News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- 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
“Synodality is built on mutual listening, compassion without judgement, and a desire to understand and even celebrate differences. A synodal faith community knows itself to be imperfect and so fosters respectful listening, especially to the voices that have been marginalised or excluded. A Synodal Church cannot exist when unilateral decisions are made without adequate communal consultation and discernment, regardless of who is making the decision. What structures in the local community and training will be necessary to enhance communal decision-making for a Synodal Church?” (Pg. 51-52, Pastoral Plan). Explore how we can listen and discern together: www.parracatholic.org/synodality.
Free Theology books: Clearing of Bishop Bede Heather Centre library
As the Bishop Bede Heather Centre will be undergoing renovations, the library books are available for collection, free of charge. There are many books in all categories – biblical studies, philosophy, ethics, spirituality, ministry, homiletics, parish renewal, liturgy, sacraments and MORE. You are welcome to visit on the following days, from 10 AM to 4 PM: Wednesday 6 November, Tuesday 12 November and Friday 22 November. Contact met@parracatholic.org for more information.
Annual Mass for Deceased Clergy: 19 November
The Diocese of Parramatta invites you to the annual Mass for our Deceased Clergy on Tuesday 19 November at 9.00am at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys, followed by prayers at the gravesites of clergy buried in St Marys Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and give your gift of prayer to those whose lives were dedicated to bringing us all closer to Christ. We encourage each parish to offer a Mass for the deceased priests who have served in your own parish, to unite in prayer for this special intention.
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 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
Diocesan Advent Week Scripture Reflection Evening: 26 November
In what way would you say I’m ‘awaiting’ God’s presence this Advent? How do I see myself in Advent Scripture stories this year? Register for the Diocesan Advent Scripture Reflection Evening with Dr Michele Connolly RSJ on Tuesday 26 November 2024 – 6:30PM to 8:30pm. RSVP via 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.
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
Riverstone Parish 120 Year Anniversary Mass: 17 November
Fr Zakaria Gayed and the Riverstone Parish cordially invites you to celebrate their 120-year anniversary of the opening of St John’s Church on Sunday 17 November at 10:30 am Mass officiated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Activities and a sausage sizzle ($5 pp– cash only) will follow in the parish centre.
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
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. All are welcome, no bookings required. For more information, please visit www.divineretreatcentre.org or contact (02) 4372 1598
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.
