News & Events Weekly Update

News & Events across the Diocese of Parramatta.
The Mercy Cross & Relics visited the school communities of Holy Trinity Primary and Delany College at Granville.

Thanksgiving Mass for RCIA & Sacraments of Initiation teams: 4 November

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will celebrate the annual Thanksgiving Mass for RCIA and Sacraments of Initiation teams and facilitators. Mass at 7.30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. RSVP 2 November: Office for Worship tel (02) 8838 3457 or send an email to MLWalsh@parra.catholic.org.au

The Way of Mercy in November 2016

Pope Francis has called for a more merciful and inclusive church in “which we are all called to give consolation to each man and each woman of our time”. In response, the relics of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and St Teresa of Kolkata accompanied by a Mercy Cross are on a pilgrimage through the Diocese of Parramatta.

4-5 November: Pilgrimage at Mt Schoenstatt. Friday: 6pm-10pm adoration and reflection in the Shrine. Saturday: 9am Stations of Mercy from the Valley to the Shrine or Anointing of the Sick in the Shrine; 11am Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv; Afterwards lunch available or BYO for an enjoyable afternoon on the grounds of Mt Schoenstatt Spirituality Centre, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Bring your parish group, family and friends to the Holy Door of Mercy, which closes on 13 Nov. Details: tel (02) 4773 8338, manager@schoenstatt.org.au

5-6 November: hosted by St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, with Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath; St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish, Upper Blue Mountains; and Our Lady of the Nativity Parish, Lawson.

12 November: St Elizabeth’s Aged Care Facility, Dean Park.

13 November: The Way of Mercy Pilgrimage will conclude with a ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral commencing at 4.30pm. At the 6pm Mass, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will close the Cathedral’s Holy Door. A sausage sizzle fundraiser will follow with proceeds going to Arrupe Place, a drop-in centre for newly arrived Australians run by the Jesuit Refugee Services Australia. On this day, the Holy Doors will close at the Schoenstatt Shrine at Mulgoa, the Shrine of the Holy Innocents at Kellyville and Our Lady of Czestochowa Chapel at Marayong.

For more information about the Way of Mercy and to view photo and video galleries, click here.

Discover Retreat for Young Women:  4-6 November

A self-discovery weekend for young women aged 18-35 at Mt Schoenstatt. Come and discover your dignity, identity and personal mission. From 7.30pm on Friday to 5pm on Sunday. Cost: student $180, employed $200 – sponsorship available. Mt Schoenstatt Spirituality Centre, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. To register or for more information contact Sr M Julie: juliebrcar@gmail.com or tel 0408 738 334.

Bringing Laudato Si’ to Life – From Vision to Action: 10 November

With Fr Sean McDonagh SSC, Irish eco-theologian and Columban missionary, who will contribute to bringing the vision of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’ to life and action in churches and the wider community, in dialogue with other faiths and with environmentalists. Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start – finishes at 8.30pm, Australian Catholic University, Gleeson Auditorium, Barker Rd, Strathfield. For further information, click here.  RSVP 7 November: admin.cmi@columban.org.au

‘Leading an Energised Life’: 11-13 November

This weekend workshop is for those who are interested in exploring and developing their spirituality in ways that energise their lives. Facilitated by Br (Dr) Barry Donaghue, Director Emeritus of Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Cedar Rapids, US. Venue is the Edmund Rice Retreat & Conference Centre, Winbourne, 1315 Mulgoa Rd, Mulgoa. Information: click here.  Bookings: (02) 4773 5555.

Holy Hour for Vocations: 17 November

Everyone is welcome to join the Holy Hour for Vocations from 7pm-8pm for an hour of adoration, prayer, music and quiet time in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. To find out more about priesthood contact Fr Warren Edwards, Director of Priestly Vocations, vocations@parra.catholic.org.au

‘Waiting for Gabriel’ Seminar for Couples Hoping to Conceive: 20 November

Location: Diocesan Assembly Centre (attached to Institute for Mission building), 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. From 1.30pm-4pm. Hosted by Life, Marriage & Family Office, Diocese of Parramatta, tel (02) 8838 3441, lmf@parra.catholic.org.au

Fr Laurence Freeman OSB to lead Meditatio Outreach on Meditation & Ageing: 20 November

A Meditatio Seminar with Fr Laurence Freeman OSB, Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation. Fr Laurence will lead this Meditatio Outreach on Meditation & Ageing with keynote speakers, a panel, personal testimonies and small reflection groups, interwoven with meditation and contemplative practices. Registration 10am, first presentation 10.30am, Eucharist will conclude the day. Morning tea provided – BYO lunch. St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Road, Arcadia. For more information, click here. Bookings: acmcmeditatio@gmail.com

Advent – a Season of Hope: 26 November

Reflection Day for Women with presenter Sr Mary Louise Walsh ISSM. From 9.30am-3pm at Mt Schoenstatt, Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Cost: $25, BYO lunch – morning & afternoon tea provided. To register tel (02) 4773 8338, info@schoenstatt.org.au

Annual Advent Festival: 27 November

All are welcome at Mount St Benedict Centre, Pennant Hills. This year we will pre-empt the O Antiphons, and pray these ancient cries of COME O Morning Star, COME O Holy Guide, COME O Prince of Peace! On 1st Sunday of Advent, 3.30pm Afternoon Tea followed by the Festival at 4.30pm for one hour. RSVP for catering purposes by 21 November. Contact: (02) 9484 6208; mtstbenedict@bigpond.com  Mount St Benedict Centre, Pennant Hills, entrance Off Hull Rd.

ACU Advent Lessons and Carols: 28 November

Led by the ACU Strathfield Student Choir. Starts 6pm, followed by light refreshments. Barron Memorial Chapel, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield Campus, 25A Barker Rd, Strathfield. Details: tel (02) 9701 4223, AVC.NSW-ACT@acu.edu.au

Scripture Reflection Evening – The Gospel of Matthew: 30 November 

The Institute for Mission is hosting a Bible study evening led by Dr Michele Connolly RSJ. Sr Michele is a biblical studies lecturer at the Catholic Institute of Sydney and will be opening up for us the Gospel of Matthew in preparation for the upcoming advent season and liturgical year. This evening will be a great start to the next step in our worship cycle. From 7pm-9pm at the IFM, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. RSVP 25 November: charbel.dib@ifm.org.au

Trip to Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, Sutton Forest: 6 December

You are invited to join the Sacred Heart Parish community for a day trip that includes coach travel, morning tea, self-guided tour of the grounds and shrines. BYO picnic lunch. Departs 9.30am from Sacred Heart Parish, 14 Ralph St, Westmead, returns approx 4pm. Cost: $15pp. Bookings close 29 November. Tel (02) 9635 9262, office@sacredheartwestmead.com.au

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