December 21 & 22 - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Year A Issue Number 567

The Massabielle St Bernadette’s Parish Community, Castle Hill

Today’s Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14. The prophecy in this reading speaks of the intervention of God in human history. A child will be born, called Emmanuel, which means “God is with us”.

Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7. Salvation is offered through Christ Jesus, the Son of God, whose coming into the world is good news.

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24. This is the fulfilment of the prophecy telling the story of Mary conceiving a child through the Holy Spirit and giving birth to a son named Emmanuel.

Next Week: The Holy Family Year A Sirach 3:2-6,12-14, Col 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

REPARATION PRAYER GROUP resumes 21st January 2014. All welcome.

HOLY HOUR is cancelled this Thursday and will resume on Thursday 2nd January from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Rosary, prayers, hymns and scripture reading. All welcome.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

Two weeks ago I put it to the parishioners that I needed $100,000 to be able to face the Bishop and Consultors with confidence in regard to the loan we needed to rebuild the church. The cost of the works, following the tendering process is $657,000. So far $188,000 has come in by way of donations. I am truly grateful for your generosity. I might say that I was also surprised. I never thought we would achieve anywhere near that amount. Thank you.

Father John.

LITURGY CORNER

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, Matthew’s Gospel

tells of the angel appearing to Joseph and telling him

not to be afraid because Mary has “conceived what

is in her by the Holy Spirit”. Because of the message

of Isaiah, we know the child will be called

Emmanuel: God-is-with-us. Luke’s account of Jesus’

birth in the Christmas Day gospel tells of the angels

appearing to the shepherds and telling them not to

be afraid. The good news for both these special days

calls us to celebrate, to rejoice, to give glory to God

– the God who is among us, and not to be afraid!

ANGELS AND SHEPHERDS NEEDED: Do you have a budding angel or shepherd who is school age and would like to be part of the dramatisation of the Nativity Story at the 5pm Christmas Eve Mass? Practice will be on

tomorrow (Monday) at 10.00am. Enquiries: Monica Fitzalan on 0413 839 091.

GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR

The Mayor, Dr Michelle Byrne has sent a Christmas card in which she wrote, Faith makes all things possible. Hope makes all things work. Love makes all things beautiful. May you and your parishioners have all three this Christmas and in the New Year. Merry Christmas!

Michelle.

Front Cover: The Virgin and Child with St John the Baptist - About 1475-1500. After Benedetto da Maiano (1442-1497).

Images of the young Jesus with his cousin St John the Baptist were particularly popular in Florence where John was patron saint. Coral necklaces, like that seen on the Christ Child, were believed to protect infants from evil and misfortune.

From Italy (Florence) the image is made of terracotta with a wooden frame, both painted and gilded. The frame is probably painted by Bartolommeo de Giovanni. A partial inscription in the book says, “Make ready his [Kingdom] since she is there”.

Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Dear Parishioners,

Christmas is a time for relaxation and also celebration. It is a time for family, even our parish family. It is the anniversary of the birthday of our Saviour. At this special time I wish you God’s choicest blessings. Thank you to all who sent cards and presents to the parish office. Thanks, too, for remembering the poor.

Fr John

Life Nights: Our youth groups are on holidays at the moment so stay tuned for details of summer outings in

January.

Into Life (Yrs 6-8): No Into Life as we have wrapped up for the year, but watch out for upcoming dates

during the summer holidays when your leaders have

some exciting outings planned!

SUMMER SCHOOL of Evangelisation is back! These summer holidays, take a break with a heap of

other young Catholics with a powerful experience of the Holy Spirit as you dive deeper into your faith and

become “Alive in the Spirit”!

When: 12-19 January, 2014 Where: Tocal Agricultural College, Paterson

Who: 16-35 year olds Flyers are in the crypt or visit ww.summerschool.org.au.

More information? Contact Sr Rosie on 0420594277,

email ym@stbernadette.org.au. or visit us at

www.lifeteencastlehill.com.au.

Check out our new website at stbernadette.org.au. We'll be adding even

more content in the coming months.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY runs every Sunday at the 9am Mass and is open to school age children. Two groups operate: children from Kindergarten to Year Two and the older group from Years Three to Six. The work they do is too difficult for preschoolers so we ask you not to send them with your older children. If you can help with children’s liturgy we would love to have you. You would be rostered on for approximately five Sundays each year. Please ring Vicki Ford on

9872 1632 after 6pm or any time on the weekend . THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER AND WILL REOPEN ON THURSDAY 2ND JANUARY, 2014.

NEW YEAR MASS: Want to see the New Year ‘in’? How about a Vigil and Midnight Mass (followed by supper) to give thanks and to ask blessings for the New Year? Venue: St Dominic’s Church, cnr The Crescent & Hornsey Rd, Homebush West. Time: 8.00pm till after midnight Mass. 8.00pm.

PARISH CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE CHURCH TODAY. PLEASE TAKE ONE HOME WITH YOU.

Youth & Young Adults Ministry

Leading Teens Closer To Christ

A GIFT BEYOND CHRISTMAS: Once again you are asked to support this worthy cause. Take an envelope from the Christmas Tree and return it to the box near the altar, drop it onto the collection plate with your donation or leave it at the parish office.

Monies go to assist Loyola Senior High School, Mount Druitt to help support students from struggling families and those who would be unable to continue their schooling if not for your generosity. Benefactors reports are available from the foyer.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMME 2013-2014: Session 1 will be held on 10 & 11 February 2014. If you have not yet finalised your enrolment please contact the Parish Office on 9634 2622 as soon as possible. LECTORS: If you are on the roster and are no longer available for this ministry, please inform the Parish Office.

GRACES OF ITALY PILGRIMAGE (with optional extension to Medjugorje) from 24th April to 8th or 17th May with Harvest Pilgrimages. You have the convenience of an experienced tour guide as well as a Chaplain (Fr Eugene). Places still available. Please book Freecall on 1800 819 156 ASAP.

ST BERNADETTE’S STATUE: Parishioners are invited to borrow the beautiful statue of Our Lady appearing to St Bernadette for any week in 2014. Book it for a special occasion or simply to encourage family prayer. Place your name, address and contact number on the roster at the back of the crypt. Enquiries: Janina Mousley on 9899 6060

TUESDAY PRAYER GROUP meets in the Marian Centre every Tuesday morning at 10.00am. All welcome. For information phone Pauline Camilleri on 0407 417 039.

Leading Teens Closer To Christ

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES are available for collection from the table

near the glass doors.

CHRISTMAS MASSES 2013

Tuesday, 24 December - Christmas Eve

5.00pm Children and Young Families’ Mass

(outdoors on the school grassed area Bring a picnic blanket).

7.00pm Family Mass

(outdoors on the school grassed area Bring a picnic blanket).

9.30pm LIFE TEEN Youth Mass 12.00 midnight Traditional Midnight Mass

(preceded by carols from 11.30pm)

Wednesday, 25 December - Christmas Day

7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am NO EVENING MASS

Reconciliation

Monday 23 December - 9.45 to 10.15am

Tuesday 24 December - 9.45 to 10.15am

Have you considered leaving a gift to the parish in your will? If you would like further information please phone 9634 2622 for a confidential discussion.

MASS ON BOXING DAY, THURSDAY, 26TH DECEMBER WILL BE AT 8.00AM ONLY

St Bernadette’s Parish Community

Parish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154

Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: admin@stbernadette.org.au

Web page: http://www.stbernadette.org.au

Parish Staff Mass Times for this Week Fr John Boyle, Parish Priest Sunday Sat 6.00pm Fr Eugene Szondi, Assistant Priest Sun 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am & Fr John Watkins, Assistant Priest 6pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth Mass Sr Judy McLeod, rsm, Pastoral Associate Weekdays Mon 6.45am Sr Rosie Drum, mgl, Pastoral Associate (Youth) Tue 6.45am & Christmas Vigil Masses Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator Wed Christmas Day Masses Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager Thurs 8.00am

Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu) Fri 6.45am, 9.15am Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance Sat 8.00am

Reconciliation Sat 8.30am - 9.00am, 4.30pm - 5.30pm Mass on Public Holidays at 8.00am

Baptisms and Marriages: By appointment only. Contact the Parish House. Please note the Church law: Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. [Can. 867 §1]

St Bernadette’s Parish School: Mrs Leanne Nettleton (Principal) 9634 2898

Parish Council : Peter Grace (Chairman) 9659 5350; Julie Ferry (Secretary) 9629 6808

Please pray for Marie Hyland and Pablo Constante who have died recently and for the anniversary of Jose S Relunia.

Prayers for the Sick: Denise Waudby, Robert Ison, Elaine Rowe, Michael Lopez, Alison Watkins, Ulrich Pragst, Robert Teoh, Joe Finucane, Bashir Merhi.

ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 28 & 29 December, 2013

ACOLYTES/ SERVERS LECTORS MINISTERS OF COMMUNION

VIGIL Special Roster

Martin Collins Katrina Obeid John Obeid

Williams Family, Annarita Mezger, Maureen & Ray Scully, Sabrina Lobo, Connie Tierney, Helen Wintle,

Rebecca/David Cushway, Joe Zammit

7.30AM Special Roster

Anne Parker Mary Ward

Matthew Troy

Rose & Peter Huby, Gerard & Geraldine Kearney, Sarah Markowskei, Joyan Fife

9.00AM Special Roster

David Green Greg Piggott

Shane Robinson

David/Bettina Green, Sally Healey, Healey Family, John & Lois Donnelly, Aida Pereira, Lena Madry,

Brian & Katrina Fitzalan

10.30AM Special Roster

Bill Gleeson Elizabeth Fogolin

Michael Puckeridge

Rosemary Roco, Coney Lau, Roslyn Knezevic, Sandra Merhi, Joanna Frketic, Dawn Wickramasinghe,

Hilary Fong, Susana Lorenzo, Ranmalee De Silva

6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 29 December

Adult Server Cassie Holden

Ministers of Communion

Musos

Lectors Brad Vergano Veronica Ward

Lesley Musgrave

Altar Servers Special Roster

Projectionists Josh Becker

Welcomers

Gift Preparation Maree Calabria, Georgia Fitzalan

Ryan Askey

Ushers Paul Musgrave

Glen Ferry

Josh Chaney Ben Mules

Darren Edwards Alex Aguilera

Colm Farrell Matt Ashton Johan Nelis

Jen Tripolone Sandra Nelis

Bass Chris Dogulin

Piano Anthony Healey

Guitar Martin Abeleda

Drums

Horns Jordan Tulinsky

Daniel Heidegger

Singers Alice Bradshaw Cassie Knezevic Jacqui Holden Adam Chioatto Jamie Irawan

Nicholas Holden

Lauren Fernandez

CHILDREN’S LITURGY

Vicki Ford & Jana Fizely (25 Dec) Anne Hishion & Louise Oxford

FLOWER ROSTER Lorraine O’Mara (24 Dec)

Olivia Cheng (29 Dec)

CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING Margaret Griffin, Faye Goldsworthy Maree Greenwell, Joan McCallich

COUNTING (1st Collection) Siew Elsdon

Remy De Leon

COUNTING (2nd Collection) Bill Lee, Greg Piggott, Christopher Crowe,

Eddy Pagnucco

BOOKSHOP No Bookshop this Week