News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Cardinal Marengo Meet and Greet: 22 June
As part of his Australian visit through Catholic Mission, the Diocese of Parramatta is hosting Cardinal Giorgio Marengo IMC, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Saturday 22 June. Cardinal Marengo will celebrate the Vigil Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta followed by a conversation about his mission and service. The event is free, but registration is essential via https://parracatholic.org/cardinalmarengo
Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal for Catholic Care’s Project Elizabeth
Will you strengthen the dignity of struggling mums?
Your compassionate generosity and prayers will provide struggling mums with the practical and emotional support they need to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves and their families. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal at parracatholic.org/appeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
CYP Duc In Altum Leaders’ Summit: 15 June
If you’re an existing or new leader in Youth Ministry, then this one’s for you! Join us at St Joseph’s Parish in Kingswood, on Saturday 15 June from 8:30am -4:00pm, for a day of prayer, wisdom, growth opportunities and meaningful connections. We will be joined by Phillipe Dulawan, associate director of Formation at De La Salle Brothers, to provide insight into succession planning! Register today via https://parracatholic.org/events/cyp-duc-in-altum-leadership-summit-15-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
MET Natural Fertility Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) Introduction Session: 25 June
MET Natural Fertility is hosting an initial instruction session on the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) of Natural Family Planning on Tuesday 25 June from 7.15pm to 8.15pm 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.
CYP LIFTED Retreats:
Looking for an opportunity to get away? Catholic Youth Parramatta’s annual LIFTED Retreat is back – with a twist! This year LIFTED Retreat has transformed into 3 separate retreats, each catering to different age groups!
- 5-7 July – Ages 18-24 at Carmel House, Varroville. Cost $150.00.
- 12 July – Ages 16-18 at The Shrine of the Holy Innocents in Kellyville, free of charge.
- 19-21 July – Ages 25-35 at Mt Schoenstatt, cost $150.00.
Registration is essential! Please head to parracatholic.org/events for more details.
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
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.
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
Mt Schoenstatt Coffee, Craft and Conversation: 15 June
Young women (20-40 years) are invited to spend a relaxing afternoon of coffee, craft and spiritual conversations with the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary on Saturday 15 June from 2.30pm-5pm at Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. Cost is $15 and includes afternoon tea and craft materials. RSVP before Saturday 8th June to Hannah 0433 443 384. Flyer with more details can be found on the website: https://schoenstatt.org.au/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MtSchoenstattMulgoa
Winbourne Kinds of Prayer: Finding Ways to Pray Reflection Day: 22 June
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day ‘Kinds of Prayer: Finding Ways to Pray’ on Saturday 22 June from 9.30am to 3pm. Prayer is communication, relationship addressed, respected and taken further. It is letting God get at you, requiring an open heart and mind. Cost is $30 per person, BYO Lunch. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org
Youth Mass ‘Round the Diocese: 30 June
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 St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, on Sunday 30 June for 9:30am Mass. Please join us after Mass for a picnic at Buttenshaw Park. For more information, please contact Laura Burton on laura@stbernadette.org.au
Great Saints of Italy Pilgrimage with Fr Chris del Rosario: October 2024
Join Fr Christopher del Rosario on a breathtaking pilgrimage on the footsteps of some of Italy’s most well-known saints. Follow their paths etched into our faith heritage, from the great Christian centre of Rome to sacred towns made famous by Padre Pio, St Francis, St Clare, St Catherine and St Anthony. This is an amazing opportunity to deepen our faith and explore the rich tapestry of culture, art and history that Italy has to offer. Pilgrimage commences 21 October 2024. For more details scan the code or visit www.harvestjourneys.com/tour/great-saints-of-italy/.
Central Europe Pilgrimage with Fr Joseph Lam OSA: May 2025
Cosmos Tour Operators are organising a Central Europe tour for 15 days from 11 to 25 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 $5,290 per person, excluding flights. For more information or to register your interest contact Ruby Travels Worldwide on 0401 895 998, email june.rubytravels@gmail.com or visit rubytravelsworldwide.com
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.
Caritas Australia’s Papua New Guinea Landslide Disaster
Hundreds of people are displaced and many more affected by a devastating landslide that struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea. Your urgent support is needed now. You can donate online at www.caritas.org.au/png or phone 1800 024 413
Australian Catholic Historical Society Talk: 16 June
The Australian Catholic Historical Society invite you to their next talk “Sevenhill – a living archive” by Dr Julie Thorpe, independent scholar and historian, on Sevenhill, the Jesuit Winery in the Clare Valley, SA, at St Patrick’s Church, Church Hill, at 2pm on 16 June. All are welcome and there is no charge. Details of the program of the ACHS as well as resources on church history are on the website https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/. Enquiries may be directed to secretaryachs@gmail.com
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: 28 – 30 June
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is offering an opportunity for you to learn to become the best version of yourselves together and live your best life in love! Join the team on 28-30 June 2024 at a Marriage Encounter Weekend at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. Book online via www.wwme.org.au or contact Christine & Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.org.au
Fr Greg Boyle SJ ‘Tattoos on the Heart’ Australian Tour: October 2024
Jesuit Priest Fr Greg Boyle SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, will be visiting Sydney as part of his ‘Tattoos on the Heart’ tour in October. Fr Greg will be speaking on ‘Radical Kinship’ for those in pastoral ministry on 12-13 October and ‘Boundless Compassion’ to secondary students on 14 October, both at St Joseph’s Retreat Centre, Baulkham Hills. To register, please visit https://www.gpbs.com.au/tattoos-on-the-heart/ or scan the QR code.
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.
