News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta News
Natural Fertility Services
“My husband and I opted for Natural Family Planning (NFP) after our first baby, we’d struggled with other means of fertility management prior to this. Since then, we’ve been shocked by just one thing, hardly anyone knows about it! Our educator has patiently guided us in learning, implementing and having confidence in ourselves. Best of all, NFP goes hand-in-hand with faith, as God’s handiwork is on vibrant display in the human body. Beyond its practical benefits, NFP has revealed to us the astounding mechanisms that God has set in motion in our bodies to create life. NFP is family planning God’s way”. A couple in their 40’s with two children.
To learn more about Natural Family Planning in the Diocese of Parramatta contact 02 8838 3460 or nfs@parracatholic.org or catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org and www.parralmf.org.au/nfs
Catechesis for young adults
Drug and alcoholism abuse, marriage breakups, home violence and the destruction of the family are realities our community experience. The Parish of Baulkham Hills will be conducting a series of Catechesis for adults and teenagers (14 years onwards) starting on 6 of August until the end of September. These talks will help whoever listens to discover the meaning of life, create a sense of belonging and see the immense love God has for them. The talks are free and will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7.30pm at 1 Canyon Rd, Baulkham Hills. More info from Lucas on 0428 813 256.
We’re hiring!
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta is seeking a Nurse to attend World Youth Day 2019 in Panama. The role will be responsible for encouraging and coordinating healthy practices and the preliminary identification and assessment of medical, health and wellbeing needs of pilgrims. More information at: http://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/positions-vacant
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 parracatholic.org/liturgyconference2018/
Tickets: On sale soon (we’ll let you know when).
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
Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 26 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.
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
Catholic Communications Congress
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
Dad’s Support Group: 14 August
D.A.D.S MyTime Group is a group aiming to connect fathers and other male carers of children with a disability, developmental delay, ASD or a chronic illness to a support network of other fathers, helping the whole family. This is a free, government funded service. 7pm – 9pm at St Margaret Mary’s Parish Centre, 5 Chetwynd Rd, Merrylands. Call 0438 878 355 for more information or visit playgroupnsw.org.au or mytime.net.au. Tea & Coffee provided.
Feast of the Assumption Walk: 15 August
THE ANNUAL WALK ON THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION will take place on Wednesday 15 August, beginning at Noon with Mass at the Shrine of the Holy Innocents (8 Greyfriar Place, Kellyville). The walk starts after Mass at 1pm, continues along Windsor Road to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta (14km). Refreshment stops occur along the way. All are welcome. Join us at any point of the walk. Contact the parish office to register on 9629-2595.
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.
Holy Hour for Vocations: 6 September
Families and youth (aged 18-35) are invited to join the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth for a Holy Hour of Prayer for Vocations from 7.00pm-8.00pm followed by a pizza supper. The Good Shepherd Church, 130-136 Hyatts Road, Plumpton. RSVP to Sr Paula on 0449 656 406, vocationscsfn@gmail.com
Catalyst for Renewal: 7 September
Catalyst for Renewal Dinner – 7 September at 7.30pm, Villa Maria Parish Hall, Corner Mary St & Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill. Speaker: John Allen. Topic: “Pope Francis and His Critics” – A Vatican Insiders View. Tickets $60 ph. Reservations essential. For bookings, Phone 02 9990 7003 (Messagebank), Email: catalyst-for-renewal@tpg.com.au
Bethlehem College 100th Anniversary Luncheon: 8 September
All former students and staff of Bethlehem College, Ashfield, are warmly invited to attend the 100th Anniversary celebratory luncheon to be held at Sydney City Tattersalls Club, 194-204 Pitt Street, Sydney from midday on 8 September. For more information, please visit www.bethlehemcollege.nsw.edu.au or contact bethlehemexstudents@gmail.com or 0409 986 740 or 0414 841 395.
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.
