News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church
On Saturday 10 August, the Diocese of Parramatta launched the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church. Our pastoral plan represents the culmination of our Synod journey, where we have come together to listen, discern, and envision a path forward for our diocese over the past 16 months. To download a copy of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, visit parracatholic.org/synodality.
Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal supporting our retired priests
This Father’s Day, let us show our thanks and appreciation for our priests’ lifelong gifts of faithful service. They have dedicated their lives to guiding us spiritually and emotionally, often at great personal sacrifice. Your compassionate donation cares for our clergy’s health and wellbeing during sickness and retirement. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal at parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
ACBC 2024-2025 Social Justice Statement
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has formally launched its 2024-2025 Social Justice Statement, ‘Truth & Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World’. In the statement, Australia’s Bishops scrutinise the signs of our own troubled times, observe the violence around us, and ask why it is so. Download your copy of the Statement and a range of resources by visiting https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/
Vale Bishop Kevin Manning
On Friday 2 August, the Diocese of Parramatta bid a fond farewell to Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning, the second Bishop of Parramatta, during a moving service at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Visit catholicoutlook.org for stories, images and video from Bishop Manning’s funeral. You can also share your memories of Bishop Manning via our online condolence book via https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/NR3o0u4X. We continue to pray for the repose of his soul and give thanks to God for his earthly life.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on Monday 26 August at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill for Modules 1 and 3. More training opportunities will be available throughout August and September. 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
Diocesan Season of Creation Mass: 1 September
The Diocese of Parramatta’s Laudato Si’ Action Team and Sacred Heart Parish Blackheath invite you to Mass with Bishop Vincent Long to launch the Season of Creation 2024 (1 September – 4 October) on Sunday 1 September at Sacred Heart Church, Blackheath, at 9.30am. Morning tea will be served after Mass. Let us join in praise and celebrate the gifts and wonders that God bestows on us.
The FaithFeed: 6 September
Looking for great conversations + live atmosphere + storytelling from those in their 20s, 30s 40s? Sign up for The FaithFeed, Friday 6 September 2024 – Doors open 7PM w/live music for 7:30PM start. 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 Season of Creation Gathering: 14 September
You are invited to a Diocesan Season of Creation gathering on Saturday 14 September from 10am to 4om at Winbourne Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. This event is part of Catholic Earthcare’s national Season of Creation Convocation from 12-14 September. Cost is $50 for the Diocesan gathering only, or $100 for the full Convocation (with days 1 and 2 online). For program details, please visit tinyurl.com/soc-gathering24. Register for the Convocation by 10 September at caritas.org.au/soc-convocation.
MET FaithLIFE Spirituality Short Course: Starting 17 September
Searching for a deeper understanding of spirituality? Hoping to find renewed ways of expressing your faith? Wanting to further discern God’s call in your life? Sign up now for the 3-session FaithLIFE Spirituality short course with spiritual director Jeff Hood on Tuesdays 17 SEP + 24 SEP + 1 OCT! Registration and more dates and details via QR or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
MET Worship Children’s Liturgy Workshop: 19 September
Children’s liturgy team members are invited to attend a workshop with an outline of the Diocesan Guidelines and a Children’s Liturgy Q&A session with the Diocesan Liturgy Educator, Sr Mary-Louise Walsh. This will be held on Thursday 19 September from 7pm – 8:30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown. To register or for more information, please email Lucy on lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or use this link: https://parracatholic.org/events/met-childrens-liturgy-workshop-19-sept/
Holy Hour for Vocations: 20 September
Please join us across the Diocese to pray for more vocations to the priesthood. Join us at Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill-Schofields on Friday 20 September 7pm to 8pm. Deacon Menard Gaspi will be leading adoration and giving a short talk about vocations to the priesthood. Confessions will be heard during Adoration. Join us afterwards for refreshments. For more information, please contact the parish office on (02) 9626 3326 or email parishoffice@maryimmac.org.au
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 Druitt South Parish Our Lady of Good Health Novena: Begins 30 August
Please join the community of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Druitt South for the Novena and Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, from 30 August until 8 September. There will be Masses in the evenings followed by Rosary and Novena. We conclude on 8 September, the Nativity of Our Lady, with Mass at 6pm followed by a light supper. For further information, please contact the parish office on (02) 9832 3896.
Sisters of Faith Young Womens Retreat: 31 August
To celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week, young women aged 18-35 are invited to a retreat day on Saturday 31 August from 10am to 3pm at the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth community, 116-132 Quakers Road, Marayong. Meet with sisters from nine different congregations for a day of inspiring talks, Q&A, Eucharist, Holy Hour and great food. To register, please contact Sr Christine Ramada CSFN on vocationscsfn@gmail.com or 0426 092 699.
Catholic Care Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Group: Begins 3 September
Parents and caregivers are welcome to join a parenting group designed by the Australian Childhood Foundation run over four sessions at Catholic Care’s Mamre House, Orchard Hills, from Thursday 3 September from 10am to 1pm. The course is supported by the free Mamre Creche. Numbers are limited, so express your interest by contacting (02) 8843 2500 or 0439 917 129 by 15 August.
Mt Schoenstatt Retreat for Young Women: 13 – 15 September
The Mount Schoenstatt community invite young women aged 18 to 35 for a weekend retreat entitled, “Encounter – God, nature, friends and yourself” from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa. Single room is $265, shared room $217 and Saturday only is $65. Places are limited and registrations close 8 September. To register, contact Sr M Rita on 0493 026 628 or email srrita@schoenstatt.org.au.
Winbourne Sin and Redemption Reflection Day: 14 September
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day on ‘Sin and Redemption’ on Saturday 14 September from 9.30am to 12.30pm. God’s only use for sin is to turn it on its head and use it to save us. How might Iiuse this to energise my life? Cost is $15 per person. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org
Mount Druitt South Parish Fete: 15 September
The Sacred Heart Parish South Mount Druitt fete will be held on Sunday 15 September at Sacred Heart Primary School, Mt Druitt, from 10am to 3pm. Activities include a While Elephant stall, jumping castle, chocolate wheel and showbags. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9832 3896.
Glenmore Park St Padre Pio Feast Day Celebrations
Everyone is invited to join Glenmore Park Parish for the parochial feast of St Padre Pio. The parish will be celebrating a three day Triduum:
- Thursday 19 September – 7.00pm Novena to St Padre Pio and Mass
- Friday 20 September – 7.00pm Novena to St Padre Pio and Mass
- Saturday 21 September – 5.30pm Novena to St Padre Pio and Vigil Mass
With the feast day celebrations on Sunday 22 September from 10am with a solemn procession with the relic, Mass, veneration and blessing by the relic. For enquiries, contact the parish office on (02) 4789 2232 or glenmorepark@parracatholic.org
Campion College Early Christianity Symposium: 27 – 28 September
Campion College is delighted to announce an upcoming symposium, “Shepherd at the Crossroads: Converging Traditions in Early Christianity,” to be held on September 27-28, 2024, at the college campus in Toongabbie. This event offers a unique opportunity to delve into the multicultural and multi-traditional character of Early Christianity and its enduring influence. Two-day tickets are available for $120 per person while a one-day ticket will cost $70 per person. Concession pricing is available. To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit www.campion.edu.au/event/early-christianitysymposium
Winbourne The Aramaic Lord’s Prayer Reflection Day: 28 September
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day on ‘The Aramaic Lord’s Prayer’ on Saturday 28 September from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Returning to what Jesus actually said is a truly enlightening and prayerful experience. Cost is $15 per person. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org
Other Notices
Growing in Faith: Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 2025
There is an opportunity for a group to travel to the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress experience in February 2025. The Congress focuses on growing in understanding about the Catholic faith and seeking personal growth. Synodal Consultancy is organising a 10-day pilgrimage with visits to Christ Cathedral and Disneyland! Please contact Lisa Bright from Synodal Consultancy on 0419 418 547 to find out more. See https://recongress.org/ for more information about the Congress.
Jesus Light of the World Communities Growth Formation Retreat: 23 – 25 August
The Jesus Light of the World Communities invites you to their Growth Formation Retreat from 23 to 25 August at The Collaroy Centre, Collaroy. The program includes Mass, talks, workshops and discussions and an hour of empowerment. Prices are $450 per person for single, or $360 per person twin share. For more information, please contact Helen on 0433 455 114 or email jlowcommunity@gmail.com
St Phoebe Webinar 2024: 3 September
Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate, supported by Catholic Religious Australia invite you to the 2024 St Phoebe webinar “Where are St Phoebe’s successors today?” on Tuesday 3 September at 7.30pm AEST. Join Geraldine Doogue AO, Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO and Dr Sandie Cornish to reflect on synodality and access for women to the diaconate. To register, please visit www.liturgyonthemargins.org/events
From Darkness to Light – An exploration of domestic violence: 8 September
The Marist Family Justice, Peace and Integrity in Creation Committee are hosting an event, “From darkness to light: an exploration of domestic violence” at Holy Name of Mary Church Hall, Hunters Hill, on Sunday 8 September from 1.30pm to 4pm. Guest speakers include Livia La Rocca, a psychologist with 20 years’ experience and Nicole Yade, CEO of the Women and Girls Emergency Centre. RSVP by 1 September via www.maristlaityaustralia.com/dark-to-light
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.
