News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Synod 2023 Update: Local Think Tank Sessions from May-June
Parishes and other local faith communities across the diocese are holding local Think Tank Sessions, giving local leaders and anyone involved in ministry to offer feedback on the Draft of the Diocesan Plan for a Synodal Church, and contribute ideas for the practical implementation of our Diocesan Plan. Contact the parish office to inquire about our local Think Tank session, and visit parracatholic.org/synod for more.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities
More training opportunities for Mandatory Safeguarding Training 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
Thank You for Supporting our Holy Spirit Seminarians
Bishop Vincent, Parramatta Catholic Foundation and our Holy Spirit Seminarians thank you for your generous support in the formation of our future priests. Our Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal will support our seminarians to deepen their relationship with God and commit more fully to their spiritual calling, so they may serve our faith community. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
Celebrate Laudato Si’ Week: Seeds of Hope (16-24 May)
Are you ready to sow “Seeds of Hope”? Join the Catholic Church around Australia and worldwide in celebrating Laudato Si’ Week: 16 to 24 May 2024. This annual commemoration of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ encourages us to care more deeply for God’s creation. You can find useful resources at linktr.ee/met.pje
CCD Formation Opportunities: May and June 2024
SRE catechists and all members of our faith communities are invited to participate in a series of formation opportunities organised by the Diocesan Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). Delve into St John’s Gospel with a scripture expert, Dr Laurie Woods, over 5 weeks on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 May. Continue your Journey of Faith for 5 weeks with Merilyn Hancock (Head, CCD) on 7, 14, 21, 28 June and 5 July. All sessions will be held at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. For SRE Catechists to be accredited with Level 3 training, they must attend both sessions. Morning Tea will be provided. Enrol for one or both sessions via parracatholic.org/events or email ccd.training@parracatholic.org
Diocesan Pentecost Scripture Reflection Evening: 15 May
What does the Holy Spirit look like in your life? How can Scripture stretch our imagination when comes to Pentecost and the Holy Spirit? Register for the Diocesan Pentecost Scripture Reflection Evening with Dr Michele Connolly rsj on Wednesday 15 May 2024 – 6:30PM to 8:30pm. RSVP via QR or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
Holy Hour for Vocations: 17 May
Please join us across the Diocese to pray for more vocations to the priesthood. Join us at St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood with Fr Chris del Rosario, on Friday 17 May from 7pm. If you are interested in becoming a priest or would like more information, please contact our Director for Priestly Vocations, Fr Galbert Albino on (02) 4773 4321, 0450 821 812 or email galbert.albino@parracatholic.org
Peace Justice Ecology Table Talk “Laudato Si’ Week – Seeds of Hope”: 20 May
You are invited to an engaging conversation about caring for God’s creation: Hear and discuss inspiring stories from lived experience, and play a role in creating positive change in the spirit of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. Join this Diocesan Table Talk on Monday 20 May, 6pm – 8:30pm, St Finbar’s Parish Glenbrook. Light dinner will be provided on arrival. Please register by 12 May and find out more at tinyurl.com/laudatosi-table-talk
Expression of Interest: Ministry to the Sick in Hospitals
Are you interested in bringing Communion to the Sick in the Hospitals of the Diocese? You will receive formation and information necessary for this ministry. Note you will not be required to do this every week but will be placed on a roster. For more information, please contact bernard.ellis@catholiccarewsbm.org.au by 15 June 2024.
“The Eucharist is essential for us: it is Christ who wishes to enter our lives and fill us with his grace.” – Pope Francis
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
Mount Schoenstatt Marian May Devotions
Everyone is invited to the Schoenstatt Shrine to pray, sing and honour the Blessed Mother daily in the month of May. All are welcome to join the sisters for half hour May Devotions in the Shrine on Sunday to Friday at 5.30pm and Saturdays at 5.15pm. Learn more about the May devotions on their website https://schoenstatt.org.au/ or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MtSchoenstattMulgoa/
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
St Patrick’s Cathedral Mozart Concert: 17 May
Let the full force of River City Voices carry you through Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor – a testament of power, faith, awe and hope as the choir joins for the first time with the dynamic young Western Sydney Philharmonic at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on Friday 17 May from 7.30pm. Tickets are $60 for general admission and $45 for concessions. To purchase ticket, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/mozart-s-requiem/tickets
Catholic Charismatic Renewal Pentecost Eve Gathering: 18 May
Please join the Catholic Charismatic Renewal NSW in celebrating Pentecost Eve “Anointing” on Saturday 18 May at the Servants of Jesus Centre, 15 Park Road Seven Hills, for an afternoon of Praise & Worship, Testimonies and Prayer Ministry from 4-7pm hosted by youth from different streams. Booking is essential, so please register via https://www.trybooking.com/CPMXQ?qr=true. Any enquires, please email email@ccrnsw.org.au
Mount Schoenstatt Annual Marian Pilgrimage: 19 May
Everyone is warmly invited to the Annual Marian Pilgrimage on Sunday 19 May at the Mt Schoenstatt Shine, Mulgoa. Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available as of 9.30am, Holy Mass will begin at 10.30am celebrated by Fr Andrew Fornal OP, there will be a Eucharistic Procession from the valley to the shrine at 2pm and the day will conclude with Benediction at 3pm. For more information, and a detailed program of the day, please visit https://schoenstatt.org.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
Caritas Australia Sudan Crisis Appeal
Following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan a year ago, 25 million people – including 14 million children – now need humanitarian assistance and support, according to the United Nations. Caritas partners in Sudan have distributed food, as well as delivering cash assistance, water and hygeine services and gender-based violence protection. Please donate to Caritas Australia’s Sudan Crisis Appeal. You can donate online www.caritas.org.au/sudan or phone 1800 024 413.
Missionaries of God’s Love Pentecost Intensive Retreat: 17 – 22 May
Join the MGL Sisters for Pentecost 2024 as we discover the depths of God’s love through our Banquet Intensive and accept the invitation to radical intimacy with the Trinity. The retreat will be held from Friday 17 to Wednesday 22 May at Carmel House, Varroville. Feast on God’s powerful love for you, open up to the gifts of the Spirit, savour times of powerful input, prayer, and practical workshops, and find the charismatic generosity of God unleashed in your own life of mission and discipleship. To register, please visit http://www.trybooking.com/CNSXA. For Enquiries, please contact mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 18 – 19 May
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 18-19 May, with future dates in August and November 2024. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au/
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 19 May
You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day on Sunday 19 May 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.
Becoming Synodal People Public Lecture: 26 May
The Australian Jesuits and Catalyst for Renewal are hosting a public lecture with Fr Agbonkhianmeghe Orabator SJ, Dean of Santa Clara University’s Jesuit School of Theology in California and member of the Synod on Synodality, on “Becoming Synodal People: Forming Clergy and Laity”. The lecture will be held on Sunday 26 May at the Ron Dyer Centre, 42 Ridge St, North Sydney, from 7.15pm. It will also be available to livestream. All are welcome to attend, with no registration required. Entry by donation.
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.
Lectio Divina Facilitating Manual out now!
Sr Antonia Curtis OSB from the Benedictines at Jamberoo Abbey, NSW, has released a new manual for facilitating Lectio Divina prayer sessions in your parish, school or local communities. This is a fantastic resource for parish teams, catechists, youth leaders, teachers and spiritual directors. The cost of the manual is $40, with an additional notebook for participants available for $10. To purchase your copy, visit their online shop at www.jamberooabbey.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.
