News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta News
2018 Lenten Message from Bishop Vincent
To read Bishop Vincent’s Lenten Message in full and watch the video, please visit: goo.gl/2F77m9
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Lecture Series
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) has engaged Dr Laurie Woods to present on the Gospel of Mark. Venue: IFM, Marion St, Blacktown. Time: 10 am – 2pm. Dates: Friday 23 March, Friday April 6, 13. All are welcome. BYO lunch. RSVPs to Maree 02 9890 4731
Positions Vacant
- Credo Youth Group Coordinator – St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
For further information, please visit www.stpatscathedral.com.au
Palm Sunday Procession: 25 March
Catholic Youth Parramatta are hosting the annual Palm Sunday Procession. Starting at Parramatta Town Hall on Sunday 25th March at 5:15pm and walking to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Details at: parracatholic.org/cyp
Good Friday Night Walk: 30 March
Catholic Youth Parramatta are hosting the annual Good Friday Night Walk. Starting Friday 30th March at 10:00pm from St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown and finishing at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Details at: parracatholic.org/cyp
First Mass at St Luke’s Marsden Park: 8 April
Join Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, assisted by Deacon Tony, who will be leading our first Mass – at St Luke’s College, Frontier Avenue, Marsden Park at 10am. More info at: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.org.au
The Feast of Divine Mercy: 8 April
The Feast of Divine Mercy will be celebrated on 8 April 2018 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes. Celebrations will commence at 3pm with Chaplet, Confessions, Benediction and Mass. There will be fellowship after Mass, please bring a plate to share. No RSVP required.
NSW Pastoral Conference: 1 May
NSW Pastoral Conference: Forming Missionary Disciples – Join with pastoral council members, parish clergy, staff and volunteers across NSW to explore strategies for forming missionary disciples. How do we renew our baptismal call and enable our gifts in parish and school life? Tuesday 1 May, Lidcombe, cost $65. Find out more: www.tinyurl.com/disciples2018 or contact Tanya Quinn: 02 8838 3441 or tanya.quinn@parracatholic.org
The Permanent Diaconate: 6 May
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: 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
Other News
Positions Vacant
- Executive Officer, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry – Archdiocese of Sydney
- University Chaplaincy Co-ordinator, Sydney University Chaplaincies (Closes: 23 March 2018)
- Live-in Centre Manager – Benedict XVI Retreat Centre
For further information, the advertisements for these positions can be viewed at www.catholicjobsonline.com.au
- Community Participation Leader – Caritas Australia
For further information, please visit www.caritas.org.au/jobs/positions-vacant
PROCLAIM 2018: National Conference on Parish Renewal and Evangelisation 12 – 14 July 2018
The Archdiocese of Brisbane, in collaboration with the ACBC’s National Centre for Evangelisation, will host PROCLAIM 2018. This national conference will engage parishes and faith communities in a conversation focusing on five key areas: Leadership, Culture Change, Young People, Belonging and Evangelisation.
During the conference participants can attend keynote presentations, expert panel sessions and discussions facilitated by leaders with ‘on the ground’ experience. Ideally, this will help those participants to contribute to the formulation of some practical strategies to assist your parish or faith community’s own goals in the areas of renewal and evangelisation.
Keynote speakers include Cardinal John Dew (Archdiocese of Wellington, New Zealand), Ron Huntley (Divine Renovation – Canada), Ms Lana Turvey-Collins (Plenary Council 2020 Facilitator), Mons Enrique Fiqaredo SJ (Cambodia) and host of PROCLAIM 2018 Archbishop Mark Coleridge (Archdiocese of Brisbane). To find out more visit www.proclaimconference.com.au and register at our early bird rate.
Holy Hour for Vocations: 5 April
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth cordially invite YOUTH (age 18-35) to join us for Holy Hour for Vocations on Thursday, 5 April at 7:00 pm. Join us also for the pizza at 8:00pm, Holy Spirit Convent, 120 Capuchin Way, Plumpton. RSVP: Sr Paula by 1st June, e-mail: vocationscsfn@gmail.com mob: 0449 656 406
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.
Easter Reflections and Prayer: 14 April
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth cordially invite YOUTH (age 18-35) to join us for a day of Easter Reflections and Prayer on Saturday, 14 April at 2:30pm. Holy Spirit Convent, 120 Capuchin Way, Plumpton. RSVP: Sr Paula by 1st June, e-mail: vocationscsfn@gmail.com mob: 0449 656 406
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.
