Diocese of Parramatta
Diocesan Youth Event Review: Breakfast with the Bishop One would think that rain, cold and miserable weather would keep the youth & young adults in bed on a Saturday morning, but not those of the Parramatta Diocese! On Saturday 19th March, the first Breakfast with the Bishop for 2011 was held, where over 160 youth and young adults flooded into the Cathedral hall to hear Bishop Anthony Fisher OP speak. Amongst this crowd were youth leaders, teachers and World Youth Day Pilgrims. Greeting people as they walked through the door was the remarkable music and singing of Revive Music Group Glenwood/Stanhope Garden s youth band. Annabelle Cauchi, Diocesan Youth Worker, then welcomed everyone before a delicious cold breakfast was served by Amadeus caterers. The topic of the morning was Does Catholic Teaching on Sex Make Sense? Bishop Anthony explained the problems that Christians are faced with in the way contemporary society views the human person, sex and relationships. The first was Individualism. Our very individualistic society tells us that to be happy; we have to have no restrictions. Many see restrictions from freedom to be: marriage, having children, etc, and the enemy of society. Also influencing the way we think about sexuality is Consumer Mentality. With this, the body, sexuality and children are designed and controlled. Sex is both overestimated, thinking one cannot be happy if they aren t having sex constantly, and underestimated, where sex is no more significant than human bodily functions. The third was the Reluctance to Engage in Self Sacrifice where many people don t commit to long terms obligations to God and their partners. Less people choose to marry and our culture advises us to try out other people, to experiment and test with numerous people and with different kinds of sex. The fourth was in respect to children. The Bishop explained that safe sex is the prevention of babies, about how our fertility in today s society is seen as something to be feared, leading to a sterile civilisation. He clarified what sex says. The two inseparable dimensions are life and making love. Full expression of sexual love is when a married couple give themselves to each other honestly and completely. The talk was followed by a Q and A session giving people the opportunity to share their thanks for Bishop Anthony s words of wisdom and to ask what was on their mind. Notices for WYD & upcoming Diocesan Events were announced, finishing with our thanks to Bishop Anthony and to all the youth and young adults who came to the Breakfast. By Lisa Garland
World Youth Day 20011 Planted & Built Up Youth Volunteer Program Sharing her experience: Jay-Ann Marie Gutierrez St. Aidan s Eucharistic Youth Ministry Rooty Hill As I continue to find myself in this journey of life, I look to God to direct me in the right path. Through the formation sessions in the Planted and Built Up Youth Volunteer Program, I have been able to discover new ways of finding and living a deeper faith. One of the key points I learnt at the Youth Leaders Retreat on the 26 th February, was that a personal relationship with God is a sure way of achieving holiness. However, it is through love of prayer, love of the Church, love of Our Lady and love of the Sacraments (just some of the many loves we should uphold) that we are able to achieve this supernatural way of being and living. There is a key point that Mr. Peter Holmes communicated to myself and others in the Volunteer Program on the 4 th December, 2010, and that was ignorance of the Scripture is ignorance of Christ. Through this quote I was awakened to the fact that reading Scripture was lacking in my spiritual life. This was just one aspect in my life that needed improving, as I continue to struggle finding God in all things. However, I am comforted by the words of St. Josemaria Escriva when he says in his book, The Way ; Another fall, and what a fall!... Must you give up hope? No. Humble yourself and, through Mary, your mother, have recourse to the merciful love of Jesus. A miserere, and lift up your heart! And now begin again. So as many of us continue to forward to WYD in Madrid, Spain, I pray and hope we may continue to struggle more in our interior life, as through our struggles we may continue to build a stronger faith in Christ. I think the Program has allowed me to be more involved with the parish. I've been attending a lot of our talks and catechesis classes which have taught me of the Church s stand on various ethical issues and encouraged me to read more of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Since being involved with the Program, I have been given the role of social director in our youth group. It allows myself and others in our group to start a social calendar, allowing us to build new and stonger relationships with others in our church community. Various fundraising events in our youth group have built a stronger sense of community at St. Aidan's, allowing us to work together to accomplish a certain goal.
Upcoming Diocesan Events: Prayer for Our Lives and Purpose - Thursday 7th April 7pm Adoration, Inspiration, A Shared life Story with youth/young adults and others. Starts at 7pm. Where: St Patrick s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. For more details contact: Fr Paul, Vocations Director- 0419 219 819 Photo (Hamilton Lund) From the Diocesan Youth Office: Palm Sunday Youth Celebration - Sunday 17th April Gather with youth from all over our Diocese to celebrate Palm Sunday. Procession with Palms, Youth Mass and Get together with the Bishop! Principal Celebrant: Bishop Anthony Fisher OP Date: Sunday 17th April Time: 5.45pm for a 6pm start Place: St Patrick's Cathedral and Hall, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. RSVP needed for catering purposes by 11 th April & enquiries to CYP on youth@parra.catholic.org.au or 8838 3418. Flyer available on the website. Walk and Talk with the Lord Good Friday Walk - Friday 22nd April We will remember the journey our Lord took to Calvary by coming together for an all night long Good Friday walk. Starting at 11pm, from St Patrick s Church, 59 Allawah St, Blacktown to St Patrick s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta visiting different parishes along the way. More info and flyer is available on www.parra.catholic.org.au/youth, click on EVENTS then Diocesan Events RSVP: by 10 th April and enquiries to CYP on youth@parra.catholic.org.au or 8838 3418. Theology of the Body Catechesis with JASON EVERT - Sunday 15th May International speaker JASON EVERT is visiting Sydney from the USA for the first time since he spoke to packed out audiences at World Youth Day 2008. Jason will share his insights and answer questions on relationships, love, sexuality and our relationship with God. An event sponsored by the Dioceses of Parramatta, Diocese of Broken Bay and the Sydney Archdiocese. Where: The Epping Club, 45-47 Rawson St, Epping Time: 2pm-4:30pm Age: Open to all ages. (Youth under 18 years need to be accompanied by an adult) For catering purposes, please RSVP by Friday 6 May to the Life, Marriage and Family Centre: lmfevents@sydneycatholic.org **For all Diocesan Events go to www.parra.catholic.org.au/youth and click on EVENTS **
Registrations for WYD are closing!! Final call! Register now on www.wydtours.com/parramatta WYD FORMATION (Attendance is compulsory for those pilgrims attending WYD 2011) Formation Session (Blacktown): Tuesday 5th April (NB: Same session will be repeated on Wednesday 13th April in Penrith) Topic: Called and Chosen Time: 7-9pm Place: Diocesan Assembly Center (underneath the Institute for Mission), cnr Marion St & Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown Formation Session (Penrith): Wednesday 13th April (NB: Same formation session was held on Tuesday 5th April in Blacktown) Topic: Called and Chosen Place: St Nicholas of Myra Parish Hall, 326 High St, Penrith (entry via Higgins St) Time: 7-9pm **For the rest of the WYD Formation Dates go to www.parra.catholic.org.au/youth click on WYD 2011 MADRID tab on top, then choose Formation Sessions from the menu bar on the left** Come earlier than 7pm to register and mingle with the other pilgrims!!
Notices from Around the Diocese FRIDAY NIGHT LENTEN TALKS Lent is a time of spiritual growth and to prepare for Easter. What better way to do this than to come along and be enlighten by great speakers speaking on some wonderful topics which are very relevant to our lives today. Stations of the Cross will commence at 7pm and the talks will begin soon after at 7.30pm in the parish hall. The talk will go for about an hour and there will be time for questions afterward with tea and coffee also available. Dates: Friday 8th April - The Life & Works of St Francis of Assisi - Fr Christopher Shara Friday 15th April - Lenten talk - Sister Maria Cecilia of the Dominican Sisters At St Margaret Mary s Church Hall, 5 Chetwynd Rd, Merrylands For more information on the talks or any other youthgroup events please do not hesitate to contact Christina Baysari on 0401484952 SHRINE TIME - 4th Sunday of Every Month Come together for an hour of prayer, reflection, praise and worship in the Shrine. This will be followed by a social. When: 4th SUNDAY of EVERY MONTH Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm Why come? Schoenstatt is a place of grace. In our Shrine, our Lord Jesus Christ and His and our Mother Mary, await you and want to give you the three pilgrim graces of: HOME - to find a home in the hearts of Jesus and Mary TRANSFORMATION - let them transform you so that you may be more like them. WITNESS - so that you can be fruitful and a sign of hope for the world! discover yourself - 13th May 15th May A weekend retreat for young women aged 18-35. Who am I? My dignity as a Woman? My Personal Ideal? My Personal Mission? My Vocation? When: Friday 13 May 7pm til Sunday 15 May 5pm Where: Mount Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa Investment: Student Employed Rego by 1/5: $150 $180 Rego after 1/5: $170 $200 Includes accommodation, food & linen. Sponsorship available to those who need it. REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL BY 9 MAY. Contact: Sr.M.Julie Brcar E: juliebrcar@gmail.com M: 0408 738 334
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Presenter: Daniel Ang What does it mean to belong to the Catholic Church? What are the theological foundations of the Church? What are the implications of our Catholic faith for our dialogue with other Christians and our engagement with contemporary society? This course is for anyone wishing to learn and engage in dialogue about aspects of the Catholic Church. It will survey major themes in ecclesiology, including the meaning and implications of the Second Vatican Council, the mission of the Church, and the Church s historical development with a view to an appreciation of a developing ecumenical theology. Date: Saturday 14 May, 4 June, 2 July & 6 August 2011 Time: 9.30am-3pm Cost: $30 per session or $90 if you pay in full at the first session. Venue: Institute for Mission, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown (next to Patrician Bros) Booking Essential: 9831 4911 or lfm@tpg.com.au TALENT QUEST - Saturday 28th May WYD Fundraiser presented by Basic Gift Basic Gift from St Clair are holding a talent quest to raise funds for WYD pilgrims. When: Saturday 28 May Where: Holy Spirit School, 7-17 Todd Row, St Clair, 2759 Basic Gift would love for individuals/groups from the different youth groups to come and display their awesomeness and would love for each parish to be represented! There will be prizes, but fairly modest ones and its also a chance for youth groups to display their talents!! There will be points given for the number of people involved in the performances so the more people in the performances, the better the chances of winning the prize! LIGHT TO THE NATIONS EASTER YOUTH PILGRIMAGE - Wed 13th April Wed 20th April Experience the wonder of Easter in a new way! Come to Light to the Nations, along with hundreds of young people from all over Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Apart from forming lifelong friendships and having an experience you will never forget, you will find a new openness to God, a fresh experience of His love, and a renewed discovery of the beauty and splendour of the Catholic Church. For more info www.lttn.org.au Pilgrimage Walk to Light to the Nations - Wed 13th April-Wed 20th April Have you ever thought about becoming a traditional pilgrim, forsaking the comforts of home and taking to the highways and byways on foot to pray whilst journeying to a holy place? www.lttnwalk@dojcanberra.com or go to www.lttn.org.au/?sid=16842
Saint Vincent Ferrer (1357-1419) Patron of Builders Feast day: April 5 St. Vincent Ferrer is the patron saint of builders because of his fame for "building up" and strengthening the Church: through his preaching, missionary work, in his teachings, as confessor and adviser. He was born in Valencia in Spain on January 23, 1357. In the year 1374, he entered the Order of St. Dominic in a monastery near his native city. Soon after his profession he was commissioned to deliver lectures on philosophy. On being sent to Barcelona, he continued his scholastic duties and at the same time devoted himself to preaching. At Lerida, the famous university city of Catalonia, he received his doctorate. After this he laboured six years in Valencia, during which time he perfected himself in the Christian life. In 1390, he was obliged to accompany Cardinal Pedro de Luna to France, but he soon returned home. When, in 1394, de Luna himself had become Pope at Avignon he summoned St. Vincent and made him Master of the sacred palace. In this capacity St. Vincent made unsuccessful efforts to put an end to the great schism. He refused all ecclesiastical dignities, even the cardinal's hat, and only craved to be appointed apostolical missionary. Now began those labours that made him the famous missionary of the fourteenth century. He evangelized nearly every province of Spain, and preached in France, Italy, Germany, Flanders, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Numerous conversions followed his preaching, which God Himself assisted by the gift of miracles. Though the Church was then divided by the great schism, the saint was honourably received in the districts subject to the two claimants to the Papacy. He was even invited to Mohammedan Granada, where he preached the gospel with much success. He lived to behold the end of the great schism and the election of Pope Martin V. Finally, crowned with labours, he died April 5, 1419. His feast day is April 5. Article provided by Catholic.org Reprinted with permission of Catholic Online www.catholic.org http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=723 Saint Bernadette (1844-1879) Feast day: April 16 St. Bernadette was born at Lourdes, France. Her parents were very poor and she herself was in poor health. One Thursday, February 11, 1858, when she was sent with her younger sister and a friend to gather firewood, a very beautiful Lady appeared to her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle. The lovely Lady was dressed in blue and white. She smiled at Bernadette and then made the sign of the cross with a rosary of ivory and gold. Bernadette fell on her knees, took out her own rosary and began to pray the rosary. The beautiful Lady was God's Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. She appeared to Bernadette seventeen other times and spoke with her. Our Lady told Bernadette that she should pray for sinners, do penance and have a Chapel built there in her honour. Many people did not believe Bernadette when she spoke of her vision. She had to suffer much. But one day Our Lady told Bernadette to dig in the mud. As she did, a spring of water began to flow. The next day it continued to grow larger and larger. Many miracles happened when people began to use this water. When Bernadette was older, she became a nun. She was always very humble. More than anything else, she desired not to be praised. Once a nun asked her if she had temptations of pride because she was favoured by the Blessed Mother. "How can I?" she answered quickly. "The Blessed Virgin chose me only because I was the most ignorant." What humility! She died on Wednesday, April 16, 1879 at about 3.15 in the afternoon at the age of 35 years. On May 30, 1879, Bernadette's coffin was finally transferred to the crypt of the chapel of Saint Joseph. A very simple ceremony was held to commemorate the event. Article provided by Catholic.org Reprinted with permission of Catholic Online http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=147