About the Library

Spreading the Gospel message in our daily lives

The Institute for Mission (IFM) Library is committed to serving the community, clarifying the Gospel message and making it relevant in our daily lives.

Open Mondays to Fridays during office hours, this special library is for the use of all in the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.

It is the library’s mission to support the undertaking of the IFM, through service to the teaching and research needs of the staff and students.

History of the library

In 1991, the then-Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Bede Heather, envisioned a centre that would be the hub for religious education for adults within the diocese. A library was to be established and nurtured within the centre, making information and resources available to anyone who was studying or simply wishing to deepen their spiritual life.

The strength of the library lies in the continued growth of theological literature and its philosophical underpinnings. For this, we have the clergy and laity to thank. Their kind donations of books have helped make the library what it is today.

While the generosity of the people in the diocese is gratefully welcomed, the library also has a systematic acquisitions policy with new books purchased on a regular basis.

Though it remains modest, the growing collection has served the diocese well providing students at the IFM, teachers, parishes and school children with books to assist them with their research and studies.

The Collections

The Main Collection of the IFM Library is an open access collection located on the top floor of the Diocesan Assembly Centre at Blacktown. The collection covers areas such as Scripture, Ecclesiology, Ethics, Philosophy, Ministry, Lives of Saints, Social Science and works by and about the Church Fathers, just to name a few. The library supports students studying Theology, Scripture, Pastoral Care and Practice, Church History and Liturgy. The Reference Collection includes encyclopedias, dictionaries and major collections of Church documents.

Periodicals

The library currently subscribes to 19 periodicals. The latest issues are on display for easy access, while past volumes are shelved nearby. Periodicals cannot be taken from the library, but articles can be photocopied for study purposes at minimal charge.

Liturgical resources

The library also has a collection of liturgical music books, DVDs cassette tapes and videos.