2 May

Kenthurst Country Fair

Now in its 21^st year, this fair raises money for parish building projects and Emmaus Disabled Catholic Social Services. Featuring celebrity guests, exhibitions, market stalls, games and prizes.

Where: St Madeleine Sophie’s Parish, 28 Annangrove Rd, Annangrove

Time: 9am-4pm. Admission is free. Details: (02) 9654 2260

God’s Presence in the Story of My Life

Presented by Fr Paul Maloney OSA. St Augustine’s Confessions is a valuable resource for people wanting to make sense of how God is present in the ups and downs of their lives. In this course, participants will be guided to specific parts of the Confessions that will support reflections on God’s presence in their own journey of life and faith. Continued on 5, 12, 19 & 26 May.

Where: Augustinian Centre for Spirituality, 2 Hewitt Ave, Greystanes.

Cost: $80 (concessions available)

Supper provided

Time: 7.45-9.15pm

Bookings: (02) 9896 6794, osaspirit@bigpond.com

The Art of Icon Painting

This exhibition by Michael Galovic is to showcase the many facets of the art of icon painting and to demonstrate the rich heritage of this art form, which originated in Europe during the Middle Ages. A short talk by the artist will be followed by drinks and canapés.

Where: Mary MacKillop Place Museum, 7 Mount St, North Sydney

Launch: 6.30-8.30pm.

RSVP: 3 May tel (02) 8912 4878, mackillop@sosj.org.au

Exhibition closes 8 June.

8 May

Diocesan Youth Leaders Breakfast

Evan Ellis, diocesan Social Justice Co-ordinator, will discuss Social Justice issues and events being planned across the Diocese. Time 8.30-10.30am. Plus diocesan Child Protection Manager Paul Davis will present "One year on ... review of Child Protection Pack" at 11am.

Where: St Patrick's Cathedral Hall, Parramatta.

Bookings extended to Wednesday 5 May (02) 8838 3419, youth@parra.catholic.org.au 

Scripture and the RCIA Process

Presented by Michele Connolly RSJ, the course is designed to help parish RCIA teams in their work, as well as parishioners who are considering joining their local RCIA teams.

Where: Parramatta Institute for Mission, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown

Time: 9.30am-1pm

FREE. Bookings essential: (02) 9831 4911, ifm@tpg.com.au

Mothers’ Day Mass

A Mass will be offered for all mothers buried at Catholic cemeteries.

Time: noon. Afternoon tea to follow

Where: Mary, Mother of Mercy Chapel, Barrnet Ave, Rookwood Cemetery (next to the Catholic Office)

Sounds of the Sacred

This concert by the Sydney Chamber Choir includes one of the 20^th Century’s great masterworks, Arvo Part’s Berlin Mass. This performance is part of the 2010 Aurora Festival and will be broadcast by ABC Classic FM.

Where: St Finbar’s Church, 46 Levy St, Glenbrook

Time: 3pm

Entry by donation: suggested $20/$10/$40 family, or with Aurora Festival Pass.

10  May

Reconnect

Centacare Catholic Social Services invites you to a life-changing event re-connecting with life, love and laughter presented by Robyn Moore. Re-engage with your whole life – your job, family, relationships, community.

Where: St Patrick’s Parish Centre, 51-59 Allawah St, Blacktown. Time: 6.30–8.30pm (supper after).

Entry: $10

Bookings essential tel (02) 9933 0222

Suitable for 15+ years

12 May

Mass to welcome Bishops from Oceania

You are invited to join with Bishop Anthony in welcoming 10 bishops from Oceania who will be in Sydney for the Assembly of the Federation of Bishops Conferences of Oceania, which includes Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

Time: Mass at 7pm followed by supper

Where: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta

16-23 May

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

This year's theme is ‘You are witnesses of these things’ (Luke 24:48). A variety of resources and links are available to assist Australians in joining more effectively in that great wave of prayer begun by Jesus himself when he prayed 'that they may all be one ... so that the world may believe' (John 17:21).

Details: www.ncca.org.au 

Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Days

Aarrive at 10am for Eucharist at 10.30am, followed by presentations and periods of meditation, concludes at 3pm. BYO picnic lunch.  Tea and coffee provided. Books and other material available.

Where: Benedictine Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia

Self-catering accommodation is available in the new Monastery Guest House

Bookings: Guest Master, Br Terry tel 0438 282 318

18 May

National eConference Mary-First Disciple

Have you shared your “Mary Moment” with us yet? Get online today and register for the free Mary – First Disciple eConference and be in the draw to win a pilgrimage for two to Italy with Harvest Travel. An initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Broken Bay Institute.

Register at: www.bbi.catholic.edu.au 

19 May

Ecumenical Dinner

To celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (16-23 May), the NSW Ecumenical Council is hosting a dinner on the topic ‘What is our Christian Mission Together?’

Speakers: Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Saliba, Antiochian Orthodox Church, and Commissioner Linda Bond, Salvation Army Eastern Territory.

Where: Fontana di Trevi Function Centre, 53 Raymond St, Bankstown

Time: 7pm for 7.30pm

Tickets: $55 (incl. drinks) tel (02) 9299 2215, kmoroney@ncca.org.au  

21 May

Liturgy with the Neophytes

Those recently initiated and their communities come together to celebrate with Bishop Anthony.

Where: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Marist Place, Parramatta

Time: 7.30pm

23 May

Annual Marian Pilgrimage

“They joined in continuous prayer together with…the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14). Program includes: Confession in various languages, Mass with Bishop Manning and re-commissioning of Pilgrim Mother Co-ordinators, Eucharistic Procession with Rosary and Benediction. Outdoor event: BYO rugs and chairs.

Gime: Starts 10am; Procession at 2pm

Where: Mt Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa

Details: (02) 4773 8338, www.shoenstatt.org.au

Pentecost Sunday

Return to the Upper Room. Day of Prayer & Praise with Charismatic Mass. Including: Stephen Kirk and band, President of the Catholic Fraternity Matteo Calissi on DVD, founder of the Missionaries of God’s Love Fr Ken Barker MGL, and Kristen Toohey, Manager of Receive the Power LIVE.

Time: noon-5pm.

Where: Our Lady Queen of Peace, 198 Old Prospect Rd, Greystanes.  

Mamre Homestead Harvest Festival

Mamre Homestead celebrates the annual Harvest Festival in a carnival atmosphere. With live entertainment, demonstrations, games, and market stalls featuring gourmet and fresh wares. All proceeds support the Mamre Project.

Time: 9.30am–3.30pm

Where: Mamre Homestead: Lot 1, Mamre Road, St Marys

Cost: Adults $3; Children free

Plenty of parking. 

Journey of Faith

With Sr Bridie O’Connell.

Where: Parramatta Institute for Mission, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown

Continued: 7, 14 & 21 June

Time: 10am-2pm

Cost: $40

Bookings: (02) 9831 4911

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