News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Positions Vacant
- Parish Secretary: Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Solemn High Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of The Lord and World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life: 2 February
Join us for Mass at 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and a special celebration of Consecrated Life. Jubilee candles for each Order or Congregation will be blessed during a short ceremony in the Cathedral courtyard then carried in procession into the Cathedral.
Red Mass for judiciary and legal community: 3 February
The Very Reverend Robert Riedling, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta cordially invites members of the judiciary and legal community, public service officials, law students and their families to the annual Red Mass on Monday 3 February at 7:00pm, (refreshments following Mass). Please RSVP by Friday, 31 January to enquiry@stpatscathedral.com.au or call 02 8839 8400.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities: 8 February
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on Saturday 8 February at St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood for Cycle 2 (Renewal Modules 4-5). More training opportunities will be available throughout February and May. 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
Diocesan World Day of Prayer for the Sick: 11 February
A World Day of Prayer for the Sick, including the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, will be held at 11am on Tuesday 11 February 2025 at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. All are welcome, including those who may be sick, and those who care for the sick and dying and health care professionals. RSVPs are required by 6 February 2025 via parracatholic.org/world-day-prayer-feb11
Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharings online gathering: 13 February
“Peace, Justice & Ecology Sharings” are quarterly online gatherings for everyone interested in social justice, care for creation, or global peace. They are an opportunity to connect, meet like-minded people, and discuss what’s currently happening in the Peace, Justice & Ecology space. In February, the PJE Sharing will focus on raising the age of criminal responsibility in NSW and Caritas’ Project Compassion. You are invited to join Thursday 13 February 2025, 6:30-8:00pm. To receive a zoom link, please RSVP to met@parracatholic.org
Music for Lent Workshop: 13 February
Musicians and Liturgy Planners are invited to attend an evening exploring Music for Lent on Thursday 13 February from 7pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. The session will be presented by Eric Grella, Music Formation Facilitator, Mission Enhancement Team. Registrations are essential, please RSVP by 11 February via parracatholic.org/music-workshop
FaithLIFE Scripture Short Courses for adults: 12-26 February
Are you looking to read the Bible more in 2025 but don’t know where to start? Consider the FREE FaithLIFE Scripture Short Course guided by Scripture scholar, Dr Michele Connolly RSJ. Wednesdays, 12, 19, & 26 February. 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM 1-5 Marion Street Blacktown – Bishop Bede Heather Centre. RSVP via https://parracatholic.org/faithlife OR email met@parracatholic.org
MET Natural Fertility Instruction Sessions:
MET Natural Fertility are organising a series of instruction sessions on the Natural Family Planning methods offered by the Diocese of Parramatta via Zoom. Learn how to chart your cycle, space out pregnancies and identify the best time to reach your family goals.
- Sympto-Thermal Method: 25 February at 7:15pm
- Creighton Model FertilityCare System: 19 February at 7:15pm
- Billings Ovulation Method®: 18 March at 7:30pm
To book your place or for further information or instruction, please contact Catherine on catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605.
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.
Other Notices
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 22-23 February
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 22-23 February, with future dates in May, August and November 2025. For further information visit www.engagedencounter.org.au
