“IN TOUCH” NEWSLETTER

The Catholic Community of North Harbour

In the care of the Augustin ians JUNE 2 0 1 2 VOLUME 1 0 ISSUE 2 St Kieran's Manly Vale Balgowlah

On Sunday, 6th May 2012 we farewelled Sr Josie with a special mass celebrated by Fr Tony Banks and Fr Brian Buckley where the Filipino choir were in attendance and sang the Our Father in Tagalog. The Mass was followed by a morning tea in the Parish Centre where lots of parishioners attended to say goodbye and wish Sr Josie all the very best as she returns to her homeland after 10 years at North Harbour Parish. A wonderful morning was had by all while enjoying the yummy morning tea provided by parishioners and the beautiful cake that was made by Stephanie Keogh. It was nice to see so many parishioners come together and share this special time and among all those there it was great to have Fr Peter Wieneke present who made a lovely speech. Ben Marshall had the crowd (including Sr Josie) in laughter as he sang a beautiful song which he put together for Sr Josie.

Many thanks to all those who attended and contributed to the morning tea and made it very special for Sr Josie.

Sr Josie the Catholic Community of North Harbour all thank you for what you and have done and given the parish. We wish you all the very best and want you to know that you will always be in our prayers and thoughts as you begin your new journey. May God Bless you and protect you always - You will be truly missed!

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PASTOR’S DESK THE YEAR OF GRACE

and YEAR OF FAITH

From Pentecost Sunday May 27th this year the Australian Bishops have inaugurated a Year of Grace as a time of reflection and renewal in the Church in this country. “The Year of Faith calls us into a deep renewal of our faith through retracing the history of our faith, studying the Catechism, praying the Creed and seeking to be an active witness of what we believe.”

Although the Australian Year of Grace will overlap with a Year of Faith proclaimed by the Pope for the universal Church to begin in October, the organisers are confident this will not lead to any conflict between the two. "We are confident that, with grace leading to faith, and faith responding to grace, the Year of Faith and our Year of Grace will complement each other".

It will be the role of each diocese and parish to plan events and programs to coincide and give meaning to this proposed time of renewal in the Church.

From the Year of Grace Pastoral Letter

"“We call the Catholic people in Australia to a Year of Grace, to span the time from Pentecost 2012 to Pentecost 2013.

Like the disciples at the first Pentecost, we commit ourselves to start afresh from Christ."

• Like the disciples at the first Pentecost, we commit ourselves to start afresh from Christ.

• Most deeply, we desire for the light of Christ to burn more brightly in the heart of each Australian.

• We commit ourselves to repent for the areas in which we have failed, individually and together, seeking

healing and renewal through the grace of Christ's forgiveness.

• We commit ourselves to the path of holiness, cultivating the many gifts of the Spirit and seeking to grow as

disciples of ]esus.

• We entrust this year to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through this renewed commitment, we are

confident that the Church in Australia will be transformed by the power of Christ's resurrection in our

lives.

What is ‘grace’ anyway? A question you might not articulate but probably one lurking in the back of our minds.

The global Church begins the celebration of a Year of Faith towards the end of the year to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962. ‘Faith’ is something we can probably more easily get our head around. ‘Grace’, as someone commented to me a short time ago, … “Well, it’s a bit old-fashioned sounding, isn’t it?” And yet it appears everywhere in the scriptures and in our prayers. Here is a brief smattering.

“Amazing grace”; “Hail Mary, full of grace”; “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (“From his fullness we

have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16).

St. Augustine himself famously said, “Time….I know what it is until you ask me to explain it”. We might say the very same of the common word. Something offered without condition or qualification is said to be given ‘gratis’ – such is the

nature of God’s giving to us. It is God who has first loved us, not we who initiate the relationship. Essentially grace is not something we can quantify or parcel up in little bundles – although some of our old thinking about it did tend to encour-age this approach, like little reward points we could clock up. Ultimately Jesus himself is the Grace of God – the gift, the presence and the power of God among us through his Spirit.

What should we be doing about it then in the coming year? “Starting afresh with Christ” is the call and the prompt extended to us. Starting afresh where? By reflecting upon the greatest gifts we have received from God’s hands, our life, our faith, our hope and our communion with Him. And then to stretch ourselves to make more of that giftedness. “Freely have you received, then freely give!” (Mt. 10:8). Fr Brian

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF

NORTH HARBOUR

2 King Street

Manly Vale NSW 2093

Phone: 9949 4455

Fax: 9949 3413

Email: parishoffice@

northharbourcatholic.org.au

Website:

www.northharbourcatholic.org.au

" I N "IN TOUCH" PAGE 3 PAGE 3 “ I N TOUCH”

PUPILS FROM ST KIERAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL SHINE AT GRADUATION FROM MACQUAIRE UNIVERSITY By John Mascarenhas

As alumni of Macquarie University, I assist at the graduation ceremonies at the University. The University has 130,000 graduates living in more than 120 countries and each year 3,500 students graduate from the University.

The last graduation took place between 10th and 20th April 2012 with 20 ceremonies in all and I assisted with 12 of those which involved assisting with registration, making sure the academic gown was correctly worn, assisting during the ceremonies, etc.

I was privileged during the graduation ceremonies to witness two former Prime Ministers of Australia namely, The Hon John Howard and the Hon Paul Keating and the Governor of NSW Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir being conferred the degrees of Doctor of Letters – Honoris causa.

One of the highlights at the graduation ceremonies was to see three of our youths from the parish and former pupils of St Kieran’s Primary School graduate. Their parents are all parishioners at the Catholic Community of North Harbour and I would like to share with you, as parishioners of the community and those who are not parishioners but have children at St Kieran’s, their success stories. The details of the three students who graduated are as follows –

Anna Joy Grafitti Parents – John and Josephine Grafitti Primary School – St Kieran’s Secondary School – Monte Sant’ Angelo 1st Degree Bachelor of International Studies at Macquarie Graduated a second time from Macquarie on 18/04/12 with Master of International Relations.

James Hoy Parents – James and Tanya Hoy Primary School – St Kieran’s Secondary School – St Augustine Graduated from Macquarie on 16/04/12 with a Bachelor of

Media with the Bachelor of Laws with Honours Class 1.

I asked each of the graduates who their favourite teacher was at St Kieran’s and all replied Mrs Anne Christopher who is still at St Kieran’s. Take a bow Anne. You have helped shape their lives and no doubt countless others including three of my grand children who will all remember you for the rest of their lives and in turn you have made your School Principal Terri Paterson very proud. Prior to taking up accounting, I was a teacher for 10 years and know what it takes to be a teacher. So congratulations to you and the other teachers at St Kieran’s, Monte Sant’ Angelo and St Augustine. It is always a pleas-ure to report on past students and their success stories.

The graduation ceremonies were conducted by The Hon Michael Egan, Chancellor of Macquarie University.

Congratulations to the graduates. We at the Catholic Community of North Harbour are very proud of your achievements and look forward to hearing about your future successes in due course and welcome to the Macquarie University Alumni Community.

Tarryn Megan Walter Parents – Jeff and Jenny Walter Primary School – St Kieran’s Secondary School – Monte Sant’ Angelo Graduated from Macquarie on 16/04/12 with Bachelor of Applied Finance with Bachelor of Economics. Now studying for Master of International Business also at Macquarie.

Photo taken on 19/04/12 – Third from left Vice Chancellor Professor Steven Schwartz, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir Governor of NSW who was awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa, Mac Warrior, Presiding Officer The Hon Michael Egan Chancellor and the rest are all members of the Macquarie University Alumni Community.

PAGE 4 “ I N TOUCH”

Weekend Hospitality Partners

The hospitality team would like to thank all those people who have volunteered their time to make the hospitality offered in our parish such a special time and would encourage all parishioners to get involved either as a volunteer or just to stay after Mass to experience the hospitality on offer.

The team would also like to acknowledge the support of our 2012 Hospitality Partners for their generous support to our parish.

Ann Wilson Funerals 9971 4224 Clare Communications Co Pty Ltd 9519 4443 Hamer & Hamer Solicitors at Balgowlah 9949 4022 Maurer Family Funerals 9977 2113 R L Gray Electrical Pty Ltd 9948 3799 Tim Frawley Plumbing 0404 479 088

We are always looking for businesses or families who would like to become a Hospitality Partner and provide financial support once a year (or more often if you wish) to our weekend hospitality. If you would like to become a partner or would like to find out more please contact the parish office on 9949 4455.

DR JAMES FISCHER Surgeon Dentist

Suite 1, 118 Beatrice Street BALGOWLAH HEIGHTS

Phone: 9948 6375 Now with INVISALIGN

Ground Floor Access, Free On-site Parking Monday to Saturday by appointment

The Catholic Community of North Harbour offers our sympathy to the families and friends of these deceased people.

∗ Bernard Strada ∗ Patricia Harland ∗ Margaret Jess ∗ Ottavio Stranges ∗ John Jones ∗ Margaret Van Omen ∗ Chiara Villella ∗ John White ∗ William Barron

∗ John Page ∗ Geoffrey Beckley ∗ George Hawkins ∗ Mary (Betty) King ∗ Quang Chi Vu ∗ Alexander (Sanny)

Morrison ∗ Anthony Stewart ∗ Paul Morrisey

FUNERALS IN THE PARISH OF NORTH HARBOUR

Since our last issue of “In Touch” the Catholic Community of North Harbour has farewelled in liturgy the following people in the Churches of St Kieran and St Cecilia:

AUGUSTINIAN FORMATION ASSOCIATION

Multicultural Dinner - Saturday, 21st July at

7.30pm in the Parish Centre

This is our first fundraising function for 2012. The cost is $25.00 per person. Soft drinks will be provided. BYO wine, etc. Our seminarians will be cooking a tasty meal and will provide the entertainment for the night. Please come, you will be allocated a seat or if you wish make up your own table of 8 people.

Please send your name/s and money to the Parish Office or phone Rosemary on 9949-1825 by Tuesday, 17th July. Last year’s dinner was a wonderful social success and this year’s should be better.

Planned Giving Envelopes

The Planned Giving envelopes for the next financial year are available for collection in both churches. If your envelopes are not there please call the parish office, leave your name and tell us which church you would like to collect your envelopes from.

PARISH TRIVIA NIGHT

The annual Parish Trivia Night is fast approaching so start brushing up on your trivia and getting your tables organised - details are as follows:

Date: Saturday 4th of August, 2012 Time: 7.00pm for a 7:30pm start Venue: Parish Centre, Manly Vale Cost: $25 per person, or $150 for a table of 8 (that’s a $50 saving!!!) Theme: Make your own!!!!!! There will be prizes on the night for the best dressed table AND the best themed table!!!

Bookings can be made through the parish office on 9949-4455. Also there will be certain masses in which someone will be available to take bookings.

Also we are asking for donations that you may wish to make to contribute to the success of the night. Any donations can be left at the Parish Office. Thank You.

Special Offer Sell your property with me and you will receive up to $2000 worth of FREE

marketing.

Mark Griffiths 0422 444 367

" I N TOUCH" PAGE 5

Over 140 families cele-

brated First Communion

during June. They have

been journeying together

over the past 10 months

during which they

received Confirmation and

Reconciliation.

The families have been

meeting in small groups to

learn what it means to be

part of the Church com-

munity and the Body of

Christ.

Congratulations to all.

PAGE 6 “ I N TOUCH”

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Four new members were welcomed into the Catholic Community of North Harbour during the Easter Vigil held at St Kieran’s, having completed their six months journey though the RCIA process.

It was a very joyful occasion for Jenny King (initiation through the sacrament of Baptism) and for Leanne Roberts, Robyn Rota and Karen Smith, who entered into full communion with the Church having been baptised into other Christian denominations.

A celebration at the Parish Centre followed the Easter ceremonies where candidates were able to meet and mingle with other members of the parish community.

I would like to extend a big thank you to the members of the RCIA team and to the many parishioners who contributed to the process through their gospel topic presentations and the sharing of their personal faith journey.

Bill and Carmel Riddington will be leaving the team at the conclusion of this years program to pursue other interests. I would like to take this opportunity to offer a heartfelt thanks for the seven years of dedicated service and enthusiasm that they brought to the process. I am sure that their many gifts will continue to enliven the broader parish in years to come.

John Osborne

Robyn Dorothy Rota

My personal journey towards Catholicism started some time ago, I was baptised a Presbyterian although my father was a Catholic. I also attended a Catholic boarding school in country NSW, where I boarded with the Sisters of Mercy. I later moved to Sydney and married a Catholic and now felt that is was the right time in my life to complete that journey and join the RCIA programme to do so.

Leanne Adrianna Roberts

My husband and three girls (who attend St Cecilia’s School, Balgowlah) are all baptised Catholics.

With my paternal grandparents and father being Catholic, and my parents being married in the Catholic Church, I guess “I always felt Catholic”, so I decided to join the RCIA program last October to expand on my own faith journey.

The RCIA program has been a truly enriching program and I would sincerely like to thank the incredibly dedicated RCIA team, Fr Brian, Fr Senan, Fr Pat and the many members of the Parish, who gave their time to share their own experiences and who also provided such a lovely ceremony and celebration at the Easter Vigil.

Karen Louise Smith

I joined the RCIA group at St Kieran’s last year to guide me on my journey to becoming Catholic and join my family in worship. I feel so blessed to have had such an amazing RCIA team of enlightening people supporting me and very much look forward to being part of this uplifting community.

Jennifer Margaret King

I believe all things come to you when you are best able to receive them.... I was raised within the faith the Anglican Church. Mum was of the Church of England faith and Dad was of the Catholic faith. However, I was never baptised and this was something I have always felt was missing in my life... My fiancée Joe is of the Catholic faith. Our recent decision to marry, and our desire to marry in Church with the blessing of God, has brought me here. We are very happy and content with our journey thus far....

RCIA candidates with the RCIA team and Fr Senan Ward celebrating a dinner together.

“ I N TOUCH” PAGE 8

BAPTISMS IN THE PARISH OF NORTH HARBOUR

Since our last issue of “In Touch” the Catholic Community of North Harbour welcomed the following children to God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism in the Churches of St Kieran and St Cecilia:

∗ Owen Brown ∗ Charlie Orth ∗ Nicholas Henry ∗ Madeleine King ∗ Liam Hincksman ∗ Jesse Bombardiero ∗ Annabelle Rich ∗ Madeleine Ayliffe ∗ Arthur Ayliffe ∗ Lily Hunter ∗ Paige Griffin ∗ Archie Tizzard ∗ Siena Aiello ∗ Sonny Aiello ∗ Luella Vine ∗ Violet Lemon ∗ Cruz Ortega

∗ Dan Atkinson ∗ Jade Atkinson ∗ Zara Cleary ∗ Charles Raz ∗ Keira Clewett ∗ Ava Ciechanowicz ∗ Lewis Riddett ∗ Jasper O’Brien ∗ Alexander Kennedy ∗ Charlotte Hamer ∗ Aria Knapp ∗ Emily Duckworth ∗ Sofia Burke ∗ Charlee Howe ∗ Laila Howe ∗ Daniel Crookwell ∗ Demi Crookwell

The North Harbour Parish congratulates these children and their families.

Our Baptism Preparation Courses for 2012 in the Parish Centre, Manly Vale are:

Sunday, 5th August at 11am Sunday, 4th November at 11am

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) Enquiry on Sunday, 14th October at 10.45am in the Parish Centre, Manly Vale.

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE - MANLY VALE

The members of the Catholic Women’s League - Manly Vale farewelled Sr Josie with an informal luncheon to thank her for her ten years of love and service to the parish. She will be missed very much but we wish her every happiness and God’s blessing as she returns to her homeland.

We mourn the loss of Margaret Jess, the last surviving foundation Member of CWL - Manly Vale and John White, husband of our President, Maureen. Our heartfelt sorrow is extended to both families.

Our Guest Speaker for March was Faye Yarrall from the Bionic Ear Association. Faye is recipient of two bionic ears and she gave a detailed insight into the amazing technology that is changing the lives of people with hearing disabilities.

CWL - Manly Vale meets on the fourth Monday of each month in the Parish Centre from 10.30am to 1.00pm. Visitors are most welcome. Enquiries: Maureen 9939-6350 or Norma 9905-4401.

OPEN MIC NIGHT The next “Open Mic Night” will be on

Friday, 17th August, 2012 so start thinking of an act

Financial Year End Receipts

This year we are planning to email end of financial year receipts to everybody who has contributed to the Planned Giving, Caritas or Charitable Works Fund through the parish. If you don’t receive “In Touch” via email we don’t have your email address. If this is the case and you would like to receive your receipt electronically please contact the parish office and let us know your email address. For those who don’t wish to receive their receipt via email they will be available in the church foyers from Monday 16th July.

Out and AboutOut and About

In Touch is the vehicle whereby activities within your parish can be shared with the wider community. Do you have anything to contribute? The closing date for the next In Touch Newsletter is Wednesday, 15th August, 2012. Articles can be emailed to: Adriana at the Parish Office at intouch@northharbourcatholic.org.au

Parish Email Addresses

Should you need to contact the Parish Office here are some email addresses: parishpriest@northharbourcatholic.org.au Fr Brian Buckley parishoffice@northharbourcatholic.org.au Parish Office parishmanager@northharbourcatholic.org.au Chris Burrows sacramentalcoordinator@northharbourcatholic.org.au Ricki Hayes familyministry@northharbourcatholic.org.au Adriana Bowyer youthministry@northharbourcatholic.org.au Nic Osborne intouch@northharbourcatholic.org.au In Touch articles

“ I N TOUCH” PAGE 8

CONGRATULATIONS to Bob & Margaret Burton who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on 8th May, 2012.

CONGRATULATIONS to Romano Di Donato who has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal- OAM for his services to the Italian Community. Romano has humbly contributed and volunteered his time and legal talents for over 30 years to the community - a just and meritorious award.

Christmas Day at Vinnie Burgess - parishioners from North Harbour Parish take communion to the residents every Friday.

Remember if you are away from the Parish you can visit the parish website:

www.northharbourcatholic.org.au

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