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 7th December, 2014

Second Sunday of Advent, Year B
Parish
Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest)
Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate)
Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration Associate/Bulletin)
Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is

normally staffed on Monday, Thursday 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:
forstertuncurryparish@gmail.com
W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au
Fr Andrews email: fr.andrew.doohan@gmail.com.
Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of
Forster Tuncurry

Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic

Celebrating the Sacrament

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.
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 Halls meeting rooms on Monday 8th
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.
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.

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

St Clares High School, Taree (7-12)

Ms Brooke Schumann (Acting Principal)

Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)

41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428

PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428

Davis Street, Taree NSW 2430

P:
F:
E:
W:

P: (02) 6552 3300

F: (02) 6552 3656
E: admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au
W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au

(02) 6554 6504

(02) 6554 8895
admin@forster.catholic.edu.au
www.forster.catholic.edu.au

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

The menALIVE Groups

Our Parish currently hosts a menALIVE group. They
will next meet on Wednesday 10th December after
the 9am Mass.

Second Week of Advent

Today7th December
Second Sunday of Advent
5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction @ Tuncurry

Womens Bible Study Group

Our Parish hosts a Womens Bible Study Group that
meets every Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm. For
more information contact Natasha on 0407 589 935.

Monday8th December
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
7pm
Baptism Preparation @ Forster

Christian Meditation
Our Parish hosts a number of opportunities for the
practice of Christian meditation. These opportunities
takes place on Tuesdays at two distinct times, 9am
and 5:30pm. Phone Bob on 6555 5914 for further
information.

Tuesday9th December
9am
Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
11am
Mass @ GLAICA House
3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry
5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
5:30pm Singing Practice @ Tuncurry

Maintenance & Gardening Group

The Parish is served by a very dedicated band of
volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds
and gardens of our two sites. Unfortunately the team
are short on volunteers and are appealing to anyone
who may be available to donate some of their time
once a month to this worthy deed. Their next reunion
will be on Thursday 18th December. Contact Howard
6557 6826 for more information.

Wednesday10th December
9am
Mass @ Forster
9:30am menALIVE morning group @ Forster
11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @
Forster
5:30pm Parish Finance Committee @ Forster
6pm
End of Year Presentation @ Parish School
Thursday11th December
Fr Andrew to Newcastle for meetings of College of
Consultors, Council of Priests & Diocesan Liturgy
Council.
9am
Morning Prayer @ Forster
7pm
Womens Bible Study Group (Natasha
0407 589 935)

Singing Practice
The Singing Group this week on Tuesday 9th
December at Tuncurry at 5:30pm.

Friday12th December
Fr Andrew in Newcastle for Ordination preparations.
9:30am Morning Prayer @ Forster
7:30pm Ordination of Peter Street @ Cathedral

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.

Saturday13th December
Fr Andrew in Newcastle for Ordination.
9am
Morning Prayer @ Tuncurry
4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15pm)
6pm
Mass @ Tuncurry

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. For more information contact
Shioney on 6554 9468.

Sunday14th December
Third Sunday of Advent
7am
Mass @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Forster

Evening Prayer & Benediction

The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday
of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It
will celebrated on Sunday 7th December. All
welcome.

Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase

The next collection of foodstuffs in support of
Homebase will be on Sunday 7th December.

Childrens Liturgy of the Word

The next Children's Liturgy of the Word for children
aged 4-12 will be on the 7th December 2014. Bring
along your children or grandchildren to the 9am Mass
at the Forster Church so they can be a part of this
great new program. We also welcome you to join us
for a cuppa after Mass.

Regular Activities in the Parish

Secular Franciscan Fraternity
The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on
Wednesday 4th February, coming together for Mass
at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the
meeting 10am to 12pm.
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From the Bishops of Australia

order to remain faithful to Jesus Christ.

Today, Sunday 7th December, has been designated a

Day of Solidarity with the Christians of the Middle East
by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference urges

Australian Catholics to join their Christian brothers
and sisters of the Middle East in showing the world
that while some trust in chariots and horses, we trust
in the Lord, our God (Psalm 20:7).

The Australian Bishops received a letter of request

from the Conference of Bishops and Representatives
of the Middle Eastern Apostolic Churches in Australia
and New Zealand seeking the support of the
Australian Catholics.

In response to the Bishops request, an exit collection

will take place today at all Masses. Alternatively, you
can drop your donation to the Parish Office over the
next two weeks.

The Conference unanimously supported the request

that today be a Day of Solidarity, involving prayer and
a financial offering to help alleviate the suffering of
Christians, especially the many Iraqi refugees.

Christmas Day Masses

Our timetable of Masses for Christmas Day is as
follows:

The request comes as we approach the celebration of

the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. We are aware
that the situation for Christians and other minorities in
the Middle East is deteriorating by the day, especially
as the northern winter will set in soon.
Communities that have been present in the region
since apostolic times are being driven out in the midst
of unspeakable atrocities. The present tragedy in the
Middle East not only impacts upon the communities
of the area, but has far-reaching implications for the
peace and security of the world.

Wed 24th Dec

6:30pm

Holy Name School, Lake

St, Forster

Thu 25th Dec

Midnight

Holy Name Church,

Forster
St Mary, Star of the Sea
Church, Tuncurry
St Mary, Star of the Sea
Church, Tuncurry

7am
9am

Weekend Masses in January

Considering the widespread significance of the crisis,

we are inviting all Catholic communities to join with us
on 7th December 2014 as we ask for the mercy of God
for our persecuted brothers and sisters in the Middle
East.

During the Christmas/January holiday period, our

weekend Masses will be celebrated as follows:
Saturdays

6pm

St Mary, Star of the Sea

Church, Tuncurry

President of the Australian Catholic Bishops

Conference, Archbishop Denis Hart said, We hear the
plea of our brother bishops from the Eastern Churches
and we join with them in expressing our grave
concerns about the suffering of the Christian
communities, that trace their roots back to apostolic
times, and the danger of the gradual disappearance
from their ancient homelands.

Sundays

7am

St Mary, Star of the Sea

Church, Tuncurry
Holy Name of Jesus
Church, Forster
Holy Name of Jesus
Church, Forster

On 14th December 2014, a delegation of Australian

Catholic Bishops will visit refugees in Kurdistan, Iraq
and Lebanon to offer spiritual support and
humanitarian aid. The delegation will comprise
Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn Christopher
Prowse, the Archbishop of Hobart Julian Porteous, the
Melkite Bishop Robert Rabbat, the Chaldean
Archbishop Jibrael Kassab and the Maronite Bishop
Antoine-Charbel Tarabay.

St Vinnies support the people that will be doing it

tough over the Christmas period. They aim to provide
much needed help from practical assistance to food
hampers, emotional support,
toys and gifts for children,
individuals and families so they
too can experience the joy of
Christmas.

9am
5:30pm

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Contributions to the Christmas

Appeal will continue to be
received
via the weekly
collections or at the Parish
Office over the coming weeks.

Archbishop Kassab said, All the Christians of Iraq

desperately need our prayers and support. These, our
wounded brothers and sisters, were brutally forced to
leave their hometowns and all their belongings in
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Dont Read This !

In the office, we get conflicting comments about the
weekly Bulletin that cover the whole spectrum of
opinion. From youre doing a great job on the
Bulletin to I never read the Bulletin, its a waste of
time.
Because we have mostly a retired community who, as
Grey Nomads, are often on the road, it is necessary
to repeat articles in the Bulletin to ensure everyone is
informed. Some people see one article that is
repeated and say same old stuff and dont read any
further. As a result they fail to see articles that may
interest them.
For example, we often get enquiries from people
about issues that have been previously addressed in
the Bulletin.

St Lucy was a young woman from a wealthy Sicilian

family who lived during the early fourth century. It is
believed that her mother arranged for her to be
married, but Lucy refused as she wanted to devote her
life to serving Christ. She offered prayers at the tomb
of St Agatha and her mothers illness was miraculously
cured. She was eventually martyred during the
persecution of Emperor Diocletian, but even in the
face of death she showed great courage and faith in
God. The name Lucy means light and St Lucy is called
upon as the patron saint of the blind.

The Bulletin follows a certain format. The front and

back page basically include the same information with
regular updates. The second page includes the Weekly
Parish Diary and details on regular events in the
Parish. The third and fourth page where possible,
include the most recent notices. There may be some
repetition following on from there. The Kids Corner
page will now be on the second last page.
The Bulletin also includes notices of events outside
our parish which may be of interest to people and
articles which may assist in growing our knowledge of
the Catholic faith.
In this time of change in the Church, the aim of our
Parish Bulletin is to keep parishioners informed of
happenings in our Church and the Church in general.
To fulfil this mission and maintain readability is our
challenge.
Greg Byrne

Prayer for Peace

Lately, we have all been made aware of the terrible
suffering and torture of
people in war torn
countries throughout the
world. We are particularly
concerned with the plight
of Christian people at the
mercy of ISIS in Iraq. We
pray for an end to this
violence and a peaceful
solution to these conflicts.
4

We are the Church

Ordination to the Priesthood

Since Vatican II we have been proudly professing that

WE ARE THE CHURCH. If we truly believe this then
we must ask ourselves, how am I contributing to the
life of the Church and is there more I could be doing?

Bishop Bill will ordain Deacon Peter Street to the

Priesthood on Friday 12th December at 7:30pm in
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton.
All members of the Diocese are invited to attend this
significant event in the life of our local Church.

There are many ministries in our Church. In particular

we are at present in need of Sacristans to set up for
our weekend Masses and also for Funerals during the
week.

Filipino Christmas Party

Our Filipino friends will be hosting a Christmas party
on Sunday 14th December commencing at 12pm in
the Church Hall. Everyone welcome.

Interested people will receive the proper formation,

training and support. Please rush to the Parish Office
to display your willingness to be involved.

Inform The Meaning of Christmas

Please take a free copy from the rear of the church.

Parish Facebook Page

Each week the Parish posts several links to Catholic
and Christian information and resources. These posts
can be instrumental in helping you grow your faith
and provide avenues to prayer while online. They also
provide you with an opportunity to spread the Gospel
to your network of friends.
Please consider liking our page:
www.facebook.com/catholicparishofforstertuncurry

Carols by Candlelight
The Family Ministry
Group would like to
invite parishioners to
join them at Carols
By Candlelight in
Tuncurry on Monday
15th December from
6pm. Bring your own
picnic or purchase
food at the venue and meet us at the large purple flag.

Little Blue Books

Spend 6 minutes a day reflecting on your faith with
the aid of the Little Blue Book. $5 each.

Caritas Christmas Gifts

By choosing a Caritas Global Gift this year, you are
helping to spread the message that together, as one
global family, we are making the world a better place.
There are six Caritas Australia Global Gifts which
encompass the range of Caritas Australias community
development programs including food, healthcare,
education and water, as well as the unique gift of
emergency assistance. They range in price from $10 to
$250. Visit www.caritas.org.au/globalgifts for more
information.

Liturgical Rosters
Liturgical rosters for the months of December and
January to include the Christmas season and
additional Masses are now available from the rear of
the churches.
Please consider volunteering if you recognise a
shortfall over this busy period. Thank you.
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Opportunities Outside The Parish

Finally, Danny thought better of making these false

claims and so ran to the Church. He went inside and
stole a small statue of Mary and ran out the door. He
went home, hid it under his bed and wrote this letter.
Jesus, lets face it, I've broken most of the
Commandments; tore up my sister's doll and lots
more, I'm desperate. I've got your mother Mary, if you
ever want to see her again, give me a bike for
Christmas. You know who.

TODAY-Christmas Carols Taree

Carols in the Church will be held on Sunday 7th
December beginning at 5pm at Our Lady of the Rosary
Catholic Church, Albert St, Taree. Entertainers and
markets will be part of the event. All are welcome.
Donation requested for admission.
TODAY-Multicultural Choral Society Christmas
Concert
A Concert will be held on Sunday 7th December at
7pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hunter Street,
Newcastle West. The 37th Christmas concert from
around the world. Many renowned choirs and
individuals take part in this annual event including
communal singing. Entrance is free. For more
information contact Joop P 4954 5227 or E
multiculturalchoralsociety@gmail.com.

There is a little bit of Danny in all of us. We often think

that we can bargain with God to get the best possible
deal out of life. The problem with this bargaining
image is that it cannot be reconciled with a Christian
faith which believes in Advent. The bargaining image
of God is the furtherest thing from the mind of the
writers of todays readings Isaiah, Psalm (84) 85, St
Peter and St Mark.
These scriptures remind us that God has not held back
one thing in his love for us. By becoming one with us
in our flesh, God has done everything he can to assure
us of his saving love. He has shown us all what can be
shown about how to live lives of sacrifice, justice and
love and how to transform our world for better.

Carols in the Cloister

Carols in the Cloister will be held on Sunday 14th
December at 6:30pm at St Josephs Convent Chapel,
New England Highway, Lochinvar. Enjoy Christmas
Carols, reflections on the meaning of the season, good
music, light refreshments and good company.

The image of us doing a deal with God is so prevalent

in our theology and prayer that we can find ourselves
lapsing into it all the time. If you make me well, God, I
will lead a better life. I will return to Sunday Mass if I
pass my exams. I will raise my children Catholic if I
have a fine day for my wedding. This is all dreadful
stuff. And the Church has to take some responsibility
for this and correct it.

Voices of Echology Choir

Come and enjoy the voices of Echology, formerly The
University of Newcastle Chamber Choir at the annual
Christmas concert to be held on Tuesday 16th
December beginning at 7pm at Sacred Heart
Cathedral, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.
Directed by Dr Philip Matthias and featuring Organist
Peter Guy, Orchestra Newcastle and soloist Dr
Christopher Allan, in a varied program of popular and
new carols. Adult $25, Concession $20, Children $10
(includes GST). Discount available for group bookings
of
10
or
more.
Tickets
available
through www.stickytickets.com.au/20978 or at the
door.

The scriptures tell us from the beginning of time to

the preaching of John the Baptist, to the life, death,
resurrection of Jesus Christ and to the continuing
work of the Holy Spirit among us today, that we have
a God who risked everything so that we might know
love and life in this world and in the next. We hold
and proclaim, in season and out of season, a God who
emptied himself of power and might and came to us
as a baby. Thats not the profile of a deal-doer. Its the
portrait of a lover.

Homily by Richard Leonard SJ

During Advent, Daniel went to his mother demanding
a new bicycle for Christmas. Danny, we cant afford
it, she said, so write a letter to Jesus and pray for one
instead. Dear Jesus, I've been a good boy this year
and would appreciate a new bicycle. Your friend,
Daniel. Now Danny guessed that Jesus really knew he
was a brat so he tore it up and tried again. Dear Jesus,
I've been an OK boy this year and I want a new
bicycle. Yours truly, Daniel. Danny knew this wasn't
true either so he tore it up and tried again. Dear
Jesus, I've thought about being a good boy so may I
have a new bicycle? Daniel.

So this Advent lets not ransom ourselves to a

benevolent dictator. Lets ask for anything we need
with confidence that God has heard our words and so
sent love itself in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Richard Leonard SJ.

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.
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Kids Corner
F
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Make a straight path for the Lord Mk 1:1-8

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Try to find these words:

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Ministers this Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Frank Hayman
B: Geraldine Mullin

Frank Hayman, Kathryn McCabe, Lou Hope, Michael

Siddle, Valarie Ross.

7am Tuncurry

A: Tony Knight
B: Norm Chapman

Edna Tucker, Kay Griffiths, Lorraine Clark, Maria

Armitage, Norm Chapman.

9am Forster

A: Marion ONeill
B: Greg Byrne

Barbara Kermode, Greg Byrne, Josi Beech, Robert

Moran, Trevor Turner.

Ministers next Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Geraldine Mullin
B: Frank Hayman

Carolyn Olliffe, Jeanette Goodacre, Margaret Smith, Pat

Hooker, Ruth Pearson.

7am Tuncurry

A: Edna Tucker
B: Lorraine Clark

Alex Matuszny, Cecile Malone, Cushla Drake, Graham

Griffiths, Mark Mowbray.

9am Forster

A: Judith Shand
B: Marie Keep

Anne Hartman, Anne Moloney, Barbara Dolahenty, Elle

Cairns-Cowan, Sharon Fowle.

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.

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 AgentLicenSing Online Lic No. 624844.

Scripture Readings This Week

Today

Monday

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Todays Liturgy of the Word

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 1:26-38
Isaiah 40:1-11
Matthew 18:12-14
Isaiah 40:25-31
Matthew 11:28-30
Isaiah 41:13-20
Matthew 11:11-15
Isaiah 48:17-19
Matthew 11:16-19
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Matthew 17:10-13
Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

Responsorial Psalm
Response: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us
your salvation.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
all people shall see the salvation of God.
Alleluia!

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased.
Gwen White, Gerry Ryan.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now.
Oscar Ryan, Jack Green.
All those in our community who are sick.
8