News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
NEW Diocesan website launched
The new parracatholic.org website is now here with exciting new features and functionality including a comprehensive ‘Find a Mass’ function which includes Daily and Weekend Masses, Reconciliation and Adoration times; a centralised event calendar; Daily Mass readings and different ways you can contribute to the Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Check it out today!
Catholic Youth Parramatta 2024 LIFTED Launch: 29 February
LIFTED Launch 2024 is here! Join young people from across our Diocese for an evening of faith, live music, formation, and announcements. Learn about ways you can meet, connect and ‘walk with’ other young people | West HQ Rooty Hill, 29 February 2024, 7pm to 9:30pm. Register www.parracatholic.org/liftedlaunch
MET FaithLIFE Scripture Short Course: Tuesday Evenings 13, 20, 27 February
Looking to learn more about the Bible? Wanting expert guidance on interpreting Scripture for life & faith? Interested in the theme of women in the Bible through the Gospel of Matthew? Sign up now for the 3-session FaithLIFE Scripture short course with Dr Debra Snoddy on Tuesday evenings 13, 20 and 27 February! Registration and more dates and details via https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=faithlife OR get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
Youth Mass ‘Round the Diocese: 25 February
Looking for some young adults to worship with? Hunting for an excuse to catch up with Jesus and friends? Wondering what goes on around our Diocese? Mass ‘Round the Diocese is just that! Our young people are visiting different churches around the Diocese for Mass and fellowship afterwards with new and known friends. The next Mass will be at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes, on Sunday 25 February for 6pm Mass. For more information, please contact Laura on laura@stbernadette.org.au
Lent & the Scrutinies Evening for RCIA Teams: 28 February
RCIA Coordinators and team members are invited to attend an RCIA Lenten workshop on Wednesday 28 February from 7pm – 8:30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Deacon Rod Pirotta will present the workshop and discuss Lent and the Scrutiny Readings. To register or for more information, please contact lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or call (02) 8838 3456 by 27 February 2024.
Celebrating Holy Week: Formation for Ministers of the Altar: 9 March
The Office for Worship presents ‘Celebrating Holy Week’ – a workshop for current Acolytes and Ministers at the Altar presented by Chris Ohlsen. It will be held on Saturday 9 March from 9:30am to 3pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. To register or for more information, please contact lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or call (02) 8838 3456 by 5 March 2024.
MET The FaithFeed: 15 March
Interested in live music + curious conversations + life & faith stories from those in their 20s, 30s 40s? Sign up for The FaithFeed, Friday 15 March 2024 – Doors open 7PM w/ live music for 7:30PM. Downstairs @ Bishop Bede Heather Centre: 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown NSW 2148. RSVP via QR or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
Diocesan Lent & Holy Week Scripture Reflection Evening: 20 March
Looking for a way to reflect on your experience of Lent as we enter Holy Week? Interested in praying with the Scripture readings for Holy Week? Register for the Diocesan Lent & Holy Week Scripture Reflection Evening Wednesday 20 March 2024 – 6:30PM to 8:30pm. RSVP via QR or get in touch with the team via met@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 https://parracatholic.org/contribute/volunteer/#food-drive 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/celebrate/marriage/marriage-preparation 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 marriage@parracatholic.org or Marisa on 0412 280 017.
Get your feed on the Soul Food Podcast
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: www.parracatholic.org/resources/soul-food
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.
Adult Faith Formation opportunities in 2024
- Preparing for marriage or know couples who are?
- Looking to learn more about the Bible, spirituality, theology or practical skills for ministry?
- Searching for encouragement and growth by listening to life & faith stories from adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s?
View and share a copy of the 2024 adult faith formation calendar (link: https://shorturl.at/grLV3) OR get in touch with the team to learn about more formation opportunities via met@parracatholic.org
Catholic Care Mamre Supported Playgroup
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are offering a free supported playgroup which operates on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm during school terms at Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact Mamre Supported Playgroup on (02) 8843 2506.
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 Aspects of the Eucharist Talks: 21 and 28 February
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, is hosting a series of talks exploring the fundamental aspects of the Eucharist with Chris Ohlsen on Wednesday 21 and 28 February at 7.30pm at the parish. Entry is via gold coin donation. To RSVP, please email glenbrook@parracatholic.org
Mount Schoenstatt Young Women’s Lenten Reflection Day: 25 February
The Mount Schoenstatt Girls and Young Women ministry invite young women to a Lenten Reflection Day on Sunday 25 February from 10.30am to 8.30pm at the Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. Cost is $25 including afternoon tea and dinner. BYO lunch. Register before Thursday 15 February to Sr M Rita on 0493 026 628 or srrita@schoenstatt.org.au
Mount Schoenstatt Shrine Time Holy Hour for Youth and Young Adults
The Mount Schoenstatt community invite young and young adults for Holy Hour every fourth Sunday of the month from 7pm to 8pm at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine, 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa, followed by a social gathering afterwards. There will be opportunities for praise and worship, prayer, reflection, confession and benediction. For more information, please contact Sr M Rita on 0493 026 628 or srrita@schoenstatt.org.au
Grace & Silence Retreat for Young Women: 3 March
The Mount Schoenstatt Girls and Young Women ministry invite single women aged 20 to 40 discerning a vocation to marriage and family, single life or consecrated life to a series of silent retreat days beginning Sunday 3 March from 9.30am to 4.30pm at Bethany, 301 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. Remaining sessions are 7 April, 5 May and 2 June. Cost is $25 per day or $90 for the full series. For catering purposes, registrations close a week prior to each event. For details, contact Hannah on 0433 443 384.
Young Adult Faith Formation: 3 March
Young Adult Faith Formation sessions continue on Sunday 3rd March 2024 at The Hustle (Unit 4, 4-6 Purdy Rd Minchinbury) at 7pm. The speaker is Monica Doumit who will talk about and lead discussion on ‘How to speak about Hot Topics in the public sphere’. All adults 18-35 are encouraged to come along and enjoy some faith formation, pizza and fellowship! If you have any questions please call Mark on 0477004687.
Other Notices
Jamberoo Abbey Borrowing Tomorrow Online Retreat: Beginning 18 February
Beginning 18 February, Jamberoo Abbey are hosting a series of online retreats themed around caring for our own heart which is reflected in how we care for our earth with a focus on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Sessions will be held each Sunday until Palm Sunday 24 March with short readings or stories weekly. The cost of the retreat is $200, but do not hesitate to email if you are unable to manage the full cost. Register online today at jamberooabbey.org.au/retreats/online-retreats. For enquiries and registration, contact onlineretreat@jamberooabbey.org.au.
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 18 February
You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day on Sunday 18 February from 10am to around 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 ongoing 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 0437 340 250. Accommodation enquries can be addressed to Fr Michael Kelly on 0455 329 607.
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 24 – 25 February
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 24 and 25 February, with future dates in May, August and November 2024. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au/
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre Easter Guided Silent Retreat: 26-31 March
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre in Douglas Park, is offering a 2024 Easter Guided Silent Retreat from 6pm Tuesday 26 to 2pm Easter Sunday 31 March. Each day will have a presentation in the morning at 9am on the theme for that day. Registration is $850 which includes meals, accommodation, presentations and accompaniment for those who request it. For further information please contact Fr Stephen Dives msc on (02) 4630 0237 or 0405 695 535 or sdmsc@misacor.org.au
MGL Sisters Consecrated Life Weekend Discernment Retreat: 1 – 3 March
The Missionaries of God’s Love Sisters are holding a discernment retreat for single women aged 16-35 to listen for the voice of Jesus, ask questions and experience prayer, talks, sisterhood and sharing to help discern your vocation. The retreat will be held from 1 – 3 March at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville NSW. For more information, please contact mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
Light to the Nations (LTTN) Easter Youth Pilgrimage: 28 – 31 March
LTTN is an Easter Pilgrimage event held biannually for Catholics (singles and families) aged 16+. Camp under the open skies with up to 1,000+ as we celebrate the Easter Triduum. The event will be held on the grounds of Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville from 28 – 31 March 2024. Visit www.lttn.org.au for more information and register today. Contact rego@lttn.org.au or ring Therese MGL on 0432 228 250.
Disciples School of Mission Live-in Course: 1-4 April
Are you aged between 18-40 and searching for an adventure in 2024? If so, then join us for the Disciples School of Mission. This 4-day live-in course, held at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, calls people from across Australia and beyond to be equipped for youth ministry and evangelisation. Be renewed in your own journey, equipped for mission/youth ministry, and formed in the Catholic faith. You won’t regret it – it’s an adventure! For more information, visit disciplesschoolofmission.com.au or ring Judy MGL on 0479 059 183.
Missionaries of God’s Love Emmaus Silent Retreat: 19 – 21 April
Men and women are invited to embark on the sacred journey of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, where the victorious love of God is revealed through the abiding presence of Jesus. Be renewed in spending time alone with the Lord, and watch as He slowly sets your heart ablaze. This retreat will be held from 19 to 21 April at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, and is run by the MGL Sisters. To book your place, visit trybooking.com/CNSXK
Jesus Light of the World Communities reCHARGE Gatherings
The Jesus Light of the World Communities are hosting a Recharge Gathering on Saturdays throughout February from 2.30pm at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Rockdale. Each gathering includes rosary, praise and worship, a talk and prayer ministry. For more information, please contact Helen on 0433 455 114, Ida on 0426 953 697 or email jlowcommunity@gmail.com
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in 2024
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout 2024. The next residential retreat is their Inner Healing Growth Retreat from 16-18 February. For more information and bookings, please contact (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
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.
