Diocese of Parramatta Notices  

 

Bishop Kevin Manning Funeral Details 

  

The funeral Mass for Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning, the second Bishop of Parramatta, will be held on Friday 2 August at 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. The Mass will also be livestreamed on the Diocese of Parramatta’s YouTube channel. A vigil service will be held [information will be provided in coming days]. Bishop Manning will then be interred on Monday 5 August in Coolah, NSW. We continue to pray for the repose of his soul and give thanks to God for his earthly life. To register your attendance, please visit parracatholic.org/bishopmanning. 

 

Launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 

 

The Diocese of Parramatta is excited to announce that the launch and release of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church is only 2 weeks away, on Saturday 10 August. The pastoral plan represents the culmination of our Synod journey, where we have come together to listen, discern, and envision a path forward for our diocese over the past 15 months. For more information, visit parracatholic.org/synodality. 

 

Bishop Vincent presents Dr Myriam Wijlens: 5 August 

 

Internationally recognised Dutch theologian, ecumenist and consultor to several Vatican bodies, Dr Myriam Wijlens will be coming to Australia to deliver a series of free public lectures on the topic of ‘The prophetic voice of the laity in the renewal of the Catholic Church.’ Dr Myriam will be hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta as part of its “Bishop Vincent Presents” series on Monday 5 August at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, from 6pm. To register, please visit parracatholic.org/drmyriam 

 

Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities    

 

The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on Saturday 17 August at St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst, for Modules 4-5. More training opportunities will be available throughout August and September. Please register directly for this training or for other convenient dates and locations by clicking on the training event at: https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training. For more information, please email: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org 

 

#Active4Vocations at the City2Surf: 11 August 

 

Are you up for fun, fitness, and fellowship? Get #Active4Vocations in the City2Surf on Sunday 11 August. Join the Parramatta Catholic Foundation #Active4Vocations team. Walk, stroll, jog, or run with our Holy Spirit seminarians, deacons, priests, and community. Scan this QR code or visit tinyurl.com/Active4Vocations to register or donate. Funds raised support our Diocese’s seminarians to become priests. Thank you for getting #Active4Vocations. 

 

MET Natural Fertility Instruction Sessions: 

  

MET Natural Fertility are organising a series of instruction sessions on the Natural Family Planning methods offered by the Diocese of Parramatta via Zoom. Learn how to chart your cycle, space out pregnancies and identify the best time to reach your family goals. 

 

• Sympto-Thermal Method: Tuesday 30 July at 7.15pm 

• Creighton Model FertilityCare System: Saturday 3 August at 1pm 

   

To book your place or for further information or instruction, please contact Catherine on catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605. 

 

MET Worship Music Copyright Workshop: 30 July or 1 August 

 

Calling all Parish musicians and members of our parish communities who create slides and booklets for our masses. Mr Eric Grella will be holding a workshop on THE IMPORTANCE OF COPYRIGHT. Bring all your questions to the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, on 30 July or to St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith on 1 August at 7pm. RSVP via https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=office-for-worship or email lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org. 

 

MET Worship A Journey of Faith RCIA Seminars: Beginning 31 July 

 

The MET Worship team are holding a series of seminars for RCIA coordinators to come together to learn and ask questions about how to run an RCIA program in their parish. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays (and one Tuesday) from 31 July to 28 August at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Participants may attend as many workshops as they are interested in. For more information and to register, please visit https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=rcia-seminars or contact lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or call 0460 037 795. 

 

Peace, Justice and Ecology Table Talk – Housing for Everyone: 3 August 

  

Many people in our communities struggle to find a home, due to high prices to rent or buy, lack of availability, or lack of social housing. At this Diocesan Table Talk, you are invited to hear and discuss inspiring stories from people affected and insightful information from an expert: 3 August 2024 from 7pm – 9:30pm (after Mass) at The Good Shepherd Parish, 130-136 Hyatts Rd, Plumpton. Light dinner will be included. Please register at tinyurl.com/housing-table-talk24 

 

MET Worship Serving at the Altar Seminar: 3 August 

 

The Office for Worship are hosting a seminar for Acolytes and Ministers of the Altar (Senior Servers) on "Back to Basics of Serving at the Altar" on Saturday 3 August from 9.30am to 3pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Chris Ohlsen will present the seminar, which will revisit some of the basic principles in serving at the altar. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. To RSVP by 31 July, please contact lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or call 0460 037 795. 

 

Adult Confirmation 2024 Formation Day: 24 August 

 

The Office for Worship will host a Catechesis and Formation Day for those candidates (16+) interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. This will be on Saturday 24 August from 9.30am – 2.00pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. A light lunch will be provided on the day. It is recommended that all sponsors attend the catechesis day. A contribution of $25 is suggested from the candidates to assist in covering the Catechesis Day. For more information please contact Lucy Woodbury on lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795. 

 

Diocesan Season of Creation Gathering: 14 September 

 

You are invited to a Diocesan Season of Creation gathering on Saturday 14 September from 10am to 4om at Winbourne Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. This event is part of Catholic Earthcare’s national Season of Creation Convocation from 12-14 September. Cost is $50 for the Diocesan gathering only, or $100 for the full Convocation (with days 1 and 2 online). For program details, please visit tinyurl.com/soc-gathering24. Register for the Convocation by 12 August at caritas.org.au/soc-convocation. 

 

Diocesan Food Drives 

 

Many vulnerable people in our community rely on the ‘food banks’ run by Jesuit Refugee Services and the House of Welcome, which operate thanks to donations from community food drives. All parishes and schools are encouraged to run a food drive for those seeking safety in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Find out more information about how you can help at https://parracatholic.org/contribute/volunteer/#food-drive or emailing james.atanasious@parracatholic.org    

 

Marriage Preparation Courses in 2024   

 

Getting married in 2024? Let the Diocese of Parramatta help you prepare. Visit www.parracatholic.org/celebrate/marriage/marriage-preparation to view weekend course dates in the New Year, to book and pay. An online preparation called SmartLoving can also be booked via the website. For more information, email marriage@parracatholic.org or Marisa on 0412 280 017.   

  
Get your feed on the Soul Food Podcast 
   

Do you find life & faith inspiration by listening to the experiences of others?   
The Mission Enhancement Team’s Soul Food Podcast features life & faith stories of people from our diocesan family. Listen now for FREE via our website or on Spotify:  www.parracatholic.org/resources/soul-food  

   

Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal available for in-person, telephone and Zoom appointments   

    

The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm for enquiries regarding marriage annulments. Interviews are being conducted in person with Zoom and telephone appointments available in certain circumstances. Please contact the Tribunal office on (02) 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org.   

  

Catholic Care Mamre Supported Playgroup 

 

Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are offering a free supported playgroup which operates on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm during school terms at Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact Mamre Supported Playgroup on (02) 8843 2506. 

 

Free English and Citizenship Classes  

  

Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are offering English and Citizenship classes at Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills, on a Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 2pm during school terms. Free childcare is available. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact Mamre Crèche on (02) 8843 2506 or Nepean Community College (02) 4724 9000.  

 

Mount Schoenstatt Shrine Time Holy Hour for Youth and Young Adults 

 

The Mount Schoenstatt community invite young and young adults for Holy Hour every fourth Sunday of the month from 7pm to 8pm at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine, 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa, followed by a social gathering afterwards. There will be opportunities for praise and worship, prayer, reflection, confession and benediction. For more information, please contact Sr M Rita on 0493 026 628 or srrita@schoenstatt.org.au 

 

Catholic Care Keeping Kids in Mind Parenting Course: Begins 13 August 

 

Parenting after separation can be difficult for you and your child. This Catholic Care course over five weeks is designed to assist you in supporting your child following family separation. The sessions are held every Tuesday online from 13 August to 10 September from 10am – 12.30pm. Cost is $150 or $50 for concession card holders. A certificate of attendance is issued on completion of the course. To book, call (02) 8843 2500 or email enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au 

 

Winbourne Being Peaceful Change Reflection Day: 17 August 

 

The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day on ‘Being Peaceful Change’ on Saturday 17 August from 9.30am to 12.30pm. “Before you speak of peace, you must first have it in your heart” (St Francis of Assisi). How might we achieve this unity and carry it forward? Cost is $15 per person. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org 

 

Glenbrook Parish Universal Sisterhood Women’s Retreat: 17 August 

 

Universal Sisterhood is hosting a women’s retreat on Saturday 17 August from 8.45am to 5.15pm at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. This retreat is open to all women 18+ who want to develop a deeper understanding of their faith and are searching for an authentic relationship with the Lord and with other like minded women. Registration is $100. To register, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1171377. All enquiries, call 0403 962 181. 

 

Catholic Care Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Group: Begins 3 September 

  

Parents and caregivers are welcome to join a parenting group designed by the Australian Childhood Foundation run over four sessions at Catholic Care’s Mamre House, Orchard Hills, from Thursday 3 September from 10am to 1pm. The course is supported by the free Mamre Creche. Numbers are limited, so express your interest by contacting (02) 8843 2500 or 0439 917 129 by 15 August. 

 

Central Europe Pilgrimage with Fr Joseph Lam: May 2025   

 

Final few places are available for the Cosmos tour of Central Europe with Fr Joseph Lam from St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook. The tour runs for 15 days from 11 to 25 May 2025, travelling through Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and Czechia. Prices start from $5,290 per person, excluding flights. For more information or to register your interest contact Ruby Travels Worldwide on 0401 895 998, email june.rubytravels@gmail.com or visit rubytravelsworldwide.com 

 

 

Other Notices   

 

ACBC Absent from the Table Survey 

 

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is undertaking a research project aimed at investigating why some Catholics do not participate in regular weekly Sunday Mass. The survey, for those who self-identify as Catholics and are 18 years and over and who do not regularly attend weekly Mass on Sunday, is anonymous and will close on 20 August. The survey and information about the project can be found at https://bit.ly/AbsentFromTheTableSurvey    

 

Growing in Faith: Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 2025 

 

There is an opportunity for a group to travel to the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress experience in February 2025. The Congress focuses on growing in understanding about the Catholic faith and seeking personal growth. Synodal Consultancy is organising a 10-day pilgrimage with visits to Christ Cathedral and Disneyland! Please contact Lisa Bright from Synodal Consultancy on 0419 418 547 to find out more. See https://recongress.org/ for more information about the Congress. 

 

ACU Manly Union inaugural McGuire Lecture: 6 August 

 

You are invited to attend the inaugural McGuire Lecture on 6 August at the Gleeson Auditorium, ACU Strathfield Campus on Tuesday 6 August from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Retired Broken Bay priest Rev. Dr John Hill, will speak on ‘What sort of priest is needed in the emerging Australian Catholic Church?’. The lecture is a collaboration of the Manly Union and ACU. The event is free and will be livestreamed on ACU's YouTube channel. Please RSVP by 30 July 2024 via https://www.manlyunion.org.au/events 

 

Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 17 – 18 August   

 

How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. The next Engaged Encounter Weekend will be held on 17-18 August, with future dates in November and February 2025. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au/ 

 

Jesus Light of the World Communities Growth Formation Retreat: 23 - 25 August  

 

The Jesus Light of the World Communities invites you to their Growth Formation Retreat from 23 to 25 August at The Collaroy Centre, Collaroy. The program includes Mass, talks, workshops and discussions and an hour of empowerment. Prices are $450 per person for single, or $360 per person twin share. For more information, please contact Helen on 0433 455 114 or email jlowcommunity@gmail.com 

 

St Phoebe Webinar 2024: 3 September 

 

Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate, supported by Catholic Religious Australia invite you to the 2024 St Phoebe webinar “Where are St Phoebe’s successors today?” on Tuesday 3 September at 7.30pm AEST. Join Geraldine Doogue AO, Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO and Dr Sandie Cornish to reflect on synodality and access for women to the diaconate. To register, please visit www.liturgyonthemargins.org/events  

 

St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust Applications open 

 

The St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in leadership/ministry or a specialised activity, such as promoting faith enhancement, social justice and pastoral care. More information and application forms are available on their website pallottine.org.au/svpscholarship. Applications close 31 July 2024. 

 

Divine Retreat Centre offerings in 2024 

 

The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout 2024. For more information and bookings, please contact (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org for more information.