St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Kogarah

Please find your Poster, Pg 1, Pulpit Points and notices for issue 16 March 2025.

In this week’s 16/3/25 edition: 

• Disciple diaries: How rising star Chris Keryakos found his voice
• Faith Boom: More conversion stories from our thriving parishes

PULPIT POINTS

• Rite of Election: Historic growth in faith
• Carlo Acutis inspires parish youths off to Rome
• ARC Conference 2025
• Pope Francis “out of danger”
• St Joseph’s feast day and recipe

Parish Priests with their Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs) are invited to attend an evening of group formation in preparation for the new Archdiocesan Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines. This is a repeat of the formation offered in 2025; it is especially for parishes and PPC members who missed out.
DATE: Thursday 13 March 2024
TIME: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
VENUE: St Martha's (Office of the Parish Renewal Team)
ADDRESS: 38 Renwick Street, Leichhardt, NSW 2040
Registration is essential via trybooking.com/CYSQC
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

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Hospitality: A versatile Charism

 

(Cottage Weekend Retreat) 14 - 16 Mar 2025

There is an invitation in these uncertain times to go deeper, a call to a deeper contemplative living which is rooted in the unconditionally hospitable embrace of God. From this place we are enabled to embrace ourselves with unconditional hospitality from which a natural flow extends to the embrace of the other – as our very self.

Retreat Cost: $150 + accommodation cost.

We would like to enable as many people to attend our retreats. If you require assistance with the registration cost, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

 God bless.

 Benedictine Nuns of Jamberoo Abbey

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Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a violent world (ACBC Social Justice Statement 2024-2025

Luncheon with Dr Susan Connelly rsj on Saturday 15 March 12.30-2.30pm, at Hunters Hill Parish Hall – Tickets $35 each. For further information, call 02 4971 4090, email catalyst-for-renewal@outlook.com or book through TryBooking at https://www.trybooking.com/CYPEV Download the flyer to promote in your parish

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Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a violent world (ACBC Social Justice Statement 2024-2025)
Luncheon with Dr Susan Connelly rsj on Saturday 15 March 12.30-2.30pm, at Hunters Hill Parish Hall – Tickets $35 each. For further information, call 02 4971 4090, email catalyst-for-renewal@outlook.com or book through TryBooking at https://www.trybooking.com/CYPEV
Download the flyer to promote in your parish

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Australian Catholic Historical Society Event
The next event for the Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held in the crypt of Saint Patrick's, Church Hill at 2:00 PM on Sunday 16 March. The Presenter is Bishop Vincent Long, and the topic:  "The 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war - a personal recollection"
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, are on the website https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/

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St Patrick's Feast Day Mass at St Mary's Cathedral

Bishop Terry Brady, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus warmly invites you to the celebration of the St Patrick’s Feast Day Mass. 
DATE: Monday, 17th March 2025
TIME: 10:00am
VENUE: St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney
No allocated seating or reservations are required.
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

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Lenten Retreat: Carry Our Cross Through Lent

Talks, Reconciliation, Adoration and Holy Eucharistic Mass.
DATE: Saturday, 22 March 2025
TIME: 12.30 pm - 5.30 pm
VENUE: St Mary MacKillop Parish Hall, 11 Walz St Rockdale (Parking entry in Parker St)
Afternoon tea is provided.
Inquiries: St Mark MacKillop Parish Office 02 9567 1558 or [email protected]
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

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Day of the Unborn Child: Mass and Procession
On Sunday 23 March, the Day of the Unborn Child will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Mass at 10:30 am. At 12:30 pm the procession, led by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, will walk to NSW Parliament where an address will be given by Cardinal Mykola Bychok, returning to the Cathedral for Benediction at 1:30 pm.
Download the flyer to promote in your parish.

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Bulletin Notice please: Calling Seniors!

Greetings from Palms and warmest blessings to you all for a fruitful Lent.

Many enquirers to Palms express the view that they may be “too old” for placement in an overseas community, but that hardly the view of Palms or the requesting communities! Rather, we have consistently found that mission participants on the senior side draw on a lifetime of experience, wisdom and know-how, assisting their hosts to achieve outstanding community development.

As part of NSW Seniors’ Week, Palms is holding a special online discovery session on Thursday 27 March especially tailored our valued older siblings and highlighting their work in the field.

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"24 Hours for the Lord” at the Schoenstatt Shrine

"24 Hours for the Lord” at Mt Schoenstatt Mulgoa

Join us for an hour between the 28^th – 29^th March for “24 Hours for the Lord” a worldwide Lenten initiative of prayer and reconciliation, introduced by Pope Francis. This special event will begin at Mt Schoenstatt on Friday 28th at 6 pm with Holy Mass in the Shrine and conclude on Saturday 29th at 5 pm with Holy Mass. Reconciliation will be available after Mass on Friday and before Mass on Saturday. The Shrine will remain open for the entire duration, with continuous adoration throughout the 24 hours. For more info please reach out to Ramani 0424955859.

Additionally, the Schoenstatt Shrine at Mulgoa, is a designated pilgrimage site in the Parramatta Diocese during the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025. Pilgrims can obtain a plenary indulgence by visiting the shrine during this Jubilee year, provided they fulfill the necessary conditions. You are warmly invited to make a personal pilgrimage or organise a jubilee pilgrimage group from your parish.

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Walking as Pilgrims of Peace - A retreat in the spirit of Taize (Saturday 29 March, 2025)

Noted Australia Catholic musician (Trish Watts) will be leading the retreat.

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Women's Lenten Retreat
Women of all ages are invited to join the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia and the Catholic Women’s Network for a Lenten Retreat Day on Saturday, 29th March 2025, at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney.

The retreat day will unpack Jesus’ question and our response, exploring its impact and application on the three fundamental relationships in our life. The day will include all day Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions, keynote talks by the Dominican Sisters, breakout sessions, morning tea and lunch. Women who have attended previous retreat days are encouraged to bring a friend to this event.

The ticket price is $50 per person, which includes morning tea and lunch. A group discount is on offer - buy 4 tickets for $180.
Download the flyer to promote around your parish.

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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.

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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

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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

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

 

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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;

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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

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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.

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

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.

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