St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Kogarah

PULPIT POINTS 8 September 2024
• SHROUD OF TURIN: Leading Australian researcher says science
 has proved authenticity p3
• Spiritual warfare is about the basics: Archbishop Porteous p1,6
• New doco recalls JPII’s visit to Sydney p9
• Disciple Diaries: Stunt Truckie now God’s prime mover p8
• Monica Doumit: ‘Born Alive’ bills show anti-life’s ghoulish logic p17
• George Weigel: 25 years since A Witness to Hope p19

In this week’s edition: 

• Top stunt truck driver became a prime mover for God
• Sydney hopeful for 2028 Eucharistic Congress

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

GIFT OF TIME MAGAZINE LIFTOUT

AVAILABLE NOW

CATHOLIC SUPPLIERS 2024 MAGAZINE

UPCOMING SUPPLEMENTS FOR 2024

PULPIT POINTS 1 September 2024
• The Gift of Fatherhood p1-3
• Support our Spiritual Fathers p9
• Monica Doumit on Tickle v Giggle p33
• ‘Gender diverse’ need love, acceptance, says bishop p1,5
• Catholic world stunned by new Shroud evidence p4
• New Genesian theatre needs your support p7

In this week’s edition: 

• Father’s day fundraiser for our spiritual fathers
• Broken Bay rejoices at ordination of new priest, Fr Hien Vu

Archbishop Awards 2024 – Newsprint

Boarding Schools 2024 – Newsprint

Nominate your Parish Hero!

Five Tips for Running Effective Parish Events
All are welcome to this practical workshop to learn skills and strategies for confidently running large and small parish events, groups, and other initiatives.
DATES AND TOPICS: DATES: Wednesday 11 September
TIME: 7:15 - 8:30 PM, doors open at 7:00 pm
VENUE: St Martha's, 38 Renwick Street, Leichhardt NSW 2040
Free Admission. For more information and to register go to www.gomakedisciples.org.au/cas-events
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin. Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

---

Mention My Name - Special Prayer Service

You are invited to join us a special Remembrance Service for family, friends and communities, grieving the death of someone close, to suicide or misadventure. Presided by Most Reverend Terry Brady - Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Sydney.
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday 10th September 2024 at 7pm,
VENUE: St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney - St Mary’s Cathedral, 2 St Mary’s Road, Sydney NSW 2000
For further information, please contact the Grief Care Team on 02 9646 6908 or email [email protected]
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

---

Catholic Earthcare Event

 

We are very pleased to share some exciting events and new resources for the month of September. 

• Season of Creation Convocation (12-14 September). There is an excellent line-up of keynote speakers and workshops to attend. It is not too late to register. Please help us share the information and encourage people to register at www.caritas.org.au/soc-convocation

  Download  bulletin notices, PPT slides, Facebook tile, poster and information sheets for each hub if there is one near you.

• New resource: Season of Creation prayer (PPT or PDF print version). This is a wonderful resource for personal prayer or to start a parish meeting etc.
• Season of Creation Prayer Service
• Is your parish interested in learning more about developing a parish Laudato Si' Action Plan? Register for free support and resources at: www.caritas.org.au/lsap-guide 

Catholic Earthcare is hosting a three-day Season of Creation Convocation from 12-14 September, 2024.
The first two days are online and the third day is face-to-face in local diocesan hubs. The local site for the Archdiocese of Sydney is St Francis Xavier’s Lavender Bay.
Participants may attend one, two or all three days ($25-$100).
Details and registration at https://www.caritas.org.au/soc-convocation

---

Rob Galea Event in Nov and Charbel Raish in Sep

My name is Ronald, and I'm with the Holy Trinity Community, which is under the helm of the Archdiocese and rooted in the Carmelite and Charismatic spiritual traditions. We are hosting two upcoming events.

The first is a talk by Charbel Raish followed by Adoration with Fr Pat Mara Msc from Randwick parish.
Our annual larger event in November featuring Fr. Rob Galea, with an expected attendance of over 500 people in Wesley Conference Centre.

These events are part of our commitment to Archbishop Anthony Fisher's mission plan as a Catholic to evangelize and transform our communities by being faithful to Jesus' command to go and make disciples who bear the fruit of God (Romans 7:4).

---

Campion College Australia - Campion Ball

Exciting times are ahead at Campion College, and we are thrilled to share several upcoming events that could greatly benefit you and your community. We would be immensely grateful if you could help us spread the word within your parish. 

Early Offer Scheme Apply by 30 September 2024

First, do you have students in your parish who are still making decisions about their academic journey? Encourage them to consider Campion College through our Early Offer Scheme. This opportunity allows Year 12 students to secure their place at Campion before their final exams. Further information can be found at: https://www.campion.edu.au/admission/early-offer-scheme/

Below we have links to a few resources that you can use to promote the Early Offer Scheme:

Short blurb for bulletin Poster for notice board

Additionally, we are eagerly anticipating Sydney's biggest Catholic Ball, the annual Campion Ball on Saturday 14th September! This 18+ event promises a vibrant atmosphere where young Catholics from across Australia can connect, celebrate, and build lasting friendships. Spread the word, get your tickets now at: https://www.campion.edu.au/event/campion-ball/

---

Australian Catholic Historical Society Talk
The Australian Catholic Historical Society's next event will be held in the crypt of Saint Patrick's, Church Hill, at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 15. Dr Anne Thoeming, an independent scholar, will give a talk entitled “Catholic-mindedness in the Catholic doctor: the Sydney Catholic Medical Guild of St Luke, 1933-1935.” Members, their guests, and visitors are most welcome, and there is no charge.

Details of the programme of the ACHS as well as resources on church history, can be found at https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/ Enquiries may be directed to [email protected]

---

PADRE PIO FEAST DAY

---

Grace & Truth Evening
Men and women (18 years and older) are invited to join the Dominican Friars and Sisters on Tuesday, 1st October for an evening of prayer, formation, and fellowship. This event will commence a series of evening retreats with the Dominicans in 2025. The evening will consist of Eucharistic Adoration, preached Vespers and Benediction, a light dinner, and talks by the Dominicans. The event will run from 5-9PM, starting in the St Mary Cathedral Crypt and moving to the Cathedral Hall. Fee: $35.
To register visit https://www.trybooking.com/CTNDW. For more information, contact the Dominican Sisters at [email protected].
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

If you're wondering how God is calling you to serve Him, the Called & Gifted Discernment Process is for you! This Process is designed to help Christians identify and nurture their spiritual gifts (charisms), both to represent Christ and to be a channel of God's goodness for others. Commences Saturday 14 September. 
Register at gomakedisciples.org.au/called-gifted-discernment-process
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin. Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

---

Australian Catholic Historical Society Talk
The Australian Catholic Historical Society's next event will be held in the crypt of Saint Patrick's, Church Hill, at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 15. Dr Anne Thoeming, an independent scholar, will give a talk entitled “Catholic-mindedness in the Catholic doctor: the Sydney Catholic Medical Guild of St Luke, 1933-1935.” Members, their guests, and visitors are most welcome, and there is no charge. Details of the programme of the ACHS as well as resources on church history, can be found at https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/ Enquiries may be directed to [email protected]

---

Ave Maria: A Concert of Sacred Classics

Bondi Catholic Parishes presents Ave Maria: A Concert of Sacred Classics performed by the choir
of St Anne’s Shrine and special guests, conducted by Eugene Raggio. Featuring Shubert’s Ave Maria, Franck’s Panis Angelicus, the Hallelujah Chorus, Allegri’s Miserere and more. Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will follow the performance.
DATE: Friday, 20 September 2024
TIME: 7.30 PM
VENUE: The Shrine of St Anne, 47 Mitchell St, Bondi (Free parking in the grounds of Galilee Catholic School access via Oakley Rd)
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

---

Annual 'BE NOT AFRAID' Men’s Conference 2024

A one day conference for men (18+) at St Mary's Cathedral Hall Sydney from 7am to 3.30pm on Saturday, 21 September 2024.  
This year's theme is '7 Deadly Sins—vices and opposing virtues, ’ which will be presented by various speakers. 
Speakers include: Fr Daniele Russo, Fr Greg Morgan, Fr James Baxter OP, Fr Chris de Sousa CRS, Fr Dan McCaughan, Dr Peter Holmes, Christian Stephens, Fr Richard Wallace FSSP, Fr Emmanuel Seo, Fr Ben Saliba as MC plus others joining us for the day! 
The conference will include breakfast, coffee/tea, talks by guest speakers, mass, opportunity for confession, Q&A, lunch, fraternity and small expo.  
We're gathering as men to encounter Our Lord and increase in faith, hope and charity in brotherhood to be the man God created us to be.  
Tickets are $55 and Concession Ticket is $45. Clergy, Religious and Seminarians are free
Tickets are limited, register now and invite a mate - BE NOT AFRAID 
Register at 
“As iron sharpens iron, man sharpens man” - Proverbs 27:17
For more information and to register, visit https://www.trybooking.com/CUGHI
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

---

SVDP POSTER FOR THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL MASS ON 27 SEPT'24 AT 7PM

SVDP YEARLY REGIONAL MASS, celebrating St Vincent De Paul (the saint) also for our St Vincent De Paul Society.  It is being held at St Thomas More's Parish Church on Friday, 27 Sept. 2024 at 7pm.

This involves all SVDP Conferences in the St George Region, and it is the most formal event for our Region each year. There is a hot supper afterwards and all are invited in our Regional area.

---

Symposium: Sexual Integrity in a Pornified World

A gathering of leaders across a range of professions working in the Catholic community, the symposium will propose a practical response to the challenges of pornography. Featuring Australian and international experts, delegates will be armed with insights and inspiration to more effectively respond to the harms to children, young people, marriages and families. A series of short IMPACT talks highlighting the presenters’ best insights, interspersed with network discussions will be bookended by synthesis presentations.
DATE: Saturday, 28 September 2024
TIME: 9:00am – 5:30pm
VENUE: University of Notre Dame, Chippendale Campus, Sydney
COST: $250 (Early Bird Aug 25) / $350 per person (+ optional offsite dinner – details to follow). Subsidised places for religious, students available.
To register to attend, visit https://form.jotform.com/241898118220053
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

---

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

All parishioners of the Archdiocese are warmly invited to attend the Multicultural Mass. 2pm, Sunday 29th September 2024 at St Mary's Cathedral, St Mary's Road, Sydney For more information please email Kylie at [email protected]

St Mary's Cathedral 29 September 2:00pm - 3:00pm

---

Parish Pastoral Council Formation: Thursday 3 October, 7 - 9 pm

You and your parish council members are warmly invited to an evening of formation and sharing on the soon-to-be released Archdiocesan Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines. 

This is a repeat of the PPC formation evenings offered last Autumn; it is especially for parishes who missed out, as well as individuals and new PPC members who were unable to join their parish groups for the earlier sessions.

Please click here to download the flyer to share with your PPC members.

Date: Thursday 3 October 2024

Time: 7:00pm 9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)

Venue: St Martha's (Office of the Parish Renewal Team)

Address: 38 Renwick Street, Leichhardt, NSW 2040

Registration is essential to assist with planning via trybooking.com/CTLEZ

Free on-site parking.

Note: This formation evening is for clergy to attend with the whole parish council; it is not for individuals, unless there are individual PPC members who could not be present with their parish group at the previous formation evenings.

---

Didaskō Faith Formation

Join Dr. Angus Brook for a beginner’s exploration of ancient philosophy's importance for the life, beliefs, and prayer of Christians of all times. This is the first course in the new Didaskō series, 2024-2025, especially for parish adult faith formation and individuals new to university-level philosophy and theology.
DATES: Thursdays 10, 17, and 24 October 2024
TIME: 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
MODE: Online via Zoom
The cost per course is $35 for individuals or $100 per Parish Group for an in-person gathering (+ booking fees).
For more information and to register: www.gomakedsicples.org.au/didasko
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin. Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

---

Upcoming Retreats from MGL Sisters - Springtime Creative Retreat

Come and experience the healing power of creativity as we step into the blossoming wonders of Spring. Nurture your inner self and watch the boundless possibilities that emerge from spending time co-creating with God.
DATE: 11th-13th October 2024
VENUE: Carmel House, 345 St Andrews Rd, Varroville NSW
To book visit http://www.trybooking.com/CNSWN (by 27 September)
For more information, contact Judy at [email protected]
Download the tile to promote in your bulletin.

---

---

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.

---

Invitation to attend & promote the National Pilgrimage "In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop"

We hope this message finds you well.  We are writing to extend a warm invitation to you and your parish community to participate in and promote the upcoming National Pilgrimage “In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop”.  This official pilgrimage is led and run by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

As you may know, Mary MacKillop holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians for her dedication to education, social justice, and faith.  Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals across the nation.

Our National Pilgrimage, scheduled to take place from the 15^th - 26^th of October 2024, offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to come together in prayer, reflection, and celebration of Mary MacKillop's life and teachings.  It promises to be a deeply enriching and spiritually fulfilling experience for all who attend.

In order to reach as many members of our community as possible, we kindly request your assistance in promoting our “In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop” Pilgrimage within your parish and network.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

‘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.

---

---

 

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.

---

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

---