St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Kogarah
Parish Notices
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The Catholic Weekly22/12/2024
PULPIT POINTS
• Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP’s 2024 Christmas message
• Classic Dickens’ tale lights up St Mary’s Cathedral
• Rosary a ‘spiritual sword’ says Cardinal Bychok in thanksgiving homily
• Tips for celebrating all 12 days of Christmas
• Pope Francis confers knighthoods on three Sydney CatholicsIn this week’s edition:
- Jesus’ crown of thorns returns to Notre Dame Cathedral
- Christmas at the Cathedral in Sydney: A Magical Opening Night
AVAILABLE NOW SPORTS STARS 2024
Nominate your Parish Hero!
For the past 100 years, our parishes have been the cornerstones of local Australian communities. It’s those special people that help make our nation thrive. As we move into the 21stcentury, who are the people in your parish that stand out and make our community what it is today? Tell us their story and why they deserve to be recognized as a Parish Hero. Email:parishhero@catholicweekly.com.au Share your interesting parish news with the Catholic Weekly
Parishes can help us share news on interesting events or stand-out achievements by your parishioners directly by emailing:cweditor@catholicweekly.com.au
Christmas At The Cathedral 2024
We invite the community of Sydney to come together at St Mary's Cathedral during Advent to prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Download the flyer to promote Christmas at the Cathedral in your parish.
‘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 .
Divine Retreat Centre: Residential Retreats 2024
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.
Caritas Australia Parish Update - December
For the month of December, we would appreciate you support in promoting our special emergency appeal for Lebanon and our Christmas Appeal with your community. We are also pleased to share our free parish Advent resource which is available to download.
Lebanon Crisis Appeal
The situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate. In response to a heartfelt plea for assistance by Bishop Tarabay and Bishop Rabbat, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in partnership with Catholic Religious Australia, Caritas Australia and Caritas Lebanon, has launched a special Lebanon Appeal.
This appeal aims to provide essential humanitarian aid to our brothers and sisters suffering in Lebanon, especially those who are displaced and without homes or shelter.
The parish newsletter notice is attached and an accompanying PPT slide can be downloaded from our website: Parish Bulletin - December
Christmas Appeal
As we prepare for Christmas, we think of families like Sakhina’s who are facing the devastating risk of disease due to a severe lack of clean water and proper sanitation in the world’s largest refugee camp.
A parish bulletin notice is attached and can also be downloaded from our website: Parish Bulletin - December
Free Advent Resource
Help your parish community reflect on the possibilities for hope, peace, joy and love with our new Advent resource for parishes. It is suitable for both parish prayer groups and individuals.
Download: Advent 2024 Parish Resource
Thank you very much for your support throughout the year. You make this work possible!
Blessings for these coming weeks as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus; the light of our world and Prince of Peace.
2025 Prospectus Catholic Theological College
2025 Enrolments are open
Study scripture, theology, pastoral ministry and spirituality
Introductory or further studies available
Face-to-face or online modes available
Audit, undergraduate or postgraduate level
For more information:
view our 2025 Prospectus
ctc.edu.au/contact/contact-the-registrar/I am pleased to present to you our 2025 Prospectus. We have also included a Bulletin Notice that you are welcome to use in parish communications.
We offer a variety of onsite and remote learning modes, and in particular, recommend the following sections which may be of interest to you, your staff or parishioners:
- Pastoral and spiritual care (p. 20)
- Mission and ministry (p. 21)
- Professional development (p. 23)
Should you require any clarification or wish to receive an application package, please feel free to contact me.
Also, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Thank you for your continued support of Catholic Theological College.
Calling all Parish Youth!
Spots are filling up fast! Don't be the one/s to miss out on Campion College's Summer Program 2025!
Our immersive four-day program is packed with fun and engaging activities that will spark curiosity and inspire. Students will have the chance to experience sample lectures on history, literature, philosophy, and theology, plus enjoy social activities such as, trivia, sports, and much more. It's the perfect opportunity for those interested in exploring a liberal arts degree, meeting like-minded young people, and getting a taste of university life!
We would greatly appreciate if you could help us spread the word by placing this program on your parish notice boards.
Details:
- When: 7-10th or 14-17th January 2025
- Where: Campion College, 8-14 Austin Woodbury Pl Toongabbie
- Who: Open to Year 11 & Year 12 students (ages 16-19)
- Cost: Completely free – fully funded!
Spots are limited, so I encourage you to register early! You can find all the details and register at www.campion.edu.au/summer-
program
The Way of Wonder - Theology of the Body Family Event
The Theology of the Body Institute is coming again for one night only in January 2025. Don’t miss this once-off opportunity to experience true beauty, wonder and awe!
Is this the times we are living in? Depressed and desensitised, over-stimulated and over-stressed, we need to return to living in child-like wonder! It is not an option, but an essential. Join Bill Donaghy, international TOB speaker, for a 2.5-hour immersive experience of the mind, heart, and senses as we explore a mosaic of classical and contemporary art, music, and theological reflections that will open us to wonder again!
Content is for adults and children 13 and above. Children under 18 years must be supervised by an adult.
DATE: Saturday, 18 January 2025
TIME: 6:45 pm Doors Open & Registrations / 7:00 pm Event Start / 9:30 pm Event Close
VENUE: St Joachim's Parish - 2 Mills Street, Lidcombe
COST: $20 Adult / $15 Student/Concession
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CWNXL
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.
Parents Night out with Matt and Cameron Fradd
Parents, it's time for a well-deserved night out!
Take a break and join us for an insightful evening with Matt & Cameron Fradd as they share their parenting and family life expertise. Whether you come as a couple, alone, or with a group of friends, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow parents and gain valuable insights to support your family journey.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with light canapes, drinks, and plenty of opportunities for conversation and a meet-and-greet with the speakers.
DATE: Wednesday 5th February 2025
TIME: 7pm - 9pm
VENUE: St Christopher's Parish, Holsworthy
COST: $20 per person or book a table of 8 friends for $150
To register, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CXTXE
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.
The Archdiocese is currently organising a special luncheon for former choir boys of St Mary’s Cathedral, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. This will also give ex choristers an opportunity to join a new Choristers Alumni Network and be kept abreast of exciting new developments, such as the launch of the Girls’ Choir next year.
We would appreciate parishes promoting this special event, by including the attached advert in your parish newsletters – in whatever size of format is suitable – as often as possible, in the coming months. Obviously, with Christmas upon us, there will be limited space available, but the event will be in March next year, so there will be time even after Christmas for this event to be promoted.
Some of your parishioners may well be former Choir boys of St Mary’s Cathedral, or maybe even have friends or family members who are ex Choristers. So, this event is highly relevant to them.
Hello everyone, further to my email below, there has been a change in date for the Jubilee Tour 2025 (Pilgrim of Hope tour).
New dates are now:
15 May to 3 June.
Your collaboration in advertising and promoting the tour with your church and parishioners would be greatly appreciated.
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.
Dear parish
This is Laura DI LEVA again.
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.
HOLY SPIRIT PILGRIMAGE(2025): Join Fr.
Emmanuel-tv and his group of Pilgrims on a 26 Days of “SAINTS AND MARIAN PILGRIMAGE” to Portugal(Lisbon, Fatima); Spain(Coimbrea, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Avila, Garabandal); France(Lourdes, Avignon, Nice, La Sallete, Ars, Nevers, Paris); and Monaco; plus(+) Medjugorje Extension from 15.09.2025-11.10.2025. Contact Us ASAP for details: Fr.Emmanuel-tv(0417999553,(08)93423079;Dax( (0420643949), Didith 0473246029). Email: fremmanuel [email protected] ; holyspiritp@gmail.com ;
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.
Sydney Catholic Singles meetup groupAll the events are free and the group is open to all ages.
Catholic Help with Alcoholism and Addiction
Calix SocietyAddiction/Alcoholism, The 12 Steps 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 [email protected].
APPEALS
Caritas Australia’s Papua New Guinea Landslide Disaster
Hundreds of people are displaced and many more affected by a devastating landslide that struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea. Your urgent support is needed now.
Donate at https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/papua-new-guinea-landslide/Dear Parishes and friends of Caritas in the Archdiocese of Sydney,
For the month of November, we would appreciate you support in promoting our Lebanon Crisis Appeal and our Christmas Global Gifts with your community. We are also pleased to share our free Advent resource for parishes which is available to download.
Lebanon Crisis Appeal
You will have seen the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East is now having a devastating impact in Lebanon, compounding the struggles of a country already in a severe economic crisis. The situation is dire, and we need your help.
4 things you can do to show your Love for Lebanon:
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Set up a fundraiser: Click on the link below to set up your parish’s fundraising page and start collecting donations with ease. Use the QR code around your parish community and collectively see how much your community is raising.
Set up: bit.ly/caritas-lebanoncrisis
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Promote our Lebanon Crisis Appeal in your parish bulletin and on your socials/website. Download: Parish Bulletin
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Raise awareness at Mass or in your parish groups with this brief PowerPoint
If you need any help setting up a fundraiser, or if we can answer any questions, please give us a call on (02) 7254 5120 or send us an email at [email protected]
Caritas Australia’s Global Gifts
When you download the Parish Bulletin zip folder for November you will find information, an image and a QR code to share. The Global Gifts poster is also included for you to print and display. Download: Parish Bulletin
Thank you once again for your ongoing support of Caritas Australia.
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---Support for the House of Welcome
The House of Welcome works with people seeking asylum and refugees to provide critical casework, housing, employment, food bank and emergency living assistance. During COVID-19 the demand for financial assistance has risen. HoW has increased the Emergency Living Package program by 216% to respond to the amplified levels of distress and hardship amongst their clients. In the last few months House of Welcome has delivered emergency assistance and been able to support clients to maintain their tenancies and assisted those who have come to the centre homeless. There are a number of ways that you can help such as donating to the Emergency Relief Package or donate staple food items to the House of Welcome foodbank.
CatholicCare - Enrich Your Marriage
Invest in the most important partnership of your life!
CatholicCare Sydney offers marriage education and relationship enrichment for couples, paving the way for a happy future.
Professional educators apply proven methods to deepen the connection between couples already in a marriage AND for those preparing for a sacramental marriage.
Courses are online or available in-person. Reach out to the friendly team at CatholicCare Sydney for more information.
Call 13 18 19 or visit Catholiccare.org
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.CatholicCare - Become a Disability Services Volunteer!
Are you passionate about helping your community and making a positive impact?
As a volunteer at CatholicCare Sydney, you’ll find the opportunity to build new experiences and make a difference in the lives of our friends with a Disability.
Gain experience & make new connections
Get support for your professional development
Contribute to your community
Our weekly volunteers dedicate a few hours per week to accompanying our participants on fun trips and activities. Connect with amazing people and feel the warmth of friendship with CatholicCare Sydney!
Apply to join our volunteer team. To find out more, contact Jacqui Willoughby on 0424 773 658 or email jacqui.willoughby@catholiccare.org
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.CatholicCare - Financial Counselling
Are you wanting to take back control of your finances? Has gambling on poker machines or sports betting been getting in the way of your life?
Our Financial Counselling program may be for you, providing FREE and CONFIDENTIAL support to adults impacted by gambling harm, be it yourself or a loved one.
Our service helps those who are affected by all forms of gambling and provides support to impacted family members. Reach out to our team to access non-judgemental, impartial, and confidential support.
Call us on 13 18 19 or visit catholiccare.org/financialcounselling to start your journey with us.
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.
SERVICES/RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria manages four cemeteries within the Western Sydney area.---Online training program for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy CommunionAre you looking for thorough, consistent, world-standard, and locally delivered training for your lay liturgical ministers? ACU Centre for Liturgy has developed a comprehensive, engaging and truly formative online training program for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (and will add a program for Ministers of the Word shortly). This excellent program has been crafted by expert pastoral liturgy educators specifically for the Australian context using the most informed and contemporary interactive online learning principles and techniques.We are planning to start a new training program in March, aiming to prepare parishioners to exercise their ministry with confidence and devotion during the Easter season. If you would like any of your parishioners to join this program I invite you to send along your nomination of suitable candidates as soon as possible. This can be done from our website http://www.acu.edu.au/centreforliturgy/pastoral- training or by contacting the Centre on 02 9701 4751 or [email protected]. ---
Catholic Lay Chaplains - St George Public Hospital
Gary Cartmer and Sister Maria Pineda are Catholic Care Lay Chaplains at St George Public Hospital Tue, Wed and Thu. They are there to provide emotional, spiritual and sacramental support for you or your family member. If you would like their support, please feel free to call the Chaplains office on 02 9113 2189 and leave a message with the patients name and they will provide ongoing support during their stay.---"Why the Public Rosary"
October 13, 1917, Our Lady performed a miracle – the ‘Miracle of the Sun’, which was witnessed by 70 000 people, including atheists, communists and anti-Catholics. Many converted. Here are the five reasons for a Public Rosary:Powerful - “Public prayer is more powerful than private prayer to appease the anger of God and call down His mercy, and the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has always advocated it in times of disasters and general distress.” - Saint Louis de Montfort.Public Witness - The Public Rosary is a great way to witness the Catholic faith. Your public witness will inspire other Catholics to persevere in their faith and demonstrate the faith to non-Catholics.Public Reparation - Nowadays sin is openly flaunted. Public sins require public reparation. Your Public Rosary becomes an act of reparation for these sins hurled against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.Evangelisation - Many families no longer know how to pray the Rosary or even know the many benefits of praying the Rosary. Praying the Rosary in public is a great opportunity to share the faith and meet new people.Multiple Graces - “Somebody who says his Rosary alone only gains the merit of one Rosary, but if he says it together with thirty other people, he gains the merit of thirty Rosaries. This is the law of public prayer. How profitable, how advantageous this is!” - Saint Louis de Montfort.Rosary and prayers on Zoom every 13th monthly at 7 pm. Zoom Wednesday weekly at 7 pm Praying the Rosary, including the Litany to St Joseph, and The Divine Mercy Chaplet. All are welcome.Australia Needs Fatima Website is very informative for those wanting to learn more about Our Lady of Fatima. Website: www.fatima.org.au---Catholic Men’s Fellowship
Catholic Men’s Formation and Prayer Group currently meet Thursdays 8-9pm, via online conference (zoom). We are a group of men who have met on a regular basis over the past ten years. We invite men to various formation programs, and to conclude with Prayer of the Church. Our chaplain is Deacon Louis Azzopardi. We are currently using Kapaun’s Men, Virtue Series. For details on how to connect, contact Lee Caruana via email [email protected]---Come and Listen! Catechesis at Leichhardt
Everyone wonders about the meaning of life.
Why did God create me?
Why does God allow certain things to happen to me?
Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30pm
St Fiacre’s Parish Hall
90 Catherine St, Leichhardt
Enquiries: David 0418-245-159---Jesus Light of the World Communities
Every Saturday at 3 pm
“ReCHARGE” Gathering: Praise & Worship + Talk + Prayer & Empowerment + Fellowship
Where: St Joseph’s Parish Hall
Walz St, Rockdale, NSW (Parking at Parker St.)
Enquiries: Helen 0433 455 114 Ida 0424 267 500
E: jlowcommunity@gmail.com More information: www.jlowcom.org---Pregnancy Help Sydney - Supporting Vulnerable Pregnant Women
‘I'm pregnant, scared and don’t know what to do. Can I talk to you?' Pregnancy Help Sydney, a life-affirming organisation, has been receiving these types of calls Australia-wide for over 40 years. Our free, confidential and non-judgemental 24/7 telephone support service has helped thousands of women who have reached out to us. Embarking on motherhood should be a joyous occasion when a baby is planned for and welcomed into the life of its mother. Yet, for a significant number of women, this is not their reality. Our organisation provides an empathetic listening ear to support the woman who is challenged by her pregnancy, and together, explore the best options for her and her baby. So this Mother’s Day, we are thrilled to be launching, as another tool to help women facing a difficult situation, our refreshed website: http://www.pregnancyhelpsydney.com Pregnant? Worried, confused, feeling alone? Want to chat? Call our 24/7 support line 1300 792 798 or visit our website http://www.pregnancyhelpsydney.com .---SMARTLOVING BREAKTHROUGH
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Catholic Healthcare has a new consumer campaign called 'Seize The Day' which aims to support all churchgoers aged 65 and over with any home care support they might need. Parish Bulletin Insert or Campaign Landing Page---Register Today for the FREE and Online Suicide Prevention for Seniors Training delivered by Anglicare.
EthicsFinder.com
EthicsFinder is a free, global, digital resource which will be of immense value to interested parishioners. Please feel free to include a link to https://www.ethicsfinder.com/ on your parish and school websites. Wish you could easily find Church teaching and the best articles, books and videos on bioethics, business ethics, cancel culture, human rights, marriage, subsidiarity, and 100+ other topics? Try ACU’s free digital tool www.ethicsfinder.com.
HIGHLIGHT YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION - IT’S FREE
Feature your Wedding, Birth, Engagement, Confirmation, First Holy Communion, Anniversary or Baptism.DETAILS: Send a hi res image, details of the event (ie: names of participants, date where it was held, Celebrant, photographer + 60 words about the occasion to personal.occasions@sydneycatholic.org For more details go to: https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/occasions/ ---
Positions Vacant – Catholic Jobs OnlineAssistant Organist – St Mary’s Cathedral – Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney
> Learn More
Parish Bookkeeper (Part-time, 20 hours/week) – Our Lady of Fatima Parish Kingsgrove
> Learn More
Palms Christmas Gifts
Mission: Change their lives… and yours
Communities in Africa, Asia or the Pacific are seeking Australians from a variety of professions and trades to share their skills with those who have less opportunity to develop their talents.
Explore 35 positions on our website where you’ll also find news on those currently supported in Timor-Leste, Samoa, American Samoa and Thailand.
Please enquire further about potential assignments for you or someone you know:
Contact PALMS on: 0422 472 567 or visit: www.palms.org.au.
Kimberley Catholic Volunteer Service - Call for Volunteer Workers-Urgently Needed.
The Diocese of Broome, WA, urgently requires volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal Missions. There are various important voluntary tasks: administration, building maintenance, gardening, shop staffing, cooking, cleaning etc. Placements are preferred for a period of 6 months plus. In return for being part of the team, we offer accommodation, living expenses and an allowance.
For further details, and an application form, please contact:
Volunteer Coordinator, Janet Ryan: 08 9192 1060
Email: volunteers@broomediocese.org
Web: https://broomediocese.org/
Mail: PO Box 76, BROOME WA 6725
