St Bernadette’s parish has many ways to assist you in growing in your commitment to Christ and in helping others to do the same.

Bible Study Program

Twice a year the parish conducts a scripture study program of 8 to 12 weeks (weekly sessions of 1 ½ hours) using the tried and tested Little Rock Scripture Study series. Each year a program is offered on a book each from the New and Old Testaments in a weekly group setting.

Catechists

For more than 30 years catechists or scripture teachers have been offering our children infive state primary schools (Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Excelsior, Oakhill Drive and Samuel Gilbert Public Schools) an opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith through a 30 minute lesson. The catechists also provide support to families with pupils in these schools by providing information about sacramental programs and other parish activities. Presently, 49 catechists are teaching more than 800 children every week. Catechists are provided with teaching materials and training.

Christian Meditation Group

St Bernadette’s Christian Meditation Group meets in the Lourdes Centre, 31b Brisbane Road (follow the lighted pathway) on Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 8.30pm. Newcomers are always welcome.

Eucharistic Adoration and Recitation of the Rosary

Eucharistic adoration and recitation of the Rosary takes place in our church every Thursday evening 8.00 to 9.00 pm. It is an opportunity for quiet prayer and devotion.

First Friday Mass

Every month, except January, we have a special Mass on the First Friday at 12 noon. The elderly, sick and housebound parishioners are invited to attend the Mass during which the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered. Our Care Group provides transport and a light luncheon in the Marian Centre afterwards. Many parishioners have experienced emotional, physical and spiritual healing at the Mass through the Anointing of the Sick.

Home Rosary

So as to encourage the recitation of the rosary in the homes of parishioners, families are able to book our beautiful pilgrim statue of “Our Lady and St Bernadette” for a week each year and, when the statue is present, the family and friends recite the rosary together each night for that week.

Lenten Groups

Every Lent parishioners are able to join small day or evening Lenten groups where they can study the Gospel readings for the Sundays of Lent and share their faith experiences.

Reparation Prayer Group

The Reparation Prayer Group was founded to make reparation to God for the ways in which He is offended by humanity. Its format includes spiritual input from devotional books, prayers of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Rosary, and perhaps a litany or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and is followed by refreshments. The venue is the Basement of the Parish Office on Wednesday evenings from 8.00 to 9.00pm.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (Catechumenate)

This is a wonderful program starting with Inquiry Nights, followed by weekly meetings of active parishioners and those interested in finding out more about or in joining the Catholic faith. Meeting continue through to Lent until the beautiful Easter Vigil ceremonies where new Catholics are received into the Church or baptised.