News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Postal survey on proposed change to the Marriage Act
We remind you that the survey closes on Tuesday, 7 November 2017 (6pm local time). Any surveys received after this will not be counted. As we exercise our democratic responsibility in responding to the survey it is important to remember that the postal survey is about whether or not Australians want the legal definition of civil marriage changed to include same-sex couples. It is not a referendum on sacramental marriage, however we are called to consider carefully the implications of any change. In the words of Bishop Vincent: “Whatever the outcome of the survey or the eventual legislation by the government, the Church will continue to hold that marriage is a natural institution established by God to be a permanent union between one man and one woman, directed both to mutual companionship and to the formation of a family in which children are born and nurtured.”
Let us pray, discern and act with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Represent our Diocese: Share your Wisdom
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv is calling for greater participation of lay people through new advisory councils. Please consider nominating or encourage someone you know. Details, including the nomination kit, are available from parracatholic.org/advisorycouncils or by contacting Tanya from the Diocesan Ministry Centre on 02 8838 3460. Nominations close on Sunday, 5 November 2017.
Diocesan Liturgy Conference 2017
The Diocesan Liturgy Conference will be held on Saturday 4 November at St Andrew’s Parish, Marayong. The conference, ‘Liturgy: The Living Presence of Christ’ is an excellent opportunity to gather together as a Diocese and explore the Presence of Christ in Liturgy. Day includes Keynote Speaker and various workshops including: Music and copyright, Bringing Christ to the Sick, Scripture and the Season of Advent, Sacraments of Initiation – a Field Perspective., organising a Mass- Ordos, Missals and Lectionaries. For more information go to: parracatholic.org/ofw or Office for Worship ivergano@parra.catholic.org.au
Pre-marriage preparation
The Life Marriage & Family Office in the Diocese of Parramatta has now launched an online booking system, allowing couples to enrol for pre-marriage preparation programs and to pay by credit card. Couples will be guided on the website to the most appropriate form of preparation, i.e., the Pre-Marriage Weekend Course (Friday evening & Sunday) or Prepare/Enrich, an individual couple preparation with face to face feedback sessions. Both preparations are designed to strengthen and enrich the couple’s relationship and work on building a rewarding life together. Bookings may be made and dates chosen by visiting our website www.parracatholic.org/pmp. Enquiries may be made to our office on 8838 3460 or email lmf@parra.catholic.org.au.
Grief to Grace – Healing the Wounds of Abuse
Grief to Grace – Healing the Wounds of Abuse is a spiritual retreat for anyone who has suffered degradation or violation through physical, emotional, sexual or spiritual abuse. The retreat will be held April 8th – 13th 2018. To request an application contact Anne by emailing info@grieftograceaus.org.au or phone 0407704539. For more information visit www.grieftograce.org
Positions Vacant in 2018 – Family Educators
Applications are invited for the position of Family Educator based in a number of systemic Catholic primary schools across the Archdiocese of Sydney. To see locations please go to https://sydcatholicschools.nsw.edu.au Click on Employment , Positions Vacant. Applications close October 27, 2017. For further information contact meredith.lemos@syd.catholic.edu.au
Jesuit Mission Golf Day: 26 October
The annual Sydney Golf Day is on 26 October 2017 at Manly Golf Course. Please join us for another fun day of golf and dinner in support of Jesuit Mission. The funds raised from the Golf Day enables Jesuit Mission to support our local Jesuit partners in 10 countries across Africa and Asia to deliver community and human development programs. These programs are designed to empower communities to live full and free lives. For bookings and queries, contact golfday@jesuitmission.org.au or (02) 8918 4109.
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth – Holy Hour for Vocations: 2 November
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth cordially invite YOUTH (ages 18-35) to join us for Holy Hour for Vocations. Thursday, 2nd November 2017, at 7:00 pm. Join us also for pizza at 8:00pm. Holy Spirit Convent, 120 Capuchin Way, Plumpton. RSVP: Sr Paula by 28th June, email: vocationscsfn@gmail.com or mobile 0449 656 406.
Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat: 3-5 November
This weekend retreat in Sydney is designed to bring psychological and spiritual healing to anyone who has been affected by an abortion experience including women, men, couples and grandparents. Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries Australia is supported by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Confidential inquiries: tel or SMS 0400 092 555, info@rachelsvineyard.org.au For more information visit: www.rachelsvineyard.org.au
Mass in the African tradition: 5 November
Join us as we celebrate Mass in the African tradition. Very Rev Peter G Williams will celebrate Mass at 2.00pm at Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, 51-59 Allawah Street Blacktown. Contact Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.
Seminar for Couples hoping to conceive: 12 November
Waiting for Gabriel is a seminar allowing couples to hear from trained professionals on the different methods of Natural Fertility Awareness.
These include: The Sympto Thermal Method, The Billings Ovulation Method® and the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System, used in conjunction with NaPro Technology (Natural Procreative Technology). There will be guest couples’ testimonies and the opportunity for questions. Afternoon tea will be catered. Sunday, 12th November 2017, 1:30pm-4:00pm at the Institute for Mission (IFM), 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. To reserve your place, please RSVP to nfs@parra.catholic.org.au or 8838 3460. For more information about the event, visit www.parralmf.org.au/nfs
Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 12 November
Rev Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu, Chaplain to the Nigerian Catholic community, will celebrate Mass at 11.30am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes. Contact Fr Akamadu tel 0451 174 438, Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.
St Philomena Association Holy Mass: 18 November
St John Vianney was very devoted to St Philomena. Pope Gregory XVI called her “the great wonder worker”. Mass at noon with Confession from 11.30am. St John Vianney’s Church, 17 Cameron St, Doonside. A short walk north from Doonside station, the one past Blacktown. Please bring a snack to share. Elizabeth tel or text 0423 15 44 63,epeoples9@gmail.com Facebook: Libby Peoples (events)
Holy Hour for Vocations: 24 November
Everyone is welcome to join the Holy Hour for Vocations from 6:30pm-7.30pm for an hour of adoration, prayer, music and quiet time at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys. For information about priesthood in the Diocese of Parramatta and Holy Spirit Seminary, please contact Fr John Paul Escarlan, Director of Priestly Vocations, vocations@parra.catholic.org.au
For more events please go to: http://parracatholic.org/events/
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.
