The Massabielle - St. Bernadette · The Massabielle The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s...
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The Massabielle The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW October 26 & 27 - THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year C Issue Number 539 NOVEMBER: THE MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS T he bushfires that have devastated parts of New South Wales in recent days, and more particularly parts of our diocese, shows us in a most dramatic fashion that disasters are part of our world. The loss of people’s homes causes us grief even when we are not involved. We feel deeply for them. Last week we witnessed the tragic loss of life, this time through a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines. That natural disaster saw the loss of some of the most historic Catholic churches in the country. Cebu’s Basilica del Santo Nino, the Philippines’ oldest church, lies in ruins and the people are terrified by the on-going aftershocks. Our own disaster, the failure of the church ceiling, small, even miniscule by comparison, is still part of life. Throughout history people have feared such natural disasters. But not all disasters are natural. Civilised and settled peoples have had to deal with marauding tribes looking for booty. In that story death, rape and pillaging were the expected outcomes. Syria and other parts of the Middle East are in turmoil now as the power struggle continues. It was while Augustine was Bishop of Hippo that the Vandals laid siege to the walled episcopal city of Hippo in 430. This was the end of an era, the beginning of the end for the Roman Empire. On 28 August 430, three months into the siege, St Augustine, who was 75 by this time, died. Rome could do nothing to give protection to this important outpost of its vast empire. The Vandals destroyed the city of Hippo leaving only the cathedral and Augustine’s library. Even though he lived a long time ago, many of his sermons and writings still survive. We know much about him because he wrote his Confessions in 397. His story is the most complete record of any single person from the 4th and 5th centuries. Saint Augustine was born in Thagaste, now Souk Ahras, Algeria. His mother, Monica was a devout Christian while his father, Patricius was a non-Catholic who converted to Christianity on his deathbed. He gained an insight into sin when he and his friends stole pears from a neighbour’s orchard. They didn’t really want this fruit or need it, yet under peer-pressure Augustine joined in this anti-social and illegal behaviour. Augustine was not yet baptised but, as a catechumen, was considered a Catholic. He left the Church to follow the Manichaean religion. He got in with the ‘wrong crowd’. They were young men who drank and boasted of their exploits with women. He lived de facto with a woman and, together they had a son called Adeodatus meaning ‘a gift from God’. Their sexual relationship lasted for thirteen years. When he moved to Milan, Augustine came under the influence of the local bishop, Ambrose. Both Augustine and his son, Adeodatus were baptised during the Easter Vigil in Milan cathedral in 387. In 391 Augustine was ordained a priest in Algeria and, in 395, was made coadjutor Bishop of Hippo, becoming the bishop of the diocese shortly after. He remained in Hippo until his death. Augustine came from a mixed marriage. He was weak and gave into peer-pressure from his friends in the area of sexual activity. He lusted after women. He left the Church. He had a son out of wedlock. He broke up with his de facto. He later became a priest. What a story! “Give me chastity”, he prayed, “but don’t give it to me yet”. St Augustine has much to teach us. His teaching on praying for the dead is of interest to us as we enter November, the month of the Holy Souls. St Augustine admonished his congregation one Sunday because, on the previous Sunday afternoon, many of them had taken a picnic Saint Augustine 354-430
Transcript of The Massabielle - St. Bernadette · The Massabielle The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s...
The Massabielle The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s
Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW
October 26 & 27 - THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year C Issue Number 539
NOVEMBER: THE MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
T he bushfires that have devastated parts of New South Wales in recent days, and more particularly parts of our diocese, shows us in a most dramatic fashion that
disasters are part of our world. The loss of people’s homes causes us grief even when we are not involved. We feel deeply for them. Last week we witnessed the tragic loss of life, this time through a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines. That natural disaster saw the loss of some of the most historic Catholic churches in the country. Cebu’s Basilica del Santo Nino, the Philippines’ oldest church, lies in ruins and the people are terrified by the on-going aftershocks. Our own disaster, the failure of the church ceiling, small, even miniscule by comparison, is still part of life. Throughout history people have feared such natural disasters. But not all disasters are natural. Civilised and settled peoples have had to deal with marauding tribes looking for booty. In that story death, rape and pillaging were the expected outcomes. Syria and other parts of the Middle East are in turmoil now as the power struggle continues. It was while Augustine was Bishop of Hippo that the Vandals laid siege to the walled episcopal city of Hippo in 430. This was the end of an era, the beginning of the end for the Roman Empire. On 28 August 430, three months into the siege, St Augustine, who was 75 by this time, died. Rome could do nothing to give protection to this important outpost of its vast empire. The Vandals destroyed the city of Hippo leaving only the cathedral and Augustine’s library. Even though he lived a long time ago, many of his sermons and writings still survive. We know much about him because he wrote his Confessions in 397. His story is the most complete record of any single person from the 4th and 5th centuries. Saint Augustine was born in Thagaste, now Souk Ahras, Algeria. His mother, Monica was a
devout Christian while his father, Patricius was a non-Catholic who converted to Christianity on his deathbed. He gained an insight into sin when he and his friends stole pears from a neighbour’s orchard. They didn’t really want this fruit or need it, yet under peer-pressure Augustine joined in this anti-social and illegal behaviour. Augustine was not yet baptised but, as a catechumen, was considered a Catholic. He left the Church to follow the Manichaean religion. He got in with the ‘wrong crowd’. They were
young men who drank and boasted of their exploits with women. He lived de facto with a woman and, together they had a son called Adeodatus meaning ‘a gift from God’. Their sexual relationship lasted for thirteen years. When he moved to Milan, Augustine came under the influence of the local bishop, Ambrose. Both Augustine and his son, Adeodatus were baptised during the Easter Vigil in Milan cathedral in 387. In 391 Augustine was ordained a priest in Algeria and, in 395, was
made coadjutor Bishop of Hippo, becoming the bishop of the diocese shortly after. He remained in Hippo until his death. Augustine came from a mixed marriage. He was weak and gave into peer-pressure from his friends in the area of sexual activity. He lusted after women. He left the Church. He had a son out of wedlock. He broke up with his de facto. He later became a priest. What a story! “Give me chastity”, he prayed, “but don’t give it to me yet”. St Augustine has much to teach us. His teaching on praying for the dead is of interest to us as we enter November, the month of the Holy Souls. St Augustine admonished his congregation one Sunday because, on the previous Sunday afternoon, many of them had taken a picnic
Saint Augustine 354-430
Today’s Readings
First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14,16-19. Working for justice will fail unless we also pray for justice.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18. No one is truly alone if they know that the Lord is standing by them.
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14. Nearness to God is measured by our pride or our humility, not by distance, but the Lord is always nearer to us than we are to him.
Next week: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C Wisdom 11:22-12:2; 2 Thess 1:11-2:2; Luke 19:1-10
Feast Days this Week Monday 28 October - Sts Simon and Jude
Friday 1 November - All Saints’ Day Saturday 2 November - All Souls’ Day
REPARATION PRAYER GROUP meets Tuesdays in the Parish Office Basement from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Rosary and a cuppa. All welcome. Anyone needing transport phone 0422 365 115.
HOLY HOUR this Thursday from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Rosary, prayers, hymns and scripture reading. All welcome.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION this Friday following 6.45am Mass until 9.15 and following 9.15 Mass until 11.45am.
FIRST FRIDAY MASS WITH ANOINTING OF THE SICK will take place this Friday, 1st November at 12 noon followed by a light lunch in tha Marian Centre. All welcome. If you can help with transport or by providing sandwiches it would be greatly appreciated. Contact Marion Heron on 9659 9385.
CASTLE HILL CEMETERY MASS: An All Souls’ Day Mass will be celebrated at Castle Hill Cemetery this Saturday, 2nd November at 10.00am. There is plenty of parking in the grounds.
LITURGY CORNER
The purpose of the parable for the 30th Sunday in
Ordinary Time (Luke 18:9-14) is to shake the
complacency of those who think that all they have to
do is follow the rules to the letter of the law and that
this is enough to guarantee them salvation,
regardless of their attitudes towards others or the
way in which they speak and act. There is a
timelessness to this parable. It is as true today as it
was in the time of Jesus. As in common with a
theme of Luke’s Gospel, it is the poor or the outcast
who is on the right track and who will be exalted -
not those who exalt themselves. The Summit
lunch to the local cemetery. Eating and relaxing among the graves of their relatives was not the problem. Their sin was to overindulge in alcohol, eat too much food and carouse without restraint. They had forgotten what they were meant to be there for: genuine prayer for the dead. St Augustine was no wowser; he knew about the pleasures of the flesh in his past and he wasn’t against drinking, but now as bishop he taught moderation and restraint. The admonition tells us something about how fourth-century Christians in North Africa understood death. Firstly, they liked to visit the graves, somehow sensing that life had been transformed, not ended. Secondly, they felt at home amongst the dead; it was a good place to relax and share a picnic. Thirdly, their faith led them to pray for their dead, suggesting that there was still a connection between this world and the next. What lies behind these human and divine motives is the Incarnation. It is because God became man, the Word was made flesh, that St Augustine’s parishioners felt comfortable relaxing amongst the dead. The Incarnation establishes a deep connection with God through baptism. Our sins are washed away and we are gifted with the divine life dwelling within our souls. The way we relate to each other is based on God’s love for us and our love for God and neighbour. Thus, the dead and the living are of equal value in the sight of God. Therefore we remember the dead, celebrate their passing from death to light, and keep their memory alive in our hearts and in our prayer. The importance of St Augustine’s admonition to his parishioners in the late 300s is not that this bishop was doing what bishops usually do. Its importance lies in the fact that we have documentary evidence from that time that Catholics in North Africa were doing what Catholics around the world do today, that is, pray for the dead. This is our sacred heritage. It is our Catholic tradition. Throughout November the priests will pray for the dead whose names are inscribed in the Book of Life. This book will be on display in the crypt. You, too, are invited to leaf through the book and remember in prayer the names of deceased relatives, friends, parishioners and people for whom Masses will be offered. To have Masses said for the deceased, please take an envelope. Envelopes are found at the entrances to the crypt. Write the names of the deceased on the envelope and place the envelope on the collection plate, or give it to the priest, or put it into the parish office. From there the names will be typed up and eventually placed in the Book of Life. Please write legibly.
Father John
ST VINCENT de PAUL BUSHFIRE APPEAL
The Society has been heavily involved in helping victims of the bushfires and the best support from the parish would be cash donations to the central appeal. Details are on the website: www.vinnies.org.au/nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw or phone 131812.
Life Night tonight – “Death” Ever wondered what the world would be like if a certain someone hadn’t
eaten forbidden fruit? But she did! And so did he! Hear more about the entry of sin into our beautiful world,
while exploring the very cool teachings of Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. If you’ve never been to
Life Nights, then now’s the time to start! 7-8.30pm
Sunday night, for Yrs 9-12. $2 donation for a yummy meal.
Into Life (Yrs 6-8): “Eternity” In November we pray
for those who have gone before us into eternity. How ready are you?? Come join us in the tuckshop area from
7pm-8.30pm where we can explore what eternity really
entails. $2 for chips and cordial.
Young Adults: Looking for a way of getting to know other young
Catholics in a laidback setting, while exploring your faith? St Bernadette's Young Adult Group next meet 5th
November. For details: [email protected].
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 (bring your own horse), Paterson
Who: 16-35 year olds Check for the little flyer things in the crypt! Or visit
www.summerschool.org.au.
More information? Contact Sr Rosie on 0420594277,
email [email protected]. or visit us at
www.lifeteencastlehill.com.au.
STEPPING BEYOND: SUPPORT FOR THOSE SEPARATED OR DIVORCED: On the last Tuesday of each month CatholicCare Solo Parent Ministry invites those who have been separated or divorced to an evening for sharing and support. The emphasis is on personal development, growth and future goals. Venue: CCSS centre 51-59 Allawah St, Blacktown. Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm. Cost: $5.00. Registration: 99330205 or [email protected].
OUR LADY OF MERCY COLLEGE PARRAMATTA is now accepting applications for Mercy Scholarships for Academic Excellence and Music Excellence. Girls entering Years 7, 9 or 11 in 2015 are invited to apply. Visit the College website www.olmc.nsw.edu.au for more information.
Youth & Young Adults Ministry
Leading Teens Closer To Christ
NOVEMBER MASSES Parishioners are invited to write the names of deceased relatives and friends on an envelope which is handed to the priest or placed on the collection plate or given in to the parish office. From there the names are typed up and placed in the “Book of Life”. Parishioners are welcome to browse through the Book, placed on a temporary altar, looking at the names, and remembering to say a prayer for those whose names are in the Book. Masses will be offered for these people who have gone before us during the month of November.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMME 2013-2014: Parish families who would like to commence preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist need to make an appointment to meet with Fr John prior to the ‘Presentation to the Parish’ weekend on 24 November. Please contact the Parish Office on 9634 2622 to book a time and use the provided checklist in the back of your Information Booklets. If you have any questions, contact Alice at the Parish Office (Mon/Tue) or via email: [email protected] .
ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL OPEN DAY next
Sunday, 3rd November.
* Solemn Sung Mass at 11am. * Following Mass, Q and A in the Cathedral Hall. * Tours of the Cathedral and organ recitals. * Free sausage sizzle followed by Devonshire teas. * Cloister expo with Church ministries, including CEO Parramatta, CatholicCare Social Services, St Vincent de Paul Society and Institute for Mission. * Concludes 3pm with Solemn Sung Afternoon Prayer. For more information contact the Cathedral Office on
8839 8400 or visit www.stpatscathedral.com.au.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION - 17 November: You are invited to a Christian Meditation Renewal &
Introduction Day at St Benedict's Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia. Arrive 10.00 for 10.30am. Program includes Introduction to Christian Meditation, two periods of meditation, Eucharistic Celebration and information exchange. Concludes about 3pm. BYO picnic lunch. Tea & coffee provided. Phone 9653 1159.
ST PHILOMENA ASSOCIATION MASS on Saturday 9th November at St John Vianney Church, 17 Cameron Street, Doonside starting at 12 noon with Confession from 11.30am.
FREE RETIREMENT SEMINAR: Have you started thinking about retirement? Catholic Super is hosting a FREE seminar this Wednesday 30th October: Parramatta RSL, Hunter Room, cnr Macquarie & O’Connell Sts, Parramatta; Time: 6.45pm for 7pm start. Register: 1300 730 327 or www.csf.com.au.
Leading Teens Closer To Christ
A LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY
What: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Where: The Marian Centre When: 30th October and then on the following Wednesdays from 7.30 - 9pm. For Whom: Anyone who is considering what it means to be a Catholic Christian and may want to join the Catholic faith community. Interested: Please contact Sr Judy - Parish Office, 9634 2622
St Bernadette’s Parish Community
Parish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154
Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: [email protected]
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 Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator Wed 6.45am, 9.15am Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager Thurs 6.45am, 9.15am
Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu) First Fri 6.45am, 9.15am, 12 noon Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance Sat 8.00am, 10.00am Cemetery Mass
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 Brian Buttenshaw and Cristina Gonzales -Sucgang who have died recently and for the anniversaries of Isabel Brito and Anthony Xavier Dalpadado and in remembrance of Carlo Leuzzi.
Prayers for the Sick: Denise Waudby, Robert Ison, Elaine Rowe, Michael Lopez, Alison Watkins, Ulrich Pragst, Jan Roney, Vita Aloschi, Robert Teoh, Joe Finucane, Bashir Merhi and Rita Dwyer.
ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 2 & 3 NOVEMBER, 2013
ACOLYTES/ SERVERS LECTORS MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
VIGIL Philip Myers
S7
Patricia Williams John Geoghegan Kathrin Nathan
Felicity Carvalho, Susan Concon, John Leach, Phyllis Lopez, Laura Burridge, Susan Cejka, Lynne Myers,
Joan Quinn, Mary McMahon
7.30AM Melvyn Myers
S8
Vince Connelly Jo Wickens
Joe Menezes
Barbara Ortlepp, Gladys & Alfred Tsang, Colleen & Eric Woodhead, Jo Wickens
9.00AM Terry O’Mara
S9
Karin Abrams Tim Abrams
Marianne Fidel
Brian & Jenny Blacklock, Neil Bone, Angela Crowe, Brian D’Arcy, Jeff Davis, Jocelyn Donovan, Jack Garcia,
Rosalie Sampath
10.30AM Michael Wilson
S10
Sylvia Rego Gemma/Peter Saccasan
Max Bosotti
Anita Christy, Pauline Camilleri, Dorothy Finucane, Narelle Cartwright, Philip Golamco, Elizabeth Fogolin,
Margaret Hawkes, Winnie & Henry Li
6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 3 NOVEMBER
Adult Server Aleksei Gracias Flor
Ministers of Communion
Musos
Lectors Stef Musgrave
Nicci Heidegger Raquel Lobo
Altar Servers S6
Projectionists Josh Becker
Welcomers Tony Muscat Tina Muscat
Gift Preparation Maree Calabria, Georgia Fitzalan,
Chris North
Ushers Serge Dogulin
Johan Nelis Sandra Nelis
Darren Edwards Martin Collins
Ben Mules
Mitchell Waters Alex Aguilera Colm Farrell Zara Boudib James Madry
Bass Erich Gracias Flor
Piano Alice Bradshaw
Guitar Josh Chaney Michael Smith
Drums Chris Dogulin
Horns Jordan Tulinsky
Daniel Heidegger
Singers Cassie Knezevic
Natalie Jones Jamie Irawan
Nicholas Holden Jacqui Holden Alison Wong Brigit Huxley
Lauren Fernandez
CHILDREN’S LITURGY Anne Hishion Katrina Obeid
FLOWER ROSTER Bernadette Logue
CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING Jeannette Leach, Cathy Teh,
Jenny Donoghoe, Alicia Maunsell
COUNTING (1st Collection) Howard & Marie Woodward
COUNTING (2nd Collection) David Solomon, David & Kaylene Hollis,
Joe Harney, Brian Iles
BOOKSHOP No Bookshop this Week
