St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Kogarah

PULPIT POINTS 20 October 2024
• St Charbel Lights up the town p1-3
• Eastern Churches pray for Lebanon p5
• Grotto rises from the ashes p7
• The life of Carlo Acutis celebrated on stage p12
• Cardinals go global p23
• Our first brush with faith p29

In this week’s edition: 

• A Saint in Nikes comes to Chatswood
• From tragedy to triumph—accident reveals St Michael’s burning spirit

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Collegian Pgs 13-20
Sydney Catholic Schools News Issue No.4

Nominate your Parish Hero!

ONE MILLION CHILDREN PRAYING THE ROSARY

---

In response to several requests, the ACU Centre for Liturgy is offering a SHORT COURSE on marriage, entitled

A Faithful Promise: Catholic Marriage – Covenant and Calling presented by Professor Clare Johnson, Director of the ACU Centre for Liturgy.

This program would be of benefit to any in ministry to married or engaged couples and who those who work in marriage education/formation, but also to teachers, clergy, seminarians, liturgists, pastoral associates, parishioners and all who have an interest in Catholic sacraments.

Dates/Times:  The course is offered over 4 Tuesday nights - 15, 22 and 29 October and 12 November 2024 - from 7 – 8:30pm AEDT (live via Zoom). 

Overview of Content:

Session 1: Biblical and Theological Foundations (15 October)

Session 2: Marriage as Contract, Covenant, Sacrament (22 October)

Session 3:  Living the Sacrament of Marriage: Unity, Indissolubility and Openness to Life (29 October)

Session 4:  Theology of Marriage in the Order of Celebrating Matrimony (12 November)

Cost:  $100 (or $25 per session)

Registration: www.acu.edu.au/marriage_short_course

The Catholic Sacrament of Marriage is an intimate community of life and love established by God the Creator.  In this sacrament of Christian vocation, equal partners created for one another join in a permanent holy union directed toward fruitfulness and the common work of watching over creation.  This short course explores the Catholic Sacrament of Marriage as a lifelong partnership between a baptised man and woman, a contract, covenant, and sacrament.  It introduces the biblical and theological foundations of the sacrament, its historical development and ritual enactment.  The distinctive nature of sacramental marriage is addressed within our contemporary sociological context, and questions of divorce, remarriage and communion are explored.  The final session focuses on the contemporary Roman Catholic ritual of Marriage, which reveals the Church’s doctrine of service embedded in the enacted theology of the Sacrament.

Upon request, the ACU Centre for Liturgy can provide a certificate of attendance for teachers and others participating in this seminar as part of their ongoing professional learning requirements.

We would be grateful if you would consider passing on this information to parishioners and teachers or anybody who you believe may be interested in this formation opportunity.

---

You Are Not Alone Retreat Day
If you or a friend have been unable to or are struggling to have children due to infertility, miscarriage or stillbirth, please consider attending the “You Are Not Alone” retreat day held on the 19th October 2024 at the St Martha’s Leichhardt. The day is facilitated by the Emmanuel Community with the support of the Life Marriage and Family Team and will include Mass, talks, prayer, reflections, and time for couples.
DATE: Saturday, 19 October 2024
VENUE: St Martha’s, Leichhardt
Register and more information at www.trybooking.com/1183690. Registrations close on 15 October.
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

---

Invitation to all parishioners to join in on our Butchers Blokes and BBQ night. If you are able to post this on your social platforms with the flyer and trybooking link, that would be so greatly appreciated.

The night is designed to uplift men and affirm their role as a male role model in their family and community. Fr Ben and Andrew are two humble, inspirational speakers that will have men feeling rejuvenated in their faith, ministry and confident within themselves and their role in the family and community.

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1293720?qr=true&qr=true

---

Turning your SCARS into STARS - Day Retreat and Healing Mass
Jesus Light of the World Communities is holding a Day Retreat and Healing Mass with Fr John Iacano and Keynote Speaker, Marina George
DATE: Saturday, 26 October 2024
TIME: 9:30 am – 5:30pm
VENUE: St Joseph’s Parish Hall - Walz St, Rockdale, NSW (Parking Entry at Parker St.)
Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea provided
Booking essential for the purpose of catering.
Enquiries: Helen - 0433 455 114 Esperance - 0407 749 182

---

Divine Retreat Centre - October Retreat Schedule
Located around one hour's drive north of Sydney in Somersby, the centre offers several one-day and weekend retreats throughout October. Parishes are invited to share the Growth Marian Retreat and One Day Pilgrimage.

---

Invitation to a Conversation with Melinda Tankard Reist

On behalf of the Mission and Identity Team of Sydney Catholic Schools, we would like to invite you to a special evening with Melinda Tankard Reist on the subject: Digital Dangers and our kids.

We believe this to be a vital opportunity for parents and carers to engage with a prominent Australian author, speaker and advocate who will walk us through the facts, the challenges and what we need to know now, to help keep our families safe. Melinda will also offer a QnA session to try to address concerns. 

We know some of the on-line dangers that confront our families daily.
We also know the lack of knowledge and complacency many parents have, when it comes to devices. 

We know only too well, that our kids are vulnerable, are too quick to trust and are at risk.

Put simply - Our kids have access to the world from home ... and the world has access to them. 

We believe this to be such a critical topic that we have secured the services of Melinda Tankard Reist on 2 nights at 2 venues later this month.
Monday 28 October - Liverpool Catholic Club - Prestons.
Doors open at 6:30pm (7pm-9pm)
Click on the link below to register.
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1283996

Tuesday 29 October - Souths Juniors Club - Kingsford.
Doors open at 6:30pm (7pm-9pm)
Click on the link below to register.
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1284036 
If you think you, or someone from your parish team might be interested, please find a flyer with QR code attached, as well as the links above for direct registration.

As these evenings gather in momentum, we ask that you might pray for the success of these meetings and for the safety of our children. 

We believe, some conversations just can't wait any longer.

---

Alight Women's Retreat

As the season of Advent approaches, join the Missionaries of God's Love Sisters for Alight, a special women's retreat. Rekindle the flame of your faith and prepare your heart for the coming of Christ through a day of reflection, prayer, and fellowship as we explore themes of hope, anticipation and joy. This retreat is being supported by the Catholic Women’s Network in the Archdiocese of Sydney.
DATE: Saturday, 2nd November 2024
VENUE: St Christopher's Parish, Holsworthy NSW
Bookings: http://www.trybooking.com/CNTCL (by 25 October)
For more information, contact Berna at [email protected] 
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

---

Attention Parish Staff: Retreat Day for Parish Staff
Once again, the Parish Renewal Team will host a retreat day for parish staff of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. We recognise the work that you and the other staff are doing to serve the Church and we would like to provide this opportunity for you to encounter Jesus and be refreshed and renewed.
The retreat is for those entrusted with the following roles:

• Secretary/Receptionist
• Bookkeeper/Accounts
• Office Administration
• Pastoral Associate/Evangelisation
• Business/Operations Manager
• Events/Marketing/Communications
• Sacramental Preparation
• Other paid or volunteer roles

*Programme includes Mass, talks, prayer, quiet time and reflection, morning tea and lunch*
Date: Thursday 14 November
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Venue: St Martha’s
Location: 38 Renwick Street, Leichhardt, NSW 2040
Cost: $10 per person (plus booking fees)
Registration essential: www.trybooking.com/CPNOA
Please consider joining us for this day of renewal.
Download the flyer to share among parish staff

---

Sydney Street Feast 2024 - Volunteers Welcome

On Friday 15 November, Archbishop Anthony Fisher will host a free luncheon for Sydney’s homeless in the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral from 12pm to 2pm.
A large number of guests are expected and volunteers from parishes are invited to help serve food and to sit and accompany guests during lunch. A great opportunity to show support and solidarity with fellow Sydneysiders experiencing homelessness.
Register your interest at https://bit.ly/StreetFeast2024
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin

---

Fr Rob Galea Event & Adoration- 16 Nov 2024

Holy Trinity Community which has its origin from the Carmelite and Charismatic spiritual order
We will host a worship and a healing adoration event featuring Fr Robert Galea on 16 Nov 2024.
We do these events as our response to the Archbishop Anthony Fisher mission plan to evangelize, to transform our communities by faithfulness to Jesus' command to go and make disciples who bear fruit of God(Romans 7:4)

Catholic Spiritual Revival 2024
Join us for Catholic Spiritual Revival 2024, a faith-filled event inspired by Isaiah 41:10, we aim to address the anxieties and uncertainties of modern life through the lens of our faith.
Featuring Fr. Rob Galea, who will share his powerful testimony and lead us in worship!
Led by diverse religious leaders, and explore how faith provides comfort and strength in navigating life's challenges.
Partake in Eucharistic Healing Adoration, offering your fears to Jesus and receiving His peace. Renew your faith, draw strength from God’s love, and embrace His promise to be with us always.
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

---

Of Life and Love Marriage Preparation Weekend

Engagement is a beautiful time to intentionally prepare for your vocation. The ‘Of Life and Love’ Marriage Preparation Weekend will help you to understand more deeply the sacramental nature of marriage, offer practical wisdom from married couples and provide opportunity for discussion and prayer. Of Life and Love is a recognised marriage preparation course. 
DATE: 16 - 17 November 2024 (no overnight stay)
VENUE: St Thomas of Canterbury, Lewisham
More information and registration at www.trybooking.com/CMGTS
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

---

Red November in your Parish

Join with 1,300 parishes around Australia to stand in solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters

During the month of November, Aid to the ​Church in Need invites your parish to remember, support and pray for Christians who suffer persecution for ​their faith.

This invitation is founded upon Red Wednesday (20 November), an international ACN ​initiative uniting tens of thousands of Catholics worldwide to stand up for faith and freedom.

This year, 23 Cathedrals in Australia and New Zealand will be participating, including light their buildings in red, holding Masses and prayer events, and sharing stories of those suffering for their faith. The national focus will be supporting Christians in the Holy Land.

Parishes are welcome to ​choose any date or time in November to participate by holding a dedicated Mass, prayer event, video viewing, collection, or other initiative.

https://rednovember.org/home

---

Invitation to iWitness 2024

iWitness Conference 2024 on the 12th - 15th December 2024 in Cobbity, Sydney.

iWitness is an incredible Catholic conference which has been changing the lives of young adult Catholics in Sydney (18-35 years old) since it was started after World Youth Day in 2008. iWitness is an incredible place to make Catholic friends from all over Sydney, go deeper in one's faith and have a great time doing so.

If possible, I'm seeking your assistance in promoting the conference to young adults with your parishes (via the bulletin, personal recommendations, passing it on to whom may be interested). I realise there's lots of events going on, but I personally can guarantee this is worth it and a great way to enrich the lives of any young adults you know. We also have physical materials (flyers and cards) which we can give to the parish to be distributed. We've also provided digital copies of our flyer attached to this email for your use. 

We also understand that the price of the conference may be steep for some young people who would like to attend. If you know of any individuals who would really benefit from the conference but aren't able to afford it or anyone would like to sponsor a young adult to attend the conference please let us know.

If you would like us to assist with arranging someone to come to speak about the conference after Masses or at a young adults group please let us know. 

If you're looking for more information, linked below is our website (with tickets, past talk videos and more information) and a video made by a friend of iWitness. We are also on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram found by searching iWitness Australia.

• iWitness Website - www.iwitnessaustralia.com
• iWitness Conference (Run with TC) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQFRGBbKTiA

---

‘Writings of St John Paul II on Gender, Marriage and Family’ Immersion Course

The Theology of the Body (TOB) Institute and the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney are excited to announce that
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
for the next not-to-be-missed in-person immersion course experience!

'The Writings of St John Paul II: on Gender, Marriage and Family' 19 to 24 January, 2025

At a time of great concern and confusion over the dignity of the creation of male and female, the sacred union of husband and wife and the life-giving beauty of family, now more than ever the Lord calls us to be witnesses to the Gospel.
The timeless wisdom of St John Paul II is needed for such a time as this. Come be inspired, formed, healed, and equipped to give an account of the hope that is in you.
If you received a message in your heart from any TOB events, are interested in learning more about TOB, or feel you need to hear this transformative message, we strongly encourage you to register for this upcoming course in January 2025.
Download the prospectus for more information
 Registrations open till 1 December
 trybooking.com/CTJWO

‘Writings of St John Paul II on Gender, Marriage and Family’ Immersion Course
Are you looking for a message of hope and healing in a time of confusion?
In partnership with the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation and the Theology of the Body Institute, the Archdiocese of Sydney is proud to announce once again that we will be hosting another not-to-be-missed 5-day immersion course experience: ‘The Writings of John Paul II on Gender, Marriage and Family’ is now OPEN FOR REGISTRATIONS!
At a time of great concern and confusion over the dignity of the creation of male and female, the sacred union of husband and wife, and the life-giving beauty of family, the Lord calls us to witness the Gospel now more than ever. If you are interested in learning more about TOB or feel you need to hear this transformative message, we strongly encourage you to register for this upcoming course in January 2025. The course will be held at the beautiful Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in Grose Vale, NSW. 
DATES: Sunday, 19 January to Friday, 24 January 2025
VENUE: Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in Grose Vale, NSW 
To register and learn more about the course, please visit: tobi.sydneycatholic.org
For further questions, contact Simon Yeak at simon.yeak@sydneycatholic.org or 0427 536 356
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

---

St Aloysius' College Bursary Program
St Aloysius’ College is a Catholic, Jesuit school for boys founded in 1879 by the Society of Jesus. The College has a deliberate academic orientation and, in companionship with parents, offers a holistic formation for its students from Years 3 to 12.
The St Aloysius’ College Bursary Program has been established to offer students an opportunity to avail themselves of a Jesuit education when ordinary enrolment is not affordable or sustainable. The bursaries are intended to assist those families who are most in need. St Aloysius’ College seeks to graduate ‘men for others’ who are faithful and committed, integrating a deep spirituality with a passion for justice and academic excellence. Apply now for means-tested bursaries in Years 7, 2027 and beyond. Further information may be obtained from the College Website: www.staloysius.nsw.edu.au or by contacting the Registrar on 02 9936 5535 or email: [email protected].au.

---

---

 

Catholic Theological College

Sign up for one or more short, online presentations.
Engaging Your Faith: October 2024

Theology, Scripture, Meditation, Spirituality, Science & Faith.
Choose what interests you from $25 per session.
For more information and to register:
https://ctc.edu.au/catholic-theological-college/ctc-calendars/

Catholic Theological College aims to support your parish to provide formation for staff and volunteers with introductory and further studies in theology, ministry and spirituality. We hope the following information will assist your planning for faith formation and professional development.

 

• CTC Seminar on Friday 11 October at 1pm
• Engaging Your Faith Online Series – October 2024: A series of short online presentations on a range of topics. (Further information closer to the date)
• Online Information Session for Prospective Students on Monday 28 October at 7pm (AEDT).
• Knox Public Lecture

 Please see the attached flyer for more information. May I also request your assistance in sharing it with your parishioners through your weekly Parish bulletin and by posting the flyer on your notice board. Your support of Catholic Theological College is greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.

---

Located around one hour's drive north of Sydney in Somersby, the centre offers several residential retreats throughout the year. Parishes are invited to share this flyer with the schedule for 2024.

---

Dear parish,

This is Laura DI LEVA.

I’m a travel agent specialising in religious/holy sites tours to Europe. I have been a travel agent for the past 20 years conducting many tours overseas.

I’m reaching out to you in the hope of creating a mutual relationship and offering my services which may be of interest to your parishioners.

 

Each year, I take pilgrims on many tours, primarily to Marian sites. In May 2023, I took a devoted group of 40 parishioners to the Marian sites in Europe and Medjugorje.  Following the success of this tour, a new tour for June 2025 is planned in celebration of the Holy Jubilee. The tour takes us to Marian sites in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. The tour will be accompanied by Fr Pasquale Pizzoferro from St John Vianney & St Thomas More, Greenacre.

Details of the tour are provided in the attached poster/flyer.

Full details of the tour are also attached.  If you require additional information or have further questions, you can contact me direct.

 

I believe it’s a great tour and represents good value for money given the inclusions (airfares, transport, meals, entry fees and taxes etc…).

Your collaboration in advertising and promoting the tour with your church and parishioners would be greatly appreciated. 

This tour as it takes us to amazing places where our spiritual affirmations are confirmed.

If you believe there would be an interest in this tour and would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 1300 969 704 or 0414 295 367.

---

Sydney to Host the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028
At the recent 53rd International Eucharistic Congress in Quito Ecuador, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Papal Legate, announced what the Church of Sydney had been hoping for: that we will host the 54th International Eucharistic Congress in 2028, 100 years since Sydney last hosted this great event and twenty years since it hosted World Youth Day.  
To find out more about IEC 2028, visit http://iec2028.org and join our mailing list to receive future updates.

---

All the events are free and the group is open to all ages.

---