News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities: 22 February
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on Saturday 22 February at Holy Family Emerton for Cycle 1 (Module 1-3). 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
Jubilee of Youth 2025 Pilgrimage
The Diocese of Parramatta invites young people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains to join them on its official pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome in July 2025. The Diocesan pilgrimage will take place over 18 days from 19 July to 5 August 2025 and will include a visit to Greece to follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul, before traveling onto the Jubilee of Youth in Rome. Young people between the ages of 18-35 are invited to express interest for the pilgrimage today! Visit parracatholic.org/jubileeyouth2025 for more details.
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,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
LIFTED Launch: 27 February
Join us for LIFTED Launch on Thursday, February 27th, from 6:45 PM to 9:30 PM at West HQ, Rooty Hill! Get a sneak peek at exciting events we have planned for young Catholics, including the Jubilee Year Pilgrimage and Australian Catholic Youth Festival. Enjoy a night of prayer, formation, and fun with fellow young Catholics. Register now: parracatholic.org/events/liftedlaunch/
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
- 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.
Ambrose Opens Good Shepherd Plumpton Preschool: Enrol Now
Ambrose is excited to announce the official opening of Good Shepherd Plumpton preschool on Thursday, 30th January. Our spacious indoor rooms are filled with resources for play and inquiry-based learning, while the outdoor area offers garden beds, climbing equipment, bike tracks, a sandpit, and more for imaginative play. We’re open from 7am – 6pm, welcoming children aged 2 to 5. Limited vacancies available: www.ambrose.org.au/early-learning-good-shepherd-plumpton/
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
Mount Schoenstatt Women’s Retreat ‘Grace & Silence 2025’ Commencing 8 March
This four-part single-day retreat series is for single young women aged 20-35 discerning their vocation. Attendance on all four days is highly recommended. Spaces are limited, and registration is essential. The retreats take place on Saturdays: 8 February, 8 March, 12 April, and 10 May, from 9:30am to 4:30pm, at “Bethany,” 301 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. The cost is $25 per day, including lunch. For more information or to register, contact Hannah on 0433 443 384.
Women’s Lenten Retreat at Mount Schoenstatt: 21-23 February
Join us at Mount Schoenstatt for a reflective retreat inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. The retreat runs from 7pm on 21 February to 4pm on 23 February. Costs are $240 per person for a shared room, $290 per person for a single room (limited availability), or $60 per person per day for day attendance. Accommodation and meals are included, or lunch for day attendees. Register by 12 February by contacting Sr M Elizabeth Foley at bookings@schoenstatt.org.au or 02 4773 8338.
Mount Schoenstatt Monthly Shrine Time
Join us for Monthly Holy Hour for youth and young adults at the Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa, every fourth Sunday of the month for praise, worship, silence, prayer, reflection and benediction at the Shrine. There is the opportunity to go to confession and there is a small social gathering afterwards. For further information please contact Sr M Rita via srrita@schoenstatt.org.au or 0493 026 628. Web: https://schoenstatt.org.au/
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
Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day: 16 February
You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day on Sunday 16 February and 18 May from 10am to 3pm at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia. There will be an introduction to Christian Meditation for newcomers with periods of meditation for ongoing meditators, presentations and prayer with the monks. Mass will be celebrated in the afternoon. Morning tea is provided, but please bring your own picnic lunch. For enquiries, please contact Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or call 0437 340 250.
Catalyst for Renewal luncheon with Dr Susan Connelly rsj: 15 March
Join us for a luncheon with Dr Susan Connelly rsj on the ACBC’s Social Justice Statement 2024-25 “Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World” on 15 March at 12.30pm. It is held at Hunters Hill Parish Hall, tickets $35 each. For further information, call 02 4971 4090, email catalyst-for-renewal@outlook.com or book via https://www.trybooking.com/CYPEV
