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 15th March, 2015

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B
Parish
Fr Greg Barker (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:
F:
E:
W:

(02) 6554 6304

(02) 6554 6425
forstertuncurryparish@gmail.com
www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Bulletin Notices: forstertuncurryparish1@gmail.com

Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of
Forster Tuncurry

Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic

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.
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 13th April
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 Greg 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)

Mr Chris Waters (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)

Regular Activities in the Parish

Fourth Week of Lent

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

Monday16th March
Tuesday17th March
Solemnity of St Patrick
9am
Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry
5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
5:30pm Singing Practice @ 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.
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.

Wednesday18th March
9am
Mass @ Forster
9:30am menALIVE Morning Group @ Forster
11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @
Forster
5:30pm Pastoral Council Meeting @ Forster

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.

Thursday19th March
Solemnity of St Joseph, Husband of Mary
8am
Ecumenical Prayer Meeting @ The Tanks
9am
Mass @ Forster
7pm
Womens Bible Study Group (Natasha
0407 589 935)

Singing Practice
Singing group will meet at Tuncurry Church on
Tuesday 17th March at 5:30pm.
The menALIVE Groups
Our Parish currently hosts two menALIVE groups. The
daytime group will next meet on Wednesday 25th
March after the 9am Mass and the evening group
meets on the last Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.

Friday20th March
9:30am Morning Prayer @ Forster
Saturday21th March
8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Tuncurry
4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15pm)
6pm
Mass @ Tuncurry

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on
next Wednesday 1st April 2015, coming together for
Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then
the meeting 10am to 12pm.

Sunday22th March
Fifth Sunday of Lent
7am
Mass @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Forster

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. Their next reunion will
be on Thursday 19th March. Contact Howard 6557
6826 for more information.

Fr.
Greg
Barker

Evening Prayer & Benediction

The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday
of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It
will celebrated this evening, Sunday 3rd May 2015. All
welcome. (Not celebrated in AprilEaster Sunday)

We warmly welcome Greg

to our community
as he slowly unpacks
his tent among us.

Childrens Liturgy of the Word

The next Liturgy of the Word for children aged 4-12
will be on Sunday 3rd May 2015 at the 9am Mass. A
morning tea will follow Mass.
Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase
The next collection of foodstuffs in support of
Homebase is Sunday 5th April 2015.
2

From the Pastoral Associates Desk

In part the Gospel today says:
For God sent His Son into the world not to condemn
the world, but so that through Him the world might be
saved.
So God does not condemn but we often read about
God judging us. There must be a difference
therefore between judging and condemning. It
seems to me to judge is to discern, to make an
evaluation and surely this is a necessary part of
making decisions in life. It is another thing, once
having made that judgement, to then condemn. And
yet that has often been our attitude to the
homosexual people in our community.
As many of you would know my wife, Lauranne and I
have seven children two girls and five boys. One of
my sons is gay. It has become obvious to me that my
gay sons sexuality is the way a loving God created
him. Our children were all raised in the same house by
the same parents under the same conditions and so it
was not the environment that determined his
sexuality but something intrinsic within his being.
Unfortunately not everyone sees homosexuality in
this way and many parents of gay children struggle
with their childs sexuality. With this in mind Lauranne
and I established the PFLAG (Parents and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays) Group in town four years ago both
for our own support and to assist other parents.
Some of the other PFLAG groups have a contingent in
the Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney each year. This year
Lauranne and I decided to join them, to not only show
support for our son but also to show our concern for
the many others who for so long have been the victim
of discrimination in our country.

Australian AgentLicenSing Online

Lic No. 624844.

The Parade started at Hyde Park, along Oxford Street

and down Flinders Street to Moore Park a distance
of approximately two Kilometres. I was amazed at the
crowd of spectators (on average nine deep) along the
whole two Kilometre length and their enthusiastic
support by clapping, waving and applauding as we
passed. Attitudes toward homosexuality have
thankfully changed since my childhood from one of
suspicion, antagonism and even hatred to one of
understanding and acceptance.
Greg Byrne
Our Lord does not come down from Heaven every
day to lie in a golden ciborium. He comes to find
another heaven which is infinitely dearer to him
the heaven of our souls, created in His Image, the
living temples of the Adorable Trinity.

St. Thrse of Lisieux

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New Parish Formation Program

A Formation Program for Parish and other ministries is
running again in 2015.

Next Sunday !!

The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation, supported by

Maitland-Newcastle Diocese and the Tenison Woods
Education Centre, is offering the Formation Program
in two locations this year: Muswellbrook from
February to April and Broadmeadow from August to
October.

5:30pm

We invite young people and their families to ignite

their faith, inspiring a deeper understanding of being
in relationship with God by attending an Ignite
Praise and Worship evening. The event will take place
on Sunday 22nd March at 5:30pm at the Catholic
Church in Forster and will feature a young, local
Christian band. Under 12s must be accompanied by
an adult. The event will be followed by a BBQ. For
more information contact Sharon at the Parish Office
on 6554 6304/0407 006 666.

In the past, you may have attended a Safe

Ministry course, picked up a few units of
the Formation Program or maybe shown an interest in
doing the program at a later date. If so, you might be
interested in continuing with the program this year.
Dont delay, register now at: Maitland-Newcastle
Diocese at sharon.murphy@mn.catholic.org.au/02
4979 1134 or Tenison Woods Education Centre
at twec@ssjl.org.au/02 4930 9601.
Program details are as follows:
Integrity in Ministry:
Saturday 21st March (Ms Kim Bruce/Mr David Muxlow)
9:30am12:30pm Maintaining Right Relationships
1pm-4pm Protection of the Vulnerable
Saturday 28th March (Mr Ray Moos/Mrs Teresa Brierley)
9:30am12:30pm Workplace Safety
1pm-4pm Integrity in Service of the Church

Vocation View
When we are born again in baptism, we really
become a new creation, fire with a new love, and
aimed in a new directionheaven. Let Jesus talk with
you. Let Jesus challenge you. For more information
regarding Vocations contact Fr Brian Mascord on 02
4979 1112 or vocations@mn.catholic.org.au

Formation for Leadership:

Saturday 11th April (Sr Patricia Egan)
9:30am12:30pm Leadership as Ministry
1pm-4pm Leadership Style and Dynamics
Saturday 18th April (Mr Sean Scanlon/Mrs Teresa Brierley)
9:30am12:30pm Management Skills
1pm-4pm Leadership of Foundation Areas

Easter Services 2015

Holy Thursday 2 April:
7pm Forster - Mass of the Lords Supper
10pm Forster Parish Hall Night Prayer

Rosters
Rosters for April and May are now available from the
rear of the Church.

High School Chaplains

Good Friday 3 April:

10am Forster Station of the Cross
3pm Tuncurry The Lords Passion

Motivated Christian Youth Workers are required, full

time and part time, to run High School programs in
association with local Christian Church groups in the
three campuses of Great Lakes College in 2015.

Holy Saturday 4 April:

10am Forster Morning Prayer
6.30pm Tuncurry Easter Vigil

Minimum qualification is Certificate IV in Youth Work

or Pastoral Care, including competencies in mental
health and making appropriate referrals.
Experience in delivering programs for young people is
desired.

Easter Sunday 5 April:

8am Tuncurry Easter Mass
10am Forster Easter Mass

Email gleccaglc@gmail.com for an information

package. Closing Date: Wednesday, 18th March.
4

Reflection by Dianne Bergant CSS

Attention All Readers !

Each of todays readings at Mass provides us with an

example of divine mercy. Gods use of Cyrus to deliver
the Israelites, even though he was not a believer,
shows that every circumstance and any person can
demonstrate the scope of Gods love. In fact, it is
often the situation or the individual that we least
expect that has been chosen to manifest Gods mercy
to us. This same mercy is seen as God brings us to life
with Christ even when we were dead in sin.

If you are a reader and will be present for our Easter

celebrations, please place your name on the list at the
rear of both Churches under the Mass you will be
attending.

Gospel Questions for Adolescents

Q. Why might the Israelites have turned away from
God in the time before the coming of Jesus?
Q. In what way did Jesus coming into the world bring
light to the darkness?
Q. In what ways have you sometimes tested the
boundaries with those who care about you?
Q. How might you reassure those you love that you do
love them?

Mercy means that strict justice is set aside in favour of

compassion. Dispossessed people are raised out of
defeat and given another chance. Sinners condemned
to severe punishment are raised out of despair and
offered a reprieve. The whole world is raised up out of
darkness when Gods own Son is sent into that world
as saviour rather than as judge. Gods mercy raises us
out of loss and hopelessness, out of darkness and sin,
so that we might enjoy the blessings of life.

Guiding Childrens Faith Journey

Are you interested in guiding children on part of their
faith journey? Catholic Special Religious Education
(SRE) / Scripture classes continue in this Parish
community
at
Forster
9.30

11.00am,
Tuncurry 11.20am 12.30pm and Pacific Palms PS.
Currently, because of family, health and work the
current SRE teachers require enthusiastic, caring,
supportive volunteers to help with classes on Fridays
of the school Term. All support will be offered to assist
the volunteer. Mentoring is offered to new recruits
also.
For
more
information
contact
loretta.heffernan@mn.catholic.org.au / 0408 895 951
or parish office 65546304.

We too have been raised up so that we might live in

truth and might become the visible sign of Gods
mercy in the world. We have been made a new
people, free from the restraints of the past. Joined
with Christ we become Gods handiwork, creations
that bear the seal of the great creator. We are the
very sacrament of Gods mercy. The forgiveness that
we have experienced and the new life within us shine
forth as witness to the mercy of God.
Dianne Bergant CSS

Youre invited to Family Group

There is a Family Group in our parish which has
operated for about 24 years. It consists of
approximately 30 individuals and families. Its purpose
is friendship and fellowship.

Easter Glory
The beautiful season of Easter is fast approaching and
being the custom over the past 4 years, the Manning
Valley Christian Choir has designed a programme
to renew our wonder and thankfulness of Christ's
death and resurrection.

The Family Group gets together each month for an

activity such as picnics, movies, coffee, luncheons, etc.
at local venues. We would like to invite any person or
family, particularly new parishioners to join us at
Tuncurry Rock Pool at 5pm on Saturday 21st March.
Buy your fish and chips on the way; bring some easy
chairs or a picnic blanket and relax as the sun sets
over the water.

Entitled 'Easter Glory', the reflection conveys the

indescribable sacrifice and glorious resurrection and
hope we have in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
To be performed at St John's Anglican Church,
Taree, Sunday 22nd March at 2pm, 'Easter Glory' will
encourage and remind you of the gift of Easter
through its spoken word, song and music. The
presentation is free, but a retiring offering will be
available for those wishing to donate to the
continuing work of LinC Manning Valley.

The gathering may give us an opportunity to discuss

whether young families and individuals would like to
meet regularly and engage in more active pursuits.
For further information please contact Terry and Carol
Pearson on 6559 2550 / 0408 768 729 or the Parish
Office.
5

God gave his only Son to save us

Kids Corner
1

2
3

8
9

10

11

12

Across
3: the opposite of always
4: God did not send his Son to c_ _ _ _ _ _ people
6: those who have faith in God will have _ _ _ _ _ _ _
life and never die
8: Earth is also called the w_ _ _ _
10: Jesus told this man about Gods love for us
12: the opposite of receive
Down
1: God gave his only _ _ _ to give the faithful
eternal life
2: humans are also called p_ _ _ _ _
5: all people
7: to believe in something is to have _ _ _ _ _
9: to care about someone very much is to _ _ _ _
them

Jn 3:16-17

Opportunities Outside The Parish

www.harryshouse.com.au for more information.

Singalong
Seniors Week Sunday Afternoon Singalong will be held
on Sunday 15th March beginning at 2:00pm at St
Andrews Anglican Church, Mayfield. As part of
Seniors Week, the St Andrews Anglican Church in
Mayfield will be holding a Sunday Afternoon
singalong, "Hymns We Used to Sing." For more
information contact Rev Stan on 4968 0196.

Fine Music Concert

Sacred Spaces Fine Music Concert Series will be held
on Sunday 29th March at 2pm at Sisters of Mercy
Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton. Tickets for each
concert include afternoon tea and are $25 (adult) and
$5 (school student). Reservations are always
recommended to guarantee seating. Tickets are also
available at the door from 1.30pm on the day of each
concert (cash only). For tickets and information,
Sacred Spaces Office (open Mon-Thurs mornings) P
6572 2398.

Special Needs Information Day

Expo will be held on Tuesday 17th March beginning at
10am at St James' School Hall, Vista Parade, Kotara.
Other dates include 18th March (St Joseph's Primary
School, Taree) and 19th March (St James' Primary
School, Muswellbrook). Come along and hear Catholic
Schools Office representatives speak about support
available for children enrolled in our Catholic schools.
Morning tea and light lunch provided. Free of charge.
RSVP (for catering) Cath Garrett-Jones, Parent Liaison
and Resource Officer P 4979 1303 E cath.garrettjones@mn.catholic.edu.au

Chrism Mass
Chrism Mass will be held on Tuesday 31st March
beginning at 7pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral, followed
by refreshments in the Davis Courtyard. All welcome
to this joyous celebration.

Retreat
Be, Grow, Show Retreat 2015 will be held on Friday
20th March beginning at 7pm at St Catherine's
Singleton.
For
more
information
E
youth.ministry@mn.catholic.org.au

Mini-Retreat and Healing Prayer

Mini-retreat will be held on Thursday 9th April
beginning at 10am at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 841
Hunter Street, Newcastle West. Mini-Retreat and
Healing Prayer with Fr Terrence Kithsiri Perara
Thursday 9th April 10-11:30 AM & 7-8:30 PM,
Wednesday 15th April 10-11:30 AM, Thursday 16th
April 7-8:30 PM, all at Sacred Heart Cathedral. For
more information P Vino Fernando 0412 060 990.

Ecumenical Accompaniment Program

Australian volunteer Ms Val Edwards from the
Anglican Church in West Wangaratta, Victoria is
currently serving as a volunteer with the World
Council of Churches EAPPI in the Palestinian West
Bank. She will describe her experience as an
Ecumenical Accompanier, talk about the struggles of
the Palestinian people and the movement for a just
peace in Palestine and Israel. No RSVP necessary. The
event will be held on Monday 23rd March beginning
at 7pm at Toohey Room, Cathedral House, 841 Hunter
St.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer Remembrance Service

Service of Remembrance for Dietrich Bonhoeffer will
be held on Thursday 9th April beginning at 6pm at
Christ Church Cathedral, Church St, Newcastle to mark
the death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer 70 years ago. Fr Erich
von Dietz, a former chaplain at UoN and a relative of
one of those who plotted with Bonhoeffer in the failed
1944 assassination plot against Hitler, is preaching on
Romans 5:5 and the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle, the
Rt Revd Greg Thompson, will deliver the blessing.
Further
details:
Fr.
Stephen
Moore
E
gresfordparish@bigpond.com P 0411 406 522.

Ecumenical Way of the Cross

All are welcome to attend the annual Ecumenical Way
of the Cross at Kilaben Bay on Sunday 29th March
from 3pm at St Joseph's Church, 140 Wangi Rd,
Kilaben Bay. Picnic facilities are available from 1pm.
will be held will be held on Sunday 29th March from
3pm at St Joseph's Church, 140 Wangi Rd, Kilaben Bay.
Harrys Challenge
Charity Event will be held on Saturday 21st March
beginning at 12pm at Stockton. Harry's Challenge is a
unique event which has the potential to become one
of the region's leading charity events promoting
outdoor family fitness and healthy lifestyle. Events
include Harry's Paddle or Harry's Fun Run. Visit

Aurora
This months edition of Aurora is available from the
rear of the church.

Mini Lunch
A lunch will be held every second Wednesday in each
month at the Anglican Parish, St. Albans Church Hall,
Forster at 12pm, cost $7. All welcome to attend. A
delicious meal and a warm and friendly greeting await
you. Includes lucky door prize and raffles. For further
information contact Helen Barber on 6554 5920.
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Ministers this Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Michael Siddle
B: Neil Pye

Kylie Hall, Maureen Pye, Neil Pye, Pat Hooker, Valarie

Ross.

7am Tuncurry

A: Maree Gapps
B: Tony Knight

Cecile Malone, Kay Griffiths, Maria Armitage, Norm

Chapman, Peter Wicks.

9am Forster

A: Sharon Fowle
B: Marion ONeill

Anne Moloney, Sharon Fowle, Natasha Brotherton,

Robyn Ryan, Trevor Turner.

Ministers next Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Maureen Stevens
B: Michael Siddle

Jeanette Goodacre, Kathryn McCabe, Maureen Stevens,

Michael Amato, Michael Siddle.

7am Tuncurry

A: Mary Greig
B: Patricia Cornish

Alex Matuszny, Graham Griffiths, Lorraine Clark, Mary

Greig, Peter Wicks.

9am Forster

A: Marie Keep
B: Anne Hartman

Alan McCarthy, Barbara Dolahenty, Barbara Kermode,

Coral McCarthy, Elle Cairns-Cowan.

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

2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21
Isaiah 65:17-21
John 4:43-54
Jeremiah 1:4-9
Acts 13:46-49
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Isaiah 49:8-15
John 5:17-30
2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24
Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Jeremiah 11:18-20
John 7:40-52
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 5:7-9
John 12:20-33

Responsorial Psalm
Response: Let my tongue be silenced, if ever I forget
you!
Gospel Acclamation
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
God loved the world so much, he gave us his only Son,
that all who believe in him might have eternal life.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased.
Val Peters.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now.
Don Hughes, Ian Kennedy.
All those in our community who are sick.
8