News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta News
We’re hiring!
If you’re studying or recently graduated from accounting and looking to get your foot in the door in finance, the Diocese of Parramatta Diocesan Development Fund is looking for a casual Trainee Assistant Accountant with an immediate start. For more information contact ddffinance@parraddf.org.au
IFM Reflective Ministry Program
This enjoyable program aims to enrich those involved in service/ministry of Catholic communities – excellent chance for learning and further shaping of faith and purpose. Ten Tuesday evenings and two Saturday mornings are spread out across August 18 to Dec 1 – presenters’ inputs, journaling and application to ministry – group size about 35. See ifm.org.au or call the IFM team 9296 6369
ACYMC 2018
Early-bird registration for the Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Convention hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops is now open at www.acymc.org.au. The event will host up to 500 adult delegates who are engaged in ministry with young people in parishes, schools, agencies and ministries of the Catholic Church. Rooty Hill RSL, September 21-23. Contact James Camden, Director, Catholic Youth Parramatta for more information (02) 8838 3428 or james.camden@parracatholic.org
Save the Date – Liturgy Conference 2018
Date: 10 November 2018. Keynote Speaker: Fr Peter Williams Vicar General from the Diocese of Parramatta. Workshops (still to be finalised): Singing the Psalms, RCIA ritual & symbols, Training Junior Altar Servers and Music and Prayer in the Classroom. To register your interest go to: https://parracatholic.org/liturgyconference2018/
Tickets: On sale soon (we’ll let you know when).
Lifted Live! Feat. Genevieve Bryant: 10 August
Celebrate the Year of Youth with home-grown Aussie singer, songwriter and musician Gen Bryant this August! Gen will be joining us from Melbourne for a beautiful night of music, worship, drama, testimony, dance and prayer in a way that only a LIFTED night can create. The experience is open to all secondary school aged students, parish youth and young adults. Rooty Hill RSL from 7.30-10pm. $5 entry fee on arrival. Contact CYP and Sr Rosie for more information – rosie.drum@parracatholic.org
Office for Worship Formation Day: 11 August
The Office For Worship is offering a Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying Ongoing Formation Day on Saturday 11 August, 9.30am – 2.00pm (Morning Tea and lunch provided) at the Institute For Mission, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. RSVP by 6 of August, 2018. For more information or to register contact ingrid.vergano@parracatholic.org 02 8838 3456.
St Philomena Association Holy Masses: 11 August
St John Vianney was very devoted to St Philomena. Pope Gregory XVI called her “the great wonder worker”. Mass at midday with Confession from 11.30am: St John Vianney’s Church, 17 Cameron St, Doonside. A short walk north from Doonside station, the one past Blacktown. Please bring a snack to share. Elizabeth tel or text 0423 15 44 63, epeoples9@gmail.com Facebook: Libby Peoples (events)
Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 12 August
Rev Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu, Chaplain to the Nigerian Catholic community, will celebrate Mass at 12.30pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes. Contact Fr Akamadu tel 0451 174 438, Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.
Concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta: 17 August
Sydney Philharmonia – Chamber Singers: TALBOT Path of Miracles – Tickets via www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au – More details at: www.stpatscathedral.com.au
Holy Spirit Seminary Open Day: 19 August
“Come and See Day” at Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park on 19 August 2018 is a whole-day event, inspired by Our Lord’s invitation to the two disciples of John the Baptist to “Come and see”, found in the Gospel of John. Open Day provides single men open to a priestly vocation with the opportunity to experience seminary life, beginning with Holy Mass at St Oliver’s Parish Church at 10 am, followed by talks, a tour, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and dinner with Bishop Vincent. RSVP essential. Please contact Fr John Paul Escarlan via johnpaul.escarlan@parracatholic.org or 0420 310 771
Migrant and Refugee Week: 20 – 26 August
Pope Francis has chosen as the theme for the 104th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, ‘Welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating migrants and refugees’. We are challenged by the message of the Holy Father to consider how we can welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants and refugees in our own Australian context. For more information please visit: parracatholic.org/socialjustice
Creating a Safe Church: 31 August – 1 September
The Diocese of Parramatta is co-hosting two days of presentations by Fr Hans Zollner SJ addressing the most significant issues facing the Catholic Church today with respect to harmful behaviour, including the theological and spiritual implications arising from the abuse crisis and their impact on victims and survivors, together with members of the Church.
Fr Hans is regarded as one of the leading ecclesiastical experts in the field of safeguarding of minors and on areas concerning sexual abuse both in the Roman Catholic Church and beyond. More information and registration via parracatholic.org/safechurch
Other News
Plenary Council 2020
Pope Francis has approved the Australian Bishops’ decision to hold a Plenary Council in Australia in 2020 and 2021. It is a significant moment for the Church in Australia to make decisions about the future. To prepare the agenda for the Plenary Council, all of God’s people are invited to reflect on the question: “What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?” Find out more about the Plenary Council 2020 at the new website, now online: www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au
Communicating Hope and Trust: How can we share the message of Christ and his Gospel in contemporary Australia?
Speakers from Australia and abroad will challenge delegates at the Australian Catholic Communications Congress to take up Pope Francis’ call for Catholics to “communicate hope and trust”. September 5-7 in Brisbane. All are welcome. Find out more and register at www.catholic.org.au/accc
Grief to Grace – Healing the Wounds of Abuse
This is a spiritual retreat for anyone who has suffered degradation or violation through physical, emotional, sexual or spiritual abuse. The retreat will be held May 26 – 31 2019. To request an application contact Anne by emailing info@grieftograceaus.org.au or phone 0478599241. For more information visit www.grieftograce.org
Campion College Book Sale: 11 August
The Library at Campion College Australia will be holding a book sale with a large number of second hand books for sale. Subjects include theology, literature, history and philosophy. Saturday 11 August from 10am to 4pm at Campion College Australia, 8-14 Austin Woodbury Place, Old Toongabbie, NSW 2146. Inquiries via 02 9896 9307 and k.doughty@campion.edu.au
Healing After Abortion Retreat: 10 – 12 August
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.
Marriage Enrichment Weekend: 17 – 19 August
Take the time to step back from everyday distractions and rediscover your relationship! 17 – 19 August at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. Book online at www.wwme.org.au – alternatively contact Adrian and Janet Sullivan: on 0490 774 419 or adrian.janet1@bigpond.com
Australian Catholic Historical Society Lecture: 19 August
Senator Susan Ryan AO – Catholic Social Justice and parliamentary politics. Visit the ACHS website www.australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au for more information.
Christian Meditation: 19 August
The next Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia is on Sunday 19 August. Arrival is 10am for 10:30am. Presentations, Meditation and Mass. BYO picnic lunch, tea and coffee provided. Books and DVDs available for purchase. Registration on arrival. Voluntary Donation to the monks. Day closes around 3pm. Accommodation may be available at the monastery guest house ring: Br Terry 0438 282 318. Enquires: Ann Lomas 9653 2637
Vinnies Western Sydney Sleepout
This August Vinnies will bring business and community representatives together with the local community to help prevent homelessness. You can help too! Registrations are now open for Catholic parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains to help made a significant impact to the lives of people in need. You are invited to join the inaugural Vinnies Western Sydney Community Sleepout on 30 August to raise vital funds to help prevent homelessness in Western Sydney. We’re asking each participant to have a target goal of $500. Your Vinnies Conference members may have already raised this event with you. From 6pm on 30 August until 8am Friday 31 August 2018 at Western Sydney University, Parramatta South Campus. Details at www.vinnies.org.au
Catholic Men’s Conference: 1 September
Join with other men to explore strategies for: What is Courage? How do we build authentic relationships? What is commitment? Saturday, 1 September at Dooleys Catholic Club, Lidcombe Registration: $60 Early Bird $48 (11 August). Find out more: www.sydneycatholicmen.com/conference or contact Norm Reavell on 0438 5515 441. A collaborative of men from Brotherssoul (Schoenstatt Men), menALIVE, The Catenian Association, Knights of the Southern Cross, The Men of St Joseph and Catholic Men’s Fellowship.
Australian Catholic Historical Society Lecture: 2 September
Professor Mark McKenna – Faith at “World’s End”: Father Angelo Confalonieri and the first Catholic Mission to Northern Australia. Visit the ACHS website www.australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au for more information.
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.
