News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Thank You for Supporting our Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes
Fr Fernando Montano, Parramatta Catholic Foundation, and Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains thank you for your generous support of homeless mothers and children. Our Bishop’s Christmas Appeal has raised over $X (parish administrator to provide), ensuring Catholic Care can continue to provide homeless mothers and children safety, support, and a place to call home. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please visit parracatholic.org/appeal or scan this QR code. Thank you.
Christmas Mass Times around the Diocese
There are many ways to celebrate the Christmas Season across the Diocese. At parracatholic.org you can find Christmas and New Year Mass times, Reconciliation and Adoration Near Me, and Christmas Carols and Nativity plays. Go to: parracatholic.org/connect/find-a-mass/
Liturgical Ministry Course returns in 2025
The Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses will recommence in 2025 in Blacktown and Penrith. This free formation is open to anyone in the diocese interested in serving within the Liturgical Ministries either as Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Communion to the Sick and Dying and Ministers at the Altar. To enrol and for more information, please contact the Office for Worship on 0460 037 795 or lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org . Registrations close 28th January, 2025 but spaces are limited so enrol now to avoid disappointment.
MET Natural Fertility Creighton Model Introduction Session: 19 February
Are you looking for help to track your fertility cycle? Come and explore the Creighton Model FertilityCare System – a Natural, Effective, Healthy and Scientific approach to achieve, space/avoid pregnancy or monitor women’s health. Engaged and married couples, single women and those wanting to know more about their menstrual cycles are welcome to attend. This free session will be held on Wednesday 19 February from 7:15-8:15pm via Zoom and is valued at $125. To register or for more information, contact catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or 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.
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.
Across our Parishes
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 December. 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
