All the News.

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With Fr Paul away, weekday Masses

for the foreseeable future are CANCELLED.
We will advise when weekday masses resume. 

BENEDICTION: First Fridays 7:00 PM.
 

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Our Priest

Father Paul is absent on long service leave from 4th September until 4th December, 2024. 

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Coming Events​​

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• 2024 Safeguarding Sunday
  This weekend, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Safeguarding Sunday, on which we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm done by priests, religious and lay people in Church settings. Rebuilding trust and confidence in the Church requires constant work and vigilance. We recommit to cultural change that will help the Church be a place that respects the dignity of all children and adults at risk, and empowers and listens to all people, especially those who are vulnerable. You can find out more about the Church’s work in this area at: https://www.catholic.au/s/article/Safeguarding-Sunday -2024
   

• Good Samaritan Sisters-Creative Mondays
  Creative Mondays are back. Next meetings  September 9, October 14,& November 11 in the Santa Maria Hall. Enquiries to Sr Veronica 0419 532303.  Details here.  
   

•  Catalyst for Renewal Reflection 21st September with Carol Teodori. Details here
   

• The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in September this year in Lawson and the Upper Blue Mountains Catholic Communities.
  Preparation commences with Parent Evenings at Lawson on 31st July and at Katoomba on 7th August.(see further details below)
   

• The Diocesan Season of Creation 2024 (1 September – 4 October).  
  The entire universe speaks of God’s love (Pope Francis) and all of creation praises our God (Psalm 148). Let us join in this praise and celebrate the gifts and wonders that God bestows on us.
   

• The Diocese of Parramatta Healthcare Ministries Formation Community 21/9/2024 is founded on the call of Jesus to love one’s neighbour in the sick and the dying. Within the community are Catholics involved in the Pastoral Care of the Sick, Aged Care, Lay Chaplains as well as Healthcare Professionals. We invite all students interested in pursuing a career in Professional care of the sick and the dying to a Formation session:

• St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood on 21/9/2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by lunch.
  At this session, students will hear from professionals involved in the care of the sick and the dying. They will also have the opportunity to meet experienced professionals in their proposed field of study at university.
  For further enquiries, please contact – Deacon Dr. Michael Tan michael.tan@parracatholic.org
   

• Gaza Crisis Appeal Caritas Australia

Help provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the conflict.

Donate via www.caritas.org.au/gaza

 

Sponsoring Refugees Who Have Been Accepted For Immigration

Dear Parishioners.....the Blue Mountains Deanery Pastoral Council has been given the challenge to recruit anyone that feels called to serve on a team of 5 or more sponsoring a refugee family. This is a 12 month commitment with many challenging responsibilities which would assist the family to settle in Australia. Is this invitation something that sounds in harmony with the time and space you find yourself in?

Please consider. Then please give me an initial call (0405 916 326) with all the questions you may have to see if it sounds like something for you right now. Training is given to the team to take on this unique challenge.

Many thanks,  Len Blahut

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Sacramental preparation of families in our parish

​NB. This information is also available via the link Sacramental Preparation.

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The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in September this year

in Lawson and the Upper Blue Mountains Catholic Communities. Preparation commences with Parent Evenings at Lawson on 31st July and at Katoomba on 7th August.

If Your child has celebrated First Communion and is in years 5 and 6 or above , he /she will be eligible to enrol in the preparation program. If you wish your child to be included an expression of interest will need to be made at olon254@gmail.com. As well as your child's name, school and grade your postal address is also needed to send you a letter and the enrolment form.
Please note: We are not planning to have a Confirmation program in 2025

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First Communion Preparation commences on the 8th of May with a parents evening.

If your child is in year 3 or above and has already celebrated his/her First Reconciliation (First Confession), he/she is welcome to join our First Communion.
program. Please contact Maureen Ryan olon254@gmail.com or ring 0403 931 782 to apply to enrol or make enquiries.
 

At the first Family Group Session the theme of making selfish choices continued. The parents presented a puppet show "The Party that Nearly Wasn't" to the children where the bush creatures of Galah, Kookaburra, Koala, Kangaroo and Cockatoo had a big fight over a party they were supposed to be having. Of course at the end they are sorry and forgiveness prevails.

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The Sacramental Program

Over the last couple of years St Mary of the Cross Upper Blue Mountains Parish and Our Lady of Nativity Parish have been working together for at least some of the Sacramental preparation programs and litur- gies. This year we have completely joined together to prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (Confession), First Communion, Confirmation and for the Baptism of Children of Catechetical age (children over 7 years). Both parishes are sharing the parent input session evenings provided in both parishes. We are all using the Lawson parish family group session plans and our litur- gies will be planned together. Our actual preparation sessions will be duplicated locally within each par- ish. So, this will give some options for busy families as they can participate at either parish venue if needs be.

Though Reconciliation and Confirmation will be held for us all in St Canice's Catholic Church, First Communion will be celebrated by each Catholic Parish in their local Church.
We hope this new venture will help to not only reduce the duplication of the planning and administra- tion but will help us all to share our gift of the Holy Spirit and so gain even more from being part of the wider "Body of Christ" Maureen Ryan for the Lawson and Upper Mountains Sacramental Team.

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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
 

Good Samaritan Sisters-Creative Mondays

 Creative Mondays are back. Next meetings June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14,& November 11 in the Santa Maria Hall.

Enquiries to Sr Veronica 0419 532303

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 2024 is here

 Please Note: The next reflection is on Saturday, 17th August with Corrine Loxton, "the Call of the Desert". 
 

Blue Mountains Deanery Council April Communique  here

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Parramatta Diocesan Synod

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Pastoral Plan from Synod

Through a combination of prayer, analysis and discernment, six key themes were identified and presented in the Working Document: “Becoming a more synodal Church in the Diocese of Parramatta”:

1. An inclusive and welcoming Church
2. A humble and healing Church
3. A listening Church
4. A Church renewed in spirit and prayer

5. A Church that reaches to the margins
6. A Church walking together. 
 

Full details are in the document here --------------------->. 

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Be Part of Our Synod Journey: Diocesan Synod Report Now Available.

The Diocesan Synod Report is now available for download. The newly released Diocesan Synod Report offers a summary of our first Diocesan Synod assembly, held from October 13-15, 2023, its preparatory stages, in-depth details of the proceedings, and insights from delegates. Download your copy from the Parramatta Synod website, https://parracatholic.org/synod/

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From the Bulletin.

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

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

• Office Repair is continuing.
  We believe that it has been referred to the heritage consultant. As soon as we know more, we will let you know. Once we have the approved plans will be shared with the parish for comment.

 

• 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. 

Donations can be made to Our Lady of Nativity Parish Lawson via direct deposit to the bank account below. 

Account name:    Lawson Our Lady of the Nativity BSB:    067-950 Account Number:   00000164
 

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• Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal for Catholic Care’s Project Elizabeth
  Will you strengthen the dignity of struggling mums?
  Your compassionate generosity and prayers will provide struggling mums with the practical and emotional support they need to overcome adversity and build a bet- ter future for themselves and their families. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal at parracatholic.org/appeal . Thank you.
   

• Expression of Interest: Ministry to the Sick in Hospitals .
  Are you interested in bringing Communion to the Sick in the Hospitals of the Diocese? You will receive formation and information necessary for this ministry. Note you will not be re- quired to do this every week but will be placed on a roster. For more information, please contact bernard.ellis@catholiccarewsbm.org.au by 15 June 2024.

• "The Eucharist is essential for us: it is Christ who wishes to enter our lives and fill us with his grace." - Pope Francis
   

• 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 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.
   

• 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
   

• 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/
   

• 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. 
   

• 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.
   

• 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
   

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  .  Tonga in Afghanistan and Lebanon and Caritas Australia responds to humanitarian crises

  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)
  
  
  
   

• ​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 Blahut

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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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• ​Our Parish's Over 50s Group

• If you would like to know a little more about our active group, please contact Paula Currie on 0416 185 651. Also see here for 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

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

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• Older, Current News

• 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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• 
  .Pope Francis attended the Climate Conference COP28
  Pope Francis has asked to sign a petition to the president of the Climate Conference. There are 7 parts to the petition.
  
  The first 3 requests are :

  He is very concerned about the state of the planet suffering from climate change.

• 1. Accelerate the Transition to Clean Energy and Make It Just.

  2. Commit to Concrete and Binding Agreements.

  3. Develop and implement a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
   

• 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 -------------->