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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

Sunday 1st December, 2013 First Sunday of Advent, Year A


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

next Baptismal Preparation meeting will take place in the Parish Halls meeting rooms on Monday 9th December 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. 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. Holy Hour is observed each Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from 3:30pm until the beginning of

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 in writing or by email 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: forstertuncurryparish@gmail.com fr.andrew.doohan@bigpond.com (Fr Andrew)

Find the Parish on Facebook W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)


Mr Mark Mowbray (Principal) 41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6504 F: (02) 6554 8895 E: admin@forster.catholic.edu.au

IN YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:


Those recently deceased. Jim Harkins Those whose anniversaries occur about now. Trish Geary All those in our community who are sick.

Parish Information
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any of our Sunday Masses or after the 9am Mass. The

THE PARISH DIARY(for the week ahead)


First Week of Advent unless noted otherwise. Today1st December 5:30pm Solemn Evening Prayer @ Tuncurry Monday2nd December 9am Morning Prayer @ Forster Tuesday3rd December Memorial of St Francis Xavier 9am Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 10:30am Anointing Mass @ Beaumont Terrace Nursing Home 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry 5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 7pm Singing Practice @ Tuncurry Wednesday4th December Fr Andrew to Raymond Terrace for Deanery meeting 9am Morning Prayer @ Forster 9:30am Secular Franciscans meeting @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @ Forster 4:30pm Pastoral Team meeting @ Forster 5:30pm Social Justice Group Initial Public Meeting @ Forster Thursday5th December 9am Mass @ Forster Friday6th December 9:30am Mass @ Forster 12:30pm Kindergarten Buddies Liturgy @ School Hall Saturday7th December Memorial of St Ambrose 8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15 pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry Sunday8th December 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster

LIKE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT?


Sharon Fowle will host an informal session on how to open a Facebook account today, Sunday 1st December after 9am Mass in the Parish hall. There will an opportunity to ask questions and gain insight on the functions of the application. Please bring your laptop, iPad or other computer device if possible.

THE LITTLE BLUE BOOK FOR ADVENT


As in years past the Parish has purchased a quantity of The Little Blue Book containing six minute reflections on the Sunday Gospels of the Advent and Christmas seasons. If you are looking for a resource to help mark the spiritual and religious significance of these seasons, copies of the book can be purchased from the churches from this weekend at a cost of just $5six weeks of reflections for about the cost of buying a decent cappuccino!

REGULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE PARISH


Secular Franciscan Fraternity The Secular Franciscans will next meet on Wednesday 4th December, coming together for Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the meeting 10am to 12pm. The menALIVE Groups The morning group will next meet on Wednesday 11th December after the 9am Mass, while the evening group will next meet on Thursday 23rd January 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 12th December, starting at Tuncurry at 8am and then on to Forster, followed by a Christmas party and sausage sizzle. Contact Howard 6557 6826 for more information. Singing Practice The Singing Group will gather in the Forster church on Tuesday 3rd December for a 7pm start. All are welcome as we gather to practice and learn new hymns in preparation for Advent and Christmas. 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 1st December.

FROM THE PASTORS DESK


Another Sunday. Another First Sunday of Advent. Another liturgical year begins One of the most powerful features of the way the Church has structured the presentation of the Paschal Mystery is the way in which Sunday by Sunday, year by year, we are presented with the opportunity to hear, to explore, and to celebrate not only the big moments of the Christian Faith, but also the ordinary and every day moments of the Faith. As we start that wonderful and glorious journey again this Sunday, we enter into the wonderful Season of Advent, a liturgical season that is often misunderstood because of the use of the colour violet to mark the season. Unlike the Season of Lent, which also uses the colour violet, Advent is not a purely penitential season. It is, according the General Norms on the Liturgical Year and Calendar (GNLYC) a time for devout and joyful expectation for the commemoration of Christs first coming among us in the Incarnation and Christs second coming at the end of time. Alas, we often miss the second dimension of the meaning of Advent amidst the advertising and promotion that seems to bombard us for months in the lead up to the commercial festivities associated with Christmas. This is unfortunate, though it is also understandable. Even more unfortunate is when we miss the first dimension of the meaning of Advent for the same reason. It is so easy to let the peripheral preparations associated with Christmas overshadow the spiritual and liturgical preparations that are just asif not moreimportant than all the other preparations that we enter into at this time of year. At a time of year when there are any number of demands on our time and attention, perhaps we might also make a commitment to spend at least some of the time during Advent focussing on what we are preparing for...celebrating the coming of Christ among us in the Incarnation, and preparing for Christs coming again at the end of time. Saying something like that is, of course, easy for one who, by definition, doesnt have to make all those preparations because of his way of lifeand I accept that. I hope you might take this gentle reminder as my Advent gift to you, my brothers and sisters, as we embark on the great adventure of another liturgical year. Until next week Fr Andrew

ADVENT SECOND RITE OF RECONCILIATION


In conjunction with Taree Parish, there will be two opportunities to celebrate the Second Rite of Reconciliation:

Thursday 5th December @ Taree at 7pm; and Thursday 19th December @ Tuncurry at 7pm.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will continue to be available at the usual times during Advent.

BLESSING OF ADVENT WREATHS


As part of our Sunday Masses this weekend (the First Sunday of Advent) we will be offering the opportunities for families to have the Advent Wreaths blessed as part of our celebrations.

BELIEVE: A MONTH OF CHANGE

OF

REFLECTIONS

IN A

TIME

The Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn has produced a booklet featuring a months reflections on Scriptures. The booklet would be ideal for a retreat in daily life or as part of a practice of lectio divina. A sample booklet can be inspected in the Parish Office. If there is sufficient interest from parishioners (the cost would be $3), the Parish will purchase copies of this small booklet on behalf of parishioners. If you are interested, please let the Parish Office know by Friday 13th December so that an order can be placed before Christmas.

AURORA OUT NEXT WEEK


Aurora hits the newsstands again next week. As always you are encouraged to support our diocesan magazine and buy a copy of your local paper to receive your November edition of Aurora. The December edition of our diocesan magazine will appear in The Newcastle Herald and The Maitland Mercury on Tuesday 3rd December, in The Scone Advocate on Thursday 5th December, and in The Muswellbrook Chronicle, The Manning River Times, and The Singleton Argus on Friday 6th December.

CONGRATULATIONS!!
Congratulations go to Mark Mowbray, Principal of Holy Name School, who received the John Laing Memorial Award from the Principals Australia Institute during the week in recognition of his contributions to the professional learning of principals. We are blessed to have someone of Marks calibre leading the faculty of our Parish school. Well done Mark, and congratulations!!

FRIENDSHIP GROUP (SENIORS)


Friendship Group meet at 12pm on Tuesday 3rd December for lunch at the RSL Club. This will be the final outing for 2013. About 45 of us had a wonderful Christmas lunch and party at the Bellevue. The food was beautiful and lots of raffles and door prizes made it a fun event. Remember all parishioners and their friends are welcome to come join us. Merry Christmas to all. Phone Lorraine 0409 494 652, Stella 6555 9380, Marie 6555 3889 or 0412 040 639.

TYPHOON HAIYANCARITAS APPEAL


The collection last weekend raised an incredible $3,889.55 towards Caritas Australias special appeal to support those impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. If you would still like to make donations, this can be made via the Catholic Development Fund office in Newcastle or online at www.caritas.org.au.

FLOWER ROSTER
We are in urgent need of helpers for the flower decorations in Tuncurry Church. If you are able to help, please phone the Parish Office on 6554 6304.

SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM 50 YEARS ON


This Wednesday, 4th December, marks the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the first document of Vatican II, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium. This document not only called for a revision of the way the Church worshipped but forever changed the way the Church saw itself in the world.

CLAIM THE DATECHISHOLM REGION RCIA


On Pentecost Sunday 2014 the Chisholm Region will celebrate 21 years of RCIA ministry! If you have had any experience of RCIA in the parishes of the Chisholm Region, especially in the parishes of East Maitland, Morpeth, Maitland, Rutherford or Lochinvar, we hope you will bring a picnic lunch on Sunday 8th June 2014 to the Corcoran Centre, George St, Morpeth and celebrate with us! For more information please contact Loretto Lynch on 4933 7425 or loretto.lynch@exemail.com.au.

ESTABLISHING A SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP


An initial public meeting for anyone who might be interested in being part of such a new Parish Social Justice Group will take place on Wednesday 4th December at 5:30pm in the Parish Hall/Meeting Room. All are welcome to attend.

FATHER MACS CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS


Father Macs Christmas Puddings to adorn your Christmas table are again available for purchase in a number of sizes: a family size of 1.6kg and small size of 800g. A gluten free pudding of 800g is also available. Delivery can be arranged. For more information or to place your order call 9349 3066 or 0419 243 285, or send a fax to 9349 2146.

LITURGICAL HOLIDAYS

MINISTRY

DURING

CHRISTMAS

Each Christmas/January holiday period causes challenges for our Sacristans, Readers and Ministers of Communion as parishioners are absent from the Parish visiting family and friends. This is also the time of year that brings many visitors to our Masses, giving us the opportunity to showcase our liturgical celebrations to the wider Catholic community. This time of year calls on all members of the Parish worshipping community to make the extra effort to ensure our Mass celebrations run smoothly with adequate support from lay liturgical ministers.

ADVANCE NOTICECHRISTMAS DAY MASSES


Our timetable of Masses for Christmas Day is as follows: Tues 24th Dec Wed 25th Dec 6:30pm Midnight 7am 9am 9am Holy Name School, Lake St, Forster Holy Name Church, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry Holy Name Church, Forster

HOLY NAME SCHOOL STEPHANIE ALEXANDER GARDEN PROJECT GIANT CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
The SAKG Committee is holding another fundraising effort to support the Schools Stephanie Alexander Garden Project. The Giant Christmas Raffle features a wide array or great prizes. Tickets are available from both the School and Parish Offices, and the raffle will be drawn on 11th December.

THE END OF AN ERA


On Saturday 14th December 2013 a service which has been quietly serving our community for over twenty five years will be gone. Located in Manning St, Tuncurry, the Christian Bookstore, operating under several names including Something Special and currently Words & Wares, will be closing down. The local not-for-profit organisation, Heartfelt Hope, which has a passion for supporting communities both locally and internationally, is the present owner of Words & Wares, but due to a lack of community support, changes in the economic climate, and marketing trends has had to make the difficult decision to close the store. Heartfelt Hope originally purchased the store as part of a long term vision for establishing a multipurpose community venture which would complement their wellness and counselling centre. After 3 years and helping hundreds of people within the local community the wellness centre Heartfelt Health & Healing has also recently closed and now the team at Heartfelt Hope has had to make another difficult decision regarding the closure of the bookshop which sells Christian books, CDs, counselling material and fair-trade gifts. The last day of trade at Words & Wares will be Saturday 14th December from 9am to 1:30pm, and the store will continue to operate during normal hours up until this date. A fire sale shall be taking place and all stock will be drastically reduced from Monday 2nd December until the close of business on Saturday 14th December, with the last two days being a complete clearance sale. Heartfelt Hope is a registered NGO in Australia and Uganda but has also been working in Cambodia and Vanuatu. These local closures have not threatened the international projects but it has made it difficult for administration purposes and to store donated goods. The team of Heartfelt Hope is currently reassessing their options but is still looking to the future and still has a vision for consolidated services in a multipurpose building to service the local community of Forster Tuncurry. However this would require significant support to become a reality. In the meantime, the board of Heartfelt Hope wishes to thank all the volunteers who gave of their time and acknowledge the patronage of those who have supported both the wellness centre Heartfelt Health & Healing and Words & Wares. We also wish to thank all those who have supported our work through donations for either our local work or our work overseas.

THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL


As you may be aware Pope Francis has issued an Apostolic Exhortation entitled Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) touching on the subject of the Proclamation of the Gospel in Todays World (also known as the New Evangelisation). There are already lots of summaries floating around but there is lots of value to be had in reading the whole document yourself. Printed copies will be available in due course, but if youd like to get a head start you can always download a copy from the Vatican website (you can visit http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/ apost_exhortations/index_en.htm to grab your copy).

COULD YOU BE A CATECHIST?


The Diocese is promoting Special Religious Education in Government Schools and encouraging people to consider becoming Catechists (or SRE/Scripture teachers). If you think you might be able to assist with this important and rewarding ministry, you would be supported with training and resources. For more information, please visit the Diocesan website (www.mn.catholic.org.au/sre) or speak with Fr Andrew, Loretta Heffernan, or the Parish Office.

CAR PARKING AT FORSTER


The church car park at Forster has now had marked spaces added to assist in ensuring the safe usage of the car park. This means that off street parking is now only permitted in the spaces that have been marked as car spaces. There are also two kiss & drop spaces to allow for the setting down of passengers. These spaces, which are marked by diagonal lines, must not be used for parking during those times when Mass and other liturgies are being celebrated in the church. While there are no designated disabled parking spaces, it would be my hope that the care and concern of parishioners for the less mobile brothers and sisters might make this an unnecessary step. This will continue to be monitored, and further changes will be made if necessary. I apologise for any inconvenience that this move brings, but we are left with little choice if we are to meet our legal and moral obligations to provide safe physical facilities for all those who visit them. Fr Andrew

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE PARISH


Making Waves: A Celebration of Song This end of year/Christmas event, featuring all of the Conservatorium of Musics community vocal ensembles (including the multi-award winning ensemble Echology) will be held at the Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Conservatorium of Music at 12pm on Sunday 1st December. Tickets will be available at the door at a cost of $12 for adults, $8 concession, and $5 for children. Multicultural Choral Society Christmas Concert The Societys Christmas Concert will be held on Sunday 1st December at 7pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hunter Street, Newcastle West. Christmas music from around the world including communal singing. Entrance is free. For more information contact Joop 4954 5227 or Concordia@live.com.au. Newcastle Catholic Charismatic Renewal An invitation is extended to all people to share in a Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate that God has walked with us through all of 2013 and blessed us in so many ways. Supper will be served afterwards. Mass will be held at St Patricks Catholic Church, Macquarie St, Wallsend on Friday 6th December at 7pm. No RSVP necessary. Contact Wayne Caruana for details on 0466 631 394. Christmas Tree of Angels Christmas is often a difficult time for those whose lives have been changed forever by crime and tragedy. The VOCAL organization is holding a ceremony involving a Christmas Tree of Angels where survivors, family and friends, and those who understand grief and loss will honour and remember. It will be held at St Johns Anglican Church, cnr Darby and Parry Sts, Cooks Hill at 7pm on Friday 6th December. A light supper is available at a cost of $10. Please RSVP for catering to 4961 4755 or ceo@vocal.org.au. The Arrival of St Nicholas The Dutch community will celebrate the official arrival and celebration of St Nicholas, patron saint of children, for the 57th time this year. Activities will commence at midday on Saturday 7th December at Marmong Park, George St, Marmong Point. A traditional sausage sizzle and little pancakes (poffertjes) will be available. The day is free. RSVP is necessary for children. Contact Joop de Wit on 4954 5227 or Toni Somerville 4958 1552. Newcastle Tudor Singers Christmas Celebrations Celebrate Christmas with the Newcastle Tudor Singers, directed by Dr Keith Murree-Allen. Also featuring the Hunter Handbell Ringers. The concert

will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle West on Friday 13th December at 7:45pm. Admission is $10; concession is $7. Carols in the Cloister Join us for Carols in the Cloister - a Christmas festival of music, song and good cheer. Reflections on the meaning of the season, good music, light refreshments and good company. Carols will be held at St Josephs Convent Chapel, New England Highway, Lochinvar on Sunday 15th December at 6:30pm. The New Evangelisation What is it and what difference does it make? Fathers Maurice Nutt and John Fahey-Guerra, from the United States, will be conducting a Summer School at St Clements Retreat Centre, Galong, NSW, from 17th 24th January 2014. Maurice and John bring their enthusiasm and expertise to these questions and we can bring our questions and understanding. Phone 02 6380 5222 or email info@stclement.com.au for details. Introductory Meditation Course An introductory meditation course will be held at St James School Hall, Vista Parade, Kotara over four weeks commencing on Tuesday 4th February commencing at 7pm. Meditation is a wonderful way to start 2014, and helpful at times of spiritual crisis and physical stress. The cost is $20. For more information contact Anne Cuskelly at annecuskelly@hotmail.com or 0407 436 808. Christian Formation Program Are you looking for an opportunity to ponder the meaning of your life experience, meet Jesus anew or explore your faith within the Catholic tradition? The TWEC Christian Formation Program runs for four tenweek terms, one night a week from 6:30pm9:30pm. The program starts on Thursday 6th February in the Toohey Room, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle. For more information and to RSVP contact TWEC on 4930 9601 or twec@ssjl.org.au Mission and Discipleship Presentation Internationally respected theologian, Anthony Gittins CSSp, will present a Mission and Discipleship workshop at Souths League Club, Merewether on Wednesday 12th February between 10am and 3:30pm. The cost is $20 with morning tea and lunch provided. Please RSVP to the TWEC Secretary on 4930 9601 or twec@ssjl.org.au.

VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL


The Saint Vincent de Paul Society will be launching the annual Christmas Appeal this week. Please support this worthwhile appeal. Thank you.

Ministers this Weekend... 6pm Tuncurry

...of the Word Neil Pye Elizabeth Sciacca Colleen Cashman Tony Knight Cecile Malone Bronwyn Morse Marie Keep Jeanette Shepherd James Lukeman

...of Communion Jeanette Goodacre, Frank Hayman, Lou Hope, Kathryn McCabe, Paul McFadden, Margaret Smith, Maureen Stevens, Tony Stevens, Glen Strong Norm Chapman, Cushla Drake, Mary Greig, Kay Griffiths, Alex Matuszny, Edna Tucker Greg Byrne, Lauranne Byrne, Barbara Dolahenty, Anne Hartman, Jim Hunt, Robert Moran, Michael Power, Afra van Boxtel, Genevieve Williamson

7am Tuncurry

9am Forster

Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as originally published, and doesnt take account of any swaps that may have been organised between individuals.

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS AVAILABLE


The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and Catholic Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at the rear of the churches at a cost of $2 each.

PARISH INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP


To request prayers for someone in need of prayer please contact Bob Cashman on 6555 5914 leaving your name and contact details. Bob can also help you if youre interested in becoming part of this important ministry within the Parish.

HOSPITAL & HOME VISITS


Because of the restrictions imposed by Australias Privacy Laws, the Parish relies on family and friends to inform us about those who are unwell in our community. If you know of anyone needing a visit or Communion in hospital or at home please contact Fr Andrew or the Parish Office.

COMMUNION TO SICK & HOUSEBOUND


We are in need of Ministers of Communion of the Blessed Sacrament to housebound people in our outlying areas (Pacific Palms/Hallidays Point). If you live in this area and are able to assist in this way please contact Greg Byrne at the office 6554 6304.

AN ADVENT HYMN
Text & Music: Paul Geraghty. Used with permission. To be play wistfully. Refrain Your friends are waiting for You Lord, Your friends are waiting here We wait with quiet hearts and minds With love and not with fear.

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION


The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its workers (i.e. employee, contractor or subcontractor, employee of contractor or subcontractor, employee of labour hire company, outworker, apprentice or trainee work experience student and volunteer), visitors and the public in workplaces and also the health and safety of those who may be affected by its operations. In securing workplace health and safety, the Diocese promises to pursue best practice in Work Health and Safety (WHS), fulfil its statutory duties with regard to WHS and through continual improvement strive to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. If you become aware of any hazard on parish property, or suffer an incident or injury while on parish property, you are asked to let Fr Andrew or the Parish Office know as soon as possible in order that the appropriate steps can be taken. If there is any matter concerning Work Health & Safety that you wish to raise or have considered by the Parish, please contact Fr Andrew who will bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate person.

We call to mind your coming Lord, Your coming long ago. You came into the world you made But You it did not know. Refrain We call to mind your promise Lord, To be with us the same, Whenever two or three or more Are gathered in your name. Refrain We call to mind your promise Lord To come to us once more But will You come soft as the dew Or with a thunder roar. Refrain. With thanks to Paul for composing this hymn for use by our Parish community during the Season of Advent.

OUR LITURGY TODAY


Responsorial Psalm Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. I rejoiced when I heard them say: 'Let us go to God's house.' And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. For Israel's law it is, there to praise the Lord's name. There were set the thrones of judgement of the house of David. For the peace of Jerusalem pray: 'Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces, peace!' For love of my brethren and friends I say: 'Peace upon you!' For love of the house of the Lord I will ask for your good. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia! Today

SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 2:1-5 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 Isaiah 4:2-6 Matthew 8:5-11 Isaiah 11:1-10 Luke 10:21-24 Isaiah 25:6-10 Matthew 15:29-37 Isaiah 26:1-6 Matthew 7:21, 24-27 Isaiah 29:17-24 Matthew 9:27-31 Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Matthew 9:3510:1, 6-8 Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday

RECEIVING COMMUNION
So that we might receive Communion in a fit and proper way, please be aware of the following: When we process forward to receive Communion, we have been asked by the Australian Bishops to adopt a common and unified gesture of reverence before doing so. In Australia that gesture is a bow of the head and shoulders (GIRM, 160). Any other form of reverence, including a genuflection, should therefore be avoided. Communion by self-intinction (self-dipping) is never permitted, since we receive Communion and never take Communion. Please refrain from this inappropriate action. We regret that we do not have the physical facilities to offer communion while kneeling, and respectfully ask you to refrain from kneeling to receive Communion while part of the procession, since this is contrary to the nature of the Communion procession itself. Your cooperation in honouring this request is very much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.

The Lord will bestow his bounty, and our earth shall yield its increase.
SILENCE IN THE LITURGY
We observe silence during our liturgy (on Sundays and weekdays) at the following times: 1. During the Penitential Act, after the Presider invites us to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries in order to recollect ourselves; 2. During the Collect, after the invitation of the Presider to Let us pray again in order to recollect ourselves; 3. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the first reading in order that we might meditate on what we have heard; 4. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the second reading in order that we might meditate on what we have heard; and 5. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the homily in order that we might meditate on what we have heard.

OUR PARISH COLLECTIONS


a) The Parish Collection, providing for the needs of the parish and its ministry, is taken up during the presentation and preparation of the gifts (the offertory). This is the envelope collection. b) The Diocesan Clergy Collection, providing for the remuneration and support of the clergy of the diocese, will be taken up after communion (during the Thanksgiving Hymn or a similar time).

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