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
The Diocesan Safeguarding team are offering initial and renewal face-to-face training throughout June:
- Monday 3 June from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown for Modules 1-3 for those who are new to ministry
- Monday 11 June from 10.30am to 2pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre for Modules 4-5 for those who have completed Modules 1-3 in the last two years.
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 Natural Fertility Sympto-Thermal Method Introduction Session: 28 May
MET Natural Fertility is hosting an initial instruction session on the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) of Natural Family Planning on Tuesday 28 May from 7.15pm to 8.15p via Zoom. The Sympto-Thermal Method includes measuring your basal body temperature, which confirms ovulation! This method is 99.6% effective in postponing pregnancy and helps couples identify the best time to achieve pregnancy! To book your place or for further information, contact catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605.
Liturgical Ministers Commissioning Mass: 13 June
You are invited to attend the Liturgical Ministers Commissioning Mass of 2024! More than 200 people in the last year have partaken in the Office for Worship’s course to become Liturgical ministers in their parishes. At this Mass on Thursday 13 June, Bishop Vincent will commission them to go out into their parishes by living out this ministry and bringing glory to God. Please RSVP to lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org for catering purposes by 7 June.
Mass for Neophytes: 14 June
Each year, the Bishop says a special Mass for all those who have entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil that year. It is a wonderful opportunity to welcome back many new Catholics who were newly baptised into the family of God in the parishes across the diocese, along with their families and all the RCIA teams. This year it will be held on Friday June 14 at 7:30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Please RSVP for catering purposes to lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org by 7 June.
MET Natural Fertility Couples Hoping to Conceive Seminar: 15 June
Couples that are trying to conceive a child where there may be infertility issues and are seeking medical intervention are invited to a seminar hosted by MET Natural Fertility on Saturday 15 June from 1pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Hear about Restorative Reproductive Medicine and natural methods of achieving pregnancy from real couples and their journey towards pregnancy. For more information and to register, contact catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or 0400 427 605.
Peace, Justice and Ecology Table Talk “Refugee Week: Finding Freedom”: 16 June
This Refugee Week, you are invited to a Diocesan Table Talk: Hear and discuss inspiring stories from people who have come to Australia as refugees. Participate in meaningful small group conversations and play a role in co-creating more understanding and welcome for refugees: Sunday, 16 June 2024, 11:30am – 2:30pm (after 10:30am Mass), St Andrew the Apostle Parish Marayong. A light lunch will be provided. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/refugee-table-talk24
Adult Confirmation 2024 Formation Day: 24 August
The Office for Worship will host a Catechesis and Formation Day for those candidates (16+) interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. This will be on Saturday 24 August from 9.30am – 2.00pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. A light lunch will be provided on the day. It is recommended that all sponsors attend the catechesis day. A contribution of $25 is suggested from the candidates to assist in covering the Catechesis Day. For more information, please contact Lucy Woodbury on lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795.
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/
Winbourne Walking the Labyrinth Reflection Day: 25 May
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a half-day retreat ‘Walking the Labyrinth’ on Saturday 25 May from 9.30am to 12.30pm. In the labyrinth you enter a spiritual journey. It is a safe space, but one which challenges boundaries in order to create hope. There you may safely bring to the surface that which, held within, needs to come into the light. Cost is $15 per person, with tea and coffee included. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org
Grace & Silence Retreat for Young Women: 2 June
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 silent retreat day on Sunday 2 June 9.30am to 4.30pm at Bethany, 301 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. Cost is $25. For catering purposes, registrations close a week prior to each event. For details, contact Hannah on 0433 443 384.
Young Adult Faith Formation: 2 June
Young Adult Faith Formation sessions continue on Sunday 2 dune at The Hustle (Unit 4, 4-6 Purdy Rd Minchinbury) at 7pm. The speaker is Fr Jeff Miller SDB who will talk about and lead discussion on The Hoy Trinity. 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 0477 004 678.
Winbourne Being Pentecost People Reflection Day: 8 June
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day ‘Being Pentecost People’ on Saturday 8 June from 9.30am to 3pm. After his resurrection, with the admonition from the Last Supper to ‘be Him’, Jesus Christ still calls us towards both contemplative and active life. Cost is $30 per person, BYO Lunch. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org
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
St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust Applications open
The St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in leadership/ministry or a specialised activity, such as promoting faith enhancement, social justice and pastoral care. More information and application forms are available on their website pallottine.org.au/svpscholarship. Applications close 31 July 2024.
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.
Missionaries of God’s Love Awake Day Retreat: 15 June
Awaken to a renewed experience of God’s love and rediscover the joy of your life with the Risen Jesus during the day retreat with the MGL sisters on Saturday 15 June from 9am to 4pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Varroville from 9am – 4pm. It will include praise, inputs from the MGL sisters, time for silent prayer, Reconciliation and prayer ministry together as a group. Registration is $25 and BYO lunch. To register, please visit http://www.trybooking.com/CNTCH
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.
