News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- Management and Systems Accountant – Applications close 17 November.
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
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
Annual Mass for Deceased Clergy: 19 November
The Diocese of Parramatta invites you to the annual Diocesan 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.
Free Theology books: Clearing of Bishop Bede Heather Centre library: 12 Nov – 22 Nov
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: Tuesday 12 November and Friday 22 November. Contact met@parracatholic.org for more information.
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
PJE Table Talk “Disability – Unemployment – Seeking Asylum: Navigating Multiple Challenges in Australia”: 28 November
Please join us for our final diocesan table talk to hear and discuss powerful stories from people affected by overlapping challenges. Participate in meaningful small group conversations and learn how you can play a part in creating positive change: 28 November 2024, 6:00pm – 8:30pm, Bishop Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown. A light dinner will be served on arrival. Find our more and register at parracatholic.org/pjetabletalk
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 10:30am. 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). The raffle will be drawn on Sunday, 24 November at 11am following mass. 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
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/
FREE Men’s Retreat “A Path to Sexual Freedom”: 30 November
Simon Carrington will facilitate a FREE Men’s retreat, “A Path To Sexual Freedom” at St Patrick’s Blacktown on November 30th from 9am to 4pm. This retreat is for men aged 16 years old and above. There will be two talks and an opportunity for adoration and confession. Free lunch will be provided. To register and for more information, please email admin@mqofblacktown.org.au
Epiphany Pilgrimage and Fiesta: 2-9 January 2025
Commit the first fruits of your new year to Christ with the 2025 Epiphany Pilgrimage. Enjoy 7 days of bushwalking, fellowship and prayer as we journey from Emu Plains to the top of the Blue Mountains, experiencing the wonderful hospitality of parish communities along the way. Day 1 is a family-friendly day, with the option for a children’s pilgrimage finishing with the Finnies Fiesta at St Finbars, Glenbrook. For more information and to register for all or part of the journey, visit www.epiphanypilgrimage.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.
