News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Pontifical Holy Land Good Friday Collection: 29 March
Every year on Good Friday, a collection is taken up in every Catholic church to support the people and places of the Holy Land. The Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land have the unique responsibility of caring for the Holy Places as well as caring for the Christians living in the Holy Land. Your donation is a direct way to make a difference in the lives of people who are keeping alive the Christian presence in the land of Jesus, often in the face of great difficulty in recent years. Make your donation this Holy Week via the envelopes in your parish or donate directly via Commissariat of the Holy Land, 47 Victoria St. Waverley NSW 2024 or holyland@franciscans.org.au.
2024 Diocese of Parramatta Holy Week Mass Times
Holy Week Mass and Reconciliation Times from parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are available now on our Diocesan website (www.parracatholic.org) and on Catholic Outlook (www.catholicoutlook.org). Let us embrace the hope, love and joy that this season brings.
Easter | Autumn 2024 Catholic Outlook Magazine out now!
The Easter | Autumn 2024 edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine is out now! This edition invites us to practise silence, deepen our interior lives and pray for a Gospel change of heart, how our communities celebrate Easter, seminarians preparing to ‘go out into the deep’, a handy Holy Week Mass Times guide, plus so much more. 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
Synod 2023 Update: Decree issued and Development of Diocesan Plan Begins
In January, the Synodal Decree from our inaugural Diocesan Synod was issued, enabling us to move forward in the development of a Diocesan Plan. Join us in the next phase of our journey, as we discern a new path forward for our local Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The Diocesan Plan for a Synodal Church will launch at the Diocesan Gathering on Saturday 10 August. Learn more at parracatholic.org/synod
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!
Free Online Formation on Synodal Spirituality
Dive into ‘Synodal Spirituality’ with this FREE online short formation course, taught by Sr Patty Andrew OSU. Part of the FaithLIFE series hosted by the Mission Enhancement Team, the course offers an exploration of communal discernment, active engagement, and creative faith responses to challenges in the mission of the Church today. Enrol now and take part in Pope Francis’s vision for a synodal Church: https://pfparra.thinkific.com/courses/synodal-spirituality/
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on Saturday 27 April at Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, for Modules 4 and 5. More training opportunities will be available throughout May. Please register directly for this training or for other convenient dates and locations by clicking on the training event at: https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training. For more information, please email: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
MET FaithLIFE Theology Short Course: from 16 April
Considering learning about theology? Wanting to expand your language for expressing your faith? Seeking ways to deepen the way you put your faith into practice? Sign up now for the 3-session FaithLIFE Theology short course with Dr John Collins on Tuesdays 16 + 23 + 30 April! Registration and more dates and details via QR or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
Youth Mass ‘Round the Diocese: 21 April
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 The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, on Sunday 21 April for 6pm Mass. For more information, please contact Sr Christine Ramada CSFN on csfn.cristina@gmail.com
Exploring Music for the Solemnities following Easter: 30 April and 2 May
All are invited to the next music workshop organised by the Office for Worship and presented by Eric Grella. This workshop is perfect for all parish musicians and also for anyone who wishes to learn more about music for the Solemnities after Easter. As there has been a large interest in these workshops there will be 2 locations!!
- 30 April at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown from 7pm
- 2 May at St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith from 7pm
RSVP by 28 April to lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
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.
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
Young Adult Faith Formation: 7 April
Young Adult Faith Formation sessions continue on Sunday 7 April at The Hustle (Unit 4, 4-6 Purdy Rd Minchinbury) at 7pm. The speaker is Dr Rev Paschal Corby who will talk about and lead discussion on the bioethics of IVF and contraception. 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.
Grace & Silence Retreat for Young Women: 7 April
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 7 April from 9.30am to 4.30pm at Bethany, 301 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. Remaining sessions are 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.
Glenbrook Parish Roof Restoration Fundraising Concert: 14 April
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, invite you to a fundraising concert with the Sydney Male Choir on Sunday 14 April at 2pm in the parish church. Come and enjoy the music and at the same time, support the restoration of the Church roof, with at least $5 going to St Finbar’s Roof Restoration Fund for every ticket sold. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.sydneymalechoir.com or at the door.
Christ the King Primary Jubilee Celebrations
Staff, students, families and parishioners past and present are invited to celebrate the golden jubilee of Christ the King Primary School, North Rocks.
- A Jubilee Family Picnic will be held on Sunday 19 May at Don Moore Reserve, NorthRocks, from 11.30am. You can RSVP here: https://forms.gle/k6hua7LiwZKBMP3o6
- A Jubilee Dinner (over 18s) will be held on 29 June at The Epping Club, Epping, from 6pm. Cost is $99 per person and includes food and beverages. Tables are of 10-12 attendees. You can RSVP here: https://forms.gle/hmeBwoEM9qusMhG87
For any further information, please contact Erin Wynne, at ewynne@parra.catholic.edu.auor the school office on (02) 8846 2700 or email northrocks@parra.catholic.edu.au
Central Europe Pilgrimage with Fr Joseph Lam OSA: May 2025
Cosmos Tour Operators are organising a Central Europe tour for 17 days from 8 to 24 May 2025, travelling through Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and Czechia, accompanied by Fr Joseph Lam OSA from St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. Prices start from $5,076 per person, excluding flights. For more information, or to register your interest, please contact the parish office on secretary@stfinbars.org.au.
Other Notices
Jesus Light of the World Communities Day Retreat with Mother Mary: 13 April
The Jesus Light of the World Communities invites you to their “Walk by faith, not by sight” day retreat with Mother Mary on Saturday 13 April at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Rockdale from 9am to 5.30pm (including Mass). FREE Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea. Bookings are essential for catering purposes. For more information, please contact Helen on 0433 455 114, Ida on 0426 953 697 or email jlowcommunity@gmail.com
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
Women in the Gospels Retreat: 3 – 10 May
The Sisters of the Good Samaritan are hosting a Women in the Gospels Retreat with Elizabeth Dowling RSM from 3-10 May. The retreat will explore a selection of stories from across the Gospels, focussing on the characterisation of women in these stories. Women’s discipleship, faith and initiative will be highlighted. The venue is the Santa Casa retreat centre at Queenscliff in Victoria. For more information and to download a flyer, click here. Register before 5 April with spirituality@goodsams.org.au
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. 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.
