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
- Manager, Catholic Youth Parramatta – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 12 October
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
From the Pastoral Plan 2024-2028: ‘Behold, I Am With You Always’
“The People of God have shared their hopes, fears, dreams and anxieties. These have now gained shape and form this Pastoral Plan. Our pastoral plan invites every person to become co-creators in the building up of the Kingdon of God. We take heart, trusting in God who loves us unconditionally and without limits, allowing the words of Jesus to echo in our hearts ‘Behold, I am with you always’ – Matthew 28:20.” (Pg. 7, Diocesan Pastoral Plan). Download your copy of the Plan at www.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.
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
MET FaithLIFE Spirituality Short Course: 24 September and 1 October
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 remaining sessions of the FaithLIFE Spirituality short course with spiritual director Jeff Hood on Tuesdays 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
MET Natural Fertility Sympto-Thermal Method Instruction Session: 24 September
The Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning (NFP) can be used by all couples to space their children. It is suitable for breastfeeding women returning to fertility and helps couples identify the best time to achieve pregnancy! To book your place in this FREE session on Tuesday 24 September at 7:15pm via Zoom, contact catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605. Contact Catherine for private and confidential instruction in other methods of NFP offered in the Diocese.
**Save the Date for the final 2024 FREE group Initial Instruction for the Billings Ovulation Method® on 12 November.
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.
Holy Hour for Vocations: 18 October
Please join us across the Diocese to pray for more vocations to the priesthood. Join us at St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill on Friday 18 October from 6pm to 7pm with Fr Galbert Albino. Holy Hour will be followed by Mass. 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
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
Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass: 27 October
The annual Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 27 October at 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Bishop Vincent will celebrate Solemn Mass, followed by a light lunch at the Cathedral Hall. All couples celebrating a significant wedding anniversary will receive a certificate from Bishop Vincent. Please register your name, years of marriage and numbers attending by visiting parracatholic.org/weddingmass or phone 0488 000 211 by 20 October. Family and friends are welcome.
MET Worship Serving at the Altar Workshop: 2 November
Back by popular demand! We have decided to repeat the ‘Back to Basics’ Seminar for Acolytes and Ministers of the Altar (Senior Servers) who missed the last session and those who would like to attend again. This seminar will occur on Saturday 2 November from 9:30am to 3pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. RSVP by 26 October to hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org or 0488 000 211.
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
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
Camillian Disaster Service Australia Season of Creation Celebration: 28 September
Camillian Disaster Service Australia, a humanitarian service of the Camillian Order, invite you to a multicultural Season of Creation celebration on Saturday 28 September from 10am to 1pm at the Westmead Hospital Education Centre Theatre. The event will include multicultural performances, prayer, presentations and a renewal of our commitment to care for our common home. All are welcome to attend this free event.
Sudanese Catholic Community Legion of Mary Celebration: 28 September
Please join the Sudanese Australian Catholic Community to celebrate the second anniversary of the Online Group Legion of Mary (Cier Bak Piny) on Saturday 28 September from 12pm to 3pm at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown. The group has been meeting online for prayers since 2022 and would like to recognise their achievements. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Akok Deng on 0402 297 392 or akokbil@gmail.com.
St Marys St Clair Parish menALIVE Retreat Weekend: 12 – 13 October
The Men’s ministry groups of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys and Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park, invite men of all ages to attend the upcoming menALIVE weekend on 12-13 October at the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Hall, St Marys. The weekend will feature talks, personal testimonies, opportunities for discussion, and space to reflect. Cost is $50. To register, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1265196. For enquiries, please contact Steve Buhagiar (St Marys) on 0415 600 290 or Vasco Gil (St Clair) 0414 396 643.
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.
Winbourne The Spirituality of The Lord of the Rings Reflection Day: 19 October
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day on ‘The Spirituality of The Lord of the Rings’ on Saturday 19 October from 9.30am to 3pm. JRR Tolkien’s deep Catholic spirituality is evident throughout the trilogy, although neither God not Church are mentioned. Cost is $30 per person. BYO lunch. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org
Other Notices
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.
