplaincy services 
Will you support our chaplains to listen with the ear of the heart? Your compassionate generosity and prayers will help our 15 Catholic Care chaplains to provide pastoral, spiritual, and sacramental support to seriously ill, lonely, and distraught people this Christmas. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
Local World Youth Day and Leaders Commissioning Mass: 26 November
Catholic Youth Parramatta invites all youth leaders, new school leaders and young people to the annual Local World Youth Day & Leaders Commissioning Mass, which will be held on Sunday 26 November (Feast of Christ the King) at 3.30pm at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes. The Youth Mass will give thanks for the Youth ministry year so far and bless all leaders for their 2024 ministry year. Family, friends and community members are all invited to join in this celebration. For catering purposes, please RSVP to met@parracatholic.org.
Br Barry Donaghue Preparing for Advent Series: Starting 29 November
Br Barry Donaghue cfc is offering 90-minute Advent presentations held on Wednesday evenings, 7:30pm to 9pm for 4 weeks, beginning 29 November until 20 December. Each presentation will be scripture based and have time for questions, reflection and small group conversation. The presentation will be held at Mary Rooms at Edmund Rice Retreat Centre Winbourne, 1315 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa. Please contact 0478 408 337 or bgdonaghue@edmundrice.org for enquiries.
‘Eugene Stockton: Blue Mountains Hermit’ Book Launch: 3 December
The Blue Mountain Education & Research Trust cordially invite you to our book launch of ‘Eugene Stockton: Blue Mountains Hermit’ on 2pm Sunday 3 December at Mid Mountains Community Centre, 9 New St Lawson. Additional books at $20 for contributors can be ordered in advance and picked up on the day or posted. Please direct any enquiries to this address contact@bmert.com.au. We hope to see you at the launch.
60th Year of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Commemorative Mass: 4 December
Bishop Vincent invites all to join him in a commemorative Mass to mark the 60th Anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium (The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy) to be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on Monday 4 December at 7.30pm. Please RSVP for catering purposes to 0460 037 795 or Hannah Portelli hannah.portelli@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
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
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra St Patrick’s Cathedral Concert: 12 December
Reel in the festive season with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir on Tuesday 12 December, 7:30PM at St Patrick’s Cathedral for their annual Christmas concert, Noël! Noël!. Gather your loved ones and join us for this beloved festive tradition, as the Brandenburg perform stunning choral works and Christmas classics, conducted by Artistic Director Paul Dyer.
SPECIAL OFFER: Get four tickets for just $149! There are less than 200 tickets remaining, so head to brandenburg.com.au or call 1300 782 856 to book your tickets now.
Epiphany Pilgrimage and Fiesta 2024
Commit the first fruits of your new year to Christ with the 2024 Epiphany Pilgrimage (2 – 9 Jan 2024). Enjoy 7 days of bushwalking, fellowship and prayer as we journey from Emu Plains to the top of the Blue Mountains, experiencing the wonderful hospitality of parish communities along the way. Day 1 is a family-friendly day, with the option for a children’s pilgrimage finishing with the Finnies Fiesta at St Finbar’s Glenbrook. For more information and to register for all or part of the journey, visit www.epiphanypilgrimage.org.
Celebrating Catholic Unity: Inside the Diocese of Parramatta’s Historic First Synod!
Our Diocese concluded its first-ever Synod over the weekend of 13 – 15 October 2023. It was a momentous event that brought together 280 faithful from across Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and beyond to discuss the future of the local Church. Experience the historic culmination of our Diocese’s inaugural Synod in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PItRCgSPLng. Want to know more about what’s next? Visit parracatholic.org/synod2023 to stay updated.
Other Notices
World Day of the Poor – A Message of Hope: 19 November
The World Day of the Poor, established by Pope Francis, serves as a direct call to action inspired by the Gospel’s message of compassion and service to those less fortunate. It is a reminder of our Christian duty to reach out to the poor and marginalized and engage in acts of charity, love, and inclusion. Read the Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of the Poor here: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/20230613-messaggio-vii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2023.html
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.
Caritas Australia’s Global Gifts Cards
Caritas Australia’s Global Gifts Christmas cards are a great way to spread joy and hope this Christmas season and to make a life-changing impact. Each gift represents a donation that will support vulnerable communities to create a brighter future. Order now to receive in time for Christmas at www.globalgifts.org.au or scan the QR code.
Are you interested in becoming a pastoral and professional supervisor?
Transforming Practices offers a rich formation in Pastoral Supervision. Supervision Formation comprises of 5 two-day Modules, held over 7 months. The next Portfolio of Learning Day will be held on Friday 3 February 2024 (with sufficient applicants). For those proceeding – an Introductory Day will be held on Friday 5 April 2024. All training days may be held on Zoom, face to face or in dual mode depending on successful applicant’s location. For program prerequisites, please visit www.transformingpractices.org. If you are interested in knowing more, please contact the Registrar, Mary Pearson via email maryepearson@gmail.com
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 19 November
You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day on Sunday 19 November from 10am to arund 3pm at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia. There will be an introduction to Christian Meditation for newcomers with periods of meditation for on-going meditators, presentations and prayer with the monks. Mass will be celebrated in the afternoon. Morning tea will be provided, but please bring your own picnic lunch. Donations are welcome. For enquiries, please contact Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or call (02) 9653 2637.
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in November
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend retreats throughout November, including its healing services 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.
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.
