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All the News.

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Weekday Masses this week are:

Tuesday at 5:00 PM,

Wednesday at 5:00 PM &

Thursday at 12.30 PM

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One Journey, Together

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) recently launched their website One Journey, Together. It offers information and resources for Catholics to help them to better understand the upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament.  Information, including the Uluru statement, are here

Welcome Fr Galbert Albino as our administrator while Fr Paul is away

Fr Galbert will be taking services while Fr Paul is away.

Please welcome him.

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Safeguarding training for  Parishes still online 

If you are a volunteer at OLN,  You are now required to register for the Mandatory 6 points of Safeguarding Training.

If you would like to complete your 6 points online, ‘sign up’ NOW at: https://learning.safeguarding.org.au

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Launch out into the Deep

“The Time is now, here in the Diocese of Parramatta, for us all to go into the deep (Luke 5:4) and step into the future that awaits us...” 

Bishop Long pg3   Synod Directory -from Bishop Vincent’s  invitation letter

 

 Bishop Vincent  is looking to make changes  to suit the needs of our Catholic Communities in these  modern times. He will  have the final vote for any changes after listening to and consulting with all the faithful within our Diocese.  So, we are all encouraged  to  make a submission. Please follow the link,  Launch out into the Deep , for further details. 

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Sacramental preparation of families in our parish

Please contact the parish office at any time to make enquiries about the process involved in Baptism. Preparation for the other Sacraments will be held in 2024.

As the First Reconciliation preparation starts in February, please contact the co-ordinator to register your interest at any time from now. There will be more information sent to those who register later in the year (November).

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Maureen Ryan is involved in Sacramental preparation of families in our parish. "I see that the growth of the parents understanding of their faith and the encouragement to respond more deeply  to the love of Jesus is fundamental  to the whole  families’ growth of faith, love and appreciation of the Sacraments. 

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Anyone interested in becoming involved in this ministry

please call Maureen on 0403 931 782.

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Details of Sacramental Preparation for 2024 are here

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Good Samaritan Sisters

A new programme, Creative Mondays, starts in August. Details here

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We are (still) looking for readers, commentators and ministers of the altar.

If you are interested please call Len Blahut on 0405 916 326 to discuss this ministry.

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Catalyst for Renewal Programme for 2023 is here

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Blue Mountains Deanery Council explained  here

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Parramatta Diocesan Synod

Bishop Vincent has formally announced the convocation of the Synod in the Diocese of Parramatta. This will be the first Synod in the history of our young Diocese. Like the national and universal synods, ours will be also held in two phases. The first assembly will be held from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 October 2023 and the final assembly will be held near the middle of next year 2024.

The date for the final submissions concluded on the 31st July and now is the time for the development of a working document to be used as a base at the actual Synod to be held on the 13th to the 15th October.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, Synod members will each have a consultative vote at the Synod on a range of issues raised from the submissions received through the listening stage of our process. The consultative votes will inform the decrees and declarations which Bishop Vincent will officially sign and announce in early 2024. The outcomes of our Synod will directly impact our new Diocesan Pastoral Plan to be developed and launched in 2024.

So, we all need to pray that the members of the Synod will continue to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Full details here        ----------------------------------------------------------->

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9 WEEK NOVENA towards the Diocesan Synod is here -----> 

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From the Bulletin.

Articles you may want to read recently published in the Bulletin.​​​

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  • Supporting your Parish
    Thank you for your contributions to both the first and second collections, credit card using the Tap and Go machine or by EFT to the Parish bank account. The First Collection is used by the Diocese to pay all Diocesan Clergy so that they are all supported equally.
    The Second Collection is used to pay the costs of running our Parish. This collection now is 80% of the amount that was being collected before Covid 19 lockdowns. This means at that level (80%) the Parish is operating at a deficit. If that situation continues, we will not be able to continue long as a Parish.
    It is appreciated that some Parishioners are on fixed incomes (pensioners, young families, etc.) are giving all they can . However, we ask those that can afford to, increase their support of the Parish.
    The Parish needs to increase its weekly collections by about $400, which when split over the parishioners that can afford it is between $5 to $10 extra a week.
    Please consider increasing your contributions to support the Parish so we can remove the deficit.
     

  • Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal: Caring for those who have cared for us.
    Our priests never stop giving their lives in service to our community. They dedicate themselves to carrying out God’s ministry for as long as they are able. This Father’s Day, let us show our thanks and appreciation for our priests’ life-long gifts of faithful service. Your compassionate donation will help our Clergy Support Foundation to care for our priests, and provide them with personalised health and wellbeing support. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal at parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal . Thank you.
     

  • World Day of Migrant and Refugees celebration: 16 September
    You're warmly invited to a family-friendly event with Bishop Vincent and our migrant communities for the World Day of Migrants & Refugees on Saturday 16 September, 2pm – 5.30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills. Come hear stories, enjoy free entertainment and activities. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ celebrating-world-day-of-refugees-and-migrants-tickets-675662363317?
     

  • Watch Bishop Vincent on ABC’s Compass on iView.
    Bishop Vincent features on ABC Compass. Accompanied by Geraldine Doogue, he will show you important places in his life, and you’ll hear about his remarkable story and ministry. Watch it on ABC TV on ABC iView.
     

  • Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal for Aboriginal Catholic Care at Emerton.
    Will you be the face of Christ for our First Nations people in need? Your compassionate generosity and prayers will support a welcoming place where Aboriginal people can express their identity, share their culture and knowledge within our community, access practical support and development opportunities, and make so- cial connections. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal
     

  • Parish Seniors Group  10.30 Santa Maria Hall
    see here for details
     

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  • Soul Food Podcast – Pastoral Formation.
    Do you find life & faith inspiration by listening to the experiences of others?
    Pastoral Formation’s Soul Food Podcast features life & faith stories of people from our diocesan family. Listen now, FREE via our website https://pfparra.org.au/soulfood/
     

  • Catholic Earthcare Parishes Programs.
    Catholic Earthcare Australia now makes it easy for parishes to take up the Australian Bishops’ invitation from the 2021-22 Social Justice Statement to join them in pursuing seven Laudato Si’ Goals towards more sustainability. The Earthcare Parishes Program offers ideas and guidance. Find out more and register for an Earthcare Audit at catholicearthcare.org.au/earthcare-parishes
     

  • 2022-23 Social Justice Statement “Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse”
    The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2022-23 “Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse” invites us to engage with a complex and challenging social reality: domestic and family violence and abuse. The Australian Bishops call for all people to take part in the individual and social transformation needed so all people can live in safety.
    You can download the statement, listen to a podcast version and access many other resources at bit.ly/SJS22-23
    Ellen and her sister Frances are adult survivors of abusive relationships in their Christian family during   childhood. They share their experience through their research and writing:
    “Domestic abuse is not restricted to Christian culture, but it is important that we realise the power of religious manipulation to keep people in abusive relationships. Abusers and survivors can use various religious lenses to justify their reasons. The Church must begin to recognise and condemn the use of Biblical refer- ences to justify abuse.....
    Many Christian women who experience intimate partner abuse feel it is their duty as a Christian wife to sacrifice and forgive their spouse. The children in these relationships often feel... that they must respect the father and not say anything about what is truly going on in the home...”
                                                                           From page 4 ACBC Social Justice Statement
     

  • Masks are strongly recommended   To quote the Diocese, "It's everyone's responsibility. Don't forget to wear your mask to Mass."
     

  • Taize Prayer and Song.
    You are warmly invited to Taize Prayer & Song at Leura Uniting Church, Grose Street, Leura.
    All are welcome at Taize Prayer & Song for prayer, singing and meditation.
    Taize Prayer & Song is held on the third Sunday of every month at 5pm. 
     

  • MET Worship RCIA Teams Formation Seminars: Beginning 3 August
    MET Worship’s Formation Seminar for RCIA Teams will be commencing on Thursday 3 August throughout August from 7pm to 9pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. New topics will be covered each week throughout the Seminar including Using Rituals, Mystagogia and more! To RSVP and to learn more about the seminar topics, please contact hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org or call 0460 037 795.

  • Refugee and Migrant Support. 
    One support is through the "Work and Welcome" program, which is a project of St Francis Social Services and the House of Welcome.
    Work & Welcome assists people seeking asylum and refugees to be job ready by providing empowering work experience and employment opportunities in supportive host organisations. By creating structured, short term, paid job placements,
    It also works through the generosity of the staff, themselves, who pledge a regular  amount from their own pay towards sponsoring "Work and Welcome" in their own workplaces.
     

  • Office Repair.
    is continuing.
    Work is finished on refurbishing the presbytery.
    Designs are being considered.
    We will keep you informed of progress.
     

  • Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal raising funds for Catholic Care’s Community Drop-In Centres’
    Catholic Care is working hard to reach our neighbours in need and to reduce social isolation and loneliness throughout our community. Will you be a Good Samaritan and help Catholic Care reach our
    vulnerable neighbours, so they have safe, welcoming places to connect with others and access support? Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal. Thank you for your heartfelt prayers and support
     

  • Social Justice COVID-19 Food and Toiletries Drive.
    Under the remaining influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and House of Welcome (HoW) cannot receive physical food and toiletry donations. However, many refugee families are still relying on their foodbanks or the provision of food vouchers. In this difficult time, please support JRS and HoW with a cash donation if you can. Find more information at parracatholic.org/diocesanfooddrive or call JRS on (02) 9356 3888.
     

  • Caritas Australia responds to humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Lebanon and Tonga.  
    Visit www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/ or call 1800 024 413 toll free to make your donation.

Are You Interested in Learning about the Catholic Way of Life?

If you are interested, you are welcome to join a group of diverse interests and ages  who meet each week for an hour to discuss some aspect of Catholic life on Fridays at 4pm. 
Please call Len Blahut on 0405 916 326 to enquire and find out more about what’s happening.

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Consider your chocolate your cotton AND Slavery

Challenging Slavery 

·       by harrison.pocknee@catholic.org.au

  • Each Easter, millions of Australians will enjoy a chocolate egg or bilby, but few consider the dark reality of exploitation that lurks within its supply chains. The chocolate industry has long been tainted by reports of forced labor and slavery, particularly in West African countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast, which produce most of the world’s cocoa.

  • The International Labor Organization says that an estimated 1.56 million children are involved in hazardous work in cocoa production in West Africa, with many forced to work long hours, use dangerous equipment, and endure physical and emotional abuse.

  • “Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply an economic – act.” ( Pope Francis)

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​We are (still) looking for readers, commentators and ministers of the altar.

 We also need more commentators and readers so if you are interested please call Len Blahut on 0405 916 326 to discuss this ministry and training will be given in our parish.   

We also  welcome volunteers in a variety of other roles across the parish. 

If you are interested in becoming a Lector(Reader) or Commentator

please speak to Fr Paul or Len

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How can we support homeless people?

“To end homelessness we need a plan”.

Find out more at homelessnessaustralia.org.au and show your solidarity in ending homelessness, e.g., by attending or supporting Vinnies’ Community Sleepout supporting the Everybody’s Home campaign and signing their current petition for more social housing attending the National Homelessness Conference (8 –10 Aug in Canberra or online)

Vinnies also has some helpful information on homelessness in Australia on their website under

Our Impact

Sebastian Salaske-Lentern Diocesan Peace Justice and Ecology Co-ordinator.

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Radical Inclusivity

On the  30th July there was  Diocesan Meeting which included all the Deanery Pastoral Councils, the Diocese's  Mission Enhancement Team, the Diocesan Pastoral Council and Bishop Vincent Long who was the keynote speaker. A highlight of the day came towards the end when  the Diocesan Pastoral Council launched the  Council's Radical Inclusivity Statement.  This document, subtitled "Living the Call of the Gospel',' is firmly based on Pope Francis' exhortations to welcome our marginalised brothers and sisters into our Catholic Church community. 

We are all  called  both within the  diocese and  in our local church communities to find ways  of welcome  and inclusion for everyone, including those who are alienated from our church family, such as those brothers and sisters  in  the LGBTQI+ community or those who have been divorced and remarried.

Please see the attached Radical Inclusivity Document here ------->

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Vinnies need Volunteers.

Lawson Vinnies is in need of more Volunteers for our Community.

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Blue Mountains Catholics take Action (previously Gathering of Talents) update is here

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Sacrament Preparations 2022 is via this link

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​Our Parish's Over 50s Group

Our Parish's Over 50s Group will recommence this year with an initial meeting in the Santa Maria Hall on Wednesday, 25th January, commencing at 10.30am with morning tea followed by a BYO lunch, morning tea will be supplied. The meeting will finish around 1pm.  If you would like to know a little more about our active group, please contact Paula Currie on 0416 185 651.  See bulletin for further details.

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Catholic Mission page is updated here

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Deanery News is HERE

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Masses online

Apart from the Mass at OLN published on this website each week, many parishes around the Diocese are celebrating Masses online. For more information, please visit the Diocesan website www.parracatholic.org/covid19.

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The Parramatta Way of safeguarding is to ...

act with justice, and state that we have a zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm to children or any person.     Act with justice and ensure that laws and obligations are upheld, and safety is paramount.

A poster detailing the rest of the Parramatta Way is here.  

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Refugee Support details are here

Donations to Refugees.

The need to help support refugees and asylum Seekers is now even greater during this current lockdown.

We cannot have a food drive, so donations of money is now our only option. Please see the flyer attached to the bulletin with information on how to make a donation. Please note that there is a pay by phone option for the House of Welcome as well as cheque or direct transfer. With so much bad news all around us, sometimes we feel that we are in the dark. We do not know what we can do! Or maybe, if we can, we can take this opportunity to help brighten someone's day. So let us all remember to
"Let your light shine before others " (Matt 5:16)

Maureen and Carol from the Deanery Pastoral Council.

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Diocesan “Laudato Si’ Action Campaign” 

On Friday 22 April, the annual Earth Day, the Diocese of Parramatta responded to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor by launching a Diocesan “Laudato Si’ Action Campaign”. Via a video message, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will invite all Catholic parishes, schools, families, and organisations across the Diocese to participate. Please visit parracatholic.org/laudatosi from 22 April to download the launch video and for further information.  Also see the Video here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3YkNMuj7_0  Please also see the Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor document--->

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Bishop Vincent’s pastoral letter on the proposed Parental Rights Bill.

Bishop Vincent has released a pastoral letter to the pastors, parents and the faithful of the Diocese of Parramatta on the proposed Parental Rights Bill. The letter can be read here 

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Bishop's Good Shepherd Appeal

Please support our seminarians to answer God’s call to the Priesthood.

At our Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park, young men are training to become future priests for the Diocese of Parramatta. Your caring gift and prayers are needed to support our seminarians to prepare for a life of service to our community. Please give generously via the Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal giving envelopes or online

at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal. Thank you for your kind accompaniment.

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 Please note most of the news is in the Bulletin available by clicking on the Bulletin link here


Older, Current News

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  • ​National Reconciliation Week – Be A Voice for Generations.

  • ​Following National Sorry Day on 26 May, we observe National Reconciliation Week, from 27 May – 3 June; an opportunity for Australians to take part in the process of reconciliation. This year’s theme, Be a Voice for Generations, urges all Australians to use their power, their words and their actions to create a better, more just Australia for all of us. At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for

  • The Season of Creation is over, but there are helpful resources here Season of Creation

  • Masses are being recorded each week and available by clicking on the Recorded Masses link 

  • Letter from Head, Religious Education commenting on changes in RE here

  • Confirmation, First Communion and Preparations in Progress are here

  • Cambodian Catholic Mission Project is here

  • The Plight of the Afghan Refugees.
    Last August Bishop Vincent urged us all to support the Afghanis in whatever way we can including asking government for an increase in our Afghani refugee intake."Catholic and other faith-based groups are joining with refugee advocates in calling on the Australian Government to respond humanely to the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan as the Taliban seizes power." Catholic Outlook magazine pub Parramatta Diocese.However, the government still needs to take significant action.
    Afghani Crisis Fact Sheet is here --------------> 

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