Growing Together in Faith
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Pontifical Holy Land Good Friday Collection: 29 March
Every year on Good Friday, a collection is taken up in every Catholic church to support the people and places of the Holy Land. The Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land have the unique responsibility of caring for the Holy Places as well as caring for the Christians living in the Holy Land. Your donation is a direct way to make a difference in the lives of people who are keeping alive the Christian presence in the land of Jesus, often in the face of great difficulty in recent years. Make your donation this Holy Week via the envelopes in your parish or donate directly via Commissariat of the Holy Land, 47 Victoria St. Waverley NSW 2024 or holyland@franciscans.org.au.
Positions Vacant:
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Administration Assistant (part-time) - Sacred Heart Parish, Mt Druitt South and Permanent Diaconate community – Applications close 10pm Monday 11 March
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
Synod 2023 Update: Decree issued and Development of Diocesan Plan Begins
In January, the Synodal Decree from our inaugural Diocesan Synod was issued, enabling us to move forward in the development of a Diocesan Plan. Join us in the next phase of our journey, as we discern a new path forward for our local Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The Diocesan Plan for a Synodal Church will launch at the Diocesan Gathering on Saturday 10 August. Learn more at parracatholic.org/synod
NEW Diocesan website launched
The new parracatholic.org website is now here with exciting new features and functionality including a comprehensive ‘Find a Mass’ function which includes Daily and Weekend Masses, Reconciliation and Adoration times; a centralised event calendar; Daily Mass readings and different ways you can contribute to the Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Check it out today!
Free Online Formation on Synodal Spirituality
Dive into 'Synodal Spirituality' with this FREE online short formation course, taught by Sr Patty Andrew OSU. Part of the FaithLIFE series hosted by the Mission Enhancement Team, the course offers an exploration of communal discernment, active engagement, and creative faith responses to challenges in the mission of the Church today. Enrol now and take part in Pope Francis's vision for a synodal Church: https://pfparra.thinkific.com/courses/synodal-spirituality/
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunity for Cycle 1
Have you had a chance to complete your first three Mandatory Safeguarding Modules as yet?
Face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre Blacktown on Tuesday mornings in March.
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Module 2: Tuesday 12 March (10.00am – 11.30am)
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Module 3: Tuesday 19 March (10.00am – 11.30am)
To register, please visit https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?topic=safeguarding
Music for Easter Triduum Workshop: 12 March
Join us for another Music Workshop led by Eric Grella to learn more about Music for the Easter Triduum. This event will be held at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown on 12 March from 7-9pm. This workshop is for all who are involved in the music ministry of their parish and anyone interested in diving deeper into the world of liturgical music! RSVP to lucy.woodbury@parracatholic.org or 0460 037 795 by 8 March.
MET The FaithFeed: 15 March
Interested in live music + curious conversations + life & faith stories from those in their 20s, 30s 40s? Sign up for The FaithFeed, Friday 15 March 2024 – Doors open 7PM w/ live music for 7:30PM. Downstairs @ Bishop Bede Heather Centre: 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown NSW 2148. RSVP via QR or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
Diocesan Lent & Holy Week Scripture Reflection Evening: 20 March
Looking for a way to reflect on your experience of Lent as we enter Holy Week? Interested in praying with the Scripture readings for Holy Week? Register for the Diocesan Lent & Holy Week Scripture Reflection Evening Wednesday 20 March 2024 – 6:30PM to 8:30pm. RSVP via QR or get in touch with the team via met@parracatholic.org
MET Natural Fertility Information Session: 20 March
Are you looking for help to track your fertility cycle? Come and explore a Natural, Effective, Healthy and Scientific approach to achieve, space/avoid pregnancy or monitor women's health on Wednesday 20 March from 7:15pm to 8:15pm via Zoom. Engaged and married couples, single women and those wanting to know more about their menstrual cycles are welcome to attend. If you’d like to learn the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, this free session is valued at $125 and gives you all the information you need to be ready for Session 2. To register or for more information, contact catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or 0400 427 605.
Peace Justice Ecology Table Talk – “Harmony Week: Everyone Belongs”: 21 March
This Table Talk is an opportunity to hear inspiring stories, engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and play a vital role in creating positive social change. Be part of it on Thursday 21 March, 6.30pm - 9pm at Catholic Care Mamre House & Farm, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. Please register by 14 March and find more information at www.tinyurl.com/harmony-week-table-talk
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.
Adult Faith Formation opportunities in 2024
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Preparing for marriage or know couples who are?
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Looking to learn more about the Bible, spirituality, theology or practical skills for ministry?
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Searching for encouragement and growth by listening to life & faith stories from adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s?
View and share a copy of the 2024 adult faith formation calendar (link: https://shorturl.at/grLV3) OR get in touch with the team to learn about more formation opportunities via met@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
Glenbrook Parish Lenten Biblical Studies: 12 and 19 March
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, is hosting two Biblical Studies sessions on the Passion of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark on Tuesday 12 and 19 March at the parish hall from 7.30pm. Parish Priest Fr Joseph Lam OSA will lead the sessions. To RSVP and for more information, please contact secretary@stfinbars.org.au
Filipino Chaplaincy Feast of St Joseph Celebrations: 16 March
The Filipino Chaplaincy of the Diocese of Parramatta invites you to join Holy Mass to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph, the Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Saturday 16 March at 10:30AM at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown. There will be Novena Masses in preparation for the Feast from March 6 to 14 at 7:30PM (except Mar 6 and 13 at 8:00PM) at St Michael’s Church, Blacktown South.
Penrith Parish Stations of the Cross for Cancer Patients, Families and Survivors: 22 March
St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith, warmly invites cancer patients, survivors and families who have lost loves ones to cancer to participate in an Outdoor Stations of the Cross on Friday 22 March at 7pm at the Parish. You can bring along a small cross / candle along with their names to be prayed for or join us to carry the big wooden cross. For further details, contact the parish office on (02) 4721 2509.
Grace & Silence Retreat for Young Women: 7 April
The Mount Schoenstatt Girls and Young Women ministry invite single women aged 20 to 40 discerning a vocation to marriage and family, single life or consecrated life to a series of silent retreat days beginning Sunday 7 April from 9.30am to 4.30pm at Bethany, 301 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. Remaining sessions are 5 May and 2 June. Cost is $25 per day or $90 for the full series. For catering purposes, registrations close a week prior to each event. For details, contact Hannah on 0433 443 384.
Other Notices
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre Easter Guided Silent Retreat: 26-31 March
St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre in Douglas Park, is offering a 2024 Easter Guided Silent Retreat from 6pm Tuesday 26 to 2pm Easter Sunday 31 March. Each day will have a presentation in the morning at 9am on the theme for that day. Registration is $850 which includes meals, accommodation, presentations and accompaniment for those who request it. For further information please contact Fr Stephen Dives msc on (02) 4630 0237 or 0405 695 535 or sdmsc@misacor.org.au
Light to the Nations (LTTN) Easter Youth Pilgrimage: 28 – 31 March
LTTN is an Easter Pilgrimage event held biannually for Catholics (singles and families) aged 16+. Camp under the open skies with up to 1,000+ as we celebrate the Easter Triduum. The event will be held on the grounds of Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville from 28 – 31 March 2024. Visit www.lttn.org.au for more information and register today. Contact rego@lttn.org.au or ring Therese MGL on 0432 228 250.
Disciples School of Mission Live-in Course: 1 – 4 April
Are you aged between 18-40 and searching for an adventure in 2024? If so, then join us for the Disciples School of Mission. This 4-day live-in course, held at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, calls people from across Australia and beyond to be equipped for youth ministry and evangelisation. Be renewed in your own journey, equipped for mission/youth ministry, and formed in the Catholic faith. You won’t regret it – it’s an adventure! For more information, visit disciplesschoolofmission.com.au or ring Judy MGL on 0479 059 183.
Missionaries of God’s Love Emmaus Silent Retreat: 19 – 21 April
Men and women are invited to embark on the sacred journey of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, where the victorious love of God is revealed through the abiding presence of Jesus. Be renewed in spending time alone with the Lord, and watch as He slowly sets your heart ablaze. This retreat will be held from 19 to 21 April at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, and is run by the MGL Sisters. To book your place, visit trybooking.com/CNSXK
Women in the Gospels Retreat: 3 – 10 May
The Sisters of the Good Samaritan are hosting a Women in the Gospels Retreat with Elizabeth Dowling RSM from 3-10 May. The retreat will explore a selection of stories from across the Gospels, focussing on the characterisation of women in these stories. Women’s discipleship, faith and initiative will be highlighted. The venue is the Santa Casa retreat centre at Queenscliff in Victoria. For more information and to download a flyer, click here. Register before 5 April with spirituality@goodsams.org.au
Jesus Light of the World Communities reCHARGE Gatherings
The Jesus Light of the World Communities are hosting a Recharge Gathering on Saturdays throughout March from 2.30pm at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Rockdale. There will be no gathering on 2 or 30 March. Each gathering includes rosary, praise and worship, a talk and prayer ministry. For more information, please contact Helen on 0433 455 114, Ida on 0426 953 697 or email jlowcommunity@gmail.com
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. The next live-in retreat is their Lenten Growth Retreat from 15-17 March. 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.
Sincerely,
Communication Services
Diocese of Parramatta
Bethany Centre, 470 Church St Parramatta NSW 2150
T: 02 8838 3400 M: 0499 948 533
