News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

Diocese of Parramatta Notices

Positions Vacant:

• Administration Assistant – Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair – Applications close 31 October
• Accountant – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/

From the Pastoral Plan 2024-2028: Behold, I Am With You Always
“From the ancient truism, Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi (as we worship, so we believe, so we live), we are challenged that liturgy is not just an add-on to our faith lives but an essential expression of it. We recognise the need to continually renew and strengthen our liturgical celebrations so that all the baptised may truly participate in the life of the Church.” (Pg. 43, Pastoral Plan). Learn how the Synodal Church invites us to strengthen our liturgy: www.parracatholic.org/synodality.

Parramatta Street Feast: 13 November

On behalf of Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, you are warmly invited to the Parramatta Street Feast 2024. Come and share a free meal, entertainment and company in a spirit of friendship and solidarity: 13 November 2024, 10:30am – 1:00pm, St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta. BE A VOLUNTEER: If you would also like to volunteer on the day (e.g., set-up, ushering, serving food), please fill out this registration form: parracatholic.org/streetfeast

Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities   

The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on Saturday 9 November at St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands for Modules 4-5. 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

ACBC: Synod on Synodality Prayer Resources

A range of liturgical resources have been prepared for parishes as we enter the second session of the Synod on Synodality in Rome. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference website has a range of related resources here: https://www.catholic.au/s/article/XVI-Ordinary-General-Assembly-of-the-Synod-of-Bishops

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 FaithLIFE Ministry Leaders Short Course: Starting 29 October
Wanting to refresh your skills in ministry? Looking or currently involved in ministry with your faith community? Curious about learning from the experience of an international Catholic movement? Sign up now for the 2-session FaithLIFE Ministry short course with Young Christian Workers (YCW) on Tuesdays 29 OCT + 5 NOV! For more information and to registration visit https://parracatholic.org/events/faithlife-ministry or contact met@parracatholic.org

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.

MET Annual Bishop Vincent Vatican II Lecture: 20 November
You are invited to Bishop Vincent’s annual lecture on Vatican II on Wednesday 20 November, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street Blacktown, cnr Flushcombe Road. Register for limited seating via https://parracatholic.org/events/vatican-ii-lecture/ for more information contact met@parracatholic.org

MET Natural Fertility Billings Ovulation Method Instruction Session: 12 November

The next session in our Natural Family Planning series is the Billings Ovulation Method®. Following this instruction, you’ll be set up to chart immediately to help you reach your family planning goals. The session will be held on Tuesday 12 November from 7.15pm to 8.15pm via Zoom. To book your place or for further information, please contact Catherine on catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605.

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.

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

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.

Across our Parishes  

St Luke’s Faith Community ‘Victory in Christ’ Conference: 1-2 November

Join us for a retreat organised by St Luke’s Catholic faith community together with the Risen Lora Prayer Community. This weekend is an opportunity to refresh our hearts, to reset and to reconnect with God. There will be a children’s program for kids aged 5-12, and childminding services for preschool-aged children. This is a free event, however registrations are essential. For more information and registration visit https://www.trybooking.com/CVTNB

St Nicholas of Myra Penrith Pavillion of Fellowship Raffle

St Nicholas of Myra Parish is holding a fundraising raffle to help construct our Pavilion of Fellowship. The prize is a 7-day holiday in a Bali Villa for 6 people (flights not included). For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.raffletix.com.au/pavilionoffellowship

St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith Rosary Triduum

Join us on Tuesday 29 October, Wednesday 30 October, and Thursday 31 October commencing at 7.00pm with the Rosary followed by Holy Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Grotto at the side of the Church. Please bring a chair.

Mt Schoenstatt Sisters: Daily rosary prayer
October is the month of the rosary! The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary invite you to join in with them in praying the rosary daily in the Shrine at 5.25 pm (with some exceptions). We will pray together particularly for world peace but also in all your personal intentions. Address: 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa 2745. Visit www.schoenstatt.org.au

Mt Schoenstatt Pilgrims of Hope Retreat Weekend: 26-27 October

Join our men’s retreat at Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, organised by Schoenstatt Men and led by their Moderator, Fr Pawel OP. The retreat draws inspiration from the Jubilee Year 2025 with a focus on the theme of hope. You can choose to stay overnight for the full retreat, attend one day, or participate on both days as a day visitor. For more information and to register: https://bit.ly/4coasdO

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

Other Notices  

Campion College Festival: 26 October

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 26 October, and bring the whole family for a day of fun and community spirit at the Campion College Festival. Discover Australia’s first liberal arts college and enjoy market stalls, children’s rides, a muscle car show, a second-hand book sale and campus tours. 10am-4pm | FREE entry | All welcome | Austin Woodbury Place, Toongabbie www.campion.edu.au/festival

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.

Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 9-10 November
How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. The next Engaged Encounter Weekend will be held on 9-11 November, with future dates in February and May 2025. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.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.