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
- Facilitator, Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) – Applications close 11 November
- Management and Systems Accountant – Applications close 17 November
- 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
“We cannot be indifferent to suffering; we cannot allow anyone to go through life as an outcast. Instead, we should feel indignant, challenged to emerge from our comfortable isolation and to be changed by our contact with human suffering. That is the meaning of dignity.” – Pope Francis. What needs are invisible to us in our community? How do we respond to the realities and needs of those around us? (Pg. 47-48, Pastoral Plan). Explore how the Pastoral Plan calls us to action: www.parracatholic.org/synodality.
PJE Sharing meets Mercy Futures Gathering: 6 November
The next quarterly Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharing coincides with a Mercy Futures Gathering. Anyone interested in attending either of the two series is warmly invited to learn more about the Social Justice Statement 2024-25 “Truth & Peace”, presented by Diocesan PJE Coordinator Sebastian Salaske-Lentern: 6 November 2024, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Sisters of Mercy Parramatta. Find out more and register at tinyurl.com/pjesharing-nov24
Parramatta Street Feast: 13 November
The annual Parramatta Street Feast is on again! Come and share a meal, entertainment and company in a spirit of friendship and solidarity with people on the margins: 13 November 2024, 10:30am – 1:00pm, St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta. BE A VOLUNTEER: If you would like to volunteer on the day (eg 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
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 Lord 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
Australian Catholic Historical Society The Guild of St Pius X: 17 November
The next event for the Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held in the crypt of Saint Patrick’s, Church Hill at 2:00 PM on Sunday 17 November. The Presenter is Patrick Kirkwood, Formerly: Head of ABC RELIGIOUS Programs (Radio and TV and DIRECTOR, Catholic Audio Visual Centre, (Homebush, NSW). The topic: The Guild of St Pius X – its people and achievements in the liturgical life of Australia from the 40s to the 70s. Members, their guests, and visitors are most welcome and there is no charge. Details of the programme 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
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/
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 17 November
You are invited to the Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia on Sunday, 17th November. Arrival from 10am to register for a 10:30am start, presentations, introduction to meditation, Middle of the Day Prayer with the monks, Mass at 2pm, conclusion at 3pm. Book display and morning tea provided, please BYO picnic lunch. Extensive grounds and a labyrinth. General enquiries: Ann Lomas/ atlomas@bigpond.com / 0437 340 250 Possible accommodation at the monastery guest house: Fr Michael Kelly/ mkelly@silvestrini.org / 0455 329 607
Calix Society: 12 Step Recovery and Catholic Spirituality
Are you or a loved one troubled by addiction or alcoholism? The Calix Society is a way to recovery that incorporates 12 Step recovery and Catholic Spirituality. Sydney Unit meets Monthly at St Joseph, Enfield. Mass (5:30pm) and “About Calix” talk (6:30 – 7:30pm). We also meet weekly via zoom and have an annual retreat. Contact: Tim 0401 600 422 or Kevin 0435 668 382 or calixsydney@outlook.com. See: https://www.calixsociety.org/
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.