7th March 2010

Third Sunday of Lent

Palm Sunday Youth Mass

Bishop Anthony invites the youth of the Diocese to St Patrick’s Cathedral for a Youth Mass followed by Q&A session and BBQ on Sunday 28 March. Gather in Prince Alfred Park opposite the Cathedral at 5.45pm for a blessing and procession leading into the Mass.

Country Fair May 2

We’re Going For GOLD!
We’d like to make this year’s Country Fair the biggest and the best ever! You can help. Please put your name on the attached sheet and return it to Nuri or the parish office if you can help on the day. The next stallholders meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th March at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre. Also, sponsors for the raffle and donations needed! Please phone Nuri if you can assist with that 9654 2467 or 0405 198 156 or Lorraine on 9654 2248.

Lenten Program

Join the Lenten program and stimulate your Spirit: contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 who will be leading the program.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross in Italian will be held each Friday in Lent from 7.30pm.

Young Singers for Easter

We are looking for children to join in our choir for the Easter Sunday 10am Mass. If any children are interested could you please contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 or 9659 0914. Practises will be required.

One In The Spirit

St. Madeleine’s “One in the Spirit” support group offers a welcome invitation to separated or divorced people to become involved in the Parish Community. If you would like support or to be involved in any way, please phone Maree on (02) 45 736146 or 0403 774 929.

Sacramental News

Thank you for the great response to the parent meetings this week for the restart of the sacramental program. Everyone should have received the books required for their next group meeting. If you have not collected a set of Confirmation Books please let me know. All children should have received a Missal at the Commitment Mass on the weekend of the 13/14th February. Again please let me know if your child was absent at this Mass and did not receive the Missal. The Parish Community, Fr Chris and Sr Anna have been delighted to see the children attending Mass each Sunday and taking part in the Offertory. The Sunday evening Mass seems to be very popular. As mentioned this is a very important part of the program and Fr Chris has requested that I remind you to continue to bring the children to Sunday Mass and sign the attendance book either on the way in to Mass or before you leave. Just a reminder to return the Green and Yellow sheets given out this week as soon as possible so that we can collate all the information for the Sacraments. Enjoy your time and thank you to our Group Leaders! Lorraine Ewer

Marriage Encounter

A weekend away for married couples in peaceful, picturesque surroundings – away from the distractions of everyday living.  Next weekend date is 19-21st March, 2010. Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Ph:  Margaret & David Connell (02)6379 1125.

Mount St Benedict

Mt St Benedict College Open Day on Sunday 14th March from 10am – 2pm. Phone 980 0415 for more information.

Marian College Enrolments

The enrolment period for Year 7, 2011 is from 1st March to 2010 to 23rd April, 2010. Enrolment Packs can be collected from the Marian College office or, by phone on 9654 2118 and have one posted to you. Applications should be completed and lodged at the College by 23rd April 2010. There will be an Information Evening and Open Afternoon for prospective students and their parents at the College on Monday 15th March 2010.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign which began on Ash Wednesday and runs until Easter Sunday. It is a time to reflect upon the significant issues of poverty, peace, justice and development. Your support of this appeal is needed to aid with development programs so communities can help themselves out of poverty as well as providing shelter, nutrition and healthcare to needy people. Contribution boxes are available for collection on the table in the foyer.

Solo Parents Ministry

Every second Thursday of the month the Solo Parent Ministry facilitates a bereavement group for those who are over 50 years of age who have suffered the loss of their partner or spouse through death. We meet again on Thursday 11th March at 11.00 am at 2A Villiers St (Anne Clark Centre) Parramatta. It is an “open” group and therefore welcomes old and new members each month. Ph: Eileen Quade on 9933 0205 or.

New Catechists

Our thanks to Kay Brooks and Heidi Bou-Harb who have recently joined our wonderful team of catechists. You’re doing a great job!

YCW

Want to make a difference? Want to help those in need? Parramatta Young Christian Workers are seeking young people to volunteer in their Sydney services. Please contact Vicky on 0428 862 901 or vicky.franji@ycw.org.au

Vinnies

Vinnies Piety Stall – check out the excellent range of books in our free lending library. Also, we have for sale an Italian made statue of the Holy Family cost $80.