St. Patrick's Catholic Church Kogarah
Parish Notices
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1) COVID-19 update
17 October 2021Churches re-open with attendance limitsChurches across the Archdiocese of Sydney will reopen on Monday, 18 October.This comes after NSW has passed the 80 percent target of its residents having had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.People attending churches will need to observe a four square metre rule, with the exception of people from the same household.
2) Sign the No Euthanasia Petition to prevent state-sanctioned killing in NSW
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP is urging all Catholics to sign an e-petition to prevent the NSW parliament passing laws that sanction the killing of vulnerable human beings. There is never a good time to introduce laws such as this, but to do so in the middle of a pandemic and amidst lockdowns adversely affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions is unconscionable. Our sick and elderly have already suffered 17 months of increasing isolation and right now that is being intensified. Meanwhile, people are losing their jobs, businesses are going under, families are under the pressures of schooling and working from home, people’s movements are severely restricted, and depression rates are up. The last thing we need to hear from our leaders in this situation is a pro-suicide message. Please sign this petition, calling on the Government to keep us focused on the present challenges and once they have been met, let us focus on medicine at its best and not its most lethal.Write to your local NSW MP ahead of expected parliamentary debate to stop proposed euthanasia laws in our state.NSW Independent MP Alex Greenwich tabled his euthanasia bill in parliament last week. It is more critical than ever for parishioners to act now and voice their opposition to the proposed bill. It is particularly important for residents in this list of electorates where an MP appears to be undecided on their voting intention to write to the MP concerned. Here is the list of the electorates. The anti-euthanasia coalition, HOPE has developed an online tool that will allow you to send an email directly to your state MP and to all members of the NSW Upper House. The tool is available here. If parishioners do not wish to use an online tool, you can download a a series of sample letters here.docx, and a letter writing guide here.pdf.
3) Humanitarian crises unfolding in Afghanistan and Lebanon
Archbishop's Afghan Refugee Appeal
This appeal is continuing to raise desperately needed funds and commit the Archdiocesan resources across education, health and welfare to support Afghan families and individuals fleeing their homeland in the wake of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Donations can be made online here.
4) Catholic Mission: India COVID-19 Appeal
The aid agency, Catholic Mission, has launched an urgent appeal to provide immediate help for vulnerable communities devastated by COVID-19 in India. Well over 300,000 people have died from the illness in India and hospitals have been struggling to cope. Through donating to Catholic Mission, you will be playing a key role in supporting the valuable work of mission hospitals in the country. Donate online via the Catholic Mission website here. Please also see downloadable poster pdf with QR code.October IS World Mission MonthGreetings Father,I hope and pray you are well during this most challenging time and are, as an acquaintance Sr. Grace encourages, “ Staying COVID Negative and Spirit Positive.”I am writing to you as the Catholic Mission Diocesan Director for Greater Sydney. It is a great privilege and pleasure to have this missionary role to help lives flourish wherever we can.The Audacity of Hope in The Universal Church.
Catholic Mission, as the Australian agency of the Pontifical Mission Societies, contributes funding and provides project support to critical church-run initiatives in Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America as well as remote dioceses within Australia. Grassroots needs are identified by local Catholics, to give people the opportunity for a full, enriched life—physically and spiritually—regardless of race, stigma, religion or gender. Our latest video campaign highlights the fact the We Are Still There for those who need us the most.However, as you are all too aware, the global COVID-19 Pandemic continues to impact life. As the Parish Management Team Leader at Our Lady of the Nativity in Lawson in the Blue Mountains, I do most certainly understand the constraints that the pandemic lockdowns have had on our own churches and their financial positions. Traditionally, our Greater Sydney Diocesan communities have always been generous to the Catholic Mission appeals and have embraced the universal call to be missionary disciples to those most in need.For Catholic Mission, an aspect of this impact of the pandemic is that we are unable to have our traditional annual Mission parish appeals at the weekend Masses. This will naturally have a flow on effect in terms of our finances we are able to provide to our project partners, serving those in need. Parish and Diocesan appeals are held without prejudice to the annual appeal for the Missions which is an important way for the local church to show solidarity with the universal church and support the mission churches especially in those places that suffer persecution, where the church is marginalised and constrained by poverty.To that end, as you would be aware, October is designated as World Mission Month and is Catholic Mission’s opportunity to engage Catholic communities in the narrative of our appeal so that they may feel motivated and encouraged to gift financially to help others. This year, the invitation is extended for parishioners to partner with the essential work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Bangkok, Thailand, as they reach out to vulnerable mothers and their babies, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.To make the 2021 Church Appeal as easy as possible, I have shared with you access to a number of resources that are easily downloadable.
These resources are:-
Parish Appeal Video – a powerful story of the missionary work of the Good Shepherd Sisters to play during a recorded or streamed Mass and to share on your social media.
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Parish bulletin notices for the weeks preceding and post October 24 – World Mission Sunday - we will be sending an email with information for your bulletin/social media channels at the beginning of every week for October
Kind regards,Alan WedesweilerDiocesan Director for the Archdiocese of Sydney, the Diocese of Broken Bay and the Diocese of Parramatta. Mentor Director for NSW & ACT
5) Save Our Graves E-Petition. Send a strong message to NSW MPs to reverse the decision to remove faith-based groups from the management of cemeteries
To express your concerns about the Sydney cemeteries takeover by the NSW Government of Rookwood Catholic, Liverpool Cemetery, Kemps Creek + Macarthur Memorial Parks, we urge you to sign the petition.Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has asked for your support in signing an e-petition on this issue to be presented to the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, since the government’s decision amounts to an attack on religious freedom in NSW. For more than 150 years in NSW, Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust has been trusted not only by Catholics, but by the Islamic and Jewish communities and other people of faith to bury the dead, maintain their graves respectfully and comfort grieving families. The NSW Government wants to exclude faith groups from this precious ministry and replace them with a new and costly Government bureaucracy which has no understanding of religious customs around burials, including the importance of leaving graves undisturbed by future generations. Sign the epetition here. You can also write to your local State MP to voice your concern about this proposal. Please also share the attached tile on your parish social media platforms.
6) Support your Archdiocese of Sydney newspaper: The Catholic Weekly - available in our Church for $2
Deliveries of our Archdiocese of Sydney newspaper will resume to parishes this weekend 23/24 October 2021.
In this week’s edition:
Ordination celebrations on day churches reopen
Servant of God Eileen O'Connor: our ambassador in the anti-euthanasia fight
Former Anglican Bishop's remarkable conversion story
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Pick up your copy for $2 after Mass.
To order call Rita on 9390 5411 or Steve 0429 188 800. To subscribe online go to GIVE A GIFT: www.catholicweekly.com.au/product/are-you-a-new- subscriber/
7) Say NO to the Euthanasia Bill with Monica Doumit
Thursday, 21 October 7:30pm
Livestreamed on Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney/ Life, Marriage and Family Facebook page
The Director of Public Policy and Engagement with the Archdiocese of Sydney, Monica Doumit leads a critical discussion about the death dealing Euthanasia Bill introduced into the NSW Parliament by Independent MP Alex Greenwich. The conversation will have a particular focus on the impact the Bill will have on our society, our doctors and nurses, and our most vulnerable brothers and sisters who are in line to lose their very lives at the hands of this atrocious Bill.
8) RCIA
Please see below the options available, and please register ahead of time via the following link – https://forms.gle/bt63kzKRm8zp2hiW7 (RSVP by Thursday, 21 October):‘Introduction to RCIA’ – Morning Session:Part 1 – The Journey of RCIA – Saturday, 23 October 10am - 11amPart 2 – Formation in each Period – Saturday, 30 October 10am - 11amQ&A on RCIA – Saturday, 6 November 10am - 11am‘Introduction to RCIA’ – Evening Session:Part 1 – The Journey of RCIA – Monday, 15 November 6:30pm - 7:30pmPart 2 – Formation in each Period – Monday, 22 November 6:30pm - 7:30pmQ&A on RCIA – Monday, 29 November 6:30pm - 7:30pmZoom invite details will be sent the day before the Saturday morning sessions and the morning of the Monday evening sessions.
9) Rejoice! Receiving and Sharing the Gift of the Good News - Advent Companion Coming Soon
Churches have reopened, and Advent will soon be upon us. With gratitude in our hearts, let us gather in our parishes to prepare a welcome for the newborn Jesus at Christmas and to be channels of His peace and joy to those around us. Joining or leading an Advent group is a great way to do this. The Parish Renewal Team has developed an Advent Companion containing Gospel readings for Sundays and Christmas Day, spiritual reflections by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Professor Tracey Rowland, Sr Susanna Edmunds OP, Fr Anthony Robbie, and Elizabeth Arblaster, and other resources for meditation. Designed for individual or group prayer, either in-person or online. The resource will be available for download on the Go Make Disciples website in mid-November.
Training sessions will be available for those interested in leading an Advent group in person or online. Choose from following dates:
Wednesday, 27 October – 10am
Thursday, 28 October – 2pm
Thursday, 4 November – 7:30pm
Registration is essential – register here or at www.gomakedisciples.org.au/cas-events/ . For more information, contact Helen Wagner at helen.wagner@sydneycatholic.org .
10) TRAILBLAZER – KERYGMATIC MINISTRY
Calling all youth leaders and ministers! Come join us in a night of learning and understanding how to apply the kerygma, the core message of the Gospel, to your ministry!
Wednesday, 27 October 7–8:30PM Via Zoom, Register here. For more information, email Sydney Catholic Youth.
11) FREE Relationship Refresh webinar
Relationship Refresh webinarThursday, 28 October 7pm - 8pm via Online via Zoom FREE CALL 13 18 19 TO REGISTER or REGISTER ONLINE
12) AN EVENING RETREAT FOR MARRIED COUPLES: SESSION 2. THE GREAT MYSTERY AND THE CONCRETE REALITY
An online retreat for married couples that provides for a marriage enrichment opportunity, couple’s prayer and reflection, and quiet time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, closing with Benediction. Sunday, 31 October 8–9PM Livestreamed on Facebook here.
13) Bishop Robert Barron launches Sydney’s Reclaiming Evangelisation Series Live Online, Saturday 13 November 11AM – 12:30PM
Bishop Robert Barron - Catholic Weekly
You are invited to attend Bishop Robert Barron’s live online address to the faithful of Sydney as he launches our renewal series, ‘Reclaiming Evangelisation: How Jesus’ Great Commission Will Renew Our Parishes’. Bishop Barron will be speaking on the topic ‘Why Make Disciples? The case for the Evangelising Mission of the Church’. The event will include Q&A and small group discussions. The Reclaiming Evangelisation series will feature a number of inspiring speakers who will lead a conversation about why and how our parishes can be renewed through seeking to live more fully the mission given to us by our Lord to call disciples, baptise them, and teach them. The series will continue in February with Dr Mary Healy, professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, and in March with Fr Jacques Philippe, author and retreat director. Limited places are available for this online Archdiocesan series. Register at https://www.gomakedisciples.org.au/.Enquiries: parishrenewal@ sydneycatholic.org .
14) Archdiocesan invite - End of Year 'Online Retreat for Sacramental Coordinators'
An invitation is extended for sacramental coordinators and interested clergy to take part in an end-of-year ‘Online Retreat for Sacramental Coordinators’. It is hoped that the retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hear from two experienced speakers in the sphere of evangelisation, to share with one another their own thoughts and reflections, and most importantly, to pray with another as brothers and sisters in Christ. The retreat will be held on Saturday, 20 November 10am - 12pm. It is essential that those that wish to attend register their intent via the following link: https://forms.gle/H3GuxY63Fwjx5iKD8 (please RSVP by Tuesday, 16 November).The retreat program:Introduction & PrayerTalk by Father Danny Meagher‘First Witnesses of the Faith to Children’Personal ReflectionSharing Group reflection timeTalk by Daniel Ang‘Evangelisers in the Sacraments of Faith’Scriptural RosaryRelated noticesWe will be blessed to have two excellent guest speakers joining us on the day. Zoom invite details will be sent on Wednesday, 17 November, and by way of reminder the day before the retreat on Friday, 19 November.Father Danny MeagherOrdained in 1995, Fr Danny has ministered to several parishes in the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and was rector of the Good Shepherd seminary for six years before his recent appointment at All Hallows Parish, Fairfield. His talk will be based on his ministerial background and pastoral experience in engaging parents in their role as faith formators.Daniel AngThe Director of the Sydney Centre of Evangelisation and responsible for broad implementation of the Archbishop’s vision of ‘Go Make Disciples’ in the Archdiocese of Sydney. Prior to his work in the Archdiocese, Daniel helped lead teams both in the diocese of Parramatta and Broken Bay, which helped support, and in places establish, sacramental ministries where needed. His experience will no doubt provide encouragement and insight into our own efforts here.
15) Join the Friends of Eileen O'Connor Association
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP is inviting Sydney Catholics to support the cause for canonisation of Servant of God, Eileen O'Connor by signing up as a member of the Friends of Eileen O'Connor Association. Association members will receive a commemorative gift to coincide with the centenary year of her death and updates on her pathway to canonisation. Eileen is best remembered for her pioneering work in co-founding Our Lady's Nurses for the Poor, an organisation committed to caring for the sick poor in their own homes, which still continues today. Membership is available online here.
16) Applications for Sumner House 2022 are still OPEN!
The Sumner House program runs for 12 months and incorporates the four pillars of Intellectual, Spiritual, Pastoral and Human formation. It will provide you with many unique and profound shared experiences with 9 other men who will journey together in discovering what the Lord wants of you. “Whether you are already on the cusp of an important vocational decision, perhaps the seminary or engagement, or just looking to begin discerning in a more intentional way, Sumner House may be a good start" - Fr. Daniele Russo (Sumner House Chaplain & Assistant Director of Vocations) If you are interested in applying, please visit the Sumner House website here - https://www.sydneycatholic.org/directory/listing/sumner-house/.
17) St Vincent De Paul- Support for the Disadvantaged in Lockdown
St Vincent De Paul volunteers have recently distributed 900 snack packs, 250 self-care packs and 130 hampers through a range of services including Redfern Youth Connect, Parramatta Mission Meals Plus and local support hubs.
Find out more and what support is available here.
18) Online Childrens' Liturgy in Lockdown
St John Bosco parish Engadine has launched an online Children's Liturgy to help parents and carers share Sunday readings, prayers and reflections while churches are closed. For more information, please email Sacramental Coordinator, Kay Macadam.
19) 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 (see attached flyer for items needed).
20) Hartford College – new Independent Boys School in Sydney
Hartford College is an independent Catholic school for boys opening in 2022 in Daceyville. Commencing in Year 5, Hartford will offer personalised education through to the HSC. Hartford’s educational mission educates the whole person, combining the quest for academic excellence with the development of the student's character and faith. For more information and to lodge your expression of interest for 2022, please see Hartford College. Read a message of support for the new school from Archbishop Fisher here(pdf).
15th Edition, 15 October 2021From Archbishop AnthonyLast week, the Church celebrated the First Assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia – the first in 84 years. It was an extraordinary week, as Council Members sought to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit in all the submissions and preparatory documents of the Council, in their spiritual conversations, small group discussions and plenary interventions, in their prayers and occasional silences. A number of Plenary Council Members spoke of a real need for stronger partnerships to be forged between schools and parishes to help our students in Catholic schools enter into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ. As St John Paul II reminded us, teachers and parents have an important responsibility to lead young people to Christ, to inspire them to follow Him through the example of their own lives. As we prepare to celebrate his feast day on 22 October, I pray we may gain inspiration from this great saint to be powerful witnesses of faith in our daily lives, whether as parents or teachers.
God bless.
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