Diocese of Parramatta

For the past seven years, Deacon Tony and Annette Hoban have been the heart of St Luke's Faith Community, guiding it from its first Mass in 2018 to its recognition as a parish on January 1, 2025. As they wrapped up their time on December 31, 2024, they left behind a thriving, faith-filled community, now entrusted to the leadership of Fr Gayan Thamel as the first parish priest.   As they embark on their next chapter of life, we give thanks for their leadership, dedication, and the welcoming community they’ve helped build. Their impact will be felt for years to come.   Watch the full farewell video on YouTube and view photos from the celebration: 📽️ https://lnkd.in/g42nCfKm 📸 https://lnkd.in/gBWgJqak St Luke's Catholic College Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Tessie Ida James

Kung Hei Fat Choi! 🐍 The Diocese of Parramatta is delighted to join our vibrant Asian Catholic communities in welcoming the new year! As diverse cultures within the Diocese, we recognise the richness and significance of Lunar New Year celebrations across traditions, including the arrival of the spring festival and the start of a new cycle on the lunisolar calendar. We extend our warmest wishes for peace, prosperity, and blessings to all those celebrating Lunar New Year, not only within our Diocese but across the globe. May this new year bring joy, good health, and closer connection within families and communities. #LunarNewYear #CommunityCelebration #DioceseOfParramatta #TogetherInFaith

📣 You're invited! The Very Reverend Robert Riedling, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, warmly welcomes members of the judiciary and legal community, public service officials, law students, and their families to the annual Red Mass. ⚖️ Join us for this cherished tradition. For more details and to RSVP, visit: https://lnkd.in/gTRPX9aH

Bishop Vincent Long's Christmas message for 2024.   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!

Today we held our last Chancery staff morning tea gathering for the year, providing a moment for reflection, laughter, friendship and togetherness.   We were joined by Bishop Vincent, who thanked the Chancery staff for their contributions to the Diocese this year, and wished everyone a safe, peaceful and joyous Christmas.   As a delightful surprise, some of the team dressed up for the occasion and brought a touch of Christmas magic to the office.   The Chancery office will close from midday Christmas Eve and reopen on Monday 6 January 2025. We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and look forward to an exciting 2025.

Our social welfare agency, Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, has released its 2023-24 Year in Review, highlighting the year’s new partnerships and programs to help those who need it most in our Diocese. 👍 ✝️ Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, writes: “In this Year in Review, you will see how many people the team has helped through their comprehensive programs and services.  “I pray that our staff, volunteers, and all supporters of Catholic Care continue to walk in love and communion with Christ by providing hope, care, and dignity to each person we encounter.”  📘 Download your copy today: https://lnkd.in/g4Uct46n 

Last week we had the opportunity to hear from and dialogue with Professor Didier Pollefeyt from KU Leuven and Edith Dumon from De Cronos Groep on how to enhance the Catholic Identity of our schools and workplaces in an increasingly secular and pluralistic society. The research was engaging and insightful and we look forward to continuing to understand more. Thank you Edith and Professor Pollefeyt for your time and expertise! Pic: Leaders from Chancery with Professor and Edith

Today marks Human Rights Day and the last day of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence against Women.   Together with organisations globally, we stand in solidarity with abuse victims and do not tolerate violence of any kind.   You can support our advocacy by: · Visiting our website to learn more about domestic and family violence, the Catholic Church’s position against abuse in all its forms, and the types of support available. There is also a quick exit option: https://lnkd.in/g_eX9b5j · Downloading the Iris Women Journalling App from Google Play or the App Store, We created the App to help women identify what’s happening in their relationships and find the courage to seek help. · Checking out our social welfare agency Catholic Care Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains, which provides temporary housing and counselling options for those experiencing abuse: https://lnkd.in/gF25W6bn · Donating to the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal, supporting Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes initiative by providing temporary accommodation for young mothers and their children escaping abuse: https://lnkd.in/gFat9wab · Joining the global campaign by sharing this post with the hashtag #NoExcuse.   Remember, if you are experiencing or know someone who is experiencing domestic and/or family violence, we’re here to help – no one should face it alone. Together, we can help eliminate global violence against women.   #NoExcuse #ZeroTolerance #GlobalAction 

The Summer 2024 edition of Catholic Outlook Magazine is now available in parishes, ministries, agencies and online! This Advent and Christmas | Summer 2024 edition prepares us for the birth of the Christ child. Christ’s message of peace is reflected in the examples of today’s peacemakers within the Diocese of Parramatta. Inside, you’ll find Bishop Vincent’s Christmas message, a heartfelt farewell interview with Deacon Tony and his wife Annette from St Luke’s in Marsden Park, stories of our prison chaplains bringing peace, recognition of clergy, parish, and school staff for their outstanding service, and much more. Visit your closest parish for a physical copy or view Catholic Outlook online. We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous Advent and Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

A wonderful day for the Australian Catholic Church with the installation of our newest Cardinal, Mykola Bychok. Great to see our old Vicar-General, Fr Chris de Souza in Rome for the installation!