ST AGNES' PARISH NEWS

Trust The young man lay silent on

the narrow bed in his dim

room. He was recovering from

a breakdown. Medication

controlled the psychosis that

had robbed him of his

promising future, his friends

and his physical health. His

mother knelt beside the bed

needing, as his primary carer

in this early stage of partial recovery, to ask an

urgent question. She spoke gently, softly, “Son, do

you ever think of ending your life?” The young man

was so weak he could not raise his eyelids. But his

response was immediate: “Oh no, Mum,” he

whispered, “I have a very strong sense of self-

preservation.”

His response indicates a hope which is apparent as

a mark of “the seal of the Holy Spirit” which

St Paul attests is the very pledge or promise “of

our inheritance.” Our inheritance is our “adoption”

in Christ as sons and daughters of God. What a

privilege—this knowledge that we are deeply loved

members of God’s very own family.

We realise though, that family bonds and privilege

imply duty and responsibility. But this is the royal

family of the unnameable, infinite, all-surpassing

mystery which we call God; a God whom Jesus has

revealed to us is love. In Christ, this loving God

shows us the extent of our duty and

responsibility—a unique calling—which St Paul tells

us consists in giving joyful praise to God.

Mark says we must go out and share or proclaim

this wonderful news, the Good

News of Jesus Christ.

For Mark, writing around 65AD

probably in Rome, long before

the edict of Constantine made

Christianity legal, and during

Nero’s persecution of Christians,

there is a sense of urgency.

If the disciples’ possessions

make them a target for robbers,

their progress is impeded; best

to strip down to the essentials.

This is a timely reminder for us,

especially in a materialistic society where most

value is put on possessions. After all, every

person’s life on earth is rather brief relative to

the span of history, the life of our earth, or the

past fifteen billion years of cosmic existence.

On the other hand, consciousness, especially

human consciousness, the human spirit, the entire

person, indeed the entire creation, as St Paul

insists, are the subjects of God’s unifying love.

Justifiably, it piques our human curiosity. May we

not marvel how the Hubble Telescope in outer

space enables scientists to look back to the origins

of the universe and to understand how the earth

was formed?

Every person’s role in God’s plan is unique and

salvation has come. We have the gift of the Holy

Spirit as our friend and helper. We are called to a

very grand destiny—and every person’s

contribution toward that end is equally valuable.

Our role, like that of the young man, is simply to

continue to trust against all odds.

Bet Green

© Redemptorists 2012

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B 15th July 2012

St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie

OUR VISION "Everything is to be oriented towards the praise

and glory of God".

OUR MISSION The St Agnes' Parish Community strives to make

our Vision a reality by a commitment to:

> holiness in the image of Christ

> proclaim the good news of salvation

> minister within the faith community

> the service of all, particularly those in need

St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie

BAPTISM INFORMATION NIGHT If you are planning on having your child baptised in 2012 it is important for you to attend a Baptism Information Session. The next Information Session will be held on Thursday, 23rd February at 7pm in St Agnes Church. Baptisms are held at 10.00am every Sunday. If you have any questions please contact the Presbytery Office.

YOUTH CENTRE—VOLUNTEERS As you are aware our Parish is in the process of establishing a Youth Centre. This Centre can only operate with the generous help of volunteers. Volunteers (from the parish and the local community) are required to undergo the mandatory Police checks and be over the age of 18. There will be training sessions early in the new year. It is anticipated the centre will open early in 2012.

Contact Peter O’Driscoll on 6584 9970 for more information and a Volunteer Information Pack.

YOUTH CENTRE GYM EQUIPMENT The Youth Centre is seeking donations of gym equipment in good working condition. If you can be of assistance please contact Peter O’Driscoll.

YOUTH READERS & COMMENTATORS It is almost time to update the Youth Readers and Commentators’ Roster for Sunday 6.00pm Mass. If you are interested in being involved in this important Ministry can you please contact the Presbytery Office on 6583 1024 by Friday, 27th January.

COELIAC HOSTS

Coeliac hosts are available for any parishioner who prefers these hosts. Prior to Mass please go to the Sacristy and speak with our Pastoral Assistant, Peter O’Driscoll, and then sit towards the front of the Church.

ALTAR SERVERS Attention all Altar Servers... A reminder that the 2012 roster will begin on the weekend of 28th-29th January. If you don’t have a copy of the new roster please collect one from Peter O’Driscoll. Anyone who would still like to serve please contact Peter on 6584 9970.

YOUTH GARAGE SALE—2012

Early notice....The annual Youth Garage sale will be held on Saturday, 3rd March 2012. After Christmas, please keep the garage sale in mind if you are getting rid of furniture or reusable/saleable items. No televisions please. For further details please contact Peter on 6584 9970.

St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie

RCIA PROGRAM

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Interested in becoming a Catholic? Enquiries will run for 3 consecutive Tuesdays. Beginning on Tuesday, 24th July at 7.00pm in the Presbytery Meeting Room. If you are interested, or know of someone who may be, please contact the Presbytery on 6583 1024.

Enquiry When two people meet each other for the first time there is

usually a ‘getting to know you’ period before the

relationship proceeds to a deeper level. The initial stage of

the RCIA—the period of Enquiry—is a bit like that. As a

person expresses initial interest in the Catholic community,

parishioners respond to the enquirer’s questions and share

something of their own experience of being a Catholic. No

formal commitment is called for at this stage. It is a time of

initial exploration as the enquirer, with the help of the

parish community, decides whether he/she will undertake the

journey towards Baptism and full Communion with the

Catholic Church. Of course, a person may leave the

programme at any time.

THE BEGINNING EXPERIENCE A personal encounter weekend for those who are grieving the loss of a spouse/partner through divorce, separation or death will be held from 17th–19th August at “The Garden Inn Motel” in Wollongbar. The weekend offers participants the opportunity to turn the pain of loss into growth. For further details and an application form call Judy on 6624 1549, Jeanette on 6687 7284 or Jim on 0410 323843. Website: www.belismore.org.au; Email: be@lismore.catholic.org.au.

YEAR OF GRACE What’s on this week

EPISODE VI—CATHOLICISM “A BODY BOTH SUFFERING AND GLORIOUS:

THE MYSTICAL UNION OF CHRIST

AND THE CHURCH”

Clearly answering the question, “What is the Church?”

Father Barron presents the reality of the Church as

“one, holy, catholic and apostolic.” The Body of Christ

can be seen on earth from the Church’s centre in

Rome to the cities of New York, Sao Paolo, Manila,

Namugongo and Uganda, while still escaping total

understanding as the mystical union between Christ

and his Church.

Father Barron also explores the Catholic conviction

that the life and presence of Christ continues to

embrace humanity in all its joys and sorrows through

the presence of the Church.

An invitation is extended to all our parishioners to attend these information/discussion nights held in the Parish Hall at 7.00pm each Wednesday. Parking is available off Hayward Street, near KFC.

CATHOLICISM

DAYTIME SESSIONS

A 10-week daytime course on the teachings, history and richness of our faith, presented by Fr Robert Barron. The first session will be held on Monday, 23rd July in Christ the King Chapel, immediately after 9am Mass. These sessions are for parishioners who do not like going out at night and have been unable to attend the Wednesday night sessions. There will be no refreshments, just the DVD presentation, which takes approximately 45 minutes followed by a 20 minute discussion.

LIVING GRACE - MONTHLY E-BULLETIN

FOR THE YEAR OF GRACE To follow the Year of Grace, parishioners are invited to subscribe to Living Grace, the monthly Year of Grace E-bulletin organised by the Catholic Church of Australia. To subscribe go to: http://www.yearofgrace.catholic.org.au/index.php/subscribe-to-ebulletin. The website is: www.yearofgrace.catholic.org.au.

St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie

CATHOLIC CARE OF THE AGED

Applications for admission to residential aged care at Mary Knoll Hostel, Mt Carmel Hostel and St Agnes’ Hostel are currently being accepted. For information regarding the wonderful care provided by Catholic Care of the Aged please contact Melissa Antram, Admissions Officer on 6589 9817.

MACKILLOP GIFT SHOP

For parishioners wishing to purchase Confirmation gifts, cards or any other items the gift shop will be open on Saturday, 28th July from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPE -

414

Could the parishioner who has planned giving envelope number 414 please contact the Parish Administration Centre, as soon as possible, on phone number 6588 7444.

CONCERT A joyous concert featuring the Hastings Choristers’ Choir and award winning Port Macquarie/Hastings Municipal Band will be held on Sunday, 29th July at 2.00pm at the Uniting Church. A wonderful winter warmer! Tickets available from the Glasshouse Box Office or phone 6581 8888.

CENTENARY PLANNING MEETING

Next year the parish will celebrate the Centenary of Catholic Education in Port Macquarie. The first planning meeting will be held on Monday, 23rd July at St Joseph’s Primary School at 7.00pm. Interested parishioners are invited to attend. For more information contact the school on 6583 3848. If you have any archives, or know people with old connections to the St Joseph’s School, please contact the school.

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY - GOLF DAY

St Joseph’s Primary school will be holding its annual golf day on Sunday, 29th July at Emerald Downs Golf Course. If any parishioners are interested in playing please call the school office on 6583 3848.

St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie

Recently Deceased: Molly Cotham, Natasha Green, Anthony Goodall, Mary Clouten, John Basham, David Yates, Peter Gandy. Anniversaries: David Millward, Anthony and Stella Dabdah, Bernard Cavanagh, John and Marjorie Irerland. Other Mass Intentions: Barbara Simpson, Marin Market, Hilton Dodds, Madge Lindsay, Daphne Gabrielle DeSilva, Jack Lindsay, Beryl Thomas, Molly & Robert Friggens, Marija Miller and thanksgiving and donor intentions.

THE CATHOLIC LEADER

Is available for sale at $2.00 after each weekend Mass. The paper can also be purchased from the Presbytery Office during the week.

Two notices for the bulletin:

1: Rugrats – Friday 27th July

2: NO 5.15pm Mass on Wednesday, 1st August – due

to early Confirmation ceremony at 5.30pm

Masses available at Christ the King at 9am and St

Francis Chapel at 9.30am

BAPTISM INFORMATION NIGHT

PARISH PRIEST: Father Leo Donnelly ASSISTANT PRIEST: Father James Foster

ASSISTANT PRIEST: Father Amila Rajasekera ST AGNES’ PRESBYTERY: Phone 6583 1024

PASTORAL ASSISTANT: Peter O’Driscoll, Phone 6584 9970 E-mail: pastoraloffice@stagnesparish.org.au Parish Web Site: www.stagnesparish.org.au

ROSTERS

21st July - 22nd July 2012

READERS AND COMMENTATORS

6pm Vigil: Maureen Dick Robert Green Vanessa Denham 7.30am: Sandy Luschwitz Michael Vella Brian Tierney 9.00am: Jodie Rich Adelle Groeneveld Betty Hodgson 6.00pm: Annie Thorne, Liam Coelho, Claire Coelho, Paddy Coelho

MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST

6pm Vigil: Phil Lloyd Barry Johnson Paul Jones 7.30am: Kevin Lewis Anne O’Brien Denise Smith 9.00am: Peter Farrugia Bryan Longhurst Mary Bennett 6.00pm: Fran Liddy Chris McCarron Jacky McCarron

GIFT BEARERS ROSTER

6pm Vigil: Clifton Family 7.30am: S Wilson & S Bale 9.00am: K Cooper & Family

THE STATUE OF OUR LADY

Pauline McDowell Unit 65 Lourdes Village

Port Macquarie Phone: 6584 9267

READINGS FOR NEXT WEEKEND

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 22: Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

PARISH MASSES

ST AGNES’ CHURCH Hay Street Port Macquarie

Monday to Thursday: 5.15pm Friday: 12.05pm Saturday: 8am, 6pm Vigil

Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am, 6pm Please note: Weekday Masses at 9am on

Public Holidays Reconciliation: Friday 11.30am -12 noon.

Saturday: 11.30am – 12.30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:

1st Saturday of the month 8.30am – 9.30am.

ST FRANCIS CHAPEL Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie

Chaplain: Bishop John Satterthwaite Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan

Phone: 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259. Communion Service or Mass: 9.30am Monday—Friday.

Sunday Mass: 9.30am Reconciliation: After Mass on Friday or notify Bishop

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Every Wednesday, 3pm.

CHRIST THE KING CHAPEL Boronia Street Port Macquarie Chaplain: Father Paul Hopper Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan

Phone: 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259 Weekday Mass: Monday - Thursday 9.00am

Mass: Saturday Vigil - 4.30pm Rosary and Exposition

1st Saturday of the month 4pm.

ST BERNARD'S, TELEGRAPH POINT Pacific Highway Telegraph Point—Thursday: 6pm.

STAR OF THE SEA, LAKE CATHIE Ocean Drive Lake Cathie—Sunday: 8am.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES, WAUCHOPE 1 King Street, Wauchope—Saturday Vigil 6pm;

Sunday: 7.30am.

FEAST DAYS

Monday, 16th July—Our Lady of Mt Carmel Friday, 20th July—St Apollinaris

Saturday, 21st July—St Lawrence of Brindisi

DIOCESAN INVESTMENT FUND PAYS 4.75% AT CALL! There are no fees or charges on your account. AGENTS: Mrs Veronica Rinkin & Mrs Mary O’Brien DIF Office, Parish Administration Centre, Phone: (02) 6583 7439 9am – 1pm Monday - Friday

St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie