News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
Faith Enrichment Role Vacancy – Our Lady Queen of Peace, Greystanes
Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced person for a Faith Enrichment role, working 16 hours per week onsite. Key responsibilities include:
- Facilitating and resourcing parents as they guide their children in sacraments and faith.
- Liaising with key faith enrichment ministries.
- Assisting in opportunities for faith inquiry and parishioners’ spiritual enrichment.
- Sharing relevant administrative and technical tasks with the parish team.
For more information and details on how to apply, please contact parishoffice@olqp.org.au.
Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate of Mr Charles Hyson: 7 December
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta invites you to the Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate of Mr Charles Philip Hyson on Saturday 7 December at 10.30am at St Patrick’s Cathedral on the Memorial of Saint Ambrose. Please RSVP to Hannah Portelli at Hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org if you wish to attend.
Bishop’s Christmas Appeal for Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes
This Christmas, will you help homeless mothers and children find a safe place to call home and rebuild their lives? Your kind-hearted gift and prayers will help Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains provide homeless mothers and their children with practical and emotional support, and a safe haven to call home. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal at parracatholic.org/appeal or scan this QR code to give your gift of a new beginning today. Thank you.
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
Immaculate Conception Marian Procession: 7 December
Join the parish community at Our Lady of the Rosary Kellyville as they host their 2nd annual Marian Procession for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It begins with the 6pm Vigil Mass at the Parish Church on Saturday, December 7, followed by a candlelight procession to the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents. Join us as we come together to pray through the intercession of Our Lady and experience a beautiful slice of Lourdes and Fatima right here in Sydney. All are welcome!
Mount Schoenstatt Advent and Christmas Carols: 14 December
Let us prepare our hearts together this year with the Advent and Christmas Carols at Mount Schoenstatt (Family Hall – 230 Fairlight Road Mulgoa 2745) on Saturday 14th December at 7pm. All children are encouraged to arrive by 6.50pm dressed as angels and shepherds. Flyer and more details can be found on the website: https://schoenstatt.org.au/
St Paul Feast Day celebration: 18 January
Come Join the Celebrations at the St Paul’s Feast. Saturday, 18 January 2025 at 5.30pm at St Monica’s, Richmond. Feast Mass Saturday 18 January St Monica’s, Richmond at 5.30pm followed by procession. Other details Lady Queen of Peace band, BBQ, food, drinks, rides and chocolate wheel.
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
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
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/
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
