Diocesan Works Fund Appeal...
WE HAVE REACHED OUR QUOTA AGAIN!!!
Congratulations and a big ‘THANK YOU’ to everyone who donated so generously to the appeal so far and in particular, to a couple of parishioners who donated substantial amounts which were significant to us reaching our quota of $4,600. If you have been away and would still like to contribute to DWF it’s not too late. Please pick up an envelope from the foyer and place it in the collection or hand it to one of the parish team. You may contribute by cash or credit card. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Diocesan Youth Mass...
Our parish’s plans to have a Mass for HSC students and their families on Sunday 10th October have been somewhat ‘gazumped’ by the Diocesan Youth Apostolate who are going to celebrate a Diocesan Youth Mass at St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith on that date at 6.30pm. It would be unhelpful for our parish to compete with this Diocesan event, and so we won’t.
However, we will celebrate four (4) Friday night Benediction and Adoration times, in the lead up to HSC week. These will start Friday 17th September at 7.30pm to 8.30pm. More details as we get closer to the event. Fr George.

Father’s Day Appeal Next Weekend…
- Bishop’s Collection for Retired & Sick Clergy -
In 2006, Bishop Manning established the Clergy Support Foundation of the Diocese of Parramatta to assist in meeting the needs of the retired and sick priests of the Diocese, and in 2007 authorised an annual special appeal, “The Bishop’s Collection for Retired and Sick Priests”, to be held on Father’s Day each year. It is hoped to raise $125,000 each year through this appeal. Bishop Fisher has asked that this appeal continue to support our retired and sick priests.
Last year, you gave over $150,000 and the Foundation thanks you for this contribution. This year the appeal will be held on the weekend of 4th & 5th September. There will be a third collection will at each Mass. Special envelopes will be available and all donations over $2 are tax deductible. If you wish to claim a tax deduction, please tick the box and write your details clearly on the envelope.

‘Celebrating the Journey’
Couples who were married in 1985 (25 years), 1970 (40 years), 1960 (50 years), or for any couples married over 50 years, are invited to celebrate their journey with other couples and family members during a special Mass at:
ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL PARISH, PARRAMATTA
SUNDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER, 2010 AT 2.00PM
Bishop Anthony Fisher will be the principal celebrant and you are invited to afternoon tea following Mass.
If you would like to be part of this celebration, please contact the parish office on 4730 1249 to register your names by Monday 6th September.

Children & Sacraments
A series of letters will be issued through the neighbourhood via the current YEAR 3 in the six schools welcoming parents with children in the next lot of Sacrament programmes. You may have a friend or neighbour wanting to nurture his/her child in our Church’s life of the Sacraments who need information. Copies of the letter are now available from the Parish office during office hours. The ‘parent only’ gathering will take place on
WEDNESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER AT 7.30PM IN THE PARISH CENTRE.

R.C.I.A
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a Journey of Faith for those adults seeking Baptism and membership in the Church. It is designed for those who would be wanting to join their partners as members of the Church and for parents whose children are baptised and approaching enrolment in the Sacramental Programme. This journey begins September/October and continues through to Easter. Currently there are two mothers from our parish who have expressed their interest in participating in this journey. If anyone is interested in finding out more about this program please speak to Sr Merylin.

Ministry Roster…
The new roster has been prepared and is available for collection from the foyer this weekend. So, if you are on a liturgical ministry, please pick up a copy of the roster marked with your name.

Corpus Christi St Vincent de Paul...
The Cranebrook Conference of Vinnies would like to thank the Parish of Corpus Christi for their generous contribution to the Doorknock appeal that was held last weekend. The parish raised $675 which was a fabulous effort!
Also thank you to the members of the parish and students of Xavier College who assisted in the doorknock appeal at Penrith. The support you give the conference is very much appreciated. If any member of the parish wishes to become a member of the conference or find out more about the conference the next meeting will be held on SATURDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER AT 9.30AM IN THE MEETING ROOM.

Invitation to the Young People of the Diocese…
'Prayer for our Lives and Purpose' - First Thursdays at Seven
Come to St Pat's Cathedral Parramatta, first Thursday 7pm (starting next Thursday 2nd September)
*gather with good people...
*a shared life purpose story ...
*communal prayer and adoration...
*eat with others at 8 if you wish...
ALL WELCOME TO ENJOY THIS BIT OF QUALITY TIME.
For more info - Fr Paul Roberts 0419219819 or Youth Office 88383418
(car parking entry off Victoria Rd behind cathedral)

Theology on Tap…
WITH BISHOP ANTHONY FISHER OP
Monday 6th September. Starts 6.30pm at PJ Gallagher’s Irish Pub, 74 Church Street, Parramatta. TOT is for young adults 18-35. PJ Gallagher’s Irish Pubs have generously offered to sponsor one TOT join a World Youth Day Madrid 2011 pilgrimage priced at $3,590. To be in the running you must fill out a raffle ticket at a TOT event between July & November 2010. Tickets are FREE!

Parramatta Diocese Annual Shopping Trip
SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
(Tour departs from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills, Parramatta Stadium Carpark at 7.00am or Information Kiosk, Panthers Leagues Club, Penrith at 6.30am.)
Morning & Afternoon Tea & Bistro lunch included! Adults $49, Kids (5—17 years) $19, Seniors/Students $39. Come shopping with us to more than 15 Sydney factory outlets including Clothing. Shoes, Manchester, Bags & Toys. Brands including Hot Tuna, Scanpan, Jag, Royal Doulton, Guess, Ralph Lauren & more… BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL BY 5TH NOVEMBER. To book contact Virginia Knight on 8838 3412.

Book Launch…
All are invited to the launch of the book ‘A New Wine and Fresh Skins’, by Bishop Julian Porteous. Bishop Anthony Fisher OP will launch the book at the Catholic Centre, 3 Keating St Lidcombe on Tuesday 14th September at 7.30pm. Supper will follow. RSVP to Maree on 9646 9010.

Mary MacKillop Reflection Day...
Sr Susan Connelly rsj will be visiting St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook to present on the ‘Life and Spirituality’ of Mary MacKillop. SUNDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER FROM 10.45AM—3.00PM. DONATION $5.00. PLEASE BRING A PLATE FOR SHARED LUNCH. For more details please phone Mila Svehla on 4739 1470.

Bereavement Support…
The Solo Parent Ministry (Centacare Catholic Social Services) now offers two monthly Bereavement Support Groups in the Diocese for those who have suffered the death of their spouse or partner. One runs in Parramatta for 6 mths. (March – August) on the second Thursday of the month between 11.00 and 12.30. The other is in Penrith for 6 mths (June – November) on the second Tuesday of the month between 10.00 & 11.30. For further details or for attendance at these gatherings which are coming up this week, contact Sr. Eileen Quade 99330205 or eileen.quade@ccss.org.au

Parramatta Marist 190th Anniversary Dinner
On Friday 29th October, Parramatta Marist High School, Westmead is holding its 190th Anniversary Dinner at Sarah Grand Ballroom, Le Montage, Lilyfield. Tickets: $90 each. For more details or to book, contact the school 9635 7066.

Charismatic Mass & Prayer for Healing
Will take place on Saturday 4th September, 2.30pm at St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith. The celebrant will be Fr Porathur Joy M.S. All welcome.

The Renaissance of Marriage Conference
1ST—3RD OCTOBER ST JOSEPH’S SPIRITUALITY CENTRE, BAULKHAM HILLS
An ideal opportunity for anyone concerned about the future of Christian marriage to learn about the exciting initiatives in this area. The conference is designed not just for couples but for all persons involved in marriage education and formation, Pastoral Council members & Clergy. For more information visit www.renaissanceofmarriage.org

Worldwide Marriage Encounter…
A weekend for married couples. This is a unique opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love all over again! Weekend dates: 22th– 24thOctober. Winbourne - Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. For bookings/details contact: 02 4283 3435. Information: website www.wwme.org.au

Refresh! Renew! Recreate!
All marriages go through highs and lows. Give your relationship the attention it deserves and rediscover the joy of being a man and woman in love.
THE CELEBRATE LOVE EXPERIENCE
- a two day mini-retreat for married couples -
Conducted in the tranquil surrounds of the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, the seminar is an ideal way to enjoy a weekend together. Accommodation available on site.
Winbourne, Mulgoa on 30th & 31st October. $200 per couple including meals (accommodation extra)
www.celebratelove.com.au or phone 9319 1111