DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA

The Spotlight is on: The Spotlight is on: The Spotlight is on: The Spotlight is on:

Our Lady of the Our Lady of the Our Lady of the Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse HillAngels, Rouse HillAngels, Rouse HillAngels, Rouse Hill

From the Diocesan Youth Office:

The Amazing Diocesan Youth CampThe Amazing Diocesan Youth CampThe Amazing Diocesan Youth CampThe Amazing Diocesan Youth Camp Pablo Picasso once said, ‘youth has no age’. This little phrase is perhaps the perfect sum up of a weekend that combined energy, faith and enthusiasm all at the same time. It didn’t matter how old you were. It didn’t matter where you came from. It didn’t matter if you knew anyone. As by Sunday afternoon at the Galston Gorge Conference Centre, you knew everyone.

Arriving on a chilly winter’s evening on Friday night, there was a feeling in the air. More of anxiousness than anything, as new faces began arriving and as the sun tucked itself to sleep. But with time, the atmosphere calmed.

The wonderful emcees in Michael Dela Cruz and Adriana Lucija started with a comedic sketch (featuring Adrian Falleiro) which conveyed an underlying theme for the camp in how we turn our backs on God so regularly. Carolyn D’Mello from St. Nicholas of Myra, Penrith, then led us into a talk about our own life journey – our own ‘Road to Emmaus’.

Once we broke into our community groups, mingling was inevitable, allowing us to associate with others around the diocese. Group posters were created, as was a ‘code’ that would fascinate the minds of everyone over the weekend.

Musical masterminds, Oasis youth group from Blacktown, began a late night musical fiesta by introducing us to the theme song for the camp via an extremely memorable melody in ‘Sunrise to Sunset’. The first night finished with a bonfire that saw us jigalow into the early hours of the morning. Well more like 11:30pm, when we were told to wrap it up by the centre because the other groups on site were asleep!

Saturday saw an early start for what would turn out to be a super day and night. Beginning with Nicole Falleiro and yours truly from Penrith Parish, the themes of being ‘Blind to the Presence’ and ‘The Invitation’ were looked at and discussed. It provided a time for us to think about the times where we, personally, had turned our back on God and how we could invite Him and others into our lives. This was followed by a talk from the well known Daniel Ang, on Scripture and ways in which we could be ‘Called to Listen’. Finishing up the afternoon session, Adrian Falleiro and I then provided each group with a random Bible verse, but more on that later.

Fr. Suresh led a special Reconciliation and Holy Mass before dinner which allowed all of us to take a moment to ourselves and reflect on God.

Then all the community groups moved to the gym where they would perform their Bible verse using a certain theme. These categories ranged from a soap opera to a British comedy to a Shakespearean play. But ultimately, it was the boys and girls from Galilee whom after thrilling the audience with a Bollywood dance to the story of Moses and the Red Sea, then beat the Ephesians in an epic dance off to claim the bragging rights. Saturday was rounded off with an inspirational praise and worship session with Oasis, allowing everyone to express their want and need for God through music. The night was full of fun as we departed for our cabins, and UFC-wrestling hubs in some cases, but much better left unsaid on that one.

Awaking to the sound of kookaburras and a particularly frustrating whistle device on our second morning, we packed our bags with clothes and memories before leaving our cabins for the final time.

Sunday began with Fr. Warren Edwards speaking to us about the Eucharist and appreciating the meaning of such a divine sacrament. After all Mass isn’t boring, is it? Fr. Suresh then joined Fr. Warren as Mass was celebrated. The entire group then amassed for one final time during the commissioning ceremony. It was the perfect time to reflect on the days that had been and the many more that are to come.

To say that this weekend was inspiring might have been the slightest of understatements as it was clearly evident on Sunday afternoon that everyone took a lot out of their stay. After all, let’s be honest, the code was solved, the UFC-ers wrestled, the California girls were unforgettable and everyone praised from sunrise to sunset. Would you do it again? Aw yeah. Say what? Alright!

Written by: Gordon D’Mello Inflame Youth Group-St. Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith

Upcoming Diocesan Events:Upcoming Diocesan Events:Upcoming Diocesan Events:Upcoming Diocesan Events:

Diocesan Youth Leadership Breakfast Diocesan Youth Leadership Breakfast Diocesan Youth Leadership Breakfast Diocesan Youth Leadership Breakfast ---- 21st August 21st August 21st August 21st August

Bishop Anthony Fisher will be the guest speaker at the next Diocesan Breakfast.

Topic: “From WYD08 Sydney to WYD11 Madrid”

Date: 21st August from 8.30am to 10.30am at St Patrick's Cathedral

Hall, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. RSVP for catering is essential by 16th

August to: Annabelle on 8838 3418 or youth@parra.catholic.org.au

All the Youth Leaders, Co-ordinators, Movements, Teachers and those involved in the Planted and Built Up Youth Volunteers Program are invited to attend. Cost: Gold coin donation

Going back to the Basics Faith Formation Nights: Going back to the Basics Faith Formation Nights: (by Fr Suresh Kumar, Diocesan Youth Director)(by Fr Suresh Kumar, Diocesan Youth Director)

26th August: Sacraments and Sacramentality

23rd September: The Human Person (Grace, Virtues The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit)

Where: DAC (underneath the Institute for Mission), cnr Flushcombe Rd & Marion St, Blacktown, from 7.30-9pm. For more info please contact the Diocesan Youth Office on 8838 3418, youth@parra.catholic.org.au or for more info.

Prayer for Our Lives and Purpose—Starts Thursday 2nd Sep @7pm

A new gathering every 1st Thursday of the month: Adoration, Inspiration, A Shared life Story with youth/young adults and others. Starts at 7pm. Share a café meal with others at 8pm or be on your way.

Where: St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. For

more details contact: Fr Paul, Vocations Director- 0419 219 819,

Fr Suresh, Diocesan Youth Director - 8838 3419 (Photo by Hamilton Lund)

Theology on Tap (TOT) with Bishop Anthony Fisher Theology on Tap (TOT) with Bishop Anthony Fisher Theology on Tap (TOT) with Bishop Anthony Fisher Theology on Tap (TOT) with Bishop Anthony Fisher ---- 6th September 6th September 6th September 6th September

Bishop Anthony will be the guest speaker for September's TOT.

The address is PJ Gallagher's, 74 Church St, Parramatta. Time: 6:30pm-9.30pm (For 18+years)

Institute for MissionInstitute for MissionInstitute for MissionInstitute for Mission

For all the Saints - 13th September

To mark the canonisation of Blessed Mother Mary MacKillop and the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the Institute for Mission has planned a series, “For all the Saints” over three Wednesday evenings. Bookings are essential! To book, contact Institute for Mission on: 9831-4911 or ifm@tpg.com.au Venue: DAC (Diocesan Assembly Centre) at 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown Time: 7pm to 9pm Dates: 13th September - presenter: Daniel Ang 13th October - presenter: Sr Bridie O’Connell RSJ

Notices from around the Diocese:Notices from around the Diocese:Notices from around the Diocese:Notices from around the Diocese:

First Friday Youth Devotion - 6th August

Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, invites you to First Friday Youth Devotion with mass, led by Fr Warren Edwards, Parish Priest, followed by Eucharistic Adoration, youth praise & worship music, testimony by Sr Julie Brcar & supper afterwards. All ages welcome! Address: Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 1 Wellgate Ave,

Kellyville Time: 7pm

For more information: www.ourladyoftheangels.org.au

BE MORE WEEKEND 6th - 8th August...Three Days, Three Actions, Three Steps

Come join the Caritas Australia Be More Weekend

This year the three days of action focus on water. By taking three simple actions over three days together we can work towards conserving water in Australia. Get a

group together and register. You will find lots of useful resources on the website to help you organise your Be More Weekend (you can also order the Be More Weekend Resource Kit when you register online). Register now for the Be More Weekend 6 - 8 August.

Return to the Upper Room - 6th August

“Return to the Upper Room” - is a call to help the People of God return to the Upper Room in adoration and intercession - to experience a Pentecost not only of a moment or a day, but a permanent Pentecost.

Come and experience Adoration, Worship, Praise, Intercession, Thanksgiving.

Dates: Friday 6th August & Friday 3rd September

Venue: Our Lady of the Rosary Church, cnr Mamre Rd & Swanston St, St Marys Time: 7:30pm

Sexual Ethics Talk - 6th August & 3rd September

St Aidan’s Eucharistic Youth Group & Laity aBlaze invite you to an amazing talk on Sexual Ethics to be given by Fr John Flader. He is a Canon Lawyer with a PhD dissertation on "mixed marriages", published by the University of Navarre. He has preached numerous retreats to priests in many dioceses of Australia, as well as to lay people in many cities. He has published numerous articles on issues of canon law, the spiritual life and the Church.

Time: 7:30pm arrival for 7:45pm start to 8:45 pm with Q & A session.

Address: Mary MacKillop's Hall, St Aidan's Catholic Church - 9 Adelaide Rd, Rooty Hill

Black & White Youth Dinner Dance—13th August

St Margaret Mary’s Parish of Merrylands is holding a Black & White Youth Dinner Dance

Time: 7:30pm Address: Stars Palace, 15 Railway Parade, Fairfield.

Tickets $50 per person (inc. entrée, dinner & dessert, unlimited beer, wine & soft drink) Strictly 18+. Contact Christina for tickets and enquiries: 0401 484 952

MIGHTY Talent Quest - 21st August

You think you can dance? Sing? Tell a joke?

Then come along to the talent quest hosted by Mighty, youth group of Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill.

Saturday 21st August: Youth Mass at 6pm followed by the Talent Quest at 7:30pm

Address: 125 Barnier Dr, Quakers Hill Price: $5 for performers and $8 for audience

If you would like to perform, pre book tickets or have any enquiries please contact Daphne Spelter at MIGHTY@hotmail.com.au or call 0405 720 314 ASAP!

"How to be a Leader" by communicating your ideas - 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd September

Features: How to start communicating your ideas, begin and end a talk, add clarity & interest, gather & present your facts, convince & persuade, speak on the spur of the moment & play a more effective role in any group. Practical exercises on OH&S, resume writing, job interviews & how to conduct a journalism workshop are optional depending on those interested and available as agreed.

Venue: Holy Spirit Parish, Cnr Moore St & Todd Row, St Clair from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Participants (16 years of age and over) interested can enrol their name at the Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair, NSW 2759 on (02 9670 8222-). For any enquiries, contact Loy on 9670 1006

At the end of the course participants will be issued a Completion certificate & an Achievement Award.

DISCOVER YOURSELF - 17th-19th September

Weekend Retreat for Young Women aged 18-30 years

Where: Mt Schoenstatt - 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa

Cost: $120 includes accommodation, meals, linen and towels

Registration essential—To book or for further info contact: Sr M Julie Brcar

Email: juliebrcar@gmail.com Ph: 02 4773 8338

Golf Day - 8th October

OASIS Youth from St Michael's, Blacktown, invite you to a Golf Day! This day will help raise funds to attend World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

Date: Friday 8th October

Venue: Ashlar Golf Club, Blacktown

Cost: $70 per person. This includes a game of 18 holes within a team of 4, breakfast, lunch and opportunities to win cool prizes!

Sponsor Option: We invite business owners who would like to sponsor a hole on the day. They will receive a game for four people, chances to win prizes, breakfast, lunch and their business advertised on the pin hole. This is covered under the sponsorship cost of $400.

So get a team together and let's play Golf! It will be heaps of fun! For more details and to book, please contact: Joan 0425 840 160/ Clive 0420 400 604/ Nichole 0402 613 033

Parramatta Marist 190th Anniversary Dinner - 29th October

Parramatta Marist High School, Westmead is holding its 190th Anniversary Dinner.

Where: Sarah Grand Ballroom, Le Montage, Lilyfield.

When: Friday 29th October Tickets: $90 each.

Corporate sponsorship available. Contact the school (02) 9635 7066

POSITION VACANT - NEWLY ARRIVED YOUNG PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR

Parramatta Young Christian Workers (PYCW) are seeking a passionate and dedicated person for the role of Newly Arrived Young People's Campaign Coordinator.

This is a full time position in our Granville office focused on the management of the Newly Arrived Young People’s (NAYP) Campaign. Key areas of work include the coordination and Administration of

the Campaign’s services and programs including computer classes and international students’ projects, Leadership Development and formation of the volunteers and participants and

Implementation of the NAYP Campaign’s annual plan of action.

This role has been combined with an administrative role to make a full time position. The administrative role is 7.5hrs per week with a 6 month contract (with the hope of extending this if

funding permits) and the NAYP coordinator role is 30.5 hours per week with a twelve month contract.

YCW is looking for someone who has effective written and verbal communication skills, highly developed time management and organisational skills, ability to use initiative, work independently and in a team environment, highly developed skills in Microsoft Office, ability to relate well to young people, ability to work with people from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds & experience working (either paid or unpaid) in a volunteer driven environment

They will ideally also have belief in the history, values and tradition of the Young Christian Workers Movement (and demonstrated experience), understanding of the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching & a valid Drivers’ Licence

To Apply for this position please send your resume, a cover letter and responses to the selection criteria to:

Sarah Lentern - sarah.lentern@ycw.org.au or 25 Union Street, Granville NSW 2142.

Applications Close 5pm Wednesday 4th August 2010.

Interviews for selected applicants will take place on SUNDAY 8th AUGUST

If you have any questions please contact Sarah Lentern on

9682 6719 / 0415 877 982 or sarah.lentern@ycw.org.au

The youth group began when Our Lady of the Angels was built! Fr Warren initiated the youth group, and it was then carried on by a Youth Co-ordinator. Now they have youth leaders who help to support new comers, and help out at youth nights.

The youth group meets up quite often as there are a number of different youth events that are held for the Hills Angels, and these generally happen weekly on Friday nights.

What do the Hills Angels get up to?

Youth Band: The Hills Angels have a youth band that is growing steadily. They meet and rehearse weekly on Fridays at 6pm. The youth band sings beautifully for Mass on every third Sunday of the month, and at First Friday Devotions.

Spiritual Nights and Social Nights: Our Spiritual nights provide opportunities for youth to come along to participate in spiritual activities. There is always a different theme for each one that is held. Social nights are held every so often and they are opportunities for the Hills Angels to get together and have some fun!

Theology Nights: Theology Nights for Teens are nights designed for the youth in the Parish who are 16 years and over. The group discusses or debates a religious topic.

First Friday Devotion: The First Friday Devotion is one of the key events of the month. All youth and parishioners are invited to come and celebrate Mass, followed by Adoration. It is a wonderful occasion where the youth band leads with music, and there is a testimony given by a young person.

For myself, belonging to any youth group, especially the Hills Angels Youth Group, comes with countless benefits. Because of my experiences in the group, I have now come closer to so many people (who are now good friends of mine) who are all working to strengthen their relationship with our God. I have so much fun just hanging around with the other members in our weekly choir practices, and this doubles at least at our outings and camps. At the same time, we are all learning how to be better “lights for the world” by putting into practice what we’ve gained from our spiritual nights.

There is one thing, however, which is more beautiful than anything I have just written. It is the absolute most important thing to me within our group; that is our First Friday

Devotions. It is here where I don’t only get to praise and worship the most awesome guy ever (Jesus, in case you weren’t sure) with my friends, but I also receive Him in the Mass with everyone, in the most moving way. I have found myself laughing and crying tears of absolute joy because I see how blessed I am to have such friends in such a group. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Our Lady of the Angels

Rouse Hill

Testimony by Izarra Reyes

Youth Leader of the Hills Angels Youth

For more information on the Hills Angels Youth Group, contact Angeli Germo on 0430 440 310 or email hillsangels@hotmail.com

Saint Clare (1193– 1253)

Feast day: August 11 Patron of sore eyes

Clare was a beautiful Italian noblewoman who became the Foundress of an order of nuns now called "Poor Clares." When she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach, her heart burned with a great desire to imitate Francis and to live a poor humble life for Jesus. So one evening, she ran away from home, and in a little chapel outside Assisi, gave herself to God. St. Francis cut off her hair and gave her a rough brown habit to wear, tied with a plain cord around her waist. Her parents tried in every way to make her return home, but Clare would not.

Soon her sister, St. Agnes joined her, as well as other young women who wanted to be brides of Jesus, and live without any money. St. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Yet they were very happy, because Our Lord was close to them all the time. Once, He saved them from a great danger in answer to St. Clare's prayer. An army of rough soldiers came to attack Assisi and they planned to raid the convent first. Although very sick, St. Clare had herself carried to the wall and right there, where the enemies could see it, she had the Blessed Sacrament placed. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters.

"O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." At the same time a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could. St. Clare was sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she said that no pain could trouble her. So great was her joy in serving the Lord that she once exclaimed: "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?" We should remember this miracle of the Blessed Sacrament when in Church. Then we will pray with great Faith to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist: "Save me, O Lord, from every evil - of soul and body." Her feast day is August 11.

Article and photo provided by Catholic.org Reprinted with permission of Catholic Online www.catholic.org http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?

saint_id=215

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894 - 1941)

Feast day: August 14

Maximilian was born in 1894 in Poland and became a Franciscan. He contracted tuberculosis and, though he recovered, he remained frail all his life. Before his ordination as a priest, Maximillian founded the Immaculata Movement devoted to Our Lady. After receiving a doctorate in theology, he spread the Movement through a magazine entitled "The Knight of the Immaculata" and helped form a community of 800 men, the largest in the world.

Maximilian went to Japan where he built a comparable monastery and then on to India where he furthered the Movement. In 1936 he returned home because of ill health. After the Nazi invasion in 1939, he was imprisoned and released for a time. But in 1941 he was arrested again and sent to the concentration camp at Auschwitz.

On July 31, 1941, in reprisal for one prisoner's escape, ten men were chosen to die. Father Kolbe offered himself in place of a young husband and father. And he was the last to die, enduring two weeks of starvation, thirst, and neglect. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1981. His feast day is August 14th.

Article provided by Catholic.org Reprinted with permission of Catholic Online www.catholic.org http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=369