MASS TIMES
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
During public holidays mass is held at 8.00am
ABOUT
Very Rev Fr Robert Bossini
Dear Friends,
I am delighted to have been appointed Parish Priest and Dean of the Cathedral parish of St Patrick’s, Parramatta. It is a mission that I take seriously and with much enthusiasm, as it stands as a unique ministry within our Diocese. I hope and pray that our time together will be fruitful and beneficial, personally, as a Parish and for the Diocese.
I would like to take this opportunity to say something about myself, so that when I arrive in early September you may know something about me. I was born in Egypt and together with my family, came to Australia in 1957 after the Suez Crisis. After a short stay in Petersham, we moved to Merrylands, which remained the family home until Mum’s sudden death in 2010. I was educated by the Marist Sisters at St Margaret Marys, Merrylands. After two years at Merrylands Public School, I went to Patrician Brothers College, Granville (now known as Delaney College). I completed my secondary studies at Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield. Upon matriculating, I entered St Columba’s Seminary, Springwood to begin studies for the Priesthood. I remained there for two years, after which I entered the Salesians of Don Bosco, a religious order, founded by St John Bosco in Italy in the mid-19th Century to minister to underprivileged youth. My entering the Salesians meant that I had to relocate to Melbourne as their formation houses were there. I took my first vows as a Salesian on January 31st, 1978. In the years following I completed a Diploma of Teaching and then taught for three years at Salesian College, Sunbury, Victoria. I then returned to studies and on completion of a Bachelor of Education and Theology I was ordained to the Priesthood on July 11th, 1987 by the late Cardinal (then Archbishop) Edward Bede Clancy at the Shrine of St John Bosco, Engadine.
Since ordination I have continued teaching, holding the position of Religious Education Coordinator in many of the Salesian Schools, as well as Youth Centre Coordinator in Victoria and Tasmania. In 1999 I returned to Sydney as Rector of the Salesian Community and Mission at Engadine. In 2004 I was posted to Our Lady of the Rosary parish in St Marys, where I remained as Parish Priest until the end of 2010. In that time I graduated as a Spiritual Director and completed my Masters of Art (Theology).
In the course of 2010, I went through the discernment process in order to be incardinated into the Parramatta Diocese. So after 34 years within the Salesian Order, I was accepted by Bishop Anthony into his Diocese. My first posting as a priest of the Diocese was Our Lady Queen of Peace Greystanes in 2011, a formidable position, taking over from the late Fr Gerry Iverson. I have truly settled into the life of a Diocesan Priest and have enjoyed my time as Pastor at Greystanes. Now a new venture and ministry lies before me and I am delighted to have been asked by Bishop Anthony to be your Pastor and Dean of the Cathedral. I trust that we will work together to continue to strengthen and renew God’s Kingdom in Parramatta. I look forward to meeting you and working with and for you.
With every blessing,
Very Rev Fr Robert Bossini
Dean and Parist Priest
Rev Fr George Azhakath
Let me introduce myself. I am Fr George Azhakath.
Born in a traditional Catholic family at Cochin, a town in Kerala State of South India. After finishing High School studies, joined Seminary for Priesthood in the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis De Sales; studied Philosophy and Theology in a Pontifical Seminary in South India; Ordained to priesthood in the year 1989; worked in the ‘Missions’ of central India; in Parishes, Seminary, Spirituality Institute and as in charge of S.F.S. Publications for 14 years.
I was sent by my Superior to do pastoral ministry, in the Archdiocese of Sydney in 2003; Assistant Priest and Administrator at Our Lady of the Annunciation, Pagewood; Priest-in-Charge at St. Gabriel’s Parish, Bexley; Assistant Priest at St Andrew’s Parish and St Agnes’ Parish Matraville; and A.P.P. at St Catherine’s Parish, Gymea.
Now, as Assistant Priest at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, I am happy to be at the service of the community and look forward to a fruitful ministry. Thank you for your welcome.
Rev Fr George Azhakath
Assistant Priest
Rev Willy Limjap
Rev Willy Limjap
Deacon
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ST PAT’S MATTERS
A magazine for parishioners and friends of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
SACRAMENTS
Baptism the Sacrament
Baptism is the sacrament of entry into the Church. The sacrament is administered by the priest or deacon who pours water over the head of the person to be baptised while invoking the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Baptism takes away original sin, all personal sins and all punishment due to sin. It makes the baptised person a participant in the divine life of the Trinity through sanctifying grace, the grace of justification which incorporates one into Christ and into his Church. It gives one a share in the priesthood of Christ and provides the basis for communion with all Christians. It bestows the theological virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A baptised person belongs forever to Christ. He or she is marked with the indelible seal of Christ (character).
The Church baptises infants because they are born with original sin. They need to be freed from the power of the Evil One and brought into that realm of freedom which belongs to the children of God.
Procedures for Baptism at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Baptisms are available every Sunday throughout the year unless a Diocesan Function is taking place. Baptisms commence at 12.45pm but families and guests must be present at the Cathedral by 12.30pm. Highlighting the ecclesial dimension of the Sacrament at St Patrick’s it is customary to baptise up to four children at each ceremony, highlighting the communal nature of the Sacrament.
- If you have any queries or would like to know more about Baptisms, please contact our Sacramental Team member on (02) 8839 8400 or enquiry@stpatscathedral.com.au.
- Parent Preparation Programmes are normally held in the Cathedral Hall, and usually on the third Saturday of the month at 4.00pm. But please contact the Parish for actual times.
- To book a Baptism date and a place in the Parent Preparation Programme, please contact the Parish Office on (02) 8839 8400 during office hours Monday to Friday or email enquiry@stpatscathedral.com.au. You may need to give several months notice as available places fill quickly.
- Should you wish to have a luncheon afterwards, "The Cloisters" Function Room (our Parish Hall) is available for hire. Please Cathedral office on (02) 8839 8400 or enquiryl@stpatscathedral.com.au.
How to Begin?
1. Making Contact: Usually a phone call or visit to the Parish Office:
- Administration Tasks – completing Baptism form
Form may be downloaded here - Available dates for the celebration of the Sacrament.
- Available dates for the preparation session.
- Briefing - choice of God-parents (The Church Canon direction)
- Attend Baptism preparation session
Catechesis
2. Preparation Session for first time parents: Dates, time and venue [prior to the Baptism day]
Baptism Rite
3. Sacrament of Baptism Celebration: Dates, time and venue
Post-Baptism Support
4. Growing up in the Faith community
Preparation of adults for this Sacrament
In the years preceding the Second Vatican Council, Church leaders looked carefully at the current state of our initiation rites and decided that some changes in emphasis should be made to better adapt these sacraments to the pastoral needs of the contemporary Church. Following the discussion of these matters at the Council, the Church published a document: Rite of Confirmation and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (which has come to be known by its initials, RCIA).
The RCIA restores the order of Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist and emphasizes the interconnectedness of these three sacraments. These rites are neither separate nor are they static they are part of an ongoing process. The RCIA speaks of our faith journey. And this journey does not end at Baptism or First Communion, or even at Confirmation, but continues throughout our Christian life. The Sacraments of Initiation are a continual invitation to continued conversion.
This faith journey is not merely a matter of learning about the faith, not merely instruction, but also a true conversion process. It involves the whole life of the candidate and the whole life of the Church. Conversion takes place in community. Conversion implies initiation into that community, initiation into the Body of Christ. (Fr Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D.Sacraments of Initiation:Sacraments of Invitation )
In baptism, we are reoriented toward God; the life of grace overcomes the power of evil and enables the baptized to believe in God and to engage, under the power of the Holy Spirit, in the struggle against Satan and the power of death.
Baptism happens not only to the individual, but also to Christ's body, the Church. That's why the rite insists that we celebrate Baptism in the Christian assembly, with the community present and actively participating. It is the community who is welcoming the new members, journeying with them, providing models for them, supporting and nourishing them.
Useful Links
About the Sacrament
The essence of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into the life of the Christian. Together with Baptism and Eucharist, Confirmation shapes us as Catholics. Each of these sacraments focuses on a different aspect of our life as believers: birth, breath and nourishment.
Confirmation “completes” the grace which was initially given when the child was baptized. From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!";
- it unites us more firmly to Christ;
- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
- it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
- it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1303
The Second Vatican Council, in its Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), states that those who are baptized and then confirmed obtain the “special strength of the Holy Spirit” and become “more perfectly bound to the Church,” thereby meaning that “they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed” (#11).
“Remember, then, that you received a spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear. Keep safe what you received. God the Father sealed you, Christ the Lord strengthened you and sent the Spirit into your hearts as the pledge of what is to come.”
— St. Ambrose
Useful Links
Pope Francis: The sacraments will make you strong!
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Loyola Press – Confirmation
Confirmation 101: Why We're Confirmed
Married Christians, in virtue of the sacrament of matrimony, signify and share in the mystery of that unity and fruitful love which exists between Christ and his Church; (Ephesians 5:32) they help each other to attain to holiness in their married life and in the rearing and education of their children; and they have their own special gift among the people of God.
The Cathedral
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta. It occupies one of the most historic sites in our country where Catholics have worshipped for over two hundred years.
Completed in 2003, the Cathedral is designed to seat 800 people. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel was restored to its present state from the shell of the former Church, which was destroyed by fire in 1996. The Chapel is ideal for smaller congregations up to 100 people.
All funding required for the operation, maintenance and preservation of the Cathedral is entirely dependent upon the generosity of the Catholic people of Parramatta, visitors and others who use it for special occasions or celebrations.
Celebrant
It is the responsibility of the Bride and Groom to organise a Celebrant. He will guide you through the process of preparation for marriage and will be responsible for all the formal paperwork required for both the Government and the Church. If you are not a resident of the Parramatta Parish you will need to engage your own celebrant. You may wish to have your local Priest celebrate your wedding. If you choose a Priest/Deacon who is not from the Parramatta Diocese he must forward a letter to the Dean of the Cathedral stating that he is authorised by the Parramatta Diocese to perform the ceremony and that you, the couple, are free to get married. Due to Parish activities, the Priests from St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish may not be available for Weddings on Sundays.
Confirmation of Booking
Before your booking can be made, the Celebrant must sign the “Declaration by Celebrant” section of the Wedding Application Form. The Wedding Coordinator must receive this fully completed Application Form and your Booking Deposit before a booking is made and confirmed.
Pre-Marriage Education Courses
As part of your marriage preparation you are required to attend a Pre-Marriage course. The celebrant will usually work with you on this, but there are many such courses conducted by Centacare at several venues in and around Sydney. Please book early, as numbers are limited. Diocesan contact numbers for Centacare are as follows:
- Diocese of Parramatta: 9630-7788
- The Archdiocese of Sydney: 9660 2044
- Broken Bay: 8425-8707
- Wollongong: 4254-9336
Books to assist you in preparing for your wedding ceremony are available at some of the Pre-Marriage courses or at Catholic bookstores.
The Cathedral Wedding Coordinator
If you wish to discuss any matters relating to the Cathedral and your Wedding, please contact our Wedding Coordinator on (02) 8839 8416 usually on Tuesdays and Thursday between 9 am and 5 pm or ring the office at other times on (02) 8839 8400. Our email address for weddings is weddings-hall@stpatscathedral.com.au.
Music
Our Director of Music must approve all music and musicians. It is a policy of the Cathedral that only the Cathedral’s Director of Music or someone delegated by the Director of Music is permitted to play the organ in the Cathedral. Playing CDs and/or cassette tapes is not permitted in the Cathedral. Once you have begun your marriage ceremony preparation please contact the Cathedral’s Director of Music who will be happy to discuss and advise you on musicians, instruments, singers and your choice of music.
Acolytes/Senior Servers
It is important to have someone to assist the Celebrant, particularly if he is not one of the Cathedral Priests. Our Acolytes and Seniors Servers have been fully trained and are familiar with the Cathedral. They will ensure the Church is prepared correctly and that requirements regarding the use of the Cathedral are strictly adhered to. For a Nuptial Mass you may require an Acolyte and for a Wedding Service you may require a Senior Server. Arrangements will be made by the Wedding Coordinator as necessary.
Flowers
It is a policy of the Cathedral that the Cathedral Florist only is responsible for decorating the sanctuary with flowers for Weddings. Contact should be made direct with the Cathedral Florist, who will advise you of the cost and arrange payment from you. The flowers remain in the Church and may not be removed as the vases containing them form part of the artwork for the Cathedral. During the season of Lent - Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday - floral decorations are required to be very simple.
Pew Decorations
As there are restrictions, it may be beneficial to arrange this through the preferred florist to the Cathedral. Please contact the Cathedral Office on 8839 8416 for details.
Photographs and Videos
Having regard for the sanctity of the Wedding Ceremony and of the Cathedral, still photographs and video filming may only be taken from specific locations within the Cathedral. Please advise your photographer to speak to our Wedding Coordinator or Celebrant on arrival at the Cathedral prior to the ceremony, for instructions on the locations from which they are permitted to use their cameras or video equipment. The use of floodlighting is not permitted within the Cathedral.
General Information
Times usually available for Wedding Ceremonies
Saturdays
- After 11:30 am
- before 4:00 pm
Sundays
- 3:00 pm only
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on a Tuesday afternoon by appointment only - between 3:00 - 5:00 pm.
Contact our Wedding Coordinator to arrange a time for your rehearsal. There is no charge for using the Cathedral for rehearsals. Preferred time allocated for rehearsals is one hour.
Punctuality
It is extremely important that your ceremony starts on time as there may be another service following on the same day. Your Celebrant and/or those people associated with organising your ceremony at the Church may also have other commitments following your ceremony.
Car Parking
Car parking is provided for guests in the grounds of the Cathedral. Entry is from Victoria Rd. Bridal cars and Photographers cars only may park in the forecourt area of the Cathedral. Entry to this area is from Marist Place. As other services could be following on the same day, you are asked to ensure that your quests vacate the car park without unnecessary delay.
Throwing Confetti etc
The throwing of confetti, rice, streamers, flowers, petals or any other items is NOT PERMITTED in, around or near the Cathedral precincts.
Behaviour
It is the responsibility of the Bridal Party and Families to ensure that you and your guests behave in a manner that is respectful of the Church and the Sacrament of Marriage. The drinking of alcohol on the steps and forecourt areas of the Cathedral is NOT PERMITTED.
Booking Deposit
At the time of making your application, you will be required to pay a Deposit of $400.00. This Deposit is non refundable.
Offering for use of the Cathedral
An Offering to the Church of $1000.00 for Nuptial Mass and $1000 for Wedding Service for the use of the Cathedral is payable. Your Booking Deposit will be used towards this Offering. The remaining $600.00 for Nuptial Mass and $600 for Wedding Service of your Offering should be paid no later than three months prior to the date of the ceremony.
Cancellation
If you find it necessary to cancel your booking, the initial Deposit of $400.00 will be forfeited. However, any additional payments made towards your Offering would be refunded in full.
Music for the Ceremony
Cost for music services are not included in the above amounts. Discussions regarding music should be made with the Director of Music as soon as possible and no later than 3 months prior to the ceremony. Payment for music should be made to the Wedding Coordinator. The cost for an organist only at a Nuptial Mass is $330.00 and for a Wedding Service is $280.00. Cost for other musicians and/or cantors services will be in addition to the above fees and should be discussed with the Director of Music.
Acolyte/Senior Server
If you are going to use an Acolyte or Senior Server to assist at your Nuptial Mass, it is customary to make an offering for the services of either an Acolyte ($50.00) or Senior Server ($30.00). These offerings are in addition to the offering for the use of the Cathedral and should be discussed with the Cathedral Wedding Coordinator.
Flowers
Cost for flowers for the Cathedral are not included in the above amounts. Contact and payment should be made direct to the Cathedral no later than 6 weeks prior to the ceremony. Current cost for flowers is $150.00.
Payment Methods
Payments can be made using cash, MasterCard, Visa card, cheque or money order. You can make your payments in person at the Parish Office or mail them to St Patrick’s Presbytery, 1 Marist Place Parramatta 2150. Cheques should be made payable to St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish. For your convenience, payments for the Booking Deposit and for the balance of the Offering for the use of the Cathedral may be made by Credit Card using the authority forms on the back page of this booklet.
Bookings / Cancellations
Our Wedding Coordinator must receive your Deposit and Fully completed Application Form within 21 days of you receiving our information pack. If the date and time you have enquired about are still available a booking can then be made and will be confirmed in writing. The declarations on the back of the Application Form contained in this booklet must be fully completed when we receive it in order to secure a booking. Any incomplete Application Forms will be returned for you to following up and your booking will remain an enquiry until the forms are completed correctly and returned.
Correspondence
Any correspondence regarding your Wedding Ceremony should be directed in writing or by email to
The Wedding Coordinator
St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish Office
1 Marist Place Parramatta 2150
Please download the application for the celebration of marriage at the Cathedral here.
‘"Rabbi, where are you staying?" Each day the Church responds: Christ is present in the Eucharist, in the sacrament of His death and resurrection. In and through the Eucharist, you acknowledge the dwelling-place of the Living God in human history. For the Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Love which conquers death. It is the Sacrament of the Covenant, pure Gift of Love for the reconciliation of all humanity. It is the gift of the Real Presence of Jesus The Redeemer, in the bread which is His Body given up for us, in the wine which is His Blood poured out for all. Thanks to the Eucharist, constantly renewed among all peoples of the world, Christ continues to build His church: He brings us together in praise and thanksgiving for salvation, in the communion which only infinite love can forge. Our worldwide gathering now takes on its fullest meaning, through the celebration of the Mass. Dear young friends, may your presence here mean a true commitment in faith! For Christ is now answering your own question and the questions of all those who seek the Living God. He answers by offering an invitation: This is My Body, take It and eat. To the Father He entrusts His supreme desire: that all those whom He loves may be one in the same communion.’
(Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day Homily, Sunday, August 24, 1997, Paris, France)
Preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation for Children Already Baptised
Preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation for children already baptised is a parish-based, family centred process.
The time to commence this process is when you observe that your child is able to consistently discern right from wrong. That is, when your child has reached an understanding that an action performed, or not performed, was inappropriate and is able to acknowledge this situation. Generally, most children reach this stage by about eight years of age (approximately Year Three in primary school).
Here at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish the process of preparation begins during school term four and commences with an Enquiry Evening which is held at the parish in the Cathedral Hall. Each September the parish publishes the information about when the Enquiry Evening will take place. Registration for the Sacramental Process opens after the Enquiry Evening and is completed at an Enrolment Ceremony held during Sunday Mass.
Key to preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation are the preparation sessions which are facilitated by the parish Sacramental Team. The preparation sessions, which are held approximately every two weeks throughout the school term, provide the information parents need to continue the process of bringing their child to full initiation within the Faith Community. Through these sessions parents are assisted by the Sacrament Team to guide their child through a reflective process which enriches their knowledge and understanding of the Sacraments. This ‘conversation’ also provides a first hand opportunity for parents to share their own Faith experiences with their child.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is dealt with in a similar manner to First Eucharist.
Sacramental program registration
For further enquiries please contact the Sacramental Coordinator via email sacrament@stpatscathedral.com.au.
Useful Links
Pope Francis: The sacraments will make you strong!
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Catholic Australia – The Eucharist
Sacraments 101 – The Eucharist
Sacraments 201 – What We Believe
Reconciliation
- The Sacrament of Penance is available at the Cathedral Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11.15 am – 12.20 pm and on Saturday at 8.30 am – 9.00 am and 5.00 pm – 5.30 pm.
- The Sacrament of Penance is available in the First Rite, that is, within the Reconciliation Room.
- If you require assistance in approaching the Sacrament please speak with a member of the Pastoral Team who will be most happy to review this with you.
- If you wish to arrange another mutually acceptable time between yourself and the priest, please contact the parish office on (02) 8839 8400.
About the Sacrament
It is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin.
It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.
It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of His mercy toward sinful man.
It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace."
It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the life of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God." He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."
Useful Links
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Sacrament of Penance
Sacraments 101: Penance - Why we Confess
Chosen – The Power of Confession
Funeral Masses may not be held on Holy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter), Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter), or Easter Sunday. Funeral Masses are also prohibited on the Sundays during Advent (the period starting on the fourth Sunday before December 25 through December 25), Lent (the 40-day period before Easter), and the Easter Season (the 50-day period after Easter). A Funeral Mass may be held on Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), though ashes would not be distributed in the church.
Funerals can be booked by appointment. Please contact the Presbytery for more information.
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DOWNLOAD OUR APP
Be informed with whats going on in the Cathedral, the Diocese of Parramatta and the wider Catholic community by downloading the Cathedral App. The bulletin, liturgy guide and events are uploaded to the App each week.
To download the app for FREE search ‘St Patrick's Cathedral Parish Parramatta' in the Apple App store or Google Play store.
MUSIC
The music ministry of the cathedral continues to play an important role in serving the busier-than-ever round of diocesan and parish liturgies which take place throughout the year. We hope you enjoy viewing this site containing details of the musical life of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
CONTACT US
Phone: (02) 8839 8400 • Fax: (02) 9630 8817