Catholic Youth Parramatta

Good luck to all our students beginning their written HSC exams today. We wish you every success and congratulate you on all your hard work thus far!

Our God is a God of relationship, of total self-gift — and we’re called to imitate that in our daily lives. The Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024-2028 is a living expression of our call to imitate the love of our Trinitarian God. We are excited for this next chapter, where our local faith communities can be energised to become more engaged, active, and missionary-focused, embodying the Gospel in the world today. With structures like the Pastoral Councils, we have avenues to collaborate and join forces for the good of the Church locally and beyond. Download the plan today and join us on this journey: https://lnkd.in/gJXq-8AA

God is good! We have a new cardinal!

“The action of the Holy Spirit - that is the key to understanding what synodality is all about... We cannot live the Gospel without the empowerment and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.” - Fr Ormond Rush The Diocesan Pastoral Plan is an invitation to embrace the Spirit’s guidance in every step of our synodal journey. As we move forward together, let us lean on the Holy Spirit to shape our communities, empower our mission, and bring the Gospel to life in the world today. Download the plan and join us: https://lnkd.in/gJXq-8AA

In youth ministry, we recognize the importance of creating opportunities for young people to grow in their faith and leadership. Reflecting on last June’s LIFTED Breakfast with the Bishop, held in partnership with Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, we were honoured to welcome Year Twelve student leaders from across Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta. We were privileged to be joined by Professor Francis Campbell from the The University of Notre Dame Australia, whose message on the importance of peace in conflict, leadership, and faith in education deeply resonated with our young leaders. As these same leaders now prepare for the HSC, we pray they carry these lessons with them, finding both courage and calm in their faith. This forum provided a meaningful space for students to reflect on their roles as leaders as they approach significant milestones, including the upcoming HSC. As we journey towards the HSC Masses across the Diocese of Parramatta, let’s continue to uplift these young people in prayer and support, encouraging them to seek strength in faith and community during this important time. A heartfelt thank you to Jack de Groot, Executive Director of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, for his unwavering support as well to Sebastian Duhau, MET Facilitator for Catholic Youth Parramatta—It was a real joy to coordinate the upcoming HSC Masses and to co-facilitate the LIFTED Breakfast with the Bishop alongside you. #HSC2024 #CatholicYouthParramatta #ParramattaDiocese #FaithAndLeadership #StudentLeaderForum #ProfessorFrancisCampbell #YouthMinistry #PeaceInConflict

The Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan for 2024-2028 has been launched, setting a way forward for our local Church to grow in communion, participation, and mission. Rooted in the rich history of our diocese and the experiences of its people, this plan reflects the spirit of synodality, where we journey together towards renewal and transformation. As Lead Facilitator of the Diocesan Synod, Qwayne Guevara, shared, “We stand on the shoulders of generations of people who have said yes to following God.” This plan is an invitation to each of us to participate actively in God’s mission, using the gifts and charisms we’ve been given to serve the local community in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Together, let us answer this call, knowing that God walks with us every step of the way. “Behold, I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) Download the pastoral plan at https://lnkd.in/gRDcNH5Z

#https://lnkd.in/gXGMhNkV I hope u have the chance to see the Compass doco about to air on ABC Television tonight, evaluating the papacy of Pope Francis, who's just been visiting our neck of the woods...undoubtedly for the last time. I'll interview a range of commentators and thinkers about him. He's a bit complex----like all goid disruptive leaders---and would love to hear your feedback. 6.30pm ABC TV

Tonight, on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) the Compass program will feature a documentary on Pope Francis: the Disruptor, discussing the Pope’s strengths and weaknesses and exploring what his legacy will be. Qwayne Guevara and Sebastian Duhau from our Diocese of Parramatta Catholic Youth Parramatta team will feature in the documentary. Tune in at 6:30 pm on ABC TV or iView to watch! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Ambrose Early Learning & School Age Care Catholic Care Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

“What tends to happen when we start with our differences is it feels as though we’re furthering the divide. But I think the heart of [the Church in] Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, in its diversity and rich reality, is that we witness to the very body of Christ, where God says, ‘You are unique and I’ve created you out of love, for love, but you’re not all the same.’ And that’s a good thing to celebrate!” – Qwayne Guevara, Lead Facilitator of the Diocesan Synod. Synodality calls us to embrace this diversity, recognising that every person brings something valuable to the Church. It invites us to listen deeply, walk together, and discern the way forward as a community, guided by the Holy Spirit. By celebrating our differences, we can truly live out our mission as the Body of Christ. Qwayne Guevara’s leadership in the Synod has been instrumental in aligning the diocesan community around the shared vision of a Synodal Church. Now, we seek someone to continue this work as the Lead Facilitator of Diocesan Plan Implementation - a key role that will collaborate closely with key diocesan leaders to ensure alignment between the pastoral priorities identified in the plan with the work of chancery, parishes, schools, and agencies across the diocese. If you have a passion for mission, strategic thinking, project management, and leadership, apply by 10pm, Wednesday 25 September parracatholic.org/jobs