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.
Way of Mercy Pilgrimage concludes on 13 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.
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 in Parramatta. Everyone is welcome to take part in the ceremony, which will commence with the arrival of the Cross and Relics and Way of Mercy procession at 4.30pm.
At the 6pm Mass, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will close the Cathedral’s Holy Door. A sausage sizzle will follow with gold coin donations going to Arrupe Place, a drop-in centre in North Parramatta for newly arrived Australians, run by Jesuit Refugee Service Australia.
On this day, the Holy Doors in our Diocese will close at the Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa, the Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville, and Our Lady of Czestochowa Chapel, Marayong. The Year of Mercy will end on the Solemnity of Christ the King on 20 November 2016 when Pope Francis will close the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica.
For more information about the Way of Mercy and to view photo and video galleries, click here.
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
Meditatio Outreach on Meditation & Ageing: 20 November
Fr Laurence Freeman OSB, Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation, 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 the Gospel of Matthew in preparation for the upcoming advent season and liturgical year. 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
