News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Marriage Facilitator – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 3 October
- Manager, Catholic Youth Parramatta – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 12 October
- Finance Administrator – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 18 October.
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
From the Pastoral Plan 2024-2028: Behold, I Am With You Always
“If we listen attentively, we learn to recognise the new and different ways by which the Spirit of Jesus continues to breathe God’s goodness and speak God’s Word in our fractured world. Our call is to listen deeply, to discern God’s voice, especially in those unexpected or uncomfortable encounters or places.” (Pg. 35, Diocesan Pastoral Plan). Explore the Pastoral Plan and join the synodal journey: 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
Calling all Year 12 Students!
With your HSC exams 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, support and solidarity. During the Mass, you will receive a special blessing along with a small gift. Keep an eye on your parish bulletin in the coming weeks for more details or check out our poster to find for information about all of the HSC masses across the Diocese.
CYP LIFTED GO: 17 October
“LIFTED Go” is an exciting new initiative in Catholic Youth Parramatta’s LIFTED series, co-created with the Peace, Justice, Ecology team. You can expect an uplifting, energising and prayerful night in true LIFTED style, that will encourage us all to GO out into the deep as missionary disciples & peacemakers: 17 October 2024, 7-9pm, WestHQ. Find out more and register at parracatholic.org/liftedgo
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
The FaithFeed Echo: 20 October
Looking for a space that brings together creativity, music and meaningful conversations? Searching for a place where leadership among those in their 20s, 30s and 40s can be celebrated and empowered? Register for TFF ECHO – a brand new experience from The FaithFeed, launching Sunday 20 October. More event details and RSVP via https://parracatholic.org/events/the-faithfeed-october-2024/ OR the QR code. Food, drink and live music provided!
MET Natural Fertility Instruction Sessions:
MET Natural Fertility are organising the last instruction sessions of 2024 on the Natural Family Planning methods offered by the Diocese of Parramatta via Zoom. Learn how to chart your cycle, space out pregnancies and identify the best time to reach your family goals.
- Sympto-Thermal Method: Tuesday 22 October at 7.15pm
- Billings Ovulation Method®: Tuesday 12 November at 7.15pm
To book your place or for further information or instruction, please contact Catherine on catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605.
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.
Diocesan Delegation for Sydney Alliance Convention: 30 October
As a member of the Sydney Alliance, the Diocese of Parramatta invites you to be part of our delegation at the 2024 Sydney Alliance Convention. It will be an opportunity to come together from across faith-, community- and union-based organisations that reflect the diversity of Greater Sydney. The Convention will build momentum for affordable housing, clean energy, and action on climate ahead of the 2025 Federal Election: 30 October 2024, 6pm-8:45pm, Bowman Hall in Blacktown. Find out more and register online at tinyurl.com/sa-convention24
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 are invited to attend Mass in their home parish and receive a special blessing in preparation for receiving the sacrament but complete a 4-week preparation program at OLOW. They will then be baptised in their home parish. If your parish is interested in participating in this program, please contact OLOW on (02) 4735 1041 or emuplains@parracatholic.org
Rouse Hill Parish Deposition of Relics Mass: 5 October
On Saturday 5 October at 5:30 pm, all are welcome to attend a special Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv for the Depositing of the Relics of St Anthony of Padua, St Padre Pio, St Thérèse of Lisieux and Blessed Carlo Acutis in the St Francis Chapel within the Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 8883 4063 or email rousehill@parracatholic.org
World Rosary Hour and Our Lady of Fatima procession: 13 October
The parish of Saint Paul the Apostle, Winston Hills invites you to join us as we pray the Holy Rosary on Sunday, 13th October at 4:00pm. This also includes Our Lady of Fatima procession around the Church grounds and will be livestreamed. To know more visit worldrosaryhour.com, contact our parish office 9639 6516 or winstonhills@parracatholic.org
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.
Young Adults Faith Formation: 13 October
Young Adult Faith Formation sessions continue on Sunday 13 October at The Hustle (Unit 4, 4-6 Purdy Rd Minchinbury) at 7pm. The speaker is Christian Stephens who will talk about and lead discussion on “Is Evolution Compatible with Faith?” 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.
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
Rouse Hill Parish Car Book Sale: 19 October
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, is having a Car Boot Sale on Saturday, 19 October between 10am to 3pm on the church grounds. All are welcome to join in with our Parish community, sell items that you no longer want, or you may even pick up a bargain! Spaces to hire are limited. Cost is $100 for a double car space. If you wish to reserve a space, please email parishoffice@ourladyoftheangels.org.au
Mt Schoenstatt Foundation Day and Crowning Jubilee: 20 October
Join us as we celebrate Mt Schoenstatt’s Foundation Day and Crowning Golden Jubilee on Sunday 20 October. The family festival will begin at 10.15am, with Mass celebrated at 11am followed by a procession to the Shrine. There will be BBQ, food stalls, jumping castle, face painting and more activities for the whole family. For more information, follow the Shrine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MtSchoenstattMulgoa/
Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal Office
The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to offer advice and assistance regarding marriage annulments and dissolution of marriages. Interviews are preferably conducted in person with Zoom and telephone interviews in special circumstances. Please contact the Tribunal Office on (02) 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org.
Other Notices
St Aloysius’ College Bursary Program for 2027
St Aloysius’ College, a Jesuit school for boys in Sydney, has opened its Bursary Program to offer students an opportunity to avail themselves of a Jesuit education when ordinary enrolment is not affordable or sustainable for Years 7, 2027 and beyond. The bursaries are intended to assist those families who are most in need. Further information may be obtained from the College Website: www.staloysius.nsw.edu.au or by contacting the Registrar on 02 9936 5535 or email: registrar@staloysius.nsw.edu.au.
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 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.
Australian Catholic Historical Society talk: 20 October
The next free event for the Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held in the crypt of Saint Patrick’s, Church Hill at 2:00pm, Sunday 20 October: The St John’s College Act 1857 – the legal antecedents and historical context by speaker: Kyle Oliver, Barrister-at-law, Sydney. Members, their guests, and visitors are most welcome. More details: https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.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.
