News & Events Weekly Update

19 February 2018
Catherine Bourne, Coordinator of Natural Fertility Services in the Diocese of Parramatta.

News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond

 

2018 Lenten Message from Bishop Vincent

To read Bishop Vincent’s Lenten Message in full and watch the video, please visit: goo.gl/2F77m9

Pre-marriage preparation courses

The Life, Marriage and Family Office are again offering Pre-Marriage preparation courses for couples intending to marry. Couples are invited to book online to attend either a weekend course or individual couple preparation. The website for online booking is www.parracatholic.org/pmp. The dates for all courses in 2018 will be found online.  Further enquiries: 02 8838 3460.

Walk the Lenten Journey on your mobile phone

The Xt3 Lent Calendar App 2018 is available for download on Apple and Android devices (search for Xt3 Lent) and can be viewed from the website: www.xt3.com/lent

The Lent calendar will run from Ash Wednesday to Divine Mercy Sunday. Each day will unlock a new video, meditation or podcast, to help you prayerfully journey through Lent. The theme for the Xt3 Lent Calendar 2018 is “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.”

Positions Vacant

  • Family Life Coordinator             – Blacktown Parish, Blacktown

More details at: www.mqofblacktown.org.au

  • Housekeeper/Cook (p/t)                     – Sydney Archdiocese Bishop’s Residence
  • Donation Relations Officer (casual)      – Sydney Archdiocese (casual)

More details at: www.catholicjobsonline.com.au

  • Maintenance Manager       –               St Anthony’s Primary School, Girraween

More details at: www.parra.catholic.edu.au/positions-vacant 

Volunteers Needed

Kimberley Catholic Volunteer Service in the Diocese of Broome, WA, requires volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church in the Kimberley. There are various important voluntary tasks: administration, building maintenance, gardening, shop staffing, cooking, cleaning etc.  Placements are preferred for a period of 6 months.  We are currently seeking caretakers for the Balgo parish. Accommodation and food is provided. For further details on how to be a part of this unique experience, and an application form, please contact: Volunteer Coordinator: Anneliese Rohr 08 9192 1060. Email: volunteers@broomediocese.org or Web: www.broomediocese.org

Natural Fertility Services – Diocese of Parramatta

Natural Fertility Services specialises in helping couples identify the best time to achieve or postpone pregnancies. Natural Family Planning is based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. No drugs, devices, or side effects! For more information please contact Natural Fertility Services on 02 8838 3442, 0400 427 605 or nfs@parracatholic.org

CatholicCare Counselling has moved to 13 Buller Street North Parramatta

CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains has relocated from 2A Villiers Street, North Parramatta to 13 Buller Street North Parramatta. CatholicCare will continue to offer the following services: – Personal and Family Counselling – Relationship Counselling – Post Separation Support and Counselling – Grief and Loss Counselling for adults and children – Financial Counselling – Problem Gambling Counselling – CHOICES NDIS approved counselling. Appointments can be made by calling 02 8843 2530. Free parking available. For more information contact: Karolyn Ellis, Manager Family and Relationship Counselling Services, Karolyn.ellis@ccss.org.au or 0447 441 862.

The Permanent Diaconate

The discernment program for those who are interested in finding out more about this Vocation will be held at St John 23rd Parish, 160 Perfection Avenue, Stanhope Gardens 2768. 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. The meetings will commence at 3.00pm until 6.00pm followed by the Parish Mass and Fellowship.

The 2018 dates on Sundays: 11 March, 6 May, 8 July, 9 September, 4 November.

For further information visit www.parracatholic.org/permanent-diaconate or please contact any of the following deacons: Deacon James – 0425 213 832, Deacon Tan – 0407 270 782, Deacon George – 0408 440 769

Concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta: 25 February

Sydney Philharmonia – Voyage of Voices: VOX and E Studio Youth Choir. Tickets – www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au – More details at: https://stpatscathedral.com.au

Holy Hour for Vocations: 1 March

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth cordially invite YOUTH (age 18-35) to join us for Holy Hour for Vocations, Thursday 1 March at 7:00pm. Join us also for the pizza at 8:00pm. Holy Spirit Convent, 120 Capuchin Way, Plumpton NSW, 2761. RSVP: Sr Paula, vocationscsfn@gmail.com or 0449 656 406.

International Women’s Day: 8 March

The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March, is “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”. International Women’s Day 2018 is an opportunity to empower women in all settings, rural and urban, and celebrate the people who are working relentlessly to claim women’s rights and realise their full potential. For more information visit: goo.gl/VEuLxq

24 hours for the Lord: 9-10 March

From Friday 6pm until Saturday 6pm at Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. Commences with Holy Mass at 6pm and concludes with Holy Mass on Saturday at 5pm. For event details: https://goo.gl/vGicaH

Concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta: 10 March

Byrd Consort Concert – With ‘Recorder Collective’ Easter Polyphony: Renaissance to Bruckner. Tickets via St Patrick’s Cathedral Office 02 8839 8411. Saturday 10 March at 3pm. Entry: $12, Concession: $8. All proceeds to go to the St Patrick’s Cathedral parish. More details at: https://stpatscathedral.com.au

Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 11 March

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.

Oakhill College Open Day: 11 March

We warmly welcome prospective students and families to the Oakhill College Open Day on Sunday, 11 March 2018 from 11.00am – 3.00pm, providing a great opportunity to meet our Principal, Brother Steve Hogan, staff and current students. Tours are guided by students showcasing subject displays, co-curricular activities and performances by one of the many College musical ensembles. Principal’s Address at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Visit our website to register your interest –www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au

Lenten Retreat for Young Adults: 10-11 March

Held at Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. For event details: https://goo.gl/YWfwkW – Contact: Sr M Julie juliebrcar@gmail.com

Sisterhood Catholic Women’s Conference: 16-18 March

Do you want to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus, do you want to grow as a Catholic woman and develop friendships with other women of faith? Join women of all ages for a weekend of prayer, keynote talks, the sacraments, adoration and quality sisterhood time. Keynote speakers include; Darlene Darlene Zschech, Laura Roland, Sr Mary Rachel OP, Jonathan and Karen Doyle, Jo Hayes, Justine Cumbo, Francine Pirola and more. To register visit www.sisterhood.org.au

Australian Catholic Historical Society Lecture: 18 March

Br Dr Kelvin Canavan fms -The bureaucratisation of Catholic schooling and the emergence of the Catholic Education Office. Meet at 2.00pm in the Crypt Hall of St Patrick’s, Church Hill (Grosvenor Street). Admission is free and open to all. Visit the ACHS website www.australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au for more information.

Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 8 April

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.

Grief to Grace: 8-13 April

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

Healing After Abortion Retreat: 13-15 April

Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries, Sydney offers regular healing retreats for those who have experienced an abortion. The retreat offers a sanctuary in which to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion in a safe, supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment. Information and a brochure can found at: www.rachelsvineyard.org.au or call us on our confidential voicemail number 0400 092 555 or email info@rachelsvineyard.org.au.

Australian Catholic Historical Society Lecture: 15 April

Mr Stephen Crittenden, Ms Maha Melhem, Ms Anna Tydd, – The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Admission is free and open to all. Visit the ACHS website www.australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au for more information.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: 27-29 April

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! Date: 27–29 April 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

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.

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