St. Patrick's Catholic Church Kogarah
Parish Notices
-
Support your Archdiocese of Sydney newspaper: The Catholic Weekly - available in our Church for $2
PULPIT POINTS 26 March 2023
• Violence and staff shortages triggers stress for principals
• Bishop Meagher commissions 13 young catechists for Sydney
• New York speakers to lead marriage renewal retreat and course in May
• New Bishop installed for Newcastle diocese
• Students rally for fun, faith and family
• Catholic schools celebrate St Patrick’s DayIn this week’s edition:
- Newcastle welcomes new Bishop
- Landmark statement on Catholic and Jewish relations
- St Patrick: a hero for our times
George Cardinal Pell AC Magazine
Purchase a copy of our Special Tribute Magazine to Cardinal George Pell AC
To purchase the special tribute magazine go to
https://mustardseed.org.au/shop/unconquered-heart- cardinal-george-pell/ POPE BENEDICT XVI SPECIAL TRIBUTE MAGAZINE
Purchase a copy of our Special Tribute Magazine to Pope Benedict XVI
To purchase the special tribute magazine go to
https://mustardseed.org.au/shop/pope-benedict-tribute- magazine/ For information call Steve on (02) 9390 5404 or Katie (02) 9390 5402Nominate 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
We also ask all parishes to please include this email address on your distribution list to parishioners each week to help our team keep abreast of interesting news from our parishes.Call Steve on (02) 9390 5404 or Katie on (02) 9390 5402 for more details.
Seasons of Renewal –
Lent and Easter: How to evangelise throughout the year
Join the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation’s Parish Renewal Team online to explore practical ideas that parishes can implement during Lent and Easter so that others may come to share in the joy and hope that only Christ can give. All welcome!
10 – 11 am and 7:30-8:30pm
Register at www.gomakedisciples.org.au/cas-events
Parishes are invited to share this social media tile to promote the event.
SPIRIT AND TRUTH: The Power of Christ Revealed -
Lenten Companion 2023
The beautiful Season of Lent is approaching. Let us make the most of this precious time to gather in our parishes and communities to reflect on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, using the Lenten companion SPIRIT AND TRUTH: The Power of Christ Revealed. This free booklet contains Gospel readings for the Sundays of Lent until Easter Sunday, and Gospel reflections by Sister Joanna Marie Collins OP, Daniel Ang, Fr Lewi Barakat, Mat De Sousa, Anna Harrison, Elizabeth Flynn MCR and Bishop Richard Umbers. Designed for individual or group prayer, either in-person or online, the resource will be available in parishes and online at www.gomakedisciples.org.au.
The Sydney Centre for Evangelisation will be providing training for those interested in leading a group – see www.gomakedisciples.org.au/cas-events/ for dates and registration. No experience required – all welcome!
Parishes are invited to promote the Lenten Companion and the training sessions on social media.
Divine Retreat Centre: March programs
Located around one hour’s drive north of Sydney in Somersby, the centre is offering a number of one day and weekend retreats throughout March.
Parishes are invited to share this poster to promote the retreat program.
To celebrate the Feast Day of St Oscar Romero, Caritas Australia invites you to connect with our staff and partners and discover how our work is making a difference now and for all future generations.
‘Connect with Caritas Australia’ is a unique opportunity to ask questions about our programs in Africa, and to dig deeper into the work of our partner in Zimbabwe.
Date: Thursday, 23 March, 2023
Time: 7-8pm AEDT
Register for this Zoom event: www.caritas.org.au/connect
Discernment Retreat for Men – Identity, Vocation & Mission
24-26 March at Seminary of the Good Shepherd
50-58 Abbotsford Rd, Homebush
This retreat is for men 18-35 years old at all stages of their discernment who are considering a vocation to the Priesthood. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in an ideal environment for you to really focus your attention on listening to God. The weekend includes Mass, talks, time for personal prayer, sacraments, adoration, spiritual guidance, Q&A with seminarians and discussions.
Retreat Speakers:
Opening Keynote: Bishop Danny Meagher, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney
Fr Edmond Travers MSC, External Spiritual Director, Seminary of the Good Shepherd
Fr Joseph Gedeon, Parish Priest of St Jerome’s Parish, Punchbowl
Registration: $99
Registration is essential! *Every inquirer’s/participant’s details are kept confidential.
For any enquiries, please contact the Vocation Centre on (02) 9307 8424 or email at vocations@sydneycatholic.org
Parishes are invited to share this flyer to help promote the retreat.
Workshop for Sacristans
The Liturgy Office, in cooperation with St Mary’s Cathedral, has organised a one day workshop for Sacristans. It will be run by Chris Backhouse, the Cathedral Sacristan, on Saturday 25th March 2023, 9:30am-12:30am in St Mary’s Cathedral. Please find attached the registration form with some additional information about the course. The course is free and everyone is welcome, both those who already serve in the sacristy, as well as those who are willing to start.
The Liturgy Office has now a working web-page, so if you are planning to send someone to this course, or any other course, please ask them to register on-line in advance. The address is of the web-site is https://liturgy.
sydneycatholic.org/lay- , the courses on offer and registration details are in the Ministry / Training / Formation section (https://liturgy.ministry-training/ sydneycatholic.org/lay- ).ministry-training/
Consecrated Life Weekend: Discernment Retreat, 25-26 March 2023
An opportunity for single women aged 16-35 to come and listen for the voice of Jesus, ask questions and experience prayer, talks, sisterhood and times of sharing to help you discern your vocation.
Registrations: mglsisters.sydney@gmail.com
Parishes are invited to promote this retreat using this social tile or this flyer.
Day of the Unborn Child
Feast of the Annunciation Mass and Procession
Sunday 26th March at St Mary’s Cathedral
- 10:30am Mass (Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP as Principal Celebrant)
- 12 noon Street Procession
- 1:30pm BenedictionParishes are invited to share this poster to promote the event.
Walking With Our Lady Through Holy Week
A Womens Retreat Day with the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia
Date: 1 April
Time: 10am-4pm
Where: St Peter Chanel Church, 62 Kingsland Rd, Berala
Along with talks and discussion, the day will include time for silence and prayer during a Holy Hour. An opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Register online: https://www.trybooking.com/CGHGO
Parishes are invited to promote the retreat, using this tile.
7 April 2023
Holy Land resources can be downloaded here: http://
holylandfranciscansaustralia. org/resources/
Mission: One Heart Many Voices
Catholic Mission and Catholic Religious Australia invite you to save the date for the sixth biennial national Mission Conference. Three days of professional and personal development focused on mission.
Date: Wednesday 3 May to Friday 5 May, 2023
Venue: SMC Conference & Function Centre, 66 Goulburn St, Sydney
Early bird closes April 12, 2023. See www.mohmv.com.au for more information.
Marriage Preparation Course: Engaged Encounter
Marriage Preparation Course: Engaged Encounter
How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. For further information visit our web site:www.engagedencounter.org.au . Choose any of the coming Weekends: May 6-7. If covid-19 restrictions prevent a face-to-face seminar, the CEE weekend will be held via Zoom.
Archdiocesan marriage preparation course: Of Life and Love
20-21st May 2023
St Christopher's Church, Holsworthy, 195 Heathcote Rd, Holsworthy.
The course will provide opportunity for formation from marriage experts, time for reflection, couple discussion and reception of the sacraments.
Register by the 10th of May at www.trybooking.com/CGMSP . Please note: A second Marriage Preparation Program will be offered in November 2023.
An Evening with Sherry Weddell
Join international speaker and author of ‘Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus’, Sherry Weddell for an evening dedicated to exploring the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives and renewing the Church for mission.
Endowed with spiritual gifts, each of us is chosen by God in a special way to witness to Christ in the world and to build His Kingdom here on earth.
Monday 22 May 2023 (Liverpool) and Wednesday 24 May 2023 (Strathfield)
Cost: $30 plus booking fees. Refreshments served from 6:00pm – 6:45pm.
Registrations open Wednesday 29 March at https://www.gomakedisciples.org.au/cas-events/
Parishes are invited to share this poster to promote the event
Save the Date: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated between Ascension and Pentecost, 21-28 May 2023.
This prayer takes on particular significance if it is celebrated with other local Christian congregations. Yet, even if this is not possible, the parish is encouraged to make prayer for Christian unity a focus of that week.
The theme for the Week in 2023 is “Do Good; seek Justice” (Is 1:70). Resources have been prepared for the Holy See and the World Council of Churches by a multi-denominational group in Minnesota USA, and have been slightly adapted for use in Australia. The resources include a poster for notice boards, with space to write in the details of any local celebration.
The full list of resources is available at https://www.ncca.org.au/faith-and-unity-resources/wopcu23 .
Synod of Bishops Continental Stage
The Church around the world has entered the Continental Stage for the Synod of Bishops on Synodality.
Groups around the country are praying with and responding to the Document for the Continental Stage, which was published recently.
Download prayer resources, including for use in liturgies, read the document and access the submission portal at: www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch Synod on Synodality- "Widen your tent."
The Bishops of Oceania are currently gathering in Suva for the Continental Assembly.
To see what is happening and follow the progress of the Synod visit:
Synod 2023 - Continental Assembly |
Catholic Help with Alcoholism and Addiction
CALIX: Catholics maintaining total abstinence using the 12-steps.
Are you or a friend, working a 12-step program? The Calix Society is an association of Catholic alcoholics, drug addicts, and family members and friends affected by addiction, who are maintaining their sobriety through participation in their Catholic faith and a 12 Step program. We welcome anyone concerned with the illness of alcoholism or addiction who wish to join with us in prayer for: total abstinence, spiritual development, and sanctification of the whole personality. Provide your number to calixsydney@outlook.com for a confidential return phone call. https://www.calixsociety.org
‘We are substituting the cup that sanctifies for the cup that stupefies'
APPEALS
Turkey-Syria Earthquake Disaster
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has unleashed devastation on Turkey and Syria, leaving thousands of people dead with this number expected to rise dramatically. After 12 years of war, Syria is at breaking point and desperately needs assistance.We must act NOW and help those affected by this catastrophe.Your generous donation means our partners in Turkey and Syria can respond swiftly to support the survivors of this unimaginable tragedy.Visit: www.caritas.org.au/syria-turkey or call 1800 024 413 toll free to donate now.
A message from Aid to the Church in Need Australia: ACN is the Pontifical Foundation dedicated to supporting the suffering and persecuted Church.Aid to the Church in Need is asking for support to provide sisters in Romania with a new heating system. The Sisters of the Mother of God are the oldest congregation of sisters in the Romanian Greek Catholic Church. The history of their community has long been one marked by persecution, particularly when Romania was under communist rule.Today the sisters continue to aid their local community with youth groups, spiritual support and counselling, as well as providing the poor with basic necessities. But they are facing a major problem. Their ancient heating system has finally broken down and needs to be replaced, but they cannot afford the cost. The sisters need your help!
To make an offering and learn more visit www.aidtochurch.org/
monthlyproject .
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.
SERVICES/RESOURCES AVAILABLEOnline 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 CentreforLiturgy@acu.edu.au. 
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 9113 2189 and leave a message with the patients name and they will provide ongoing support during their stay.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 leecaruana@hotmail.comCome 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- 0418-245-159Jesus 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.orgLaunch of “The Catholic Mass” bookletThe Sydney Centre for Evangelisation is delighted to present our new resource – ‘The Catholic Mass’ booklet. The companion guide helps captures the mysteries and beauty of the Mass. With explanations of each part of the Mass from Sacred Scripture, Church teachings and the Saints. We especially recommend this as an essential tool for parish RCIA programs, parents of children going through sacramental programs, catechists and students in public schools, and for ongoing formation of parishioners on our primary act of worship. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP launched the booklet, noting this new resource “unpacks the beauty of our Mass and assists active participation in the sacred liturgy.” The Director of the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, Mr Daniel Ang, promotes use of the resource as an assistance to clergy in forming their people “so that the beauty and solemnity of the liturgy are better known and the grace of the sacraments is received with greater faith and growing understanding.” Please click on the following LINK to review the booklet. You can now order copies through The Mustard Seed Bookshop: Online orders: Mustard Seed Mass Booklet Phone orders: 02 9307 8350Pregnancy 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
Liberating insights and powerful tools for anyone experiencing a challenging marriage
Learn how arguments happen
Understand your internal drivers
Process the pain of past injuries
Restore hope for your relationship's future
COUPON CODE 50% OFF
Use the coupon below at the checkout
SydneyConnect
*limited time offer
www.SmartLoving.org/Breakthrough
From Archbishop Anthony23 February 2023I had the great pleasure last week of celebrating Mass to mark the foundation of Sacred Heart Primary School in Matraville, a new state-of the art school with over 300 students in Sydney’s east, with plans to open a Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Centre on the same site for 2-5 year olds by 2025. This new community brings together the families, parish communities, and histories of Our Lady of the Annunciation Pagewood and St Agnes’ Matraville.
At the heart of that shared history, stretching all the way back to 1907, has been the charism of the order that founded both schools: the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Their mission across 27 countries on five continents has always been inspired by their motto: “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved.” They live out this motto through their ministry in education, healthcare and community programs from outback Australia through to the PNG Highlands, South Sudan, Fiji, South Africa and the Philippines.
My prayer for the new Sacred Heart Primary School in Matraville is that its staff, students, and wider community embody the Sacred Heart charism and bring the boundless love of Christ to all people.
God Bless Sacred Heart Primary School!Archbishop Anthony C Fisher OP
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 www.ethicsfinder.com on your parish and school websites. Explore www.ethicsfinder.com. 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/ ---
Campus Pastoral Associate – Staff – Australian Catholic University - Sydney
https://catholicjobsonline.com.au/job/campus-pastoral- associate-staff-sydney-nsw/
Donor Services Officer – Mary MacKillop Today - North Sydney
https://catholicjobsonline.com.au/job/sydney-part-time- part-time-permanent-donor- services-officer- administration-customer- service/
Director of Finance - Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney
https://catholicjobsonline.com.au/job/director-of- finance/ Office and Projects Assistant – Sydney Centre for Evangelisation
https://catholicjobsonline.com.au/job/office-and- projects-assistant-sydney- centre-for-evangelisation/
ICT Support Team Leader – Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney
https://catholicjobsonline.com.au/job/ict-support-team- leader/
Finance Officer – REACH Human Resources - Stanmore
https://catholicjobsonline.com.au/job/finance-officer- part-time-3-days-a-week- stanmore-nsw/ 
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: www.broomediocese.org
Mail: PO Box 76, BROOME WA 6725
Marian Court Units
Marian Court Units is an independent living village for over 55s, acquired by the Trustees of Catholic Aged Sydney in April 2022. Conveniently located near Strathfield station and shopping centre, we have several vacant units featuring one bedroom one bathroom (46sqm) and two bedrooms two bathrooms (65sqm). There is a sliding scale of entrance and exit fees to suit your circumstances. Please call the Manager on 0400 077 081 for an appointment to see the available units.
Free Nativity Scenes
Free nativity scene statues of child Jesus, Mary, Joseph, wise men, shepherds and angel available. The statues are of plaster, painted, between 80cm and 100cm tall. Contact Brooke at St James’ Forest Lodge for inspection, 02 9660 1407, or info@bbjcatholicparishes.org.au .
