Growing Together in Faith
Diocese of Parramatta News
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Bishop’s Christmas Appeal for Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes
This Christmas, will you help homeless mothers and children find a safe place to call home and rebuild their lives? Your kind-hearted gift and prayers will help Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains provide homeless mothers and their children with practical and emotional support, and a safe haven to call home. Please give generously to the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal at parracatholic.org/appeal or scan this QR code to give your gift of a new beginning today. Thank you.
Diocesan Advent Week Scripture Reflection Evening: 26 November
In what way would you say I'm ‘awaiting’ God’s presence this Advent? How do I see myself in Advent Scripture stories this year? Register for the Diocesan Advent Scripture Reflection Evening with Dr Michele Connolly RSJ on Tuesday 26 November 2024 – 6:30PM to 8:30pm. RSVP via met@parracatholic.org
PJE Table Talk “Disability – Unemployment – Seeking Asylum: Navigating Multiple Challenges in Australia”: 28 November
Please join us for our final diocesan table talk to hear and discuss powerful stories from people affected by overlapping challenges. Participate in meaningful small group conversations and learn how you can play a part in creating positive change: 28 November 2024, 6:00pm – 8:30pm, Bishop Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown. A light dinner will be served on arrival. Find our more and register at parracatholic.org/pjetabletalk
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.
Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal Office
The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to offer advice and assistance regarding marriage annulments and dissolution of marriages. Interviews are preferably conducted in person with Zoom and telephone interviews in special circumstances. Please contact the Tribunal Office on (02) 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org.
Across our Parishes  
Baptism For Primary Children Program
Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, is offering a Baptism program for primary school children in Term 4 this year. Children are invited to attend Mass in their home parish and receive a special blessing in preparation for receiving the sacrament but complete a 4-week preparation program at OLOW. They will then be baptised in their home parish. If your parish is interested in participating in this program, please contact OLOW on (02) 4735 1041 or emuplains@parracatholic.org 
Other Notices  
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. All are welcome, no bookings required. For more information, please visit www.divineretreatcentre.org or contact (02) 4372 1598
Calix Society: 12 Step Recovery and Catholic Spirituality
Are you or a loved one troubled by addiction or alcoholism? The Calix Society is a way to recovery that incorporates 12 Step recovery and Catholic Spirituality. Sydney Unit meets Monthly at St Joseph, Enfield. Mass (5:30pm) and “About Calix” talk (6:30 - 7:30pm). We also meet weekly via zoom and have an annual retreat. Contact: Tim 0401 600 422 or Kevin 0435 668 382 or calixsydney@outlook.com. See: https://www.calixsociety.org/
FREE Men's Retreat “A Path to Sexual Freedom": 30 November
Simon Carrington will facilitate a FREE Men’s retreat, “A Path To Sexual Freedom” at St Patrick’s Blacktown on November 30th from 9am to 4pm. This retreat is for men aged 16 years old and above. There will be two talks and an opportunity for adoration and confession. Free lunch will be provided. To register and for more information, please email admin@mqofblacktown.org.au
Epiphany Pilgrimage and Fiesta: 2-9 January 2025
Commit the first fruits of your new year to Christ with the 2025 Epiphany Pilgrimage. Enjoy 7 days of bushwalking, fellowship and prayer as we journey from Emu Plains to the top of the Blue Mountains, experiencing the wonderful hospitality of parish communities along the way. Day 1 is a family-friendly day, with the option for a children's pilgrimage finishing with the Finnies Fiesta at St Finbars, Glenbrook. For more information and to register for all or part of the journey, visit www.epiphanypilgrimage.org
Sincerely,
The Communications Team
Communications Team
Diocese of Parramatta
Bethany Centre, 470 Church St Parramatta NSW 2150
T: 02 8838 3400
