News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Facilitator: Catholic Youth Parramatta – Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 12pm Monday 11 December 2023.
- Governance, Risk and Compliance Administrative Support – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 10pm Tuesday 12 December 2023.
More details at: parracatholic.org/employment
Join our CYP team!
The Diocese of Parramatta’s Mission Enhancement Team (MET) is looking to expand and deepen the work of Catholic Youth Parramatta in 2024. You have the opportunity to impact the lives of thousands of youth and young adults in our ever-growing ministry, especially in schools. Forward your current CV, refer to the position description, and record a 2-3 minute video addressing your passion, skills and experience for the role to parracatholicjobs@parracatholic.org
Be Part of Our Synod Journey: Diocesan Synod Report Now Available
The Diocesan Synod Report is now available for download. The newly released Diocesan Synod Report offers a summary of our first Diocesan Synod assembly, held from October 13-15, 2023, its preparatory stages, in-depth details of the proceedings, and insights from delegates. Download your copy from the Parramatta Synod website now: https://parracatholic.org/synod2023/
Thank you for giving comfort, faith, and hope to distraught people this Christmas
Fr Fernando Montano, Parramatta Catholic Foundation, and Catholic Care thank you for your kind-hearted generosity and support for people in hospital and prison who might otherwise feel abandoned. Because of your compassion, our Bishop’s Christmas Appeal will provide pastoral, spiritual, and sacramental support to people in times of darkness. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
Liturgical Ministry Course returns in 2024
The Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses will recommence in February 2024. 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/
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.
Rydalmere Parish Perpetual Adoration Chapel
Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere, has an Adoration Chapel that is open to the public 24/7 located at 4 Myrtle Street, Rydalmere. The parish welcomes everyone to the Chapel. For after-hours access, please contact the Parish Office 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 John 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
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 7pm. 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.
Glenbrook Parish Christmas concert: 10 December
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, invite you to their annual Christmas concert event on Sunday 10 December at 7.30pm in the parish church. The evening will include choir and musical performances alongside themed readings for Christmas. Suggested donations for entry are $15 for individuals and $35 for families. For enquiries, please contact 0421 105 017.
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.
Diocesan World Day of the Sick Mass: 10 February 2024
A Mass for the World Day of the Sick, including the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, will be held at 11am on Saturday 10 February 2024 at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. All are welcome, including those who may be sick, and those who care for the sick and dying and health care professionals. RSVPs are required by 6 February 2024 to mary.gale@parracatholic.org
Music for Lent Workshop: 12 February 2024
Musicians and Liturgy Planners are invited to attend an evening exploring Music for Lent on Monday 12 February 2024 from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. The session will be presented by Eric Grella, Music Formation Facilitator, Mission Enhancement Team. To RSVP, please contact mary.gale@parracatholic.org by 5 February 2024.
Other Notices
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
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in December
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend retreats throughout December, including a three-day Advent retreat and a New Year’s Eve retreat. 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.
