We exist to know, love and serve Jesus in Varroville, Raby, St Andrews and Bow Bowing.
We are a vibrant Catholic parish in South-West Sydney following the Carmelite tradition. Our experience of worship, especially our Sunday Eucharist, is the high point of life in our community where we celebrate and praise God for his presence in our lives. All members—through their full and active participation—experience prayerful, nurturing and uplifting liturgies, enabling them to live out Jesus’ mission in their lives.
Bishops’ statement calls for ‘new engagement’ with First Peoples
Australia’s Catholic bishops have called on the nation to seek “a new engagement” with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their annual Social Justice Statement launched today. Since the 1940s, the bishops have published annual statements that urge the Catholic community to reflect and act on social, economic and ecological issues. The statements are published as a focal point for Social Justice Sunday, which will be marked on August 27.
This year’s statement, Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, was launched in Western Sydney by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service.
The theme for this year’s statement was chosen in May 2022, well before the Voice to Parliament referendum was mooted and before the timing of a vote was proposed. While the bishops don’t suggest how people should vote, Bishop Long said “whatever the outcome of this year’s referendum, we ask the Church in Australia to make efforts to lead the way for our fellow Australians” in pursuing reconciliation.
“Our atitudes and actions towards First Nations Peoples need to be grounded in justice, love and humility,” he said.
“God’s word constantly reminds us of the merciful love of the Father who calls his children to live in love. The life of Jesus is the full and perfect expression of this divine love…” Pope Francis
Created by the Community of Carmelite friars at the Mount Carmel Retreat Centre in Varroville, NSW, the Prayer Project is a wonderful set of guidelines and resources to help you pray simply at home – during the pandemic and beyond.
Faith Circles are faith sharing small groups aimed at bringing people together to share their lives and the ways in which Jesus is working in them through his Holy Spirit. Come on the adventure in deepening your relationship with God today!