News & Events Weekly Update

13 November 2017
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv with Diocese of Parramatta deacons and their wives.

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

 

Special edition of Catholic Outlook

At the request of Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Catholic Outlook will be back in print for a special, one-off December 2017 Christmas edition. This special edition will be a beautifully bound, 40-page, A4 magazine and will showcase the work of the parishes, ministries and agencies of the Diocese of Parramatta. Look out for copies in your parishes and schools from Monday 4 December.

Prayers of Intercession for after the release of the Same-Sex Marriage Survey results

The following prayers of intercession have been prepared for suggested use in your parishes for the weekend of 18-19 November 2017:

  1. In the event of a “Yes” majority

For our nation’s civil leaders, the members of the Australian Parliament. That following the National Marriage Postal Survey they will enact laws which respect the rights and freedoms of speech, conscience, and religion of all in our land. We pray to the Lord.

For our nation Australia. That any hurt or division caused during the National Marriage Postal Survey will be healed and that we will respect the rights and freedoms of speech, conscience, and religion of all in our land. We pray to the Lord.

  1. In the event of a “No” majority

For our nation’s civil leaders, the members of the Australian Parliament. That following the National Marriage Postal Survey they will respect and promote God’s loving plan for men, women, and children by preserving marriage as the foundational institution of society. We pray to the Lord.

For our nation Australia. That any hurt or division caused during the National Marriage Postal Survey will be healed and that we will respect God’s loving plan for men, women, and children by preserving marriage as the foundational institution of society. We pray to the Lord.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv statement on Manus Island

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop Delegate for Migrants and Refugees has issued a statement on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, following the closure of the Manus Island Centre. He states: “The policy of offshore detention has failed and it is time for us to deal with the issue of asylum seekers and refugees according to this nation’s proud tradition and the best nature of its citizens. We can do a whole lot better, just as we did welcome “those who’ve come across the seas” after the wars in Europe and in Southeast Asia. The concern for maritime border security does not have to make us into a mean-spirited people. The policy of offshore detention has cost Australia dearly. But it has cost the detainees and their families even more. I appeal to the government and political leaders to act in accordance with our honourable tradition. It is time to find an alternative and conscionable solution, including accepting New Zealand’s offer of resettlement and bringing the remaining detainees on Manus Island to Australia for further processing.”

The Catholic Foundation: 19 November

The Diocese of Parramatta is delighted to announce the establishment of The Catholic Foundation, which will replace and expand on the good work of the Diocesan Works Fund. The Catholic Foundation needs to raise $2.5 million annually to sustain the works of the Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains – including the formation of our seminarians, providing Christian education in public schools, empowering our disabled with job training, supporting our deaf and assisting single mothers facing homelessness. For more information please visit: https://yourcatholicfoundation.org.au

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

Ordination to the Diaconate of Galbert Albino: 25 November

Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, will be the principal celebrant for the Vigil Mass of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe with the Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate of Galbert Albino on Saturday 25 November 2017 at 6.00pm. The ordination will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes 2145. Light refreshments to follow. RSVP by 17 November 2017: For catering purposes please RSVP to parish secretary tel (02) 9631 8135, parishoffice@olqp.org.au.

Preparing our Hearts for Advent Reflection Day for Women: 25 November

Preparing our Hearts for Advent Reflection Day for Women at Mt Schoenstatt, Fairlight Rd Mulgoa 25 November 9.30am – 3.00pm. Cost: $25. BYO lunch. Take some time out to reflect on the Season of Advent Day includes talk, prayer, Mass and much more! For more info contact Sr Mary Louise (02 8838 3457). Register by 22 November – info@schoenstatt.org.au or 02 4773 8338.

Westmead Old Boys’ Association: 26 November

Members of the St. Vincent’s Westmead Old Boys Association are invited to the Annual Mass and 96th Reunion on Sunday 26 November at 11.00am, Sacred Heart Church, 14 Ralph St Westmead, BBQ Lunch at 12.30pm. Enquiries to Bob McDonald 0417 214 822.

Shrine Time for Young Adults 18-35: 26 November

One Holy Hour with prayer, reflection, meditation, praise & worship. 2017 is devoted to Praying for Vocations and Devotion to Mary as per our Holy Father’s intentions for WYD 2018 in Panama. From 7.30pm-8.30pm followed by social gathering. Mary, honoured as the Mother Thrice Admirable, offers 3 graces in the Shrine, this monthly event is a unique opportunity to experience them regularly: Discover your HOME in the hearts of Jesus and Mary; See breakthrough TRANSFORMATION in your life; and Get your spiritual boost to be an authentic WITNESS. In the Shrine at Mount Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: 24-26 November

A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a Marriage Enrichment experience for married couples – set in peaceful, picturesque surroundings, away from the distractions of everyday life.  During the weekend, couples have a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh their relationship. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset . . .  your Marriage! Weekend date: 24th -26th November, at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. Bookings online at  www.wwme.org.au or Adrian and Janet Sullivan: on 0490 774 419 or adrian.janet1@bigpond.com

Discernment to the Permanent Diaconate: 26 November

Come and learn more about vocations to the Diaconate and have a chat with our team members. We are looking for men aged between 35 to 55 and residing in the Diocese of Parramatta. Our discernment program consists of five sessions, with each session dealing with different aspects of the Diaconate. This is the fifth session of the 2017 program.  Subsequent sessions will be announced in due course. Venue: St. John 23rd Parish, 160 Perfection Ave, Stanhope Gardens, NSW 2768. Time: 3:30 to 6 pm (including Mass and fellowship).

For further information visit http://parracatholic.org/permanent-diaconate/  please contact any of the following deacons:

Deacon James – deacon@stanthonyschurch.org.au

Deacon Tan – deacontan@john23rd.org.au/0407270782

Deacon George – g.bryan1@bigpond.com

Volunteer overseas information session: 29 November

Palms Australia is looking for people – such as teachers, health and community development workers – to volunteer in Catholic communities all over the world to mentor workers in their fields of expertise. Australian donors cover your costs and outstanding support is provided through the church’s single biggest global volunteer mission agency. Information Session on Wednesday November 29, 5:45 – 7:00 pm. More information: www.palms.org.au/projects/.                     

International Day of People with Disability: 3 December

The International Day of People with Disability is observed annually on 3 December. In Australia, over many years, the Church has sought to take this day as an opportunity to encourage a truly pastoral view that embraces our total community as the living Body of Christ. We especially pray that we, the Church, can strive to be a people of compassion and relationship, and a sacred place where our gifts are acknowledged, received and celebrated; for then we can truly proclaim that we are ‘one Body in Christ’.

Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 10 December

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.

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.

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