News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Development Manager – Property Services, Diocese of Parramatta.
- Lead Facilitator of Diocesan Plan Implementation – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 25 September
- Marriage Facilitator – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 3 October
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
From the Pastoral Plan 2024-2028: Behold, I Am With You Always
“Our journey has only just begun. As we move forward, we endeavour to institutionalise best practice in communal discernment, decision making and governance, which would enhance the authority of the ordained and the rightful participation of the faithful…” – Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv (Pg. 4, ‘Behold, I am with you always’ Pastoral Plan). Read more and share in our diocesan vision at parracatholic.org/synodality.
Catholic Schools Bishop Manning Support Fund
Would you like your child to receive a Catholic education but are worried that your family cannot afford it? Please consider applying for a bursary that will cover the school fees, the cost of uniforms and equipment for primary or secondary school students for up to four years of enrolment. The fund, named in honour of the recently deceased Bishop Kevin Manning, is a Diocesan charity that seeks to ensure all families who want a Catholic education for their child can receive one. Please scan this code or visit https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/our-schools/affordable-education/bishop-manning-support-fund. Applications close 18 October.
Thank you for caring for our retired priests’ health and wellbeing
Because of your compassion, our Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal has provided much-needed care and support for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our community. Your generosity and love ensure they receive the care, comfort, and dignity they deserve during their retirement. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on Saturday 28 September at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys for Modules 1-3. More training opportunities will be available throughout September and October. 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 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
Calling all Year 12 Students!
The annual HSC exams are just around the corner! We invite you to attend your local HSC Mass, where you’ll join countless other students from across the Diocese in prayer for those undertaking their final exams. Masses will be held during the weekend of 5-6 October 2024. During the Mass, you will receive a blessing along with a small gift. Keep an eye on your parish bulletin in the coming weeks for more details.
MET Worship Ministry to the Sick and Dying Formation: 19 October
Are you currently taking Communion to the Sick and Dying in the Diocese of Parramatta? If so, please join the Office for Worship for a day of ongoing formation to further your knowledge and understanding of this important topic. Saturday 19 October from 9.30am – 2pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Morning tea and Lunch provided. For more information and to register before 14 October, please contact Hannah on hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org or 0488 000 211 or visit https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=office-for-worship
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
Baptism For Primary Children Program
Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, is offering a Baptism program for primary school children in Term 4 this year. Children will attend a blessing Mass and be baptised in their home parish but complete a 4-week preparation program at OLOW. If your parish is interested in participating in this program, please contact OLOW on (02) 4735 1041 or emuplains@parracatholic.org
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 https://www.campion.edu.au/event/early-christianity-symposium/
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
Catholic Care Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day commemoration: 15 October
To commemorate Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Day, Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and White Lady Funerals are holding a memorial service on Tuesday 15 October from 11am at Mamre House, Orchard Hills. There will be an opportunity to place a plant in memory of your loved one in the Garden of Remembrance. Please RSVP to Lisa on 0439 917 129 or Christy at White Lady Funerals 02 4731 4385.
Other Notices
Australian Catholic Historical Society Talk: 15 September
The next event for the Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held in the crypt of St Patrick’s, Church Hill at 2pm on Sunday 15 September on “Catholic-mindedness in the Catholic doctor” by independent scholar Dr Anne Thoeming. Members, their guests, and visitors are most 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
Missionaries of God’s Love Springtime Creative Retreat: 11 – 13 October
The Missionaries of God’s Love are organising a weekend retreat for men and women from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 October at Carmel House, 345 St Andrews Rd, Varroville. Come and experience the healing power of creativity as we step into the blossoming wonders of Spring. Nurture your inner self and watch the boundless possibilities that emerge from spending time co-creating with God. For bookings before 27 September, please visit http://www.trybooking.com/CNSWN. For enquiries, contact Judy – mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
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.
