2014-07-06 - 14th Ordinary A

Sunday 6th July, 2014 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Bridgeside Bulletin The weekly bulletin of the

Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church

33 Lake Street, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church Cnr Kent & Peel Streets, Tuncurry

Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts

Parish Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest) Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate) Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration Associate) Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is staffed on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin should be received by midday on Thursday.

33 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 67, Forster NSW 2428

P: (02) 6554 6304 F: (02) 6554 6425 E: [email protected] W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Fr Andrew can be emailed directly using the address: [email protected].

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

Ms Brooke Schumann (Acting Principal)

41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428

P: (02) 6554 6504 F: (02) 6554 8895 E: [email protected] W: www.forster.catholic.edu.au

The Parish is also served by

St Clare’s High School, Taree (7-12)

Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)

Davis Street, Taree NSW 2430

P: (02) 6552 3300 F: (02) 6552 3656 E: [email protected] W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au

Celebrating the Sacraments Reconciliation is available on Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8:30am until the beginning of the 9am Mass, on Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:45pm until 5:15pm, or other times by contacting Fr Andrew.

Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any of our Sunday Masses or after the 9am Mass. The next Baptismal Preparation meeting will take place in the Parish Hall’s meeting rooms on Monday 14th July commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website.

Weddings are celebrated by arrangement and with at least three (and preferably more) months notice. Please contact Fr Andrew for more details, or visit the Parish website.

A Sacramental Preparation process runs each year in the Parish for children wishing to complete the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation as part of the Parish community. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website.

The Parish hosts the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process for those adults wishing to be baptised or be received into the communion of the Catholic Church. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website.

The Parish can also be found online:

Search for us on Facebook as ‘Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry’

Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic

2

The Parish Diary…(for the week ahead) Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reminder that Fr Andrew is attending an intensive course this week and is ‘away’.

Today—6th July 5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction @ Tuncurry

Monday—7th July

Tuesday—8th July 9am Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 12pm Soup Luncheon @ Parish Hall 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Evening Prayer @ Tuncurry 5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)

Wednesday—9th July 9am Morning Prayer @ Forster 9:30am menALIVE morning group @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @

Forster 5:30pm Parish Finance Committee meeting @

Forster

Thursday—10th July 9am Morning Prayer @ Forster

Friday—11th July Memorial of St Benedict 9:30am Morning Prayer @ Forster 6pm Mass @ Forster

Saturday—12th July 8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry

Sunday—13th July 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster

Regular Activities in the Parish Secular Franciscan Fraternity The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on Wednesday 6th August, coming together for Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the meeting 10am to 12pm.

The menALIVE Groups Our Parish currently hosts two menALIVE groups. The morning group will next meet on Wednesday 9th July after the 9am Mass, while the evening group will next meet on Thursday 31st July at 7:30pm.

Maintenance & Gardening Group The Parish is lucky to be served by a very dedicated band of volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds and gardens of our two church sites. They do a fabulous job, and are always ready to welcome new members to the group. The next date is Thursday 17th July starting at Tuncurry at 8am and then on to Forster. Contact Howard 6557 6826 for more information.

Singing Practice The Singing Group are taking a well earned break and will resume practices on Tuesday 22nd July at 5:30pm at Holy Name Church, Tuncurry. All welcome.

Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase On the first Sunday of each month we undertake a collection in order to support Homebase. The next collection will next take place on Sunday 6th July.

Holy Hour The Parish community observes a Holy Hour each Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from 3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm.

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help The Novena is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster church commencing at 11:15am and is followed by a cuppa in the Parish Hall. Contact Shioney (6554 9468) for more information.

Evening Prayer & Benediction The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It will next be celebrated on Sunday 6th July. All welcome.

Vocation View We are to live a life in the Spirit, putting to death the works of the flesh. Ask God to help you always live as a child of the Light (Romans 8:13). For more information regarding Vocations contact Fr Brian Mascord on 4979 1112 or by email to [email protected].

**Please Pick Up Your ** Planned Giving Envelopes

Planned Giving envelopes are now available to be picked up from the rear of the Church. Please take a minute to locate yours this weekend.

3

From the Pastor’s Desk I don’t know about you, but every now and again I have what I like to describe as a “Hmmmm” moment. I’m sure you probably know what I mean: it’s that moment when you see or hear something that makes you stop in your tracks and go “Hmmmm”. They are, quite simply, those moments in life that make you stop and think.

I like to think of these moments as moments of particular grace, where God puts something before you in order to deliberately make you think and reflect.

These moments can take many forms: a beautiful sunset, news of illness, the sound of wisdom from the mouth of a child. But each of these moments is definitely an opportunity to stop and wonder at the presence of God in our world.

If we let them…

In a world that seems to be increasingly filled with more demands on our time and attention, constantly rushing from one place and one thing to another, there is a risk that these “Hmmmm” moments can be missed, or indeed lost, in the cut and thrust of the day to day. And to miss these graced moments because we are too caught up in the busyness of life would be a tragedy indeed.

I’m not saying that we can avoid the legitimate demands that various people and commitments place on our time and attention—that would be both wrong and silly—yet even in the midst of busyness we can be aware of “Hmmmm” moments, those precious glimpses that God gives to us, and pay them the kind of attention that they so richly deserve. All it takes is the preparedness to be aware and to respond…

Catholic Mission Appeal Thank you for your generous response to the Catholic Mission Appeal last weekend, and for the welcome extended to James Odoh during his visit.

If you took an envelope home last weekend and haven’t yet returned it could I please encourage you to do so by next weekend at the latest so that the Parish appeal can be finalised.

Thank you again for your generosity.

Until next week... Fr Andrew

International Lunch Our International Lunch will be held on Saturday 2nd August. Last year’s event was a great success and we hope to see more of the same support this year. We encourage all those interested in providing a culinary delight to be involved. A poster is provided at the back of the Church to indicate your interest and country of choice. You may like to consider getting together in groups to provide a range of tastes from the same country.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday The first Sunday in July each year is set aside by the Australian Bishops as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday. To mark this day, perhaps it is timely to remember these words from Pope Benedict XVI from World Youth Day 2008:

For thousands of years before the arrival of Western settlers [in Australia], the sole inhabitants of the land were indigenous peoples, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Their ancient heritage forms an essential part of the cultural landscape of modern Australia. Thanks to the Australian Government’s courageous decision to acknowledge the injustices committed against the indigenous peoples in the past, concrete steps are now being taken to achieve reconciliation based on mutual respect. Rightly, you are seeking to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians regarding life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity! This example of reconciliation offers hope to peoples all over the world who long to see their rights affirmed and their contribution to society acknowledged and promoted.

Have we lived up these words of the Holy Father in the six years since?

Friendship Group (Seniors) Due to lack of numbers we had to cancel our bus trip however we have decided to meet for breakfast at the Dorsal from 8:30am on next Tuesday the 8th of July. All welcome. A call to Lorraine on 6554 7056 would be appreciated.

I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth

4

Parish Social Functions for 2014 The dates for the remaining Parish Social Functions for 2014 are:-

BLESSING OF THE FLEET/PARISH BBQ will be held this year on Sunday 5th October.

Please claim these dates in your diary now and watch for further details as they are released closer to each event.

Soup Luncheons are Back The next Parish Soup lunch will be on Tuesday 8th July at 12pm. Please add your name to the list at the back of the church if you are attending. If you are minding grandchildren during the school holidays then please bring them along.

Anyone able to make soup for the next luncheon please phone Angela Hope on 6555 5825.

Kids Corner

5

Communion from the Chalice when Sick As we approach the colder months and occurrences of colds and flu, a reminder to everyone to consider the wellbeing of your fellow parishioners.

If you are not feeling well, we would respectfully ask you to please refrain from receiving Communion from the Chalice during Mass.

Seasons for Growth The Seasons for Growth educational program uses the seasons as a metaphor for change, loss and grief in our lives.

The three hour “Understanding change, loss and grief” seminar for adults will provide you with the opportunity to examine the meaning of grief, review the range of changes and losses experienced in life and reflect on the relationship between change, loss and grief.

The seminar will take place on Thursday 7th August from 10am to 1pm in the Forster Parish Hall. The cost is $15 and will cover your workbook and morning tea (concessions are available). Please RSVP by 31st July to Zoe or Jenny by phone on 4979 1355 or by email to [email protected].

If after the Seminar you would like to explore further “The Seasons of Grief” a further educational program will be offered in the Parish on Thursdays 28th August, 4th, 11th, and 18th September. Each session will run from 10am to 12:30pm. The cost for CSO and Parish Participants is $30 and for general participants $50 (concessions available). Please RSVP by 21st August to Zoe or Jenny by phone on 4979 1355 or by email to [email protected].

St Mary MacKillop’s Feastday “As the Sisters of St Joseph expanded throughout Australia and beyond, Mary’s endurance, coupled with her compassion and leadership, touched many people’s lives leaving a legacy that endures today…”

Share in celebrating St Mary MacKillop’s Feastday on 8th August, 2014. We invite you to share your celebration and/or any other events on the St Joseph

website (www.sosj.org.au) and the Facebook page

(www.facebook.com/pages/Sisters-of-St-Joseph-of-the-Sacred-Heart) which reach thousands of people. Send

your email with details to [email protected].

Parish Grief Support Group An initial meeting of the Parish Grief Support Group took place last Saturday (28th June) and was facilitated by Deacon Martin Johnson, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Newcastle. The next meeting is planned for 26th July, again facilitated by Deacon Martin, to continue the journey of establishing this group in the life of the Parish.

The Parish Grief Support Group will meet on a regular basis to support members through prayer, sharing, listening, understanding and being there for one another. Sharing with other people can help reduce the sense of isolation and aloneness that comes with grief and can be of great benefit to anyone dealing with their grief.

An invitation to be part of the Parish Grief Support Groups is extended to men and women of the Parish who have lost a spouse through death, divorce or dementia (or any other situation).

If you would simply like more information, please speak directly with Fr Andrew either in person or via his mobile (0412 405 671).

Pints With A Purpose “Pints with a Purpose” is a popular initiative of the Diocesan Council for Ministry with Young People that sees guest speakers discuss issues around faith in an informal setting at The Kent Hotel, Hamilton.

You can now listen to recordings of the last three most recent talks by visiting the “Pints with a Purpose” page on the Diocesan website (please visit www.mn.catholic.org.au/pints) where you will also find other links and further information.

Parish Intercessory Prayer Group The Forster Tuncurry Catholic Parish Intercessory Prayer Group, together with any other interested people, will be getting together for morning tea in the Parish meeting room after the 9:00am Mass on Saturday 19 July. This will be a very informal gathering. Anybody who is interested in this excellent worthwhile group is welcome to find out more. House bound people are especially welcome to join us as there are no meetings, we simply pray in our own homes at our own times. This is the only meeting of this group for this year. If you require transport, please contact Bob Cashman on 6555 5914.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal Next weekend the St Vincent De Paul Society will be conducting their Winter Appeal. Please give generously so that the local Conference can assist the poor in our towns over the cold winter months.

6

Come to me, all who labour

and are burdened, and I will

refresh you, says the Lord.

Other Ecclesial Challenges—Part 1 Lay people are, put simply, the vast majority of the people of God. The minority – ordained ministers – are at their service. There has been a growing awareness of the identity and mission of the laity in the Church. We can count on many lay persons, although still not nearly enough, who have a deeply-rooted sense of community and great fidelity to the tasks of charity, catechesis and the celebration of the faith. At the same time, a clear awareness of this responsibility of the laity, grounded in their baptism and confirmation, does not appear in the same way in all places. In some cases, it is because lay persons have not been given the formation needed to take on important responsibilities. In others, it is because in their particular Churches room has not been made for them to speak and to act, due to an excessive clericalism which keeps them away from decision-making. Even if many are now involved in the lay ministries, this involvement is not reflected in a greater penetration of Christian values in the social, political and economic sectors. It often remains tied to tasks within the Church, without a real commitment to applying the Gospel to the transformation of society. The formation of the laity and the evangelization of professional and intellectual life represent a significant pastoral challenge.

The Church acknowledges the indispensable contribution which women make to society through the sensitivity, intuition and other distinctive skill sets which they, more than men, tend to possess. I think, for example, of the special concern which women show to others, which finds a particular, even if not exclusive, expression in motherhood. I readily acknowledge that many women share pastoral responsibilities with priests, helping to guide people, families and groups and offering new contributions to theological reflection. But we need to create still broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the Church. Because “the feminine genius is needed in all expressions in the life of society, the presence of women must also be guaranteed in the workplace” and in the various other settings where important decisions are made, both in the Church and in social structures.

Demands that the legitimate rights of women be respected, based on the firm conviction that men and women are equal in dignity, present the Church with profound and challenging questions which cannot be lightly evaded. The reservation of the priesthood to males, as a sign of Christ the Spouse who gives himself in the Eucharist, is not a question open to discussion, but it can prove especially divisive if sacramental

power is too closely identified with power in general. It must be remembered that when we speak of sacramental power “we are in the realm of function, not that of dignity or holiness”. The ministerial priesthood is one means employed by Jesus for the service of his people, yet our great dignity derives from baptism, which is accessible to all. The configuration of the priest to Christ the head – namely, as the principal source of grace – does not imply an exaltation which would set him above others. In the Church, functions “do not favour the superiority of some vis-à-vis the others”. Indeed, a woman, Mary, is more important than the bishops. Even when the function of ministerial priesthood is considered “hierarchical”, it must be remembered that “it is totally ordered to the holiness of Christ’s members”. Its key and axis is not power understood as domination, but the power to administer the sacrament of the Eucharist; this is the origin of its authority, which is always a service to God’s people. This presents a great challenge for pastors and theologians, who are in a position to recognize more fully what this entails with regard to the possible role of women in decision-making in different areas of the Church’s life.

Youth ministry, as traditionally organized, has also suffered the impact of social changes. Young people often fail to find responses to their concerns, needs, problems and hurts in the usual structures. As adults, we find it hard to listen patiently to them, to appreciate their concerns and demands, and to speak to them in a language they can understand. For the same reason, our efforts in the field of education do not produce the results expected. The rise and growth of associations and movements mostly made up of young people can be seen as the work of the Holy Spirit, who blazes new trails to meet their expectations and their search for a deep spirituality and a more real sense of belonging. There remains a need, however, to ensure that these associations actively participate in the Church’s overall pastoral efforts.

Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 102-105.

If you would like to read more of Evangelii Gaudium, copies are available for purchase ($10) or borrowing from the Parish Office. The Exhortation is also available for downloading from the Vatican website.

7

Opportunities Outside The Parish

Blessing of Newcastle Port The Port of Newcastle Blessing and Sea Sunday Service will be held on Sunday 13th July at 6pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Church St, Newcastle. The service is supported by the Mission to Seafarers and Apostolatus Maris. Please RSVP by email to chaplain@ mstnewcastle.org.au by 6th July

TWEC Christian Formation Course The Tenison Woods Education Centre will offer their Christian Formation Course beginning on Thursday 17th July beginning at 6:30pm at St Laurence O’Toole Centre, Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow. The program runs for ten-week terms, one night a week from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. For more information please contact the Secretary by phone on 4930 9601 or by email to [email protected].

2014 Morpeth Lecture: “Two-Face, Two Ways” The 2014 Morpeth Lecture will be held on Wednesday 23rd July beginning at 5:45pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcommen Street, Newcastle. In the Lecture, Bishop Greg Thompson will reflect on his experiences in the Northern Territory as he explores the concepts of ‘closing the gap’ and reconciliation for First Australians. For more information about the Morpeth Lecture phone 4921 7454 or email [email protected]

17th Annual Special Needs Mass The 17th Annual Special Needs Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday 29th July at St Patrick’s Church, Lochinvar beginning at 7pm. All are welcome to come along and help celebrate this wonderful, moving occasion.”

Bonhoeffer Conference 2014 The 2014 Bonhoeffer Conference—”Used and Abused: Bonhoeffer for All Causes”—will be held on Thursday 31st July at St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre, Kincumber. For more information contact Wendy Grant on 4921 5880 or Bonhoeffer-conference@ newcastle.edu.au.

TWEC Exploring “The Joy of the Gospel” The Tenison Woods Education Centre is holding a day on exploring “The Joy of the Gospel” Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter on Saturday 2nd August at Lochinvar. Join Virginia Bourke rsj and a panel of local speakers as they invite your response to Pope Francis’ letter. RSVP to TWEC by July 29, 2014.

Proclaim Conference 2014 The 2014 Proclaim Conference on the New Evangelisation will be held from Thursday 21st August at The Concourse, Chatswood. The theme of the Conference is “Living the Joy of the Gospel in Parishes”

Catholic Newspapers Available Both The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and The Catholic Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at a cost of $2 each from our churches.

drawing on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. For more information, please visit www.proclaimconference.com.au.

Broken Bay Bible Conference 2014 The 2014 Broken Bay Bible Conference will be held on Friday 12th September at Caroline Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills. Join us for a remarkable two days of uncovering fresh insights into John’s Gospel with prominent Australian Johannine scholars Fr Frank Moloney sdb and Dr Mary Coloe ibvm, with the participation of Bishop David Walker. For further enquiries, please call 9847 0448 or email [email protected].

2014 National Pilgrimage In the Footsteps of Saint Mary pilgrimage commences in Melbourne on 22nd October and ends in Sydney. The cost per person, twin share is $2,740 (ex Sydney). Contact Therese Leydon rsj by phone to 8912 4818, or by email to [email protected].

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Marriage Encounter Weekend is a Marriage Enrichment experience for married couples – set in peaceful, picturesque surroundings, away from the distractions of everyday life. During the weekend, couples have a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh their relationship. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset, your Marriage! Weekend dates: 12 – 14 September & 7 – 9 November at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. Bookings can be made to Ardell & Bill Sharpe on 02 4283 3435 or email [email protected].

Council for Australian Catholic Women Survey The Council for Australian Catholic Women provides advise to the Bishop’s Commission for Church Ministry about women and their participation in the Catholic Church in Australia. In preparation for a meeting of the National Body a questionnaire is being circulated concerning the participation of women in decision making, leadership and ministry in the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle and the Church more broadly.

Anyone interested in completing a questionnaire can obtain a copy from the Parish Office.

8

Ministers this Weekend... ...of the Word ...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry A: Monica Hunt B: Lou Hope

Burness Goodlet, Frank Hayman, Jeanette Goodacre, Lou Hope, Pat Hooker.

7am Tuncurry A: Cecile Malone B: Mary Greig

Alex Matuszny, Edna Tucker, Graham Griffiths, Mark Mowbray, Norm Chapman.

9am Forster A: Trevor Turner B: Lauranne Byrne

Barbara Dolahenty, Elle Cairns-Cowan, Josi Beech, Sharon Fowle, Shioney Neal

Ministers next Weekend... ...of the Word ...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry A: Valarie Ross B: Monica Hunt

Kathryn McCabe, Maureen Pye, Michael Amato, Neil Pye, Ruth Pearson.

7am Tuncurry A: Patricia Cornish B: Lorraine Clark

Cecile Malone, Kay Griffiths, Maria Armitage, Norm Chapman, Tony Knight.

9am Forster A: Judith Shand B: Kris Koch

Barbara Kermode, Genevieve Williamson, Robert Moran, Robyn Ryan, Trevor Turner.

Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as originally published, and doesn’t take account of any ‘swaps’ that may have been organised between individuals.

Scripture Readings This Week

Today Zechariah 9:9-10 Romans 8:9, 11-13 Matthew 11:25-30 Monday Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22 Matthew 9:18-26 Tuesday Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:32-38 Wednesday Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 Matthew 10:1-7 Thursday Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9 Matthew 10:7-15 Friday Hosea 14:2-10 Matthew 10:16-23 Saturday Isaiah 6:1-8 Matthew 10:24-33 Sunday Isaiah 55:10-11 Romans 8:18-23 Matthew 13:1-23

Today’s Liturgy of the Word

Responsorial Psalm Response: I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God..

Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia!

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased. Craig Huth.

Those whose anniversaries occur about now. Greg Payne, Florence Abberton, Fr. Tony Stace, Patrick Hardiman, Marie Kennedy, Patric Piccione.

All those in our community who are sick.

Text: Excerpts from the English Translation of the Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL); Music: From the Mass of St Francis © 2010, Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Australian Agent—Word of Life International Licence no 195E.