St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Kogarah

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Every year, usually during Lent the Liturgy Office offers a course for Sacristans. It is a comprehensive two-days training which this year will take place on Saturdays 29^th March and 5^th April in the parish of St Joseph, Riverwood, 10am – 1pm. Please find attached the flyer and the registration form.

The course is run by Dr Pamela Van Oploo, a university lecturer in theology and education who is also a very experienced sacristan. The course is open both for those who already serve as Sacristans and those new to this ministry. Since last year we have developed a comprehensive resource that will be distributed to the participants on the first day of training.

For catering purposes we ask that the participants register on-line here. The course is free of charge so we encourage you to recommend this unique opportunity to volunteers in your parishes and chaplaincies.

As always, if you wish to learn more about our various initiatives please visit our web-site at https://liturgy.sydneycatholic.org/.

April flyer HEALING MASS

Jubilee of Hope Concert

The Parish of Sydney City South invite you to celebrate the Year of Jubilee with us at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Waterloo) on Friday, April 4th, at 7:30 PM.
Experience the enchanting Prima Luce Chamber Orchestra as they present an intimate performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Led by James Doig on the harpsichord and featuring the exceptional Korean-born soloist Sunny Roh, this musical experience promises to resonate deeply within your spirit.
The concert will explore themes of pilgrimage, life, and hope, offering a profound reflection perfect for this Jubilee Year. This evening is not only a cultural celebration but also an opportunity for a pilgrimage to a sacred site recognised for this special occasion. Refreshments to be provided after the performance.
Tickets on sale now! Visit citysouthcatholic.org.au/jubilee-concert/ or call 9353 6300 
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

Discernment Day with the Sydney Vocations Office

The Sydney Vocations Office is hosting a Discernment Day Retreat at Mackillop Place, North Sydney, for men between the ages of 18 -35 who wish to set aside time for discerning the Lord’s call. Registration information can be found on the Sydney Vocation Office’s Events page.
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

Discernment Day with the Dominican Sisters
Single Catholic women, ages 18-30, are invited to join Sr Mara Grace, Vocation Director for the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, for this retreat. Sister is visiting from St Cecilia Motherhouse in Nashville, TN. The day will explore the principles of discernment in discerning God’s call for your life. The retreat day will include the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, an opportunity for Confession, silence, talks by the Sisters, individual spiritual direction, and Q&A. Morning tea and lunch are included in the fee.
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

Invitation to Our Upcoming Flagship Youth Event – Join US!

We are excited to extend an invitation to your parish to join us for St. Brigid’s Youth (SBY) Flagship Event, a vibrant gathering where young people from across our local parishes can come together to celebrate faith, fun, and fellowship.

Event Details:
 Date: Sunday, 6th April, 2025
 Time: 6pm (Mass) – 9:10pm
 Location: St. Brigid’s Parish, Marrickville
 Food & Activities: Delicious food, engaging games, testimony, adoration & reconciliation.

As you may know by now, St Brigid’s Marrickville has been named a Plenary Parish for the 2025 Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope! This is a wonderful opportunity for us to begin our journey together as pilgrims, deepening our faith and growing as a united community.

Our flagship event is a fantastic start to strengthening community connections, and deepening our faith journeys. We’d love for your parish youth members to be part of this incredible experience.

Please find the event flyer attached for further details.

 RSVP: To assist with catering and preparations, we kindly ask that you RSVP by Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025 by clicking the link:
https://forms.gle/xBgPRQvdPwUYGEts7 
 Note: I know this doesn’t give you much time, but even a rough estimate would be helpful.

If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out. We’re looking forward to collaborating and creating a space where our youth can thrive and grow in faith together.

In His Grip,

| Jenny Ryan-Cook |

| Youth Ministry |

| St. Brigids Catholic Church |

| 392 Marrickville Road, Marrickville, NSW, 2204 |

https://www.stpatssutherland.org.au/about-groups-activities

Lenten Series SHIRE YOUNG ADULTS

Passiontide carols

An event upcoming in the Sydney Archdiocese is Passiontide carols at the JPII centre on the evening of Thursday 10 April, as per the details in the attached advertisement.

Didaskō: Jesus in the Gospels

Join Dr Peter Holmes as he guides us through the Gospels. Each gospel tells us about the same Jesus, but each writer has his own unique style, memories and his own points that he is emphasising in telling the story of Jesus. This short course will look at Jesus Christ through the unique perspective of each of the first three gospel writers, helping participants to appreciate the unique way each gospel introduces us to a different aspect of Jesus Christ.
DATE: Mondays 7, 14, and 28 April 2025
TIME: 7:30 - 8:45 pm
MODE: Online via Zoom
Cost per course: $35 for individuals or $100 per Parish Group for an in-person gathering (+ booking fees).
Register at www.gomakedisciples.org.au/didasko.
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin

Discernment Day with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

Are you a woman discerning a vocation to religious life? The Sydney Vocations Office is inviting women between the ages of 18-35 to spend a day with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on April 12, 2025. This day will give you an opportunity to experience the sister’s community, prayer, common life, activities, and members. RSVP to: [email protected].
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

7 Churches Pilgrimage

We would like to invite your parishioners to visit our Parish, St John Paul II Maronite Catholic Parish, 826 Victoria Road, Ryde NSW 2112 on Holy Thursday. 

Father Robert Pio Albayeh and our parish would be honoured if you could include our Parish as part of your 7 Churches Pilgrimage this Holy Thursday. Please see attached photo. 

Last year was a memorable occasion for everyone who attended and we promise it will be the same this year. 

Once again, we will be preparing falafel rolls and hot chips.

It may well be the case that our parish is too far for you or that you are not organising a 7 Churches pilgrimage. In any event, our church will be open until midnight for anyone who is interested in visiting it.

Purpose Camp 2025!

Dear Parish, 

We, the Sydney Catholic Youth team, are VERY excited to announce that the annual Archdiocesan Youth Camp- Purpose Camp will be taking place again this year. Did you know that this is the only diocesan youth camp in NSW? Open to all students in years 9-12, the camp will feature powerful and engaging talks, the opportunity to partake in the Sacraments, games, activities, and of course plenty of social time with the youth from across Sydney! 

What: Purpose Camp 2025

When: 22-24 April 

Where: Benedict XVI Retreat Centre 

Who: year 9-12 students

Cost: $250 ($160 SCS subsidy and sibling discount available) 

If you have any youth in your parish who you think would benefit from this camp please let them know. We are very appreciative of your assistance in the promotion of this. 

Please find attached flyers for the camp along with a digital tile. To book, please follow the link here. 

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Yours in Christ,

Imogen van Rensburg

Grace and Truth Event
You are invited to join the Dominican Friars and Sisters on Wednesday, 30 April for an evening of prayer, formation, and fellowship. Open to men and women of all ages. The evening will consist of Eucharistic Adoration, Vespers and Benediction, a light dinner, and talks by Sister Elena Marie and Father James Baxter. The event will run from 5-9PM, starting in the St Mary Cathedral Crypt and moving to the Cathedral Hall. Fee: $20. For more information, contact the Dominican Sisters at [email protected].
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

Everlasting Love - Marriage Preparation Course
'Everlasting Love' is a marriage preparation course that gives special emphasis to the sacramental, spiritual, and relational dimensions of marriage. The course highlights the importance of God's grace and of intentional human love in the building of a joy-filled, fruitful and life long relationship.
DETAILS:
Venue: St Martha's, 38 Renwick Street, Leichhardt NSW 2040
Dates: 2 - 3 May 2025. The course is split across 2 days (no overnight stay).
> Day 1: Friday, 2 May from 6pm - 10pm.
> Day 2: Saturday, 3 May from 9am - 5pm.
Cost: $350.00 per couple
For more information and tor register, visit https://www.trybooking.com/CYUGI

Engaging Your Faith May 2025 online sessions

Catholic Theological College
Invites you to our Engaging Your Faith online presentations. From $25 per session. For more information and to register: https://ctc.edu.au/news-and-events/engaging-your-faith/

We are delighted to announce the return in May 2025 of our online lecture series, Engaging Your Faith. Eleven stand-alone sessions on a range of themes will be presented by members of our lecturing staff. For more information, please see the attached flyer or our website.

These sessions would be an ideal opportunity for lay leaders and other interested people in your parish to explore the possibilities offered at CTC for personal, theological, and spiritual development. For more information, including topics, visit our website.

Cost: $25 per session or $40 if seeking accreditation.

Book and pay directly through Try Booking.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.

Hello everyone, further to my email below, there has been a change in date for the Jubilee Tour 2025 (Pilgrim of Hope tour).

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;

PARISH NEWSLETTER ITEM REQUEST - MARIA FORDE

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling!
Inviting parishioners to join me on the Maria Forde Celtic Tour of Ireland 2025 (September 20 - October 4th). Enjoy two glorious weeks traversing the spectacular Irish countryside, experiencing the hospitality of the Irish people, and learning about their history and story. Enjoy Celtic music, cuisine, and sacred sites, including Glendalough, Clonmacnoise and Kylemore Abbey. Travel comfortably by coach and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a small tour. (Max 20 people) If you're worried about travelling alone or going abroad for the first time, rest assured that our Irish driver, other guests, and I will welcome and support you. For an itinerary, please contact Debbie at Emerald Travel on 96902123, debbie@emeraldtravel.com.au, or go to https://www.mariaforde.com/.

Sri Lankan Tour with Fr. Michael Kelly

A unique opportunity to visit the cultural sites and experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka, plus get an awareness of the needs served by the Benedictine monasteries associated with the community of St Benedict’s Monastery, Arcadia, with which there has been a 75-year contact.

The tour will be accompanied by Fr Michael Kelly OSB and will visit the main historical and cultural sites, a wildlife park and travel on a scenic rail trip. It is an ecumenical group and will visit, as well as key Benedictine undertakings, some of the Anglican activities. It will be guided by a qualified English-speaking guide and accompanied by a skilled driver
DETAILS:
Departure Date: 22 September 2025
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Cost: AU$5,945.00 per person, twin share
Upgrades: Airfares, land-only options, and single supplements are available.

To secure your spot on this extraordinary journey, a non-refundable deposit of AU $ 500 per person is required. Contact for further information and booking: [email protected]; (02)9232 1711 or for information, Fr Michael Kelly: [email protected]; 0455 329 607.
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

MARIAN PILGRIMAGE & ROME FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR

Thurs, 25 Sept 2025 - Mon, 20 October 2025

We will be visiting the shrines of Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Garabandal, Our Lady of Lourdes, The Shrine of the Miraculous Medal and Our Lady of Medjugorje. During the pilgrimage, you will have the opportunity to join other pilgrims to participate in the daily Masses, the candlelight processions, recite the rosary, walk the Stations of the Cross, visit and pray at the apparition sites, experience the healing & miraculous baths in Lourdes, visit the birth places and the tombs of the three children in Fatima, and many more. Other sites will include the Church of St. Anthony, Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem, The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Basilica of Sacré Coeur and the newly restored Notre Dame in Paris. We will fly from Medjugorje into Rome and immerse ourselves into the graces of the Jubilee Year and walk through the four Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, Mary Majors and St. Paul Outside the Walls to end our pilgrimage. The Spiritual Director - Father Jean-Noël Marie, Parish Priest of St. Emilie’s Canning Vale. Pilgrimage Coordinator - Edman Anthony at 0424 437 251 / [email protected] Those interested to join the pilgrimage, please contact the Pilgrimage Coordinator for the full itinerary and further details. 

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.

Women’s Group that is held at St Thomas More once a month

Catholic Bushwalking Club
The Catholic Bushwalking Club holds at least one walk each weekend, with other activities including abseiling, cross-country skiing, caving, canyoning and cycling. For more information, go to www.cbcnsw.org.au or phone Robert on 0478 919 427.

CatholicCare Services

Parent Line NSW
Managed by CatholicCare Sydney, Parent Line NSW is proud to support families across the state. Our experienced and qualified counsellors work to find solutions that bests support parents or carers and their family. 
Top concerns people calling Parent Line for include…

• bullying
• anxiety in children
• school refusal
• feeling alone or frustrated as a parent
• family separation
• concerns about your child’s behaviour
• parenting a child with a disability
• or something else.

Parent Line can support parents and carers by providing positive parenting strategies, useful information and referrals to other services. They can also call Parent Line to chat and discuss concerns.
We’re here to support you, helping families to thrive in 2025. Call 1300 1300 52 or visit parentline.org.au

Discover the benefits of relationship and family counselling
At CatholicCare Sydney, we understand that relationships and families often come with challenges and complexities. Our Relationship and Family Counselling service offers individual, couples, group, and family counselling and support by a qualified and experienced professional.
We provide in-person and remote services, with locations in Bankstown, Lewisham, Liverpool, and Sydney CBD. There’s currently no waitlist, helping you to move forward in 2025.
To make an appointment, please call 13 18 19 or visit catholiccare.org/rfc to learn more. 
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

Need a little Extra help at home?
CatholicCare Sydney offers a range of services for you or a loved one to remain happy in your home.
Our qualified team can help you with:

• Domestic assistance
• Day-to-day tasks like shopping
• Connecting with others
• In-home respite care
• Personal care
• Health and wellness activities
• Allied Health & Clinical Support

Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

CatholicCare Services
Home Care Services
CatholicCare Sydney’s Home Care services are available to older Australians to ensure they can continue enjoying life independently with comfort and confidence. Our services cover a range of offerings, from helping you keep up to date with your chores to helping you maintain your health and well-being. We can support you or your loved ones in maximising your independence and ensuring you’re at the centre of decision-making with your care.

To learn more, please call 13 18 19 or visit catholiccare.org.
 

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

Free Financial Counselling
CatholicCare Sydney offers FREE and confidential financial counselling to adults experiencing financial worries and stress.
Whether it be harmful gambling behaviours or issues with multiple loans and debts, our fully qualified and experienced counsellors can provide you with information and the support you need to move forward.
Financial Counselling provides both in-person and telecare (online and telephone) support, offering you flexibility. If you or a loved one could benefit from this service, contact our team, call 13 18 19, or visit catholiccare.org/financialcounselling to start your journey with us.
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.