Catholic Outlook Magazine |Advent & Christmas Edition | 2024 Issue

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DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA NEWS AND VIEWS

How the Nativity become popular | Bishop Vincent’s Christmas message | Honouring our parish staff

Celebrating a great teacher | We farewell Deacon Tony and Annette | An Advent way of living

Advent & Christmas | Summer 2024

Imprimatur and Publisher:

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv

Bishop of Parramatta

(02) 8838 3400

PO Box 3066,

North Parramatta, NSW, 1750

bishop@parracatholic.org

www.catholicoutlook.org

Editor & Vicar for Communications:

Br Mark O’Connor FMS

(02) 8838 3400

PO Box 3066

North Parramatta, NSW, 1750

comms@parracatholic.org

Deputy Editor:

Antony Lawes

Head of Communications and Engagement:

Anita Sulentic

Catholic Outlook is produced by the

Communications and Engagement Team.

Contributors: Mary Brazell, Gelina Montierro,

Mary-Jane Chemuel, and Belinda Gadd.

Design:

Martin Zitricky

Nihil Obstat:

Fr Wim Hoekstra

Accounts:

accounts@parracatholic.org

Printing:

IVE Group Australia Pty Ltd

Cover image: View of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Italy,

during Christmas time. Image: Shutterstock.

A message from the Editor

Dear friends,

The light shines in darkness, and darkness could

not overpower it. (John 1:5)

The season of light, Christmas 2024, is nearly upon

us. Yet what a world of darkness we are often

waking up to each morning!

Our global community seems like it has never been

more divided and plunged into shadows. Wars in

Ukraine, the Middle East, Myanmar and Central

Africa are destroying the lives of so many, especially

children. New Herods are appearing. Authoritarian

dictators are running roughshod over the human

rights of the poor, even whilst masses of refugees

are fleeing persecution. Politicians appear more

concerned with their egos and power than service.

And meanwhile, too many Aussies in our lucky

country fervently believe that only material

things matter.

But that is not the whole story. ‘The light shines

in darkness'!

Please read Bishop Vincent's inspiring Christmas

message (p12). And in this Christmas issue of Catholic

Outlook Mother Hilda OSB of Jamboree Abbey

(p46) and scripture scholar Dr Michele Connolly

(p48) reveal to us to how the seasons of Advent

and Christmas offer an alternative Gospel vision.

The birth of the Christ child opens to us a new way

of living. We do not have to live in darkness, selfish

individualism and fear - for our deepest vocation is

to be people of prayer, peacemaking and light.

Let’s also never forget then to rejoice that there are

so many disciples of Jesus of Nazareth in our local

church of Parramatta, who are shining witnesses

to the Light. This Advent, Christmas and Epiphany

issue highlights their stories. From our retiring

devoted school principals ministry in our wonderful

Catholic schools (p36), to faithful and diligent parish

staff (p40) and to our prison chaplains who serve

those on the margins (p38), the light of Christ shines

brightly in the darkness.

Yes, praise God that there are so many good people

in our Parramatta Catholic community, who live

out in their daily lives the words of the great Jesuit

theologian Karl Rahner:

It is Christmas. Light the Candles!

They have more right to exist than all the

darkness. It is Christmas.

Christmas that lasts forever.

Br Mark O’Connor FMS

Editor of Catholic Outlook & Vicar for Communications.

All material in this publication is copyright and

may not be reproduced without permission

of the publisher. 8,500 copies are printed

and distributed to 47 parishes, schools, after

school care centres and early learning centres

in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

Catholic Outlook is a member of the

Australasian Catholic Press Association.

© Diocese of Parramatta 2024

An indigenous artwork by Bundjalung Elder Aunty Rhonda,

an Aboriginal Services volunteer at Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains in Emerton.

The Diocese of Parramatta reaffirms the

wise axiom attributed to Saint Augustine of

Hippo, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials,

freedom; in all things, charity.” In this spirit,

Catholic Outlook publishes a variety of

Catholic viewpoints. They are not necessarily

the official views of the Diocese of Parramatta.

Here in the Diocese of Parramatta, we gather on Country on

which members and Elders of the Darug and Gundungurra

communities and their forebears have been custodians for

many centuries and on which Aboriginal people have performed

age-old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We

acknowledge their living culture and their unique role in the life

of the region.

Image: Shutterstock. 03

PAGE 14

Excellence in

education

On the

PAGE 24

Inside

Advent & Christmas | Summer 2024

14 The Way of the Manger: how Saint Francis of

Assisi popularised the Nativity and made it one

of the most loved symbols of Christmas

24 A great teacher makes all the difference: we

talk to Maria Marando, from Cerdon College,

Merrylands, about how she gets the most out of

her students

38 The prison peacemakers: how chaplains

are bringing peace to inmates at prisons in

our Diocese

46 An Advent way of living: a reflection on how

we can unblock the light within each of us, so

we can become the Star of Bethlehem for all

the world

54 Parish profile: we talk to parishioners at St

Monica’s, North Parramatta, about what they

love about their parish, and what they’re looking

forward to this Christmas

64 Find Mass times for every parish in the Diocese

of Parramatta over Christmas

PAGE 46

PAGE 54

Our 80 great local Catholic schools are enrolling now.

Learn more parra.catholic.edu.au

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Diocese of Parramatta

@parracatholic

Diocese of Parramatta

PAGE 64

05

Outlook Looks

Outlook Looks

Introducing our newest parish

As of January 2025, St Luke's Catholic Faith Community,

Marsden Park, will be formally declared a parish, following

its seven years of growth and development. The parochial

district was established by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv in

December 2017. We thank Deacon Tony Hoban and his wife

Annette for their pastoral care and support to Catholics in the

local community. We joyfully celebrate and pray for a smooth

transition from a parochial district to a parish.

Turn to pages 16-17 to read more about Deacon Tony and

Annette’s legacy, and the next steps in the community’s journey.

Mass times over Christmas

We come together in joy to celebrate the birth of Jesus

Christ, our Saviour. Prepare to welcome Christ the child

into your families and faith communities by celebrating

Mass at your local parish.

Turn to pages 64-65 for a full list of parish Mass times

across the Diocese.

Deacon Tony Hoban with children during Mass in April 2023.

Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Nativity Scene at Holy Cross Parish, Granville. Image: supplied.

Our newest Priest, Fr Menard Gaspi

Honouring our deceased clergy

The Diocese of Parramatta welcomed its newest Priest,

Fr Menard Gaspi on 21 November at St Patrick’s Cathedral,

Parramatta. He commenced his journey in the

Diocese’s Holy Spirit Seminary in 2021 and was ordained

as Deacon earlier this year. The cathedral brimmed with

loving family, friends, and parishioners, as joyful excitement

filled the air.

Read about Fr Menard Gaspi’s Ordination and Thanksgiving

Mass on Catholic Outlook online.

On November 19 our third annual Remembrance Mass

for Deceased Clergy was held at Our Lady of the Rosary,

St Marys, followed by prayers at the gravesites of clergy

buried in St Mary’s public cemetery. On this day we

honour those who dedicated their lives to bring us closer

to Christ. The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Vincent,

especially remembering Bishop Kevin Manning who died

earlier this year.

Read about the Mass on Catholic Outlook online.

Fr Menard Gaspi celebrating with his parents following his ordination to the diaconate

in May 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.

Fr Marcus Hazelman, Assistant Priest and Samoan Chaplain of Sacred Heart Parish, Mt Druitt South, blesses

the grave of the late Fr Carl Ashton, at Pinegrove Cemetery in 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Supporting homeless mothers and

their children

In this season of Advent and giving, you can help

provide homeless mothers and their children with a new

beginning, supporting them to rebuild a strong family life

and look towards a hopeful future. This year's Bishop's

Christmas Appeal is supporting Catholic Care Western

Sydney and the Blue Mountains’ Houses to Homes

program which provides safe, transitional housing to

families facing hardship, and offers the practical and

emotional support necessary to help them thrive.

Turn to pages 34-35 to read more about how you can

support Houses to Homes this Christmas.

Mauricio López Oropeza

coming to Parramatta

As part of next year's Bishop Vincent Presents Series, Mauricio

López Oropeza will be coming to Parramatta to give a series

of talks about global Catholicism and its challenges. Mauricio

is the former world president (2013-2018) and member of

Christian Life Community CLC. He is now Executive Secretary

of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon, which is working to

implement the proposals of the Amazon Synod. In 2021, he was

appointed by Pope Francis as a member of the Vatican Dicastery

for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Keep an eye on Catholic Outlook online for more details.

06

Image: Shutterstock.

Image: supplied.

07

Outlook Looks

Celebrating the Jubilee Year in 2025

The Jubilee Year 2025 begins on 24 December, with the theme

Pilgrims of Hope. Pope Francis calls us to “appreciate anew all

the power and tenderness of the Father’s merciful love, in order

to become, in our turn, its witnesses.” Christians are invited to

embark on a journey of faith, hope, renewal and pilgrimage.

The Holy Year will close on 6 January 2026, concluding a year

of reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth for pilgrims all across

the world.

Look out for events coming up across the Diocese

at catholicoutlook.org

Logo for the 2025 Jubilee year. Credit: Copyright Dicastery for

Evangelisation, Vatican City. All rights reserved.

One hundred couples renew vows

at Wedding Anniversary Mass

One hundred couples from across Western Sydney

and the Blue Mountains – ranging from newlyweds to

those celebrating more than 60 years together – were

honoured at a Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Patrick’s

Cathedral in October.

Frances and Vincent Jadraque at the Wedding Anniversary Mass.

Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.

For the full story go to Catholic Outlook online.

WE ARE

WE ARE

HIRING

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All experience levels welcome

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Are you passionate about helping children

Are you passionate

reach their

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helping children

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Discuss your Ambrose options

with one of our friendly team.

Email: Discuss jobs@ambrose.org.au

your Ambrose options

with one of our friendly team.

Email: jobs@ambrose.org.au

Visit: ambrose.org.au/find-a-job

Ambrose is a social enterprise of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Limited

Visit: ambrose.org.au/find-a-job

ADVERTISE

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Contact Antony Lawes at

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to book your ad.

Your compassion can keep

families safe in the world’s largest

refugee camp.

This Christmas, give mothers like

Sakhina the precious, life-saving gift

of clean water.

www.caritas.org.au | 1800 024 413

10

8 DECEMBER

Second Sunday of Advent

15 DECEMBER

Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

20 DECEMBER

Catholic Schools Parramatta Term 4 ends

24 DECEMBER

Beginning of 2025 Jubilee Year

27 DECEMBER

Feast of St John the Evangelist

28 DECEMBER

Feast of the Holy Innocents

29 DECEMBER

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

2 – 9 JANUARY 2025

Epiphany Pilgrimage through the Blue Mountains

www.epiphanypilgrimage.org

5 JANUARY

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

12 JANUARY

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

26 JANUARY

Australia Day

31 JANUARY

Pre-marriage Course, Bishop Bede Heather Centre,

Blacktown

1 FEBRUARY

Catholic Youth Parramatta Duc in Altum Session

2 FEBRUARY

World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

Pre-marriage Course, Bishop Bede Heather Centre,

Blacktown

4 FEBRUARY

Catholic Schools Parramatta Term 1 begins

8 FEBRUARY

Feast of St Josephine Bakhita

World Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking

9 FEBRUARY

Fr Gayan Thamel Installation Mass, St Luke's Marsden

Park

11 FEBRUARY

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

World Day of Prayer for the Sick

WHAT'S ON

in the Diocese?

BEGINNING 12 FEBRUARY

FaithLIFE Scripture Course

BEGINNING 17 FEBRUARY

Diocesan Liturgical Ministry formation course

Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown and

St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith

21 FEBRUARY

Diocesan Lenten Scripture Night

Pre-Marriage Course, Bishop Bede Heather Centre,

Blacktown

23 FEBRUARY

Pre-Marriage Course, BIshop Bede Heather Centre,

Blacktown

26 FEBRUARY

Catholic Schools Project Compassion Schools Launch

27 FEBRUARY

Catholic Youth Parramatta LIFTED Leaders & Launch

5 MARCH

Ash Wednesday


7 MARCH


Blacktown

9 MARCH


Blacktown

15 MARCH

Catholic Youth Parramatta LIFTED Sports Day

26 MARCH

The FaithFeed

28 MARCH

Catholic Youth Parramatta At the Well Gathering

2 APRIL


4 APRIL


Blacktown

6 APRIL


Blacktown

18 APRIL

Catholic Youth Parramatta Good Friday Night Walk

Pope’s Prayer Intentions

Each month, Pope Francis asks us to

pray as a global community for his

great concerns for humanity and for

the mission of the Church.

DECEMBER 2024 | For pilgrims of hope

Let us pray that this Jubilee strengthen us in

our faith, helping us to recognise the Risen

Christ in the midst of our lives, transforming

us into pilgrims of Christian hope.

JANUARY 2025 | For the right

to an education

Let us pray for migrants, refugees and

those affected by war, that their right to

an education, which is necessary to build a

better world, might always be respected.

FEBRUARY 2025 | For vocations to the

priesthood and religious life

Let us pray that the ecclesial community

might welcome the desires and doubts of

those young people who feel a call to serve

Christ’s mission in the priesthood

and religious life.

Young people taking part in the CYP Good Friday Night Walk in 2024.

Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Five

Days

Old

by Francis Webb

Francis Webb's poem 'Five Days' compares

his joy in holding the newborn baby of a

friend, to the humble beginnings of Christ

in the stable. Just as with the shepherds

and wise men, God had sent a young,

innocent child to restore his faith.

Christmas is in the air.

You are given into my hands

Out of quietest, loneliest lands.

My trembling is all my prayer.

To blown straw was given

All the fullness of Heaven.

The tiny, not the immense

Will teach our groping eyes

So the absorbed skies

Bleed stars of innocence

So cloud-voice in war and trouble

Is at last Christ in the stable.

Now wonderingly engrossed

In your fearless delicacies,

I am launched upon sacred seas,

Humbly and utterly lost

In the mystery of creation

Bells, bells of ocean.

For the snowflake and face of love

Windfall and word of truth,

Honour close to death.

O eternal truthfulness, Dove,

Tell me what I hold -

Myrhh? Frankincense? Gold?

If this is man, then the danger

And fear are as lights of the inn,

Faint and remote as sin

Out here by the manger

In the sleeping, weeping weather

We shall all kneel down together.

11

Bishop Vincent’s

Christmas

Message

Dear sisters and brothers,

St John, the evangelist, in one simple sentence

describes the deepest meaning of Christmas:

"God so loved the world

that God gave His only Son."

That catches the heart of the story. It is because

God loves the world, and loves human beings,

that God did this. If we think about that over and

over, then we discover something about God, and

a great deal about this world and about human

beings. Imagine. Christmas expresses how much

God loves the world!

It’s not God loving us "from a distance." It's God

loving us and becoming part of this whole cosmos,

and because of that, everything is different.

Not only did God visit us. God became part of the

human family, and God is still part of the human

family, and God will be part of the human

family forever.

At the birth of Christ, the manger was full – he

was lying in a manger as a baby boy. At the

resurrection of Christ, the tomb was empty. It's

not as though human nature was a costume God

wore and when he was finished with it he left

it behind, and went back to being God. Christ

became one of us, and when he rose from the

dead his human body was still with him. That's

why the tomb was empty. He still stayed one of us

and is still part of our family today. The child who

was in that manger lives on as a human being, one

of us, today. That's what we celebrate

at Christmas.

Yet, very often in these tumultuous and violent

times – with war and chaos breaking out

everywhere, from the horrors and destruction

in the Middle East and Ukraine to the floods and

frightening climate change events – it can be

tempting for us to become despondent.

But take heart from the words of the angel to

the shepherds: "Do not be afraid; for behold, I

proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be

for all the people. For today in the city of David a

Saviour has been born for you who is Messiah

and Lord."

There is a movement within us all, within the

human race, toward goodness, toward fulfillment.

And it can't be taken away, for the Word became

flesh and dwells among us. This is what we

celebrate on this holy night.

God’s greatest revelation is not through power,

majesty, wealth and splendour. Rather, he made

himself the poorest, the most vulnerable and

despised of all. The birth of Jesus signals God’s

alignment with those who are at the edges of

society. This Christmas, as we contemplate

the Christ child in the manger, let us commit

ourselves to pray and work for justice in all its

manifestations so that God’s reign will come

in our world.

May the Christ child bless you and your families

with a peaceful and holy Christmas!


Bishop of Parramatta

12

Nativity Scene at Holy Cross Parish, Granville. Image: supplied.

13

The Assisi Crib. Image: A. Stone, 2022. Used with permission.

The way of the Manger:

how the Christmas Nativity become so popular

We celebrate Christmas in many splendid

ways. One of the first items to appear in our

homes, churches, schools and workplaces as

Christmas approaches is a Christmas nativity

scene, often in the form of a crib or crèche.

With great imagination and creativity, the

enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so

dear to Christian and non-Christians the world

over, never ceases to arouse amazement

and wonder.

As you stand, sit or kneel before your nativity

scene, spend a little time reflecting and

praying. Contemplate the image of the “babe of

Bethlehem,” the image of family, of all of creation

and the love God has for all of us as you set out

on a spiritual journey over the Christmas season.

Francis’ Favourite Feast

Saint Francis of Assisi is often attributed as

having invented the Christmas crèche. This

does not accurately reflect historical archival

documents with some early nativity scenes

being traced to A.D. 380 and found in the early

Christian catacombs in Rome. The origin of the

Christmas crèche is found above all in certain

details of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, as related

in the Gospels. What can be said is that Francis’

reenactment of the first Bethlehem popularised

the Christmas crèche.

Christmas was Francis’ favourite feast. It was for

him ‘The Feast of Feasts’ and in 1223 he wanted to

celebrate it in a distinct way.

Now in Medieval times Christmas was a time for

Christians to remember that Christ will be the

judge. This was a time full of sentiment, anxiety

and fear.

One of the greatest difficulties for Francis and the

friars who preached and were renewing of the

church of the day was that the people they were

addressing were already Christians. They knew

the basic stories and teaching, as many Christians

do today.

So how would Francis reach the hearts of these

people? Knowing that the traditional liturgical

celebrations of the time failed to acknowledge

God’s great love, revealed to all in the Incarnation

(the Christian belief that God takes on human

form), Francis prepares a different Christmas.

What did Francis do?

The Franciscan sources reveal that it was

December of 1223. Francis and some of the

brothers were staying near the little village

of Greccio in the Rieti Valley, Italy. Thomas of

Celano (Thomas of Celano, First Life, 84), the first

biographer of Francis, provides an account:

Blessed Francis had John summoned to him some

fifteen days prior to the birthday of the Lord. “If

you desire to celebrate the coming feast of the Lord

together at Greccio,” he said to him, “hurry before

me and carefully make ready the things I tell you.

For I wish to enact the memory of that babe who

was born in Bethlehem: to see as much as possible

with my own bodily eyes the discomfort of his infant

needs, how he lay in a manger, and how, with an ox

and an ass standing by, he rested in hay.” Once the

good and faithful man had heard Francis’ words, he

ran quickly and prepared in that place all the things

the holy man had requested. (Francis of Assisi,

Volume 1, The Saint, pp 254-255)

The Gift – God becomes human

In a dramatic reenactment of the events of

Bethlehem, Francis celebrates God’s great love,

a love made concrete in a little child wrapped in

swaddling clothes.

In this first living nativity scene of Bethlehem,

where usually a baby is placed, Francis placed

a table around which the people celebrated

Eucharist together. A tradition tells us that during

the liturgy, while Francis was preaching with deep

feeling about God’s love, the child Jesus appeared

and rested in Francis’ arms. With simplicity, the

visual picture of Bethlehem is immediate through

props: an ox, an ass, a manger, a cave, singing,

light and the warmth of love. Furthermore,

Francis places all this before the eyes of the

people, inviting them into Christ’s home and

making the Incarnation real. He hoped that the

people would see themselves in the Christmas

scene saying, “here in your home, the Word is

made flesh”.

In doing this Saint Francis of Assisi reminded the

people, and now reminds us, that Jesus, the ‘babe

of Bethlehem’, comes every day bringing joy and

love for us when we carry Christ within and birth

him by doing ‘good’. Moreover, Pope Francis

tells us, “that it does not matter how the nativity

scene is arranged… What matters is that it speaks

to our lives. Wherever it is, and whatever form it

takes, the Christmas crèche speaks to us of the

love of God, the God who became a child in order

to make us know how close he is to every man,

woman and child, regardless of their condition.”

Francis and Greccio – from The Conference of the Franciscan Family Coordination

Committee for the Franciscan Centenary, 2022. Image: Supplied.

The chapel of the First Live Nativity, Santuario di Greccio, Italy.

Image: M. Stone, 2024. Used with permission.

Shared in fraternity by Franciscans throughout

Australia. Written by Alison Stone, Animator of

Mission and Identity, Franciscan

Schools Australia

14

15

Deacon Tony Hoban and Annette Hoban, who finish up at St Luke's

Marsden Park at the end of 2024. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Deacon Tony with children during Mass in April 2023.


16

Fond Farewell

We talk to Deacon Tony and Annette

When Deacon Tony Hoban and his wife

Annette Hoban finish up at the end of this

year as leaders of the parochial district of St

Luke’s at Marsden Park, they will do so after

nearly seven years building the community to

the point where it will be decreed a parish on

1 January 2025. Fr Gayan Thamel will then take

over as the first Parish Priest. To mark this

occasion, we asked them to reflect on their

time at St Luke’s and what they have planned

for the future.

This is an edited version of the conversation.

Catholic Outlook: You’ve been instrumental in

shepherding St Luke’s from infancy to where it

is now. How are you both feeling at the end of

such a momentous journey?

Deacon Tony: Certainly mixed emotions. There’s

joy that the community has reached this stage of

now being big enough and sustainable enough to

become a parish. Certainly sadness that we’ll be

leaving people who we’ve grown to love deeply,

but also excitement. After 36 years we’re taking

the next step of life together.

Annette: I see Church as being about relationships:

relationship with God, relationship with others.

We’ve made some really strong relationships over

the last almost seven years, so it will be very hard

to break those relationships.

CO: What are some of the highlights of your

nearly seven years at St Luke’s, and some of

the challenges?

Deacon Tony: In the early days, there was all the

firsts – our first Mass, our first baptisms. It was

exciting to tick them off. But also growing as a

community… we used to have one Sunday Mass

of about 150 people early on. It's now grown to

two masses with probably 650 people. Seeing that

growth in the community has been quite exciting.

[As challenges go] we were only two years in

when COVID hit, so that was a challenge. But the

upside was we have a very IT literate community,

so we actually never missed a weekend of

gathering virtually, because we jumped straight

onto Zoom. I think we had 100 families on Zoom

the first week of the lockdown.

Annette: Every Easter Mass that we've celebrated

at St Luke's has definitely been a highlight; all our

community events, where everyone gets involved,

also a definite highlight. We've got a really good

volunteer base, and that's really exciting to see

so many people wanting to be involved and

participate in church life. And also the response

we've had to the pledge from people in this

economic situation, every week they're pledging

money to help us build that church building that

everyone's looking forward to.

CO: You've emphasised the importance

of working in partnership to get to this

milestone. Can you explain who these

partnerships have been with, and why they've

been so necessary?

Deacon Tony: From day one, we wanted to involve

the voice of the community in what we're doing.

So we met around the kitchen table with a small

advisory group to say, ‘Okay, how are we going to

launch this new community?’ And then over time

that morphed into a Pastoral Council, which is the

voice of the people, and also a pastoral leadership

group. Then we've got so many ministry leads. In

a relatively small community we have probably a

higher proportion than most, in terms of people

getting involved. I think it's 17 different ministries.

CO: It's not every day a new parish is formed.

What have you learned about the process and

what has it taught you about your faith?

Deacon Tony: The day we moved out here we

were racking our heads thinking, ‘how are we

going to get all this equipment we need?’ And out

of the blue we got a call from the executor of a

priest who passed away, and he said, ‘Can I give

you vestments and vessels’ and all these sorts

of things? And we looked at each other and said,

‘Okay, this is a sign from God, we're on board’. But

it's certainly hard work.

Annette: With my faith life I've learned that God

is in control. We've got a beautiful man in our

community and he's known for that phrase,

‘Praise the Lord’. It's easy to praise the Lord when

things are going your way, but to praise the Lord

when things don't go your way is a lot harder. But

I've learned to do that over these years.

CO: How did you set about the process of

establishing this community? Who did you

go to?

Deacon Tony: It wasn't easy, because to my

knowledge this was the first urban Deacon and

wife appointed to essentially run a Catholic

community. We had to really start from scratch.

There were a few people we tapped into. Fr David

Catterall down at Oran Park was very helpful.

We learned a bit about what they'd done [in

establishing a new parish], and we took on board

some of their innovative ideas. Fr Chris de Souza

was our supervising priest, and he gave us good

guidance in the early days. We really tapped into

the expertise of the community, in how we

would build the community.

CO: How did you form a roster with priests?

Deacon Tony: In the early days Fr Chris helped us.

We're very lucky that the Order of St Camillus, the

hospital chaplains, particularly in the first year,

covered probably two thirds of our Masses. So we

owe a great deal of gratitude to them. And over

the years the Marayong priests have really helped

us a lot. Father Andrew Hennes has come most

Saturdays in the last five or six years. He's been

very helpful. And Fr Joseph Nguyen has been

incredibly generous with his time. So we've been

really blessed.

CO: So what's next? We hear some travel is in

order?

Deacon Tony: In the early part of next year I'll still

have things to do outside of St Luke's. So I'm still

the Vicar for Deacons till late March. I'm also the

chair of the National Association of Deacons.

I'm on the board of Kairos prison ministry. Then

probably by late April, early May, we'll set off

and escape the NSW winter for warmer parts.

We'll spend the best part of 18 months getting

around the country, doing two half laps in our

motorhome. We're excited about that.

CO: Is there anything else that you’d like to

say?

Deacon Tony: We particularly owe a great debt of

gratitude to Bishop Vincent. I think he did stick

his neck out and try this new model of pastoral

leadership with us, and he's supported us in

an ongoing sense. He's here probably four or

five times a year. He's continued to support us

in many ways, and he's very supportive of the

diaconate as a whole.

The final Mass for Deacon Tony and Annette

will be held on 29 December at 10am at

St Luke's Catholic College, Marsden Park,

celebrated by Bishop Vincent.

17

St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380) Diplomatic Mediator

Peacekeeping

Saints:

Inspiring Figures

of Reconciliation and Justice

As we look back on November’s feasts of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, in the heart of

the Advent season we are invited to remember saints who devoted their lives to peace,

justice, and compassion. Throughout history, these holy men and women have been

beacons of hope in dark times, bridging divides and bringing God’s healing to a troubled

world. Here are five saints whose legacies continue to inspire us to walk the path of peace

and advocacy.

St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century mystic and Dominican

laywoman, played a vital role in Italian politics as a peacemaker

and mediator. During a period of deep division and instability,

she was sought after for her diplomatic skills and commitment

to the Church. Her most notable achievement was persuading

Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome,

ending nearly 70 years of the Avignon Papacy. Through letters and

personal visits, St. Catherine urged rulers and clergy toward peace

and reform, demonstrating her influence as a spiritual leader. Her

courage and dedication earned her the title of Doctor of the Church

and a lasting legacy as an advocate for peace.

US President Ronald Reagan with St Pope

John Paul II in Florida in 1987.

Image: Shawshots/Alamy

St Catherine of Siena, illustration from The

Golden Book of Famous Women

Image:Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, 1919

St. Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) Promoter of Dialogue

St. Pope John Paul II dedicated his papacy to promoting dialogue

and reconciliation across political and religious divides. Growing

up in Poland, he experienced the oppression of both Nazi and

communist regimes, shaping his understanding of human

rights and religious freedom. During the Cold War, he opposed

totalitarianism and the arms race, calling for disarmament and

cooperation. His landmark meetings with leaders from various

faiths, including Judaism and Islam, set a new precedent for

interfaith dialogue. Through these efforts, he fostered a spirit of

openness that helped bridge longstanding divides and inspired

global peace efforts. His papacy remains a powerful example of

diplomacy grounded in faith. His message of “Be not afraid!” echoes

in the hearts of the faithful today, reminding us that Christ’s peace

can transform the world if we open our hearts to His love.

Scenes from the Life of St Francis (Scene 10, north wall), Benozzo

Gozzoli, 1452. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

St. Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226)

Bridging Cultures in the Crusades

St. Francis is celebrated for his unwavering

humility and deep love for all of creation.

During the Crusades, he took an extraordinary

step toward peace, journeying to Egypt in

1219 to meet Sultan Malik al-Kamil, ruler

of a Muslim nation embroiled in conflict

with the Christian world. Risking his life,

St. Francis entered the Sultan’s camp with

Feast Day: October 4

nothing but faith in God’s providence, seeking

dialogue over division. This courageous

encounter became a profound moment of

mutual respect and openness, a testament

to Francis’s divine call to be a peacemaker.

Through his example, St. Francis teaches us

that peace is possible when we dare to love

boldly, embrace humility, and recognise the

image of God in all people, regardless of creed

or culture.

St. Oscar Romero (1917–1980) A Voice for the Oppressed

Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador became a beacon of

hope and justice during the brutal Salvadoran Civil War. Known

for his courage in speaking out against oppression, torture, and

the killing of innocent civilians, Romero championed the rights of

the poor and marginalised. Despite numerous death threats, he

used his position to denounce abuses of power and the plight of

his people.Tragically, he was assassinated while celebrating Mass

in 1980. St. Oscar Romero’s legacy as a peacekeeper lives on as a

powerful reminder that peace is not merely the absence of conflict

but the presence of Christ’s love, poured out for others, especially

the least among us.

St Oscar Romero greets a Catholic nun

in San Salvador, 1978.

Image: Ken Hawkins/Alamy

These saints show us that peacekeeping is not passive, but an active pursuit of justice, reconciliation,

and human dignity, rooted in Christ’s love and a commitment to serve others. Whether through

diplomatic mediation, martyrdom, interfaith dialogue, advocacy for the oppressed, or cultural

bridge-building, their witness invites us to reflect on how we, too, might act as Christ’s instruments

of peace and justice. Their legacy calls each of us to stand for the dignity of every person, to defend

the oppressed, and to seek unity in our homes, communities, and nations. Inspired by their example,

may we be encouraged to follow in their footsteps, building a world that reflects God’s boundless

compassion, love, and everlasting peace.

18

19

4 Countries in 12 Days:

Pope Francis tours Oceania and Asia

Dialogue, climate action, and care for the vulnerable ... these were the

themes explored by Pope Francis on his 45th trip abroad – the longest in his

pontificate. Australians from Catholic Religious Australia and the Australian

Catholic Bishops Conference joined Pope Francis on his tour, along with some

Australians volunteering abroad. The Pope reflected on the “many large and

vibrant Christian communities” following his trip and urged the world to

consider the global Church beyond its “western” borders.

Fun Facts

• Largest Muslim population worldwide,

with 242 million

• 3% are Catholic

(around 8.6 million believers)

• Area: 1.9 million km²

Visit Highlights

• Met with the charitable, young, and

religious

• Engaged with interfaith leaders in the

Istiqlal Mosque

• Celebrated Holy Mass in Jakarta with

around 100,000 faithful

“Like the underpass that connects the

cathedral of Jakarta to the largest Mosque

in Lazio, I saw there that brotherhood is

the future ...”

Pope Francis

INDONESIA

Fun Facts

• 95% of the population are Christian

• Around 30% are Catholic

(around 2.48 million believers)

• With more than 800 languages, it’s one of

the most linguistically diverse countries

Visit Highlights

• Travelled to the remote town of Vanimo

• Visited children of street ministry and

representatives of Callan Services (largest

national disability service provider)

• Celebrated Holy Mass in Port Moresby

with around 35,000 faithful

“I saw a new future, without tribal

violence, without dependencies, without

economic or ideological colonialisms;

a future of fraternity and care for the

wonderful natural environment."

Pope Francis

Papua New Guinea

Fun Facts

• Most Catholic country in Asia – 95% are

Catholic (around 1.4 million believers)

• Median age is around 21 years old

• Area: 14,950 km 2

Visit Highlights

• Met with young people

• Visited children with disabilities of the

Irmas Alma School

• Celebrated Holy Mass in Dili with

600,000 faithful

“I was struck by the beauty of those

people: a people tested but joyful, a

people wise in suffering. A people that

not only brings forth many children but

teaches them to smile.”

Pope Francis

Fun Facts

Timor-Leste

• Buddhism is the largest religion

(33% of a population of 5.64 million)

• There are 395,000 Catholics

• Area: 734.3 km²

Visit Highlights

• Visited Saint Theresa's Home,

a Catholic welfare aged care facility

• Engaged with young people

of different faiths

• Celebrated Holy Mass in Kallang with

50,000 faithful

“Christians are a minority but they

still form a living Church committed to

generating harmony and brotherhood

... there are even little ones ... and they

become salt and light witnesses of a

hope greater than the guarantee of its

economic gains.”

Pope Francis

Singapore

Image: Shutterstock.

BY MARY-JANE CHEMUEL

The fourth annual Parramatta Street Feast was

held on Wednesday 13 November at St Patrick’s

Cathedral Hall, Parramatta.

Organised in response to Pope Francis’ World

Day of the Poor, it welcomed the marginalised,

homeless, and those in need of social connection

from across Western Sydney and the Blue

Mountains to share a delicious meal, have friendly

conversations and be entertained by the Sydney

Street Choir.

Students from local Catholic schools in

Parramatta Diocese joined in on the fun,

with a group from Cerdon College providing

entertainment, as well as Year 11 students from

Parramatta Marist and Catherine McAuley serving

up the delicious meal by St Merkorious Charity,

and freshly brewed barista coffee by

the Vinnies Van.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of

Parramatta, said grace before the meal. “Thank

you for celebrating Street Feast with us; and

thank you for your shared commitment to a more

humane, a more people-centred, and therefore a

better Western Sydney and a better Australia,"

he said.

One of the highlights of the event was Bishop

Vincent taking the stage alongside the Sydney

Street Choir.

Special thanks to our supporters this year,

Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue

Mountains, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Jesuit

Refugee Service Australia, House of Welcome,

Community Migrant Resource Centre, Parramatta

Mission, Thread Together, the Salvation Army

Parramatta, Anbaalayam Tamil Community

Toongabbie, and Fire & Rescue NSW, Merrylands

Fire Station.

The Street Feast was held in collaboration with St

Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, the PAYCE Foundation,

Paynter Dixon and St Merkorious Charity.

20 Images: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.

21

All images supplied.

Epiphany Pilgrimage:

Celebrating 10 years

It was after an encounter with pilgrims walking

the famous Camino trail in Spain in 2011 that

Jesse and Briony Mowbray and a group of their

friends – who were all at World Youth Day in

Madrid at the time – came back to Sydney with

a desire for pilgrimage in their home Diocese of

Parramatta.

Back then they were all young adults in the parish

of St Nicholas of Myra, in Penrith, who were

also keen bushwalkers with a love of the Blue

Mountains. They thought the mountains would be

“pretty unique in terms of its capacity to welcome

pilgrims for an encounter with Creation”, says

Briony. And so they spent the next few years

testing different routes between the mountain

towns and talking to people about whether such a

pilgrimage would be possible.

Then in 2015, the group set out to test the route

they had devised – more than 110 kilometres

between Emu Plains and the tiny hamlet of Bell,

stopping at different parishes each night along

the way. So successful was it that the next year

they began inviting others along too.

In the nine years they’ve been conducting the

Epiphany Pilgrimage, more than 100 pilgrims from

across Sydney, Australia and even overseas have

walked the full seven-day route (the numbers are

capped at 15-20 each year, for those who want to

walk the entire route), with hundreds more having

joined them for one or more days of the journey.

“Because there are train stations all the way

along, you can pop in and pop out,” Briony says.

“It’s nice to often have a new injection of energy...

BY ANTONY LAWES

especially by day three when you can start feeling

a bit sore and you’ve got four days to go.”

‘Walking in Creation’

The pilgrimage gets its name from the feast of the

Epiphany, which is celebrated on the first Sunday

after New Year’s Day, and celebrates the visitation

of the Magi to the infant Jesus. They walk the

same route every year to coincide with this

feast day.

The pilgrimage is structured with a Mass or liturgy

held every morning before they set off, and each

day there is a theme that follows the journey of

the Magi – such as ‘God’s love in the Incarnation’,

‘stepping out in faith’, ‘following the star’ – where

pilgrims are encouraged to reflect on a series of

questions based on a relevant Scripture passage.

Then during that day pilgrims are urged to have

conversations about these questions as they walk.

On some days they will stop for reflection and

prayer, such as the leg between Linden and

Lawson where there are caves. Other days the

conversations around the theme are “more chilled

out and incidental”, Jesse says.

“So much happens in those incidental

conversations,” he says. “Even when you’re

walking in silence in Creation it’s just such as

amazing experience.”

He says it’s extra special when they have a priest

walking the pilgrimage – such as they will have

in 2025 when Fr Dom Murphy OP will journey

with the group – because these ‘incidental

conversations’ can include confession. “Those are

experiences you never get anywhere else.”

Every pilgrim is asked to bring a special stone with

them, much like the Camino pilgrims and their

shells, and as part of their “pilgrim pack” are given

a bandana which, if they attach to their backpack,

shows the others they want time to themselves to

pray, or think.

“Some come along for the opportunity to spend

quality time in reflective silence and quiet

contemplation,” says Briony. “And then there are

others who are keen to chat about life and faith

as we accompany each other through the bush.

“We’re just trying to create enough space for God

to work in all of those different ways.”

The first day is generally the biggest, often with

more than 100 walkers, including many families,

attracted by the family focus, which includes a

child-friendly pilgrimage and the Finnies Fiesta.

But every day is special, both in the particular

character of the pilgrimage walk and in the

unique blessing of the parish communities of the

Blue Mountains that the pilgrims encounter. In a

different way, the last day is also a very

special one.

It begins with a train ride from Blackheath to a

block of land at Bell where those hardy souls who

have finished the entire pilgrimage gather for a

thanksgiving Mass at an open-air chapel and place

their stones in wire baskets that form the base of

the altar.

For pilgrims of all ages

With the pilgrimage celebrating its 10th

anniversary in 2025, the Mowbrays say they feel

very thankful and privileged to have witnessed

God’s blessings over many years. “When we

first thought about it with this group of friends,

we thought it would be for young people, but

it became very evident straight away, when we

opened it up, that people of all ages were really

keen,” says Briony, adding that their oldest

pilgrim, who is over 80, is also one who has

completed it more times than most.

Most walkers need a “moderate” level of fitness,

they say. There are parts where pilgrims have to

climb up and down ladders, and often have to put

up with extreme temperatures and pouring rain.

Pilgrimage is deeply spiritual and draws meaning

from the lows as well as the highs.

But pilgrims don’t have to carry tents or sleeping

bags – those are driven to each night’s stop at the

next parish, where pilgrims are given a hot meal,

shower and warm hall to sleep in.

Briony says this warm welcome by each parish is

one of the highlights of the pilgrimage.

“The pilgrims always say, ‘we can’t believe that

there are communities like this’,” she says.

“That whole experience of hospitality is quite

overwhelming for many pilgrims.”

The Mowbrays feel very thankful for the

many volunteers that make the pilgrimage

possible each year and are looking for help

with the organisation and running of future

pilgrimages.

For those looking to register for next year’s

10th anniversary pilgrimage, from 2-9

January 2025, go to epiphanypilgrimage.

org/registration. Registrations for the full

pilgrimage close December 15.

Contact: epiphanypilgrimage@gmail.com,

0478 637 052.

22

23

Students say they are excited to come to Maria Marando’s classes.

Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD

Practice makes perfect

Meet Maria Marando, the teacher behind Cerdon

College’s Italian language HSC success.

As students eagerly await this year’s HSC results,

we get to know a teacher who is no stranger to

HSC success.

Maria Marando has been teaching Italian at Cerdon College Merrylands

for 26 years. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD

24

But a great teacher makes all the difference

For the last two years, students from Cerdon

College Merrylands have topped the state

in Italian for the HSC. These high achievers,

from non-Italian speaking backgrounds, first

encountered the language in their junior years at

Cerdon. Alongside them, many classmates also

secured Band 6 results.

BY SAMANTHA RICH

While the hard work and dedication of the

students is undeniable, another contributing

factor to this success is the commitment and skill

of their language teacher, Maria Marando.

Maria, the daughter of Italian parents, has been

shaping young minds at Cerdon since 1998. Her

impact is profound, fulfiling a dream she had

since childhood. “I always said to myself, if I ever

become a teacher, I’m going to do everything for

my kids,” Maria shares.

Teaching runs in Maria's family; her twin sister

teaches Italian at another Sydney Catholic

school and all the women in her family teach in

some capacity. Maria’s own school experience,

which saw her left without an Italian teacher

for a few months during her HSC year, fueled

her commitment to her students. Her mother’s

support during that challenging time inspired

Maria’s generosity with her time and attention.

“I offer extra time, I work with students during my

free lessons so they can practise speaking. I never

deny my students the opportunity to come and

do extra work with me,” says Maria.

The extra practise sessions are crucial, especially

for the HSC speaking exam. Maria’s classroom

motto, "la pratica vale più della grammatica"

(practise is worth more than grammar),

underscores her teaching philosophy. By

frequently exercising their language skills, Maria

helps her students gain confidence

and proficiency.

Her extensive experience allows her to motivate

her students effectively. The College’s language

immersion experiences, including trips to Italy

and hosting Italian exchange students, are major

motivators. These experiences forge strong

cultural connections that last well beyond

school years.

“I sometimes run into ex-students who tell me

they have been to Italy and reconnected with their

exchange student friends. It’s amazing,”

Maria says.

Maria’s teaching leaves a lasting impression on

her students, and the feeling is mutual. After

more than 25 years, she still revels in seeing her

students grow and develop. “I love seeing the

end result. You start with a taster course in Year

7 and see the progression to Year 12. The kids

are always eager to show what they’ve learned,”

Maria says.

One of her most memorable teaching experiences

involved a student who began with severe anxiety

about speaking Italian. This student ultimately

placed among the top performers in the state for

Beginners Italian, a testament to Maria’s ability to

build self-belief and confidence. Her current Year

11 students attribute their excitement for the

subject to Maria’s passion.

“You love what you do, and because you love

what you do, we’re excited to come to class. We

love how you push us out of our comfort zones,”

says a Year 11 student.

For those students considering whether to

continue with a language for senior studies, Maria

says it is important to remember that not every

subject has to be linked to your future career.

“Choose subjects that you’re good at, because

that’s how you’re going to get the ATAR to get into

the course you want to do. You also experience a

tremendous amount of personal satisfaction from

learning a language and one day you may use

your skills when you travel,” she says.

Diya Badawi, a Cerdon graduate who topped

the state in Italian Continuers in 2023, is a prime

example. Her excellent Italian mark contributed to

her high ATAR, allowing her to study Optometry.

Keen to maintain her language skills, Diya now

teaches part-time at the Marco Polo Italian School

(a not-for-profit community language school), a

connection Maria helped facilitate.

Maria’s passion for Italian culture extends beyond

teaching. For the past 10 years, she has run an

“There are not enough words to

describe Mrs Marando as a teacher.

She was so supportive and really goes

above and beyond and knows how to

get the most out of us,” Diya says.

Italian restaurant, working there on weekends.

Frequent trips to Italy, including a recent family

visit to celebrate her mother’s 70th birthday, keep

her connected to her roots.

Maria Marando’s story is a testament to the

impact a dedicated teacher can have. Her passion,

commitment, and love for Italian culture have

not only led to exceptional HSC results but also

inspired countless students to pursue

their dreams.

CRICOS registered provider: 00004G | PRV12008

Make the

right choice

with ACU

Join us for a guided campus tour in Blacktown, Strathfield

or North Sydney. Explore our campus and chat to staff

about your course and admission pathway options.

Book a tour today at

acu.edu.au/cop

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we

must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:

Give a gift to a child

Remind a child that they are loved and have not

been forgotten this Christmas. Children in the

Extraordinary Lives program receive a gift at

Christmas time from their parent in prison

prisonfellowship.org.au/programs/angel-tree/

Become a liturgical

minister

Our parishes are always looking for lay men and

women to live out their baptismal call and be

active members of the Church. Sign up for our

Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses to deepen

your faith and understanding of liturgy and

ministry. You can assist with Mass by becoming

a liturgical minister such as Minister of the Word,

Extraordinary Minister of Communion, Minister of

Communion to the Sick and Dying, Minister of the

Altar and more. Contact met@parracatholic.org to

get involved.

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"

Acts 20:35


Here are some simple, practical ways to give hope and joy to others this Christmas

by putting your Catholic faith into action. You can give the gift of support, talents and

time to make a difference in the lives of others.

Support a refugee family

Volunteer to support a local refugee family in

their first year of arrival in Australia. Catholic Care

WSBM’s refugee settlement program aims to

integrate refugees who do not have any family in

Australia, or who have been referred to Australia

by the United Nations High Commissioner for

Refugees (UNHCR). Contact Rita Hakkoum on

0477 952 024 to organise an information session

with your parish.

Give a helping hand for

those in need

Sign up to become a volunteer at Catholic Care

WSBM to use your existing skills and answer the

call to Christ to support a range of programs for

families, children, women, migrants and refugees,

First Nations people and other vulnerable groups.

Visit catholiccarewsbm.org.au to see how you can

get involved.

Become a Catechist

If you love teaching and sharing the Gospel

message, register to become a Special Religious

Education (SRE) Catechist in our local public

schools across the Diocese. SRE Catechists play

a pivotal role in fostering Catholic faith and

nurturing the spiritual growth among children.

Get in touch with your local parish or visit

parracatholic.org/sre-catechist

Support our Christmas appeal

Give a gift of hope this Christmas to homeless

mothers and their children with a new beginning,

supporting them to rebuild a strong family life

and look towards a hopeful future. It’s part

of Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes program,

which provides safe housing and practical and

emotional support. Donate at

parracatholic.org/appeal

Donate unwanted goods

Give new life to used toys, books, appliances,

furniture, clothing, and other goods by donating

them to local charities, social service agencies,

parishes, and community centres. Your donations

help those who can't afford new items and reduce

waste, keeping these goods out of landfill and

benefiting the planet.

Become a Vinnie’s volunteer

St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay organisation

that offers over 200 services for those in need;

you are guaranteed to find a service that suits

your skills to make a difference. Give the gift of

time this Christmas and join your parish's Vinnies

Conference or encourage your local parish to

start one. With regular meet-ups you will come

together in prayer and support the needs of the

local community.

Show your creative talents

Offer a helping hand to your parish by sharing

your creative talents. We’re always looking for

youth leaders, singers, PowerPoint presenters,

musicians, flower arrangers, gardeners, cleaners,

and more. Reach out to your local parish to find

out how you can share your creative talents and

get involved.

Feed the hungry

Help feed those suffering from food insecurity by

donating to Jesuit Refugee Services and House of

Welcome’s community foodbanks, or volunteering

with St Merkorious Charity to deliver hot meals

to those in need. Get your parish, school and

community group involved by organising a food

drive or volunteering as a kitchen hand or at the

next meal run.

Share your voice

Are you a strong advocate and interested in the

future of the Church? Throughout the Diocese

there are opportunities to connect with the

community and make a difference. Apply to join

a diocesan or parish council to serve the needs

of your local church community to thrive. More

information? Visit parracatholic.org/governance

Give the gift of education

Named in honour of the recently deceased Bishop

Kevin Manning, the Bishop Manning Support

Fund is a Diocesan charity that seeks to ensure

all families who want a Catholic education for

their child can receive one. Your contribution can

help cover the cost of school fees, excursions

and a uniform allowance for students in need of

financial assistance. Find out more at

parra.catholic.edu.au

26 Image: Shutterstock

27

Bishop Vincent and students from Good Shepherd Primary School

turn the first sod for the new preschool in July, 2024.


28

Building the Foundations

for lifelong learning

BY ZOE CARTWRIGHT

Construction is nearing completion on a new

Ambrose preschool which is being built in

partnership with the Good Shepherd Parish

in Plumpton.

This marks the first preschool to be built by the

Diocese of Parramatta’s Community Ventures

agency, which already operates six Ambrose

preschools and 55 out-of-school-hours care

services in Western Sydney and

the Blue Mountains.

Scheduled to open in early 2025,

the preschool will be located

next to Good Shepherd Primary

School and will accommodate

100 children aged two to five

across four learning rooms.

With an aim to support

working families, it will

operate extended hours from

7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

In July 2024, Bishop Vincent Long

OFM Conv, the Bishop of Parramatta,

concelebrated the blessing of the building

site with Assistant Parish Priest of the Good

Shepherd Parish, Fr John Nguyen.

Bishop Vincent told those gathered for the event

that the service would mark “a new chapter in the

lives of the community here”.

“We are all here for the sake of the children and

the generations to come,” said Bishop Vincent,

adding that the Diocese wanted to build a future

that “mirrors the reign of God”.

The Good Shepherd Parish, administered by the

Capuchin Franciscan Friars, has a long-standing

commitment to education. Community Ventures

is grateful to the Capuchin community for making

"We are all here

for the sake of the

children and the

generations

to come."

Bishop

Vincent Long

land available for the new preschool.

Since founding the parish in 1970, the

Capuchins have established three schools: Good

Shepherd Primary in 1979; St Francis Primary in

Glendenning in 1991; and St Clare’s High School

in Hassall Grove in 1994. The upcoming preschool

will be their fourth educational institution,

continuing their legacy of fostering learning and

growth for young children in the area.

Recently the building development achieved a

significant milestone. The entire building,

prefabricated offsite, was divided

into several modules, each

carefully packed and braced for

transportation.

With precision, coordination

and with much excitement

from the children of Good

Shepherd Primary, cranes

meticulously lowered each

piece into its designated

position at the permanent

location at Good Shepherd

Plumpton.

Anthony Goonan, chief executive of Community

Ventures, expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s

thrilling to see the building rise from the earth

and hear the cheers from the school children as

the pieces were lowered into place.

“Ambrose is in the unique position to be able to

provide early years education services co-located

with the primary schools operated by Catholic

Schools Parramatta Diocese. This fosters a sense

of belonging for children and families, facilitating

a seamless transition into Catholic education.”

Ambrose offers inclusive Catholic preschools

that welcome families from all backgrounds and

faiths. Jade Hunn, the newly appointed Director

of Ambrose Early Learning Good Shepherd

Plumpton, embraces this inclusivity and is eager

to engage with the Good Shepherd

Plumpton community.

She is driven by her passion for building

strong, connected communities. “I am deeply

passionate about advocacy and promoting the

rights of others in my everyday practices. I work

diligently to ensure that my services are inclusive

environments for everyone,” she says.

Jade is keen to welcome families to start their

child’s educational journey, explaining that “the

service will be backed by a play and inquiry based

early learning program and dedicated parental

support. Our aim is to nurture children in a

caring, faith-filled environment so they can thrive

and make a seamless transition to primary school

from their early years.”

Ambrose aspires to establish preschools at

primary schools across the Diocese wherever

possible, ensuring all children have access to

quality early education and the best start in life.

As Jo Tapley, Senior Manager of Ambrose Early

Years Education, says: “We know that more than

90% of brain development occurs in a child’s first

This Christmas, will you help

homeless mothers and children

find a safe place to call home

to rebuild their lives?

Bishop’s Christmas Appeal

five years. Ambrose

preschools offer

high-quality early

education, guided by

the values of Respect,

Encouragement, and

Care, which supports

lifelong learning and

wellbeing.

“We are continually

expanding our

services to further the

mission of the Church,

and the upcoming

early learning service

in Plumpton is an exciting step forward of this

mission. It represents a significant milestone

in our synodal journey; an example of the

collaboration between Community Ventures,

parish and school communities to support

families and children.”

Learn more about Ambrose Early Learning

Good Shepherd Plumpton by visiting

ambrose.org.au or calling 1300 426 276.

Your kind-hearted gift and prayers will help Catholic Care Western Sydney

and the Blue Mountains provide homeless mothers and their children in

crisis with practical and emotional support, and a safe haven to call home.

Scan to give your gift of a new beginning today >>>


Part of the new Ambrose preschool being lifted

into place. Image: Community Ventures

St Bernadette’s

hampers feed

hundreds

BY BELINDA GADD

For more than 20 years, St Bernadette’s Parish

Castle Hill has led a Christmas hamper drive,

which has fed hundreds of individuals and

families experiencing hardship.

This year is no different, with around 400

hampers being packed, blessed and distributed in

a collective effort by the parish, five local Catholic

schools, and hundreds of parishioner volunteers

to two charitable oganisations - St Vincent de Paul

and Catholic Care Western Sydney and the

Blue Mountains.

St Bernadette’s Parish Priest Fr Fernando

Montano blesses the hampers, the donors and

those who are going to receive the hampers, on

the first weekend of Advent.

“The generosity of time, skills and gifts from the

local parish and school communities are always

a good example for all, at a time when we come

together as a community of faith to share the gift

of giving with those in need,” Fr Fernando says.

“This effort does not happen by itself, and

that is why we also want to thank Vinnies for

coordinating the drive each year, and also to

Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue

Mountains for distributing the bulk of the

hampers to local people in need.”

Fr Fernando says the donation of a truck this

year and last year has made the delivery of the

hampers significantly easier, particularly as the

number of hampers increase year on year. While

the numbers are yet to be finalised for 2024, the

hampers have increased in quantity to around

400 this year.

Parishioner and St Vincent de Paul volunteer

Carole Walton loves to see the passion and

enthusiasm of all the volunteers, students and

their families.

“The Christmas hamper drive brings the local

community together, and it is such a wonderful

cause,” she says.

“When you see a whole convoy of people carrying

donated hampers to the hall, it’s truly amazing.”

Carole says the students, staff and parents from

St Bernadette’s primary, Tangara School for

Girls, Oakhill College, Gilroy Catholic College, and

Redfield College provide wonderful support and

assistance with the hampers, and their actions

are inspiring.

“I had a non-Catholic friend with me one year who

witnessed the dedicated young men from Oakhill

College packing and loading the hampers with

enthusiasm and joy, and she was almost moved

to tears,” Carole says.

Students from Oakhill College helping with the hamper drive. Image: Supplied

“My friend couldn’t believe there was so much

goodness at work in the parish, she told me it

restored her faith in humanity.”

This year, the hampers are being packed and

delivered to St Bernadette's, sorted, blessed by

Fr Fernando, loaded onto a truck and delivered

the next day to Catholic Care Western Sydney and

the Blue Mountains at Mamre House in Orchard

Hills, where the hampers will be distributed to

individuals and families who need a bit of extra

support and care this Christmas.

Catholic Care’s Community Engagement

Coordinator Lisa Malcher and the wider

leadership team have seen first-hand the benefits

of the hamper drive, as they distribute the

hampers to clients each year.

“We receive a truckload of hampers tailor-made

for each anonymous family or individual, based

on the size and ages of the household.

“We invite clients to collect their hampers from

one of our drop-in centres, or we go and deliver

the hampers to them personally.

“The hampers are beautifully gift wrapped, and it

just goes to show the care and kindness of people

in our community.”

A message from the students

Every year, our school, St Bernadette’s

Primary in Castle Hill takes part in the

Christmas Hamper Drive, and we’re really

proud to be a part of it. We collect food,

gifts, and other items to help families who

are struggling during Christmas.

It makes us feel lucky because we have

our family, friends, food, and presents, so

we know that when we bring something in,

it will help someone else who might not

have as much.

The Christmas Hampers are a great

way for us to show kindness, care, and

compassion, just like Jesus taught us, and

that's what Christmas is really all about.

In class, we’ve explored the Scripture

from James, Faith Without Works is Dead,

and it says, "For as the body without the

spirit is dead, so faith without works

is dead also".

This reminds us that faith isn't just

something we say or think about, but it’s

also about what we do. By donating to the

hamper, we’re putting our faith

into action.

It feels good to know that our donations

bring some joy and help to others who

might not have as much.

ST BERNADETTE’S YEAR 6 ‘MINI VINNIES’ TEAM.

30 31

Truth & Peace:

2024's Social Justice Statement

BY BELINDA GADD

The Diocese of Parramatta hosted the launch of

this year’s Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Social Justice Statement.

A hundred people gathered at St Pauls Catholic

College, Greystanes, on 20 August to reflect on

the 2024-25 Statement, entitled ‘Truth & Peace: A

Gospel Word in a Violent World’.

In the Statement, Australia’s bishops scrutinise

the signs of our troubled times, observe the

violence around us, and ask why it is so? They also

ask what is needed if there is to be peace?

The Statement addresses the erosion of truth in

today’s world due to reasons including:

• competing truth claims and ‘fake news’ on social

media, which leads to misinformation and

conspiracy theories.

• the absence of generally accepted authorities

to assess truth claims and the demise of

traditional gatekeepers of factual information.

• a promotional culture geared to self-image and

branding, rather than truth.

• a generalised atmosphere of social distrust.

Chair of the ACBC’s Commission for Social Justice,

Mission and Service, Bishop Vincent Long OFM

Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, delivered an address

at the event calling all believers in Jesus Christ and

everyone of goodwill to work together to build

peace around the world.

“All who love truth need to show the world that

there is a realistic way to peace, a genuine peace

built upon speaking truth and building trust,”

Bishop Vincent said.

After sharing his personal story as a refugee

fleeing a war-torn state 44 years ago, Bishop

Vincent echoed the powerful words of renowned

poet Judyth Hill and implored the world to

“wage peace”.

“May we all reject the logic of guns and bombs

and wage peace with the logic of encounter, of

dialogue and friendship, and of love,” he said.

Australian Catholic University's Associate

Professor and National Head of the School of

Theology, Joel Hodge delivered an engaging

keynote address about factors that affect truth,

peace and justice in today’s troubled world.

“As GK Chesterton said, ‘When people stop

believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing.

They believe in anything’,” he said.

“There are many ideologies and conspiracies

that try to fill the void about what it means to be

human, and they do so with power messages and

social techniques.

“And that’s always dangerous, and it’s always

something that goes against the Gospel message

… This is a false peace,” he said.

“If we can recognise that God comes to us as our

forgiveness, as our love, then perhaps we have a

chance of peace.”

ACBC's Executive Secretary, Greg Baynie and

Director of the Office for Justice, Ecology and

Peace, Peter Arndt invited attendees to discuss

and share their reflections on the Statement, in

the spirit of building peace in our community.

Other attendees included the City of Cumberland

Mayor Lisa Lake, who shared her reflections on

the Statement; state Member for Prospect Hugh

McDermott MP and Sr Susan Connelly RSJ.

Also in attendance were representatives from

the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, Catholic

Diocese's of Broken Bay and Wollongong; Caritas

Australia; Jesuit Social Services; Josephite Justice

Network; Marist180; International Justice Mission

Australia; Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese;

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; and parish

social justice groups.

To read the full statement, go to

catholicoutlook.org and search

'social justice statement'.

A representation

of peace and of Jesus

St Pauls Catholic College Vice Captain

Andrew Saab attended the launch of

the statement. Asked to respond to the

statement, he said: “It makes us reflect

on the fact that we are so thankful to be

in this community that is so multicultural,

so diverse, yet we are all so loving for one

another.

“As Christians we try to express peace for

all. The focus for us is thinking, ‘how can

we be in the future a representation of

peace and representation of Jesus Christ

in the world?’ This statement provides a

foundation to that.”

The coordinator of St Pauls Catholic

College Faith In Action Team (FIAT), Julie

Vu, believes that the statement could

form the basis for action by the college’s

FIAT group.

“The statement has great commonsense

suggestions about ‘action for everyone’.

“Things like giving priority to encounter

rather than acting on a computer,

working with a local reconciliation group

and helping Caritas Australia in raising

awareness of its work in

war-torn countries.”

St Pauls Catholic College Religious

Education Coordinator Chris Behan said

that “Pope Francis’ thoughts around

education being vital for building a culture

of peace are fundamental to the work of

Catholic schools.

“There are great opportunities for

educators to make a local contribution to

building a culture of peace. The challenge

of action for everyone and making peace

in the world is a wonderful challenge to

Catholic schools. This is something we will

bring to our students through

FIAT opportunities.”

St Pauls College Vice Caption Andrew Saab at the launch of the statement.

Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta

32 33

A donation to the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal can help at-risk mothers and

their children. Image: Shutterstock

The gift of a safe haven

with life skills, including cooking nutritious meals

for their children and participating in parenting

programs. The women are supported in getting a

driver’s licence and are linked to opportunities to

gain education, training, and employment.

Johanna completed a traffic control course and

looks forward to completing her first aid training,

achievements which have given her a big boost

in confidence.

“I’m a totally different person. I don’t really

recognise the old me,” she said. “I have a lot of

hope for my future now, thanks to everything that

Catholic Care has provided.”

Fr Fernando Montano, Vicar General and

Episcopal Vicar for Social Welfare, said that while

Christmas is usually a season of great anticipation

and celebration, it’s not always the case

for everyone.

“For families like Johanna’s, it can be a time filled

with fear and uncertainty,” he said.

“Jesus arrived in the most radical way – born in

a stable to homeless parents, laid in a manger,

surrounded by animals, yet heralded by angels. It

would be hard to miss the message behind this –

the Messiah was born as a vulnerable, weak, and

helpless child. Yet, wrapped in swaddling clothes,

he is the one true king who brings our salvation.

“This Christmas, I invite people to embrace the

humility surrounding this Nativity scene. Let this

time of preparation for Jesus’ birth encourage

us to reach out to help vulnerable women and

children in Western Sydney and the

Blue Mountains.

“A gift to the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal can

bring joy and comfort to mothers and children in

urgent need of a safe haven this Christmas.”

*Names and images have been changed for privacy reasons.

You can support Catholic Care’s Houses

to Homes to help homeless mothers and

children find a safe place to call home.

To make your donation please

call 02 8838 3482, or visit


BY DEBRA VERMEER

Catholics across the Diocese of Parramatta

are being invited to share the true spirit of

Christmas this year, by supporting Parramatta

Catholic Foundation’s Bishop’s Christmas Appeal.

Donations will help Catholic Care Western Sydney

and the Blue Mountains to provide vulnerable

women in crisis with safe shelter, nourishing food,

and support to build a better future for

their family.

For more than 30 years, Catholic Care’s Houses to

Homes has changed the lives of women aged 16

to 25 who are pregnant or have a child and are

homeless or at serious risk of homelessness.

Johanna* was 38 weeks pregnant when her

abusive and controlling partner kicked her out

of their house. With her son Charlie*, she found

herself homeless. It was Christmas Day.

By providing safe transitional housing, Houses to

Homes has prevented women like Johanna from

continuing to live ‘rough’. With her son Charlie and

newborn baby, Johanna remembers the first time

she finally felt at peace, safe in her own place.

“It was really nice. It was a three-bedroom home

with a backyard. We each got a room. It really

feels like we’re being taken care of,” she said.

Maree Hanna, Coordinator of Houses to Homes,

said the program goes beyond placing a roof over

young families’ heads.

“When these women and children first come to

us, they’re very broken and timid. They turn up

with a couple of bags of belongings and nothing

more,” she said.

“I see very positive changes in the girls when

they’re feeling loved and supported. A lot of the

mums here haven’t had anybody to call and rely

on. They’ve never really had anybody they

can trust.”

At-risk mothers are given support catered to

their specific needs, including basic items like

food, toiletries, and nappies for their children.

They are also connected with a GP, psychologist,

psychiatrist, and a dentist, and they receive help

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34

Catholic Schools

Parramatta Diocese

bids farewell to

long-standing Principals

Annelise Stockey

St Matthew’s Primary

Windsor

Elizabeth (Liz) Devlin

Mother Teresa Primary

Westmead

Louise O’Donnell

Holy Cross Primary

Glenwood

Marian Bell

St Aidan’s Primary

Rooty Hill

Steven Haskins

Our Lady of Lourdes

Primary Baulkham Hills

Mark Pauschman

Parramatta Marist

High School

A passionate and strategic

thinker, Annelise has

championed continuous

learning, participating in

extensive research to improve

staff learning and student

outcomes. She also built

strong relationships with her

previous school community

and parish, playing a key role in

transforming Our Lady of the

Rosary Primary Kellyville into a

modern, engaging

learning environment.

Annelise was appointed

Principal of St Matthew’s

Primary Windsor in early 2023,

after seven years as Principal of

Our Lady of the Rosary

Primary Kellyville.

Liz is a respected, faith-filled

leader known for building

strong relationships with

staff, parents and carers, and

parishes. She contributed

significantly to the literacy of

the school community and

passionately advocated for a

library space in the Westmead

Catholic Community project,

leaving a lasting legacy for

future students.

Liz has been Principal of Mother

Teresa Primary Westmead

since 2018, after a 12-month

secondment as a Literacy

Teaching Educator at CSPD.

Louise achieved remarkable

success in fostering a strong

community spirit, ensuring

that all students felt valued,

heard and supported in their

educational journeys. Flexible

and forward-thinking, Louise

cultivated a caring atmosphere

that promoted a sense of

belonging and motivated staff

and students to excel.

Louise has been Principal of

Holy Cross since 2020 including

a short period as Acting

Principal of St Bernadette’s

Primary Lalor Park in 2022. This

followed nine years as Principal

of St Monica’s Primary

North Parramatta.

A respected school leader,

Marian has dedicated nearly 40

years to ensuring every student

has the opportunity to learn and

thrive. Marian was nominated

for News Corp’s ‘Australia’s Best

Teacher’ in 2023, her leadership

characterised by deep Catholic

faith, genuine kindness

and compassion.

Marian has been Principal of St

Aidan’s Primary Rooty Hill since

2019, previously leading St Paul

the Apostle Primary Winston

Hills (2014 to 2019) and St John’s

Primary Riverstone (2007

to 2014).

Steven’s long-standing

commitment to his school

reflects his dedicated leadership

and strong community

relationships. His contributions,

grounded in deep Catholic

faith, focus on providing

students with the best learning

opportunities.

Steven has been Principal of

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary

Baulkham Hills since 2014,

having served at the school

since 2000 in various roles,

including teacher, coordinator,

and Assistant Principal.

We also extend our gratitude

to Mark Pauschmann as he

departs Parramatta Marist

High School. From 2025, he will

continue his Marist leadership

in a new role as the Executive

Director of Province Ministries

with Star of the Sea Province

(Marists of Champagnat).

Mark has served as Principal of

Parramatta Marist since 2018

and is well regarded for his

strategic leadership and vision,

motivating others through

his commitment to upholding

and promoting the values of

faith, service and compassion.

He will be greatly missed by

all members of the CSPD and

Parramatta Marist communities.

36 37

The prisoN

Peacemakers

BY BELINDA GADD

“It’s not about religion – it's about supporting

their relationship with God.”

This sentiment is shared by former school

principal Br Cyril Bosco and actuary-turnedtheologian

Richard Korkor: two prison chaplains

who work in the Diocese of Parramatta.

There are a total of three religious and two lay

Catholic chaplains in the Diocese who provide

pastoral care and support to inmates across six

correctional facilities in Western Sydney. There is

also a chaplain for police.

The role of these chaplains is vital in bringing

peace to prison inmates. Their mission is to help

inmates recognise and become closer to God in

their lives. And it’s not just Catholic inmates who

benefit from this support.

“Where else would you celebrate a liturgy and

see Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Muslims,

atheists, Hindus and other

faiths humbly shaking

hands as a sign of peace. It’s

beautiful,” Richard says.

Chaplain Richard Korkor at Parklea

Correctioal Centre.

Image: Belinda Gadd/ Diocese of

Parramatta

“And they’re not just shaking

hands; they’re hugging too.”

Prison chaplains are in

high demand in the region.

Richard has been a chaplain

at Parklea Correctional Centre

for the last four years. He

doesn’t ask inmates about

their religion, crimes, or the

legal aspects of their case. He

just listens.

“I can’t overstress the value of

deep listening,” he says.

Parklea is both a maximumsecurity

remand centre,

which holds around 1100

inmates, as well as housing

around 150 inmates in a

minimum-security

section. Richard

provides a daily

meditation and

liturgy service and

listens to inmates

as they share their

personal struggles.

“Some of the boys

in here have never

had a person to

talk to their whole

lives. They’re so

ashamed,” Richard says.

Br Cyril Bosco, outside John Moroney

Correctional Centre. Image:

Belinda Gadd/Diocese of Parramatta

“But I always listen to their story – and then

I go deeper.”

Richard says when inmates are offered the

opportunity to safely delve into their story without

judgment or fear it is incredibly healing for them.

"You can see how their past issues were never

dealt with, and if trauma isn’t transformed it’s

transmitted,” he says.

“When they reveal their past trauma and longheld

pain, you can feel God’s presence in

the room.

“It’s a privilege to be there in that moment.”

Integrated within a dense residential

environment, the Parklea facility is abuzz with

daily visitors each day, including women

and children.

This activity in Parklea was in stark contrast to the

quieter atmosphere at John Morony Correctional

Centre: a medium-security remand facility in the

Francis Greenway Complex in Berkshire Park: a

more rural setting located just south of Windsor.

For eight years, Br Cyril Bosco has woken at

4.30am daily to set out and minister to around

420 inmates at the facility.

Br Cyril provides three chapel services a week and

two Sunday services each month, working with

an assistant and support staff. He also supports

inmates during bereavement and oversees the

Kairos and Prisoner’s Journey programs to foster

a Christian community inside the prison. He also

provides support to staff in their roles within

the facility.

“It’s not hard work – just constant,” he says,

adding that inmates need to be willing to work on

their relationship with God.

John Morony also receives support from the local

parish, St Monica’s in Richmond, through its social

justice outreach group of volunteers.

“They conducted a clothing drive to support

prisoners on release, among other initiatives,” Br

Cyril said.

Br Cyril says the gratitude from inmates is

profound, and there are signs of heart among the

hardness of prison life.

“When I interact with an inmate, I always look

for the ‘God spark’ in them,” he says. However,

without recognising God in their lives, inmates

can and do return to prison after being released.

An inmate who had recently returned to the

facility told him:

“When I was released, I left God at the gate.

“I thought I could do it on my own. I can’t,” the

prisoner said.

Br Cyril reflects on those detained in the facility,

including many young men. “I had a 19-year-old

ask me: ‘When am I going to know my purpose

in life?’”

Cards for compassion

Each year, local parishioner Margaret* makes

hundreds of Christmas cards for inmates at

prisons in Western Sydney. She has more than

200 cards in this year’s batch alone. She even

personalises them where she can, based on the

thank you notes she receives each year.

Margaret hopes the Christmas cards will bring

hope, peace and joy at a difficult time of year.

“Perhaps my little contribution will inspire others

to think of ways they can be of help to those who

are cut off from society.

“It gives them a sense of worth, knowing someone

has cared enough to give,” she says.

This is why Br Cyril continues his ministry.

“I remind them that there is a higher power at

work in our lives.”

Christmas can be a difficult time for inmates

without families, and some re-enter prison for

“family and shelter”.

While initiatives like the Angel Tree Program

provide hope at Christmas by providing gifts

to the children of inmates to bring some joy,

Br Cyril wants anyone who is struggling with

trauma, addiction, grief, financial issues or other

challenges to accept the gift of courage

to seek help.

“The Bible says ‘Do not be afraid’ almost 150

times!” he says.

“We are all prone to wrongdoing. There’s not

much difference between an inmate and

a non-inmate.

“Catholic chaplaincy has brought me closer to the

human condition,” he says.

“It has provided a window to see God’s

intervention in the lives of others.”

One of Margaret’s many lovingly

crafted Christmas cards for inmates.

A thank you note from inmates

to St Monica’s Parish, Richmond.

38 39

Honouring

our parish

staff


Each year, just before Advent, the Diocese

of Parramatta hosts a Christmas Lunch and

Reflection Day to celebrate the dedication and

passionate ministry of our parish staff. On 27

November, over 50 parish staff members and

volunteers gathered at Mt Schoenstatt Retreat

Centre in Mulgoa for a day of reflection to prepare

for Christmas.

A highlight of the day is the Recognition Ceremony,

which expresses deep appreciation for our parish staff

and honours those celebrating milestone years of

service, from 5 to over 30 years.

We meet three of these parish staff to find out why

they love doing what they do.

Elizabeth Idaszak (second-right) with Veronica Malachowski,

Stan Pakulski and Clarita Robles (L-R), who are long time

parishioners from St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill that have held

roles as Parish Council member/ Sacramental Facilitator/ Lector,

Parish Sacristan, Catechist/ special minister, respectively.

Image: supplied.

Gerald Oblea (far right) with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv,

Deacon John Cinya, and members of the parish and school

communities during the 10th anniversary celebrations of Mary,

Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, August 2024. Image:

Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.

John Portelli, 7 years

Holy Cross Parish, Granville

John Portelli celebrates his seventh year as

Business and Projects Manager at Holy Cross

Parish in Granville this year. Contributing to the

parish as a volunteer for most of his life, and

being in management professionally, it was a

perfect match for John when the opportunity

for his position came around, saying, “The

opportunity to constantly learn, contribute to the

life of the parish in this unique way, and the ability

to take time out for prayer or to attend Mass

throughout the week is also one of the very rare

benefits afforded to many Catholics in their work

life and is certainly something which I do not take

for granted in my role.”

John Portelli with Sr Louise of the Missionary Sisters of the

Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the World at Holy Trinity Church,

Granville. Image: supplied.

When asked about his favourite event held at

the parish, which he has helped organise, John

said, “My favourite events of the year are the

parish’s annual Tenebrae and Solemn Carols

by Candlelight services. As I am also involved in

the parish’s music ministry, I’ve always enjoyed

working alongside Fr Andrew putting the program

together and seeing how we can build on the

previous year’s event to keep it fresh whilst

maintaining the essence of the event.”

He also mentioned the parish’s annual St Joseph’s

Table appeal, where parishioners donate nonperishable

food and clothing for families in

need within the community. A highlight for him

is seeing the comradery and willingness of all

involved to help those in need.

Parish Priest Fr Andrew Bass said, “The parish is

blessed to have someone of John’s ability, both

professionally and pastorally,

“John has committed himself since he was eight

years old to serving the parish and so has a

tremendous sense of commitment, a wealth of

knowledge and, above all else, a faith in Our Lord

and His Church which tremendously supports the

works of the parish.”

Elizabeth Idaszak, 33 years

St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill

Elizabeth Idaszak will be celebrating an

extraordinary 33-year anniversary as a Parish

Secretary this year. Initially approached by then

Parish Priest Fr Alex Sciberras, she was working

voluntarily for six years before being officially

employed as Parish Secretary.

When asked what she enjoys most about the

role, Elizabeth said, “I enjoy engaging with people

and helping them where I can, ensuring prompt

communication and service.” Over her three

decades of service, Elizabeth has participated in

several fundraising initiatives for the parish, from

preparing booklets, ticketing, and coordinating

advertisements from local shops.

Parish Priest Fr Alan Layt said, “A Parish Secretary

is one of the key and indispensable members of

the parish community. A lot of what a secretary

does is in the background, however, essential

to the functioning of the parish; the secretary is

often the face of the parish, and the first person

anyone deals with when seeking what the parish

community has to offer.

“I think Elizabeth has done this well over many

years and her dedication to this parish

is outstanding.”

Gerald Oblea, 11 years

Mary Queen of the Family Parish,

Blacktown

Gerald Oblea has been the Parish Secretary and

Sacramental Coordinator at Mary Queen of the

Family Parish in Blacktown since 2013.

After working in the corporate world of marketing,

Gerald was seeking a change in career where he

could serve and minister his local community.

From a young age, Gerald's parents encouraged

him and his brother to serve others through the

Filipino chaplaincy, under the leadership of Vale

Fr Renato Paras, so the role felt natural to him.

Gerald says his favourite part of the role is

ministering to all. “I have truly been blessed to be

able to bring families and children closer to Christ

through our sacramental process.” He credits his

“work family”, and wife and children for allowing

him to, “serve and be the face of Christ to those

who are in need”.

Gerald looks forward to joining the new St Luke’s

Parish in Marsden Park, where his family is

moving next year, saying, “I am hoping that the

gifts and talents that I have gratefully obtained

throughout my years in ministry may, continue to

flourish and be of service to the communities

that I serve.”

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Each year, Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP)

hosts a wide range of events for young people,

aimed at connecting, accompanying and

equipping them for a deeper relationship with

Jesus Christ and His Church.

Theology Hour

Theology Hour was created in response to young

people’s desire for a space to connect with others,

encounter Christ, and grow in faith through

formation, prayer and fellowship. Launched

in June 2023 in collaboration with Campion

College in Toongabbie, each event features live

music, delicious food, Eucharistic Adoration, and

insightful talks from expert guest presenters. This

year's sessions had University of Notre Dame

lecturers Dr Kevin Wagner and Dr Peter Holmes,

Chaplain at Campion College and University of

Western Sydney Fr Piotr Kruk OP, and Campus

Ministry Pastoral Associate at Australian Catholic

University Rachel Vala discuss topics such as

being a Christian witness in a secular world and

finding your community where you can grow and

love in service.

LIFTED GO

Equipping young

people to GO DEEPER

LIFTED Go is the latest addition to the popular

LIFTED series, launched this year in partnership

with the Peace, Justice, and Ecology team. This

exciting event empowers young people to deepen

their understanding of the connection between

loving God, loving themselves, and loving their

neighbour.

Designed to inspire action, LIFTED Go invites

participants to reflect on the importance of caring

for all of God’s creation. It highlights the call to

Discover what CYP’s got on next year – visit parracatholic.org/events

charity, advocacy and justice as essential parts of

Jesus' mission within the Church and society.

At the first session focused on the 2024-2025

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Social

Justice Statement ‘Truth & Peace: A Gospel Word

in a Violent World’, participants discussed current

conflicts around the world and how they can

resolve conflicts in their own communities. They

considered the importance of trust, which is

based on truth, in being able to achieve peace.

AT THE WELL

At the Well is a series designed for women to

come together in faith, fellowship, and friendship.

It offers a supportive environment to connect,

ask questions, listen, pray, and reflect on life’s

big topics. Each event dives into themes like

self-image, faith, mental health, wellbeing, and

womanhood, providing a space to explore

what it means to live out your faith in today’s

world. These gatherings are held several times

a year and invite young women to deepen their

relationship with God while building meaningful

connections and addressing the issues that

matter most to them.

LIFTED LIVE IN THE FORECOURT

LIFTED Live in the Forecourt has been a hit since it

first launched in 2015! As CYP’s biggest event each

year, it draws thousands of people together for a

celebration of faith, diversity, and creativity within

the Diocese.

Held in October this year, the night featured

stallholders, local performers, large inflatable

games, BBQs, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer,

competitions, and plenty of dancing!

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42

Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta

Imnage: Shutterstock.

Looking Deeper

I have the immense joy of being [a human person], a

member of a race in which [God’s own self] became

incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human

condition could overwhelm me, now I realise what we

all are. And if only everybody could realise this! But it

cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people

that they are all walking around shining like the sun.”

Thomas Merton

44 45

Advent

Set The Light Free:

An Advent way

of Living

BY MOTHER HILDA SCOTT OSB

front gate, showing the way for others who will

be drawn by the light that emanates from us.

Actually, the longer one looks at this picture, the

more light becomes obvious and the darkness

begins to fade away. It is the lived reality of a

home of prayer within us that becomes a sure

guide to the places in each of our lives where God

is wanting to show us the light we have and the

shutters that are keeping it hidden.

Furthermore, if we look carefully at Kenji’s poem,

we may just see how gently God has come to

us; the One, who watches, listens, understands

and never forgets. The One who seeks no

compliments, is happy to be regarded as useless,

the One continually drawing us to His hut with the

thatched roof in the shade of the pine woods, that

we might discover His hut and light within us.

Mother Hilda Scott OSB is the Abbess of the

Benedictine Abbey in Jamberoo, in the Diocese

of Wollongong. This reflection was originally

published on the Abbey’s website in December

2023. Republished with permission.

It seems to me that the words so often heard

during Advent are words around the coming

of light. In the northern hemisphere that has

particular importance because they are, as we

speak, being plunged more and more into climatic

darkness as well as every other kind of darkness.

When I was in England recently, the sun was

already starting to set around 3.30pm. In

Australia, we have no such issue with the sun and

we have light all the time.

That fact prompted me to make the following

reflection. Maybe God did not come to give us

light, but rather to show us the light we already

have and especially the light within ourselves. We

so often do not see it, being used to the blockages

and shuttered windows with which we live, both

inside and out.

So, in Advent we call out in the liturgy, “Give us

Light”, “Bring us Your Light”, “Let the Light Come”.

And perhaps God is saying: “You already have it, I

already gave it to you, let me show you”.

As a means of reflecting on this, I have here below

a poem by a beloved Japanese poet and author,

Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933), who only came into

his own posthumously. He was born at the time

the feudal system in Japan was making way for

a more modern way of being and his own father

Masajirō was in the forefront of it.

I won’t say any more about him here, you can

research him for yourself. Suffice to say that Kenji

was a man of great devotion to that in which he

believed. He took the spiritual road seriously. A

sensitive soul, he was plagued by illness as a child,

he understood weakness and vulnerability. Grief

came to him with the death of his much-loved

sister, Toshi and it was because of a promise he

made to her that he began to unpack his talent

for writing, something he did not believe he had.

In all his interior searching,

he took the roads in life that presented

themselves, lived them and stayed with them,

in spite of the inherent price, the poverty, the

hardship, the self-doubt and the loneliness.

I offer you this extract from a poem which he

wrote about the kind of man he would like to

be. I am not going to go through it, you will have

your own reflections to make as you read, but

I would like to point out just two aspects which

might illustrate the ways in which such living can

unblock the light in us: let it be seen by others

and the ways in which we can find the light in one

another.

Firstly, Kenji says that this person seeks no

compliments. What a wonderful burden is lifted

from our hearts and minds on the day when we

no longer expect that there will be a compliment,

a thank you, a recognition/affirmation for what

we do or who we are. On that day, we learn that

we can live fully without those things, our light is

within and totally unrelated to anyone else. Light

seems to dawn upon us from within. We can

stand in our own light and that light is in fact the

pure light of God.

We also find that once we stop looking for those

compliments, we become open to actually

lavishing others with compliments, gratitude and

affirmations. In so doing, we enable an unblocking

of the light in them and from that point, we all

go forward to further divine revelations and “the

night is as clear as the day” (Psalm 139:12).

Secondly, Kenji speaks of living in a hut with a

thatched roof in the shade of the pine woods.

There is the point of prayer, there is the point of

nourishment, that time spent in connection with

our God, in whatever way each one does that.

There is a picture I have of a cottage, filled with

light and warmth. In prayer we are bathed and

warmed in light. There are also two lights at the

Imnage: Where Advent Begins, by Jan Richardson.

Be not Defeated

by the Rain

He is not deterred by rain and severe winds

He is resilient to snow and summer heat

He is not greedy

Never an angry glare

Always peaceful with a smile

He has four cups of rice a day

With miso paste and vegetables

Anything he does is without thought of gain

He watches, listens, understands

And never forgets

He lives in a hut with a thatched roof

in the shade of the pine woods.

If there is a sick child in the east

He goes to tend to him.

When there is a tired mother in the west

He goes to her and helps her carry rice

Where there is a dying man in the south

He goes to ease his fear.

When there is a feud in the north

He travels there to tell them not to be petty.

He cries in a drought

And wanders hopelessly in the cool summer

He lets everyone call him useless

He seeks no compliments

He bothers no one.

Such is the person

I wish to be.

Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933)

46 47

Imnage: Shutterstock.

A Child is Born to Us;

His Dominion is

Forever Peaceful

BY DR MICHELE CONNOLLY RSJ

I write this reflection days away from the 2024

election of the 47th US President, an election

described by all the pundits as “too close to

call.” By the time you are reading this reflection,

the results will be known and the world will

be adjusting: nations will be directing their

policies to relate well to the new President-elect,

international economies will be focused in new

ways. Everybody will hope that the change of

governance in the most powerful democracy on

earth will make for peace.

And peace is sorely needed. The hearts of people

all over the world ache for the people living in

the land of Jesus, who live in distressing, constant

strife, whether they are Palestinian or Jewish. The

world fears the enlargement of that conflict by

the involvement of larger nations sympathetic

to either side; we are all concerned also that the

tragic war between the Ukraine and Russia could

blow out to involve a new east-west conflict. Even

the earth itself is in distress, as the enormously

destructive floods, causing huge loss of human

life and damage to livelihoods in south-eastern

Spain, remind us.

We Christians make this world as much as

anybody else does. At the same time we yearn

for peace in it as much as anybody else

does. We have this advantage – we

believe that we work for peace

in this world not on our own

strength only but with the

enduring, creative love

of God who promises

peace through his Son,

Jesus, whose birth we

celebrate at

this season.

At Christmas, the

church chooses some of

the most consoling and

encouraging texts from

the Scriptures to affirm that

God’s energising presence is

among us. At the Mass at night,

the Gospel speaks to the themes

mentioned above but, of course, in the

terms of its own time. We see movement from

the grand political stage to the personal and

domestic, from the ruling empire of the ancient

world around the Mediterranean Sea, to a young

couple facing the birth of a child for the first time.

Two sons of noble descent are named, to

symbolise these two contrasting contexts. One

is Caesar Augustus, the adopted son of the first

Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar. Everything about

him bristles with all-conquering political and

military dominating power, ruling from the great

city, Rome. From his adoptive father, Caesar, he

inherited the title “Saviour”, which was also used

among the Greeks and Romans for philosophers,

statesmen, rulers and gods.

The other son named is the child to be born to

Joseph and Mary from Nazareth, a hamlet in

rural Galilee, a nowhere place on the edge of

the Roman Empire. This son, however, has royal

lineage: he is “of the house and family of David,”

anointed as God’s choice to be king of Israel.

For this reason he is called Christ, which means

“Jesus will save

by being born as

completely frail

and vulnerable as a

'newborn baby'.”

Christmas

“Messiah”, the anointed one of God. But, born

during the reign of Augustus, he also is called

in our Gospel today “Saviour” – surely a strong

challenge to rulership in that world.

How does Jesus save? The very next verse in the

Gospel hints at it. Jesus will not save his people by

military force or political contest. Jesus will save

by being born as completely frail and vulnerable

as a “newborn baby. In Jesus, God comes into

our world and shows us how to live peace and

wellbeing into it. We do this by being fully human

among our fellow humans, living truthfully

without lies or injustice, working to protect

the weak, to feed the hungry, to welcome the

stranger. As the letter of Titus says, we will live

“temperately, justly, and devoutly”.

The prophet Isaiah, from whom we

hear the first reading, speaks in

his beautiful poetry of the lighthearted

rejoicing of people

from whose shoulders

great burdens have been

lifted. After all the gear of

battle has been burned

up we have a new hope: a

child is born. A newborn

child moves us to wonder

and joy at the marvel of

birth itself and at the sense

of new life, with its fresh

possibilities for good, for a new

start for a family, a clan, a nation.

In Jesus, God lived Godself into this

condition of being born, of growing and

living into mature, gracious and holy personhood.

Against a weary cynicism we can feel about the

world and about our personal situations, our

relationships, Christmas offers us the chance of a

new start.

This is a start that God has set going by coming

into this world, living it with and among us. We

should all fairly shout – or better, sing – the

response to the Psalm on this night: “Today is

born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.”

Dr Michele Connolly RSJ is an Associate

Professor and lecturer in New Testament

studies at the Catholic Institute of Sydney.

48 49

Epiphany

The Dangerous

Journey of Epiphany

BY BR MARK O’CONNOR FMS

"Before you get serious about Jesus, first consider

how good you’re going to look on wood!"

— Daniel Berrigan S.J

We recall a special pilgrimage of faith on the 6th

of January every year. We celebrate the visit of

the wise men from the east to see the baby king

in the stable with his mother and father, bringing

their gifts.

We call it The Epiphany because it represents the

recognition of God’s coming by the Gentile (that’s

us) world. ‘Epiphany’, that moment of sudden

awakening or realisation.

But let's not forget the Epiphany was very much

a dangerous journey for the Magi. And if we

disciples go in search of the Christ child, we too

will likely place ourselves in harm’s way.

For, as Herbert McCabe OP once put it – this is the

paradoxical truth about Christians who go on the

pilgrimage of faith: 'If you love, you will be hurt

and even killed. If you do not love, you are

dead already.’

Sometimes we can get lost in the pious holy card

images of what was an incredibly risky and violent

journey. Herod became furious when he realised

he was tricked by the Magi, and sent his soldiers

to slaughter all the boys aged two and under in

and around Bethlehem, perhaps between six and

twenty children, in the hope of killing the baby

Jesus and eliminating any competition for

his throne.

We too live in a violent world like the Magis. In

this age of dislocation, when people around the

globe are on the move, fleeing violence, crushing

poverty and despair, the Christ child is again

being persecuted in the faces of the tens of

thousands of children at risk in the Middle East

and Africa – not to mention Myanmar and so

many other places.

was breathed out over the waters at creation,

continues to move among us to love, call and

enlighten all who are open to God’s presence.

This Spirit moved the Magi to give away their

material possessions as they searched for

something more real, more profound. God’s Spirit

is not confined to any individual, any people, any

church building, no matter how magnificent.

Notice, it is not King Herod, the scribes or the

temple priests of Israel who recognise or worship

the newborn king, but outsiders, foreigners. If

we shut our doors and our hearts to people of

difference, like Herod or the infamous innkeepers

of Bethlehem did, we might miss a chance to

welcome bearers of God’s Spirit and God’s Word.

We encounter a better role model in Mary of

Nazareth, who welcomed these unfamiliar guests

and their unusual gifts rather than turn them

away. It is easy to imagine this humble woman

“reflecting on” and “treasuring” this visit, as she

did the night she received her first unexpected

visitors, a band of impoverished shepherds from

the hillsides near Bethlehem singing God’s praises

and speaking of angels (Luke 2:19).

So, let’s set out again on this ‘dangerous’ feast of

the Epiphany and listen to Pope Francis as our

guide for the journey: “We are called: To set out

on a journey, like the Magi, following the light

that always desires to lead us at times along

unexplored paths and new roads. To listen not

only with our ears … with our heart and whole

being. To be silent between what we hear and

what we say. To move out of our comfort zones.

Never lose our sense of humour. The star’s light

is there to help us see what is around: the poor,

afflicted, the lowly, the planet, the cosmos and

each other.”

Br Mark O'Connor FMS is Vicar for

Communications and Editor of

Catholic Outlook.

The Feast of Epiphany, this journey of the Magi,

reminds us then that the Spirit of God, who

Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men, or Magi. A painting in the Basilica of Our Lady of Geneva, Switzerland. Image: Alamy

50 51

Image: CSPD

Give the gift of

Education this Christmas

BY SAMANTHA RICH

This was only made possible by the generous

support of people towards the Bishop Manning

Support Fund,” Donna said.

Business Manager at Bede Polding College

Windsor, Sean McNally has witnessed first hand

the difference the fund can make for families like

Donna’s.

“The fund has an enormous impact on those

families that are fortunate enough to receive

assistance,” Sean said. “It enables families to

receive a Catholic education that includes not just

By contributing to the Bishop Manning Support Fund you’ll help

struggling families afford the additional costs associated with schooling.


the textbooks, the laptop, and the uniforms; it

enables them to be part of a faith community.”

Every dollar you donate goes directly to families

in need, helping them to experience the fullness

of a Catholic education. These schools are not just

places of learning; they are communities where

values are instilled, friendships are formed, and

faith is nurtured.

This holiday season, let us come together as a

community of faith. In giving, you not only enrich

the lives of children but also embody the spirit of

Christ’s love and compassion.

As you reflect on your blessings this Christmas,

we encourage you to consider making a donation

to the Bishop Manning Support Fund.

Let’s give the gift of education and open doors of

opportunity for our children. Together, we can

create a brighter future for all members of our

community.

As we approach the Christmas season, a time of

giving and reflection, we invite you to consider

the profound impact of your generosity through

the Bishop Manning Support Fund. This vital fund

aims to ensure that every child across our Diocese

has equal access to quality Catholic education,

regardless of their financial circumstances.

Education is a transformative journey, one that

shapes our children’s futures and strengthens

our communities. The Bishop Manning Support

Fund alleviates the financial burdens faced by

families struggling to afford the additional costs

associated with schooling. By contributing to this

fund, you are helping to cover the cost of school

supplies, excursions and uniforms to provide

equal opportunities and experiences for all

children.

Catholic school parent and mother of two, Donna

Pilling, is a beneficiary of the fund and extremely

grateful for the assistance she has received to

continue her daughters’ Catholic education into

secondary school. As a newly separated single

parent, it was not financially possible for her to

fulfil her eldest daughter’s wish to attend her local

Catholic high school without help.

“I was so very grateful and relieved to receive a

full Bishop Manning Support Fund Bursary for

Years 7-12. It allowed me to fulfil her wish of

attending her school of choice and as a parent I

knew I was providing the best possible education.

Donate today

and start making a difference.

Simply scan the QR code.

For more information about the

fund please visit the website

www.parra.catholic.edu.au/bmsf

All donations are tax deductible.

understand

To To explore why Catholics believe what we we do?

To explore why Catholics believe what we do?

To To better communicate these beliefs to to others?

To better communicate these beliefs to others?

To To equip yourself for for ministry within the Church?

To equip yourself for ministry within the Church?

For For more more information, please contact us us or or visit visit our our website:

For more information, please contact us or visit our website:

T: T: 02 02 9752 9752 9500 e: I e: registrar@cis.catholic.edu.au | www.cis.catholic.edu.au

T: 02 9752 9500 I e: registrar@cis.catholic.edu.au | www.cis.catholic.edu.au

CIS CIS is is a Partner Institution of of The The University of of Notre Dame Australia

CIS is a Partner Institution of The University of Notre Dame Australia

99 99 Albert Road, Strathfield NSW NSW 2135 2135

99 Albert Road, Strathfield NSW 2135

52

CUPPA with a PRIEST

Fr Roland Maurer

Chaplain for the German Catholic Community

After being in Australia 12 years, Fr Roland

Maurer is seen as the ‘Aussie priest’ when he visits

his native Germany.

The chaplain of the German Catholic Community

in Sydney says that when he’s there he feels a

need to “tune up the Aussie-ness”. But in Australia

it’s the opposite – he finds himself cooking more

German food, even wearing traditional clothing.

“So if I’m here I tune up my German thing, which I

don’t have to do in Germany.”

This celebration of German culture and tradition

is also a feature of the German Catholic

community in both Blacktown, at St Raphael’s

Church and St Hedwig’s Aged Care Village,

and in the inner west suburb of Croydon at

St Christophorus Church, where Fr Roland

celebrates Mass every week.

Since the first German Catholic congregation

was founded in Sydney more than 70 years ago,

both communities have celebrated their faith in a

unique German way – always with lots of singing.

And while many now are “full-blown Aussies”,

the language and hymns at Fr Roland’s Masses

all have a German flavour that reminds people a

“little bit of home”.

Fr Roland says his role as chaplain is to embrace

the community, make them feel safe and to help

them adapt to life in Australia, including to the

Australian church.

But that hasn’t always gone to plan. Many families

are still turning up to his Masses four generations

after they first arrived in Australia.

BY ANTONY LAWES

“Mostly they stay because it’s so nice and cozy

here,” Fr Roland says. “You find friends, it’s a tightknit

community. So the kids go where the

parents go.”

He says religiously it’s the same as the local

parish, but what brings people back is “a common

heritage and common needs.”

“Being Catholic is the framework, but how to

fill that framework, that’s different in every

community,” he says.

For the German community, the season of Advent

and Christmas is a particularly special time when

most try to attend Mass and festivals such as St

Nikolaus. The Nativity play and German hymns

and carols are all popular, even if there are fewer

young people than there were in the early days

when two priests ministered to the flock across

both chaplaincies.

No road to Damascus moment

Fr Roland grew up in a new suburb of the

southern German city of Stuttgart. During his

early years he remembers Mass being held in a

school hall, then a Lutheran hall, before there was

a proper church.

Not that he was all that interested in religion to

begin with.

“When I was seven and eight years old it was just

so terribly annoying. One hour standing and not

understanding anything was terrible,” he says.

Fr Roland Maurer, the Chaplain of the German Catholic Community. Image: Supplied

But then at about the time of his first Holy

Communion he discovered being an altar server

and everything changed.

“Then I had something to do, I loved this. Any

occasion there was church, I was up there.”

Another pivotal moment for him was when his

grandparents moved in, and they all started going

to church together. His grandmother became a

big influence on his spiritual growth, to the point

where, at age 10, he “knew that’s what I wanted to

be, a priest”.

Still, he says there was “no road to Damascus”

moment. He grew up observing what his

grandmother would do in church. “It was all

around you. I never had to learn from a book.”

After finishing school he began studying for

the priesthood and was ordained in 1995. He

then spent four years as an assistant priest

while completing his teacher training, before

he was given his first parish, in a predominantly

Protestant town.

Soon the neighbouring parish was added, not

far from the first, and founded by displaced

German Catholics from the Sudetenland, in the

former Czech Republic, who were forced to flee

after the Second World War. This experience with

parishioners who had been uprooted from their

homes proved valuable for his role as Chaplain in

Sydney, a posting he took up in 2012.

Path to peace this Christmas

Fr Roland says about two-thirds of the Blacktown

congregation every Sunday are German born,

including those who migrated after the war and

others who’ve arrived in Australia since. There

are also a number of non-German speakers who

attend Mass, which is conducted in German and

English. “So it’s changing a little bit,” he says.

He jokes that being German means that he

finds it difficult to relax. But when he’s off duty

you’ll often find Fr Roland cooking (his favourite

Christmas dish is roast goose) or playing football.

This Christmas, with many people longing for

peace in an increasingly violent world, Fr Roland

says the best path is to strive to be the person

God wants us to be, rather than try to

create peace.

“Peace is a process and we shouldn’t get too

disappointed and give up if it’s not

happening instantly.

“It’s like love. You can’t force someone to love

you, but you need to be in love with yourself in a

certain way to become a lovable person.”

Fr Roland celebrating Epiphany Mass with the congregation of the German

54

Community. Image: Supplied

55

Parish Priest at St Monica’s North Parramatta and Chaplain of the Chinese

Community Fr Ephraim Lam, centre, with (from left) parishioners Rebecca

Cheung, Kris Handcock, Vera Georgia and Peter Handcock.

Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta

St Monica's Church, North Parramatta. Image: Supplied.

PARISH PROFILE:

St Monica’s PARISH, North Parramatta

The parish of St Monica’s North Parramatta has

been going strong for 130 years, and for 100 of

those years Peter Handcock’s family has been a

big part of it.

The children of Peter and his wife Kris are the

third generation to be part of the parish which,

Peter says, has undergone a lot of change over

the decades.

Probably the biggest change has been the

growth in the Chinese community, which has

worshipped at St Monica’s now for more than

30 years. What began as a separate chaplaincy

for Chinese-speaking worshippers is today much

more integrated, with bilingual services led by

Parish Priest Fr Ephraim Lam, as well as joint

committees, groups, activities and events.

Peter says the seeds of this unique parish were

planted in the early days.

“The Parish has always embraced change and

welcomed new parishioners,” he says.

“Our pioneer priests through their bravery,

resilience and determination laid the foundations

for future priests, and those qualities transcended

to the parishioners who still have that resilience

today.”

Rebecca Cheung, the leader of the parish youth

group, believes having English- and Chinesespeaking

communities so united is something the

whole parish is very proud of.

BY ANTONY LAWES

“The spread of cultures united by the same belief

is something very special and unique to our

parish,” she says.

“I have made life-long friendships through church,

and the community truly feels like an extended

family to me.”

This sense of community is also felt by the young

people in her youth group who “grow deeper in

their faith and develop stronger friendships”.

Another parishioner, Vera Georgia, who has been

attending St Monica’s for about six years, loves

that the church always feels quiet and peaceful

but the people are always friendly.

“I love that when I come to Mass alone, wherever

I sit, I am close to someone I know and have come

to love as my family,” she says.

She also runs the parish art group which meets

after the vigil Mass every Saturday night, one of

many opportunities for parishioners and their

friends to get involved in parish life.

‘Always working, always smiling’

Vera says Fr Ephraim is very encouraging of

parishioners getting involved more deeply in

parish life – from Bible Brekkie on selected

Sunday mornings, to mini-retreats and, more

recently, Bible supper, an online zoom study

being run twice a month.

He is the “happy priest on the go”, she says. “He is

always working and always smiling.”

Rebecca says Fr Ephraim’s encouragement and

support of the youth group has seen him attend

every youth camp since he joined the parish.

“It is really heartwarming to see his care and

consideration for the youth of the church,”

she says.

Fr Ephraim is the second Parish Priest to also hold

the role of Chaplain of the Chinese Community,

following on from Fr Fernando Montano, who was

the first.

“Fr Fernando’s drive and enthusiasm contributed

greatly to the success of the joint venture, which

has been followed on with the same vigour by Fr

Ephraim Lam,” Peter says.

“He has not only embraced this venture but has

also enhanced it.”

A member of the Chinese chaplaincy, Francis

Chen, says that Fr Ephraim’s mastery of English

and Cantonese “enable liturgical servers from

both the local parish and the Chinese Chaplaincy

to work together to celebrate bilingual liturgies, a

very strong sign of communion”.

Looking forward to Christmas

With the beginning of Advent, many parishioners

are turning their mind to Christmas and the many

ways they love celebrating this Holy time at St

Monica’s.

Francis says when Advent begins, a Nativity scene

with a manger is placed just inside the entrance

to the church. Then at Christmas Mass on Holy

Night a baby Jesus is placed in the manger during

the entrance procession. This is “a very beautiful

integration with the liturgy,” he says.

One of Vera’s favourite Christmas traditions at

St Monica’s is the lighting of hundreds of tiny tea

lights around the altar, Tabernacle and the whole

church during Midnight Mass.

“When the [main] lights are turned out it is a truly

beautiful sight…totally one of the highlights of the

year.”

Rebecca remembers fondly the times when she

and her mother would go to nursing homes with

the church choir to sing carols.

“Christmas should really be a joyous occasion for

all, and I am glad I was able to be a part of those

moments,” she says.

While for Peter and his family, their favourite

Christmas tradition in the parish is helping collect

and make up hampers of food and gifts for the

needy, and then “to actually deliver them and see

the faces light up when they’re delivered”.

“The parish has shown over our history that we’re

all God’s creatures regardless of race and are

united in one single commitment to adore and

give thanks to God,” he says.

56 57

Watch

Glorious Lives:

Mary MacKillop,

Australia’s First Saint

Shalom World, 2024

Watch Glorious Lives:

Mary MacKillop,

Australia’s First Saint

on Shalom World TV, at

shalomworld.org

This film, by Catholic media company

Shalom World, follows the remarkable

life of St Mary MacKillop, using

dramatised reenactments, and

interviews with historians, educators

and members of the Church, including

Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge

and St Mary’s own congregation, the

Sisters of St Joseph of the

Sacred Heart.

St Mary was a trailblazing educator

who, in 19th century Australia, made

learning accessible to all, particularly

the poor and underprivileged. Yet

not everyone in the Church at the

time shared her vision. She was

excommunicated by the Bishop

of Adelaide, and her order was

temporarily disbanded, before the

excommunication was removed some

months later.

In the film, a young Mary is played

by Bethany Valente, whose family

property in the Toowoomba Diocese

is where much of the dramatised

scenes were shot.

Bethany told the Brisbane

Archdiocesan newspaper The Catholic

Leader that she felt “thankful to God”

to be able to play the saint, and said it

had influenced her decision to pursue

a religious vocation.

Listen

Figuring Out

Families

podcast

general

episodes

Majellan Media

In this episode of

the first series of

the Figuring Out

Families podcast,

by Majellan Media,

host David Ahern

talks to Bronwyn Melville, from Pregnancy

Help Australia, about the sorts of issues

affecting pregnant women today.

Bronwyn is a mother of seven and

grandmother of five, who works with the

Newcastle-based service giving advice

to women who have planned their

pregnancy or whose pregnancy has

been unplanned.

Some of these women are from broken

families, some are homeless or in violent

relationships, but the majority of women

she helps are “concerned or distressed”

by a pregnancy and contemplating

an abortion.

Bronwyn believes it’s important to not to

judge these women, but to provide help

because that is what Jesus would

have done.

She supports them during pregnancy

– “to meet the need where it’s at”.

This might include help with financial

counselling, assistance with finding

somewhere to live, or providing

mentoring programs.

This is all part of showing mothers-to-be

that there is an alternative to abortion.

Read

St Francis of Assisi:

His Life, Teachings,

and Practice

By Jon M. Sweeney

with a foreword by Richard Rohr OFM

St Martin’s Essentials, 2019

If you’ve ever wanted to know more

about St Francis of Assisi, one of the most

popular Catholic saints, this book might

be a good place to start.

As the title suggests, it gives an overview

of St Francis’ teachings, his life as well as

his spiritual practices that have been so

popular– such as living a simple life in

service to the poor, and blessing animals.

The author, Jon Sweeney, outlines some

of the reasons for St Francis’ popularity:

he showed that it was possible for

ordinary people

to be in union

with God in their

everyday lives; he

was dedicated to

peace; and through

his awareness of

the world around

him, he respected

the natural world.

In the book,

Francis’ teachings

are presented

through his

prayers, songs,

letters and more.

It’s a familiar subject

for Sweeney, who has written several

books on St Francis, including The St

Francis Prayer Book, Francis of Assisi in

His Own Words, and The Enthusiast.

Why does he keep returning to the

same theme?

As Richard Rohr OFM says in his

introduction to this book: St Francis

“seems to have the job of nudging all of

history out of its too-easy complacency,

and inviting Christianity into that one and

unique love affair with both God and with

the whole world at the same time”.

58 59

Sr Isabella Huynh CMR is celebrating 50 years of profession.


Honouring

milestones of

devotion

Catholic Outlook wishes to pay tribute and congratulate the

clergy and consecrated men and women across our Diocese

who have celebrated significant anniversaries throughout 2024.

We thank them for their commitment to Christ and pray that

they continue to be catalysts for renewal and pioneers who

clear the pathway for others.

Sr Rita Apura CSFN is celebrating 25 years of profession. She is pictured with

Bishop Vincent Long and Sr Patty Andrew. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

PARISH

ANIVERSARIES

10 th anniversary

Mary, Queen of the Family

Parish, Blacktown

10 th anniversary

Parish of Baulkham Hills – St

Michael’s and Our Lady of

Lourdes

20 th anniversary

St Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore

Park

CLERGY AND CONSECRATED

ANIVERSARIES

Ordination to the priesthood

Fr Menard Gaspi – St John XXIII

Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope

Gardens

10 th anniversary of diaconal

ordination

Deacon Wilfredo Limjap – St

Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith

20 th anniversary of priestly

ordination

Fr Suresh Kumar – on leave

Fr Bob Sheridan – retired

Fr Raymond Ugwu CSSp – Parish

of Richmond

20 th anniversary of diaconal

ordination

Deacon Leon Decena – Mary

Immaculate Parish, Quakers

Hill-Schofields

Deacon Robertus Kim – on leave


ordination

Fr Artur Botur SChr – Chaplain

to the Polish Catholic

Community

Fr Fernando Montano VG EV – St

Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill

25 th anniversary of profession

Sr Rita Apura CSFN – Sisters of

the Holy Family of Nazareth

(PIC)


ordination

Fr Andrew Fornal OP – St

Joseph’s Parish, Kingswood

Fr Darko Žnidaršič OFM –

Chaplain to the Slovenian

Catholic Community


Sr Sally Brady RSM – Sisters of

Mercy (Parramatta)


ordination

Fr Peter Kelleher – retired

Fr Kevin Walsh – retired


Sr Isabella Huynh CMR –

Missionary Sisters of the

Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of

the World

Sr Susanne Nguyen CMR –

Missionary Sisters of the

Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of

the World

Sr Anne Porter RSJ – Sisters of St

Joseph of the Sacred Heart


ordination


ordination

Fr Dave Austin OSA – Assistant

Priest, Holy Spirit Parish, St

Clair-Erskine Park

Fr Eugene Szondi – St John

Vianney Parish, Doonside


Br Barry Donaghue CFC –

Christian Brothers

Sr Maureen Elliot FMM –

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary

Sr Joanne Fitzsimons OSC – Poor

Clares

Sr Louise Hume OSC – Poor

Clares

Sr Naomi Smith RSJ – Sisters of

St Joseph of the Sacred Heart

Sr M. Inez Strnad ISSM –

Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary

Br Joe Vassallo CFC – Christian

Brothers

Sr Susan Ward RSJ – Sisters of St

Joseph of the Sacred Heart


Sr Joan Murphy OSC – Poor

Clares

Sr Marilena Voeller ISSM –

Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary

50 th anniversary

Our Lady of the Way Parish,

Emu Plains

120 th anniversary

St John the Evangelist Parish,

Riverstone

130 th anniversary

St Monica’s Parish, North

Parramatta

Some of the clergy and consecrated who are celebrating anniversaries this year. They are

pictured with Bishop Vincent with Sr Patty Andrew, the Vicar for Consecrated Life.


Fr Peter Henry – retired

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Kids

Corner

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BY CCD

The Jesse Tree

BY MERILYN HANCOCK

HEAD, CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE, DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA

The Jesse Tree tradition comes from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot

shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall

grow out of his roots.” Jesse was the father of David, Israel’s

greatest king. And Jesus is descended from the line of David.

He is the branch God promised would grow from Jesse’s

family tree.

We decorate a Jesse tree with symbols that represent the

story of God’s people in the Old Testament: the people,

prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

They connect the Advent season with the faithfulness of

God across four thousand years of history. Each symbol

represents a story from within this family tree and a step

towards the birth of Jesus. The Jesse tree connects to the

custom of decorating Christmas trees. As you decorate your

Jesse tree, you’ll see how God prepared for Jesus to be born

through many generations waiting for him.

TO make

a Jesse tree:

1. Find a branch with a

few small twigs on it.

2. Stand it in a large

pot of sand/soil

3. Cut out your symbols.

4. Tie one symbol onto

the tree every

second day,

5. from the fi1 st Sunday

of Advent to

Christmas Eve.

DOVE – Isaiah 11:1

The first Jesse Tree symbol is a dove, which is a reminder of the peace and harmony of creation as God intended. The full story of

Jesse is in Isaiah 11:1-10 and David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Jesse who came from Bethlehem, is the father of David, beginning a line

of descendants that will lead to Jesus, the Messiah.

ADAM & EVE – APPLE (Genesis 3:6-7)

I wonder … why Adam took the apple from Eve?

The apple is a symbol representing original sin. Christ is called the “new” Adam because he is a new creation, forgiving sin and

restoring humanity to God’s grace. The whole story of Adam and Eve can be found in Genesis 2:4-3:24.

NOAH’S ARK (Genesis 8:15-17)

I wonder … why God chose a rainbow to show he kept his promises? How Noah thanked God for saving his family and the

animals?

The ark reminds us that although God was unhappy with the way men and women were living, he also sees the best in people

and renews his promise through his forgiveness and mercy. The full story of Noah and the Ark is in Genesis 6:11-22, 7:1-8:22.

ABRAHAM – STARS (Genesis 15: 5-6)

I wonder … why God chose Abraham to be the father of 3 faiths in our world today (Judaism, Christianity and Islam)?

A field of stars represents God’s promise to Abraham, the father of our faith, whose descendants became the chosen people of

God, as many as stars in the sky. Abraham’s great faith in God is found in Genesis 12:1-7 and 15:1-6.

JACOB – LADDER (Genesis 28: 12-15)

I wonder … why God spoke to Jacob in a dream?

After his dream, Jacob awoke and exclaimed, “Truly, the Lord is in this spot, although I did not know it!” The miraculous ladder in

his dream reunited the earth to God. The dramatic story of Jacob’s life and faith is in Genesis 27:41 to 28:22.

JOSEPH – SACK OF GRAIN (Genesis 41: 47-49)

I wonder … how Joseph felt when his brothers left him to die?

Joseph’s symbol is a sack of grain. Joseph, the son of Jacob, was cast out by his brothers because he was his father’s favourite. But

he had faith that God would give him what he needed, so he has enough food to feed all who are hungry in times of famine, with

sacks of grain bursting at the seams. The story of Joseph’s life is in Genesis chapters 37-50.

MOSES – TEN COMMANDMENTS (Exodus 20: 22-23)

I wonder … why these Commandments are still important today?

The people were living in sinful ways so God asked Moses to go up Mount Sinai where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments

to take back to his people. The Ten Commandments were a code for living. The symbol shows the tablets on which the

commandments were written. The story of Moses and the Ten Commandments is in Exodus 19:1 to 20:26.

JOSHUA – RAM’S HORN (Joshua 6:20)

I wonder … why Jericho was destroyed?

A ram’s horn was used like trumpets are used today: to herald something important happening. According to God’s instructions

to Joshua, the walls around the besieged city of Jericho crumbled at the sound of the trumpets of ram horns blown by holy men

and the spoils were left for the Israelites. The story of Joshua and the fall of Jericho is in Joshua 1:1-11, 6:1-20.

SAMUEL – CROWN (1 Samuel 3:19)

I wonder … why Samuel did not recognise God's voice?

Samuel, son of Elkanah, was repeatedly called by God but he did not recognise God’s voice. When at last he recognised the Lord’s

call, he adhered to it without fail, and proclaimed the coming of Christ the King who would have dominion over all earthly kings.

The symbol to illustrate Samuel’s story is a crown. Samuel’s story is in 1 Samuel 3:1-21, 7:1-8:22, 9:15-10:9.

DAVID – SHEPHERD’S CROOK (1 Samuel 16: 11-13)

I wonder … why David’s brothers were surprised when David was chosen?

David was first a shepherd of livestock, but when God called him to lead the nation of Israel, he became a shepherd of people

to help them become who God wanted them to be. He wrote many beautiful psalms worshipping God. The shepherd’s crook

symbolises Jesus as the Good Shepherd who will lay down his life for others. Read 1 Samuel 16, 17 and 2 Samuel 7:1-17.

ELIJAH – STONE ALTAR (1 Kings 18:36-39)

I wonder … why the people were not believing in God?

The prophet Elijah is called by God to dispel the myths of false gods which more and more people were worshipping. Today’s

symbol is a representation of the stone altar Elijah built, blessed with fire by the Lord, showing people the true light of God. The

twelve stones he used to build the altar represents the 12 tribes of Israel. The full story is in 1 Kings 17:1-16,18:17-46.

ISAIAH – TONGS Isaiah 9:1

I wonder … why Isaiah did not feel worthy to talk about God?

The prophet Isaiah is called to holiness, but fears he is not worthy of revealing the living God. Isaiah sees angels around the

throne of the Lord and one of them takes a hot ember —like the one on today’s symbol—from a fire with tongs and touches it

against Isaiah’s lips. He is able to go forth, forgiven of his sins, to spread the Word of God. Read about Isaiah and some of his

prophesies about the Messiah in Isaiah 1:10-20; 6:1-13, 9:1-7.

JOSEPH – HAMMER (Matthew 1: 20-22)

I wonder … if Joseph was worried what people would think?

Joseph trusted God that Mary had conceived a child through the Holy Spirit and would bear the Saviour who would bring

salvation to all. The carpenter’s hammer represents Joseph’s job as a carpenter and his unique role in the story of our lives as

God’s people. Read more in Matthew 1:19-25.

MARY & JESUS – MANGER (Luke 2: 10-12)

I wonder … how the people in Bethlehem would have felt if they had known that this baby was going to change the world?

Mary’s baby, Jesus, is born and laid in a lowly manger. Shepherds are instructed by angels to witness the miracle of this child’s

birth, to show homage and spread the good news. Read the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-15.

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Christmas

Mass times across the Diocese of Parramatta

Prepare to welcome the Christ child into your families and faith communities with our curated list of

Christmas Mass times throughout Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The Diocese of Parramatta

wishes you and your families a hope-filled and joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

BAULKHAM HILLS PARISH

St Michael’s, Baulkham Hills

Christmas Eve: 5:30pm, 8pm

Christmas Day: 12am, 8am, 10am

Our Lady of Lourdes, Baulkham Hills South

Christmas Eve: 6pm

Christmas Day: 9:30am

BLACKHEATH PARISH (SACRED HEART)

EMU PLAINS PARISH (OUR LADY OF THE WAY)

Christmas Eve: 6pm, 8:30pm


GLENBROOK PARISH (ST FINBAR’S)

Christmas Eve: 7pm, 10pm


GLENMORE PARK PARISH (ST PADRE PIO)

KELLYVILLE PARISH

(OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY)

Christmas Eve: 5:30pm, 8pm, 11:30pm


KENTHURST PARISH

(ST MADELEINE SOPHIE BARAT)

Christmas Eve: 6pm, 8pm, 11:45 pm

Christmas Day: 8am, 10 am

MERRYLANDS PARISH

(ST MARGARET MARY’S)

Christmas Eve: 6pm

Christmas Day: 12am, 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am

MOUNT DRUITT PARISH (HOLY FAMILY)

Holy Family Church, Emerton

Christmas Eve: 6pm

Christmas Day: 12am, 9am

Willmot Community Hub, Willmot

Christmas Eve: 8:30pm

MOUNT DRUITT SOUTH PARISH

(SACRED HEART)

Christmas Eve: 6pm

Christmas Day: 7:30am, 9am

NORTH ROCKS PARISH (CHRIST THE KING)

Christmas Eve: 5:30pm, 7:30pm


PARRAMATTA PARISH

(ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL)


Christmas Day: 12am, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 6pm

RIVERSTONE PARISH

(ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST)


Christmas Day: 7am, 9am, 10:30am

ROOTY HILL PARISH (ST AIDAN’S)

Christmas Eve: 6pm

Christmas Day: 12am, 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am,

5pm

ROUSE HILL PARISH

(OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS)

Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse Hill


Christmas Day: 12am, 8:30am, 10am

Santa Sophia Catholic College, Box Hill



RYDALMERE PARISH (HOLY NAME OF MARY)



SEVEN HILLS PARISH (OUR LADY OF LOURDES)



WENTWORTHVILLE PARISH (OUR LADY OF

MOUNT CARMEL)


Christmas Day: 8am, 10am, 9pm

WESTMEAD PARISH (SACRED HEART)

Christmas Eve: 6pm


WINDSOR PARISH (ST MATTHEW’S)



WINSTON HILLS PARISH

(ST PAUL THE APOSTLE)



CHINESE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

(ST MONICA’S PARISH, NORTH PARRAMATTA)

Christmas Eve: 9pm (Cantonese)

Christmas Day: 11:30am (Cantonese)

KOREAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

(1 CANYON ROAD, BAULKHAM HILLS)

Sacred Heart, Blackheath

Christmas Eve: 6pm


St Paul’s, Mount Victoria

St Paul’s Christmas Mass held at Sacred Heart.

BLACKTOWN PARISH

(MARY, QUEEN OF THE FAMILY)

St Patrick’s, Blacktown



St Michael’s, Blacktown South

Christmas Eve: 6pm

Christmas Day: 8am, 9:30pm

CASTLE HILL PARISH (ST BERNADETTE’S)



CRANEBROOK PARISH (CORPUS CHRISTI)


Christmas Day: 12am, 7:30am, 9:30am

DOONSIDE PARISH (ST JOHN VIANNEY)


Christmas Day: 7:30am, 9:30am

DUNDAS VALLEY PARISH (ST BERNADETTE’S)



GLENWOOD-STANHOPE GARDENS PARISH

(ST JOHN XXIII)



GRANVILLE PARISH (HOLY CROSS PARISH)

Holy Trinity, Granville

Christmas Eve: 7pm


Holy Family, Granville East

Christmas Eve: 5pm


GREYSTANES PARISH

(OUR LADY, QUEEN OF PEACE)



GUILDFORD PARISH (ST PATRICK’S)



HARRIS PARK PARISH (ST OLIVER PLUNKETT)



KINGSWOOD PARISH (ST JOSEPH’S)

Christmas Eve: 6pm


LALOR PARK PARISH (ST BERNADETTE’S)



LAWSON PARISH (OUR LADY OF THE NATIVITY)



LUDDENHAM-WARRAGAMBA PARISH

(SACRED HEART)

Holy Family, Luddenham

Christmas Eve: 6pm


Sacred Heart, Warragamba

Christmas Eve: 8pm

Christmas Day: 8am

MARAYONG PARISH

(ST ANDREW THE APOSTLE)


Christmas Day: 12am, 7:30am, 8:45am, 10:30am

MARSDEN PARK PAROCHIAL DISTRICT

(ST LUKE’S)

PARRAMATTA NORTH PARISH

(ST MONICA’S)

Christmas Eve: 6pm, 9pm (Chinese)

Christmas Day: 12am, 9am, 11:30am (Chinese)

PENRITH PARISH (ST NICHOLAS OF MYRA)


Christmas Day: 12am, 7am, 8:30am, 10am, 6pm

PLUMPTON PARISH (THE GOOD SHEPHERD)


Christmas Day: 7am, 9am, 12pm

QUAKERS HILL-SCHOFIELDS PARISH (MARY

IMMACULATE)


Christmas Day: 12am, 8am, 10am, 5:30pm

RICHMOND PARISH

St Monica’s, Richmond

Christmas Eve: 6pm


St Gregory’s, Kurrajong

Christmas Eve: 8pm

Christmas Day: 8am

SPRINGWOOD PARISH (ST THOMAS AQUINAS)

Christmas Eve: 9:30am, 5pm


ST CLAIR-ERSKINE PARK PARISH

(HOLY SPIRIT)



ST MARYS PARISH

(OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY)



TOONGABBIE PARISH (ST ANTHONY OF PADUA)

Christmas Eve: 6pm

Christmas Day: 12am, 9:30am

UPPER BLUE MOUNTAINS PARISH (ST MARY OF

THE CROSS MACKILLOP)

St Canice’s, Katoomba


St Bonaventure’s, Leura

Christmas Eve: 5pm

St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls

Christmas Day: 8am


LATIN MASS CHAPLAINCY

Croatian Catholic Centre, Blacktown


ST MARK’S COPTIC CATHOLIC CHURCH,

PROSPECT

Christmas Day: 10am

SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

(ST RAPHAEL’S SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC

CHURCH, MERRYLANDS)

Christmas Day: 12am, 9:30am

SYRO-MALABAR CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

(ST MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

BLACKTOWN)

Christmas Eve: 8am (Malayalam)

Christmas Day: 11:30am (Malayalam)

VIETNAMESE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Good Shepherd Church, Plumpton

Christmas Day: 12pm

Holy Trinity Church, Granville

Christmas Day: 5pm




Christmas Day: 10am

These Christmas Mass times are correct at the time of printing. For a comprehensive list of Mass,

reconciliation and Adoration times, please visit parracatholic.org

64 65

!

Directory of services

Latest appointments

(02) 8843 2500 or visit catholiccarewsbm.org.au

Most Rev Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv, Bishop of

Parramatta, has confirmed these appointments in the Diocese

of Parramatta:

Chancery Office

www.parracatholic.org

(02) 8838 3400

diocese@parracatholic.org


(02) 8838 3400

bishop@parracatholic.org

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

parra.catholic.edu.au

(02) 9840 5600

communityliaison@parra.catholic.edu.au

Community Ventures

(Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services

Limited)

1300 2VENTURES (1300 283 688)

enquiries@cdpsl.org.au

www.communityventures.org.au

Ambrose Early Years Education

and School Age Care

1300 4AMBROSE (1300 426 276)

enquiries@ambrose.org.au

www.ambrose.org.au

Catholic Care Western Sydney

and the Blue Mountains

(02) 8843 2500

catholiccarewsbm.org.au

Mission Enhancement Team

(MET Parramatta)

Catholic Youth Parramatta;

Peace, Justice, Ecology; Marriage; Natural

Fertility; Worship; MET Facilitators

met@parracatholic.org

parracatholic.org/connect

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine

(02) 8838 3486

ccd@parracatholic.org

Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains is the Diocese of Parramatta’s social

welfare agency. It exists to do Christ’s work in the community to support people who need it

most. Catholic Care provides a range of services to support people in Sydney’s west, including:

Family and children’s services

Family support programs include positive parenting workshops in Blacktown to help

vulnerable and disadvantaged families, as well as counselling and caseworker support for

families, parents and carers.

Supporting young pregnant women, mothers and their children

Houses to Homes provides holistic support and temporary housing across Blacktown and

Parramatta for pregnant women and young mothers aged between 16 and 25 with children, who

are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to financial, family, domestic and sexual violence.

Project Elizabeth provides trauma counselling, pregnancy and practical parenting support for

women and their families who are expecting a baby, have lost a baby, have had an abortion, or

who need support with a child aged up to three years.

General counselling

Confidential counselling for individuals and families experiencing life’s challenges, including

grief and loss, parenting, financial issues, relationships and trauma, including domestic,

family and sexual abuse.

Early learning and childcare services

Through the HIPPY program, a family day care service in 50 locations across Western Sydney,

and a creche centre at Mamre House and Farm in Orchard Hills, Catholic Care provides

essential care and support for children, with engaging activities to promote child development

during their first years of life.

First Nations support services

A range of social services and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Community engagement

Catholic Care’s community drop-in centre workshops, activities and programs support people

from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as those experiencing disadvantage

and/or social isolation. Programs include wellness, English classes, reading groups, food banks,

student homework clubs, art and craft groups, men’s health groups, community garden working

bees and more.

Rev John Hogan

Parish Priest of St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook,

from 1 October 2024

Rev Ravi Muvvala

Assistant Priest at the Parish of Castle Hill,

from 3 December 2024 (for 12 months)

Rev Neil Kumar Bulathsinhalage SBD

Assistant Priest at the Parish of Castle Hill,

from 8 December 2024

Rev Matthew Dimian

Assistant Priest at the Parish of Rooty Hill,

from 8 December 2024

Fr Gayan Thamel

Parish Priest of St Luke’s Marsden Park,

from 1 January 2025

A time time to to renew your spirit

Queen Journey of with Peace

the

Medjugorje Italian

Pilgrimage

Saints

With Joelle Maryn

Journey Pilgrimage of St of Paul

Mercy

With Budapest Fr Sam to to Prague

French & John French.

For young adults aged 18-35

the genuine pilgrim experience

Journey Graces of of France

St Paul

Greece From Lourdes & Turkey to with

Paris

Bishop Mark Edwards

Tribunal Office

(02) 8838 3480

tribunal@parracatholic.org

COMMUNITY DROP-IN

CENTRES

64 66

Vocations

(02) 8838 3460

vocations@parracatholic.org

Parramatta Catholic Foundation

(02) 8838 3482

yourfoundation@parracatholic.org

Diocesan Development Fund

(02) 8839 4500

enquiries@parraddf.org.au

Holy Spirit Seminary

(02) 9296 6300

Office for Safeguarding

(02) 8838 3419

safeguarding@parracatholic.org

Blacktown

All Saints of Africa Centre

63 Allawah Street

Blacktown NSW 2148

All welcome: Tuesdays (9am-1pm)

Emerton

Holy Family Parish, Aboriginal Catholic

Services

13 Emert Parade

Emerton NSW 2770

Contact Catholic Care for details.

Orchard Hills

Mamre House and Farm

181 Mamre Road

Orchard Hills 2748

All welcome: Mon-Thu (9am-3pm)

Springwood

Unit 3

163 Macquarie Road

Springwood NSW 2777

All welcome: Mon-Thu (10am-4pm)

VOLUNTEER

WITH US

Interested in using your skills to

support Catholic Care’s ministry

in Sydney’s west? Scan here to

become a volunteer.

Land only from $2990

$6290 Land only from $5890

$5990 Land only from $5890

$5790

Departs Commences April, 08 08 September March 2024.

& October

2025. 12 12 Days. 8 Days. With With accompanying Priest Chaplain.

Chaplain

Come Join Catholic to this remarkable Actress Joelle place Maryn where on

on

Our a a healing Lady is pilgrimage appearing on on daily the the and trail of be

of

blessed Italy’s greatest by the incredible saints, visiting grace Rome,

of this holy

village. Montecassino, Our Lady San Queen Giovanni of Peace Rotondo,

is calling

the Assisi, world Florence to be reconciled and Venice. with Experience God. Don’t the

the

miss rich out tapestry on witnessing of of culture, these faith, miracles

and history

while that they Italy has last. to to Optional offer.

Rome Extension.

BOOKINGS & & ENQUIRIES

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES

1800 819 156

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Commences 07 May 2025. 12 Days.

With Commences Fr Sam 11 French 11 June and 2024.

John French.

11 11 Days. With Fr Fr Christopher Sarkis

Join

A A rare Fr Sam combination as he leads of of Eastern this pilgrimage

Europe’s

through most intriguing Greece cities and of

Turkey, of Budapest, following Krakow

in the

footsteps and Prague. of

Be

St Be Paul. blessed Pilgrims

by by the the will powerful

explore

early graces Christian

of of the the great communities Shrines of of and Divine deepen

Mercy

their and the the love Black for Jesus Madonna Christ

of of through Czestochowa.

St Paul’s

inspiring Also departs life and September teachings.

2024

Optional Jubilee Rome Extension.

www.harvestjourneys.com

Commences Commences 16 16 17 September May 2025. 2024.

11 Days.

12 12 With Days. Deacon With Bishop Harold Mark and Fr Edwards John Paul

OMI

The Acts of of the the Apostles will come alive as

as

Mary Zeller MFVA.

we we go go out with St St Paul and his his companions

to to Watch rediscover your

the the faith faith come and alive struggles during

of of the

this

the

early absorbing Christian time communities. of pilgrimage Have through

your faith

rekindled the glorious

as as we we French

set set out countryside

to to capture afresh and the

the

the

fervour sacred and villages spirit of of of the our the faith.

Church’s greatest

evangelist. Optional Also Mary departs & the April Saints 2024

extension.

“The new digital payment system organised by

the Diocesan Development Fund has allowed us to

reach a diverse range of givers on a wide range of

payment platforms. It makes fundraising events easier

to organise. Payments for facilities hire, donations

for weddings and other sacraments are received

promptly.” – Mili Lee, Manager, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta

Quest Terminal

MAKING DONATIONS EASIER

THROUGH DIGITAL PLATFORMS

Through its partnership with the Commonwealth Bank, the Diocesan Development Fund

(DDF) is offering digital payment systems to all Catholic entities including parishes, schools

and agencies.

Making it easier for people to donate in today’s cashless society, online payment platforms

including tap-to-donate solutions such as CommBank Smart device and Quest terminals

reduce the amount of cash you need to keep on premises and make reconciling easier.

Merchant facilities are provided through the Commonwealth Bank.

The Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) provides financial services that helps to promote

the continued growth and development of a vibrant and evangelising Catholic Church in

the Diocese of Parramatta.

Smart Device

The DDF’s services include:

• Providing loans to assist Catholic agencies to further their Mission. Loans are available for any worthwhile purpose including

construction, renovation, land purchase, furnishings, and equipment.

• Facilitating transactional services to Catholic agencies such as parishes and schools.

• Operating efficiently to generate income for the Diocese to support the Mission of the Church, pastoral priorities, and ministry

programmes.

• The development of deep long-term relationships with all Catholic entities within the Diocese.

To contact the DDF please phone (02) 8839 4500 or email enquiries@parraddf.org.au

Visit the DDF website at www.parracatholic.org/ddf

Disclosure Statement: The Diocesan Development Fund Catholic Diocese of Parramatta (DDF) (the Fund) is required by law to make the following disclosure.

The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities

and Investments Commission. An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or thedepositor protection provisions in the

Banking Act 1959 (Cth). Investments in the Fund are intended to be a means for investors to support the charitable, religious and educational works of the

Catholic Diocese of Parramatta and for whom the consideration of profit are not of primary relevance in the investment decision. The investments that the

Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by Australian Securities and Investments

Commission. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and an of the Fund are not comparable to

investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed at https://parracatholic.org or by contacting

the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.

Catholic Outlook Magazine |Advent & Christmas Edition | 2024 Issue

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