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1st/2nd OCTOBER 2016
27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - YEAR C
PARISH MINISTERS Very Rev Fr Peter Dillon P.P
Fr Chukwudi Chinaka Fr John Hong
Fr Stephen Bliss ofm
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Mrs Bernadette McAndrew
OFFICE STAFF Mrs Janelle Van De Weyer
Mrs Maree Coyne Mrs Kathy Lund
Mrs Helena Hamm
OFFICE HOURS Monday 9am - 3.30pm
Tuesday - Friday 8am - 3.30pm
PHONE: 3281 2133
MASS TIMES: 3281 0707
FAX: 3812 3911
MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 23
Ipswich Qld 4305
EMAIL [email protected]
WEB www.ipswichcatholiccommunity.org
ST MARY’S PRIMARY Phone: 3281 1998
IMMACULATE HEART PRIMARY Phone: 3812 1077
ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY Phone: 3201 6188
ST BRIGID’S PRIMARY Phone: 5464 1563
‘Increase Our Faith’
A clear point of the Readings this Sunday is about Faith. In the Gospel, the apostles asked Jesus to “increase our faith”. Faith is certainly important and necessary on our life journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
From a resource, based on the readings of this Sunday, a piece of writing about Faith is as follows:
‘Faith is first of all a personal adherence to God. At the same time it is a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 150). Faith is both a gift from God through divine grace (CCC 153) and a human act of intellect and will freely assenting to and accepting God’s revealed truth (CCC 156). St Anselm once defined theology as ‘faith seeking understanding’ because, in faith, one seeks to know better the One who is revealed and understand better what is re-vealed, to penetrate the mystery ever more deeply so that faith can become even stronger (CCC 159). Faith cannot be forced; it must be a free human response to God. But faith can be fostered and nurtured. Without care, it can wither and die. The Church provides assistance in keeping our faith alive, or, as the letter to Timothy says (The Second Reading), of fanning our faith into a flame.
As we know, Faith can be tested, especially in the hard times when everything seems go against us. We could find out a lot of people facing very ‘severe tests’ of Faith. Job, in the Book of Job, is an example. He suffered almost every form of devastating adversity. However, he still maintained a strong faith in God. When everything was taken away from him, sometimes in a horrible way, he said: “The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21).
I remember the time when my family was in a remote area where we had been facing starvation nearly all the time. At a point of time, we did not have anything to eat for a week. Everybody in the family was weaker and weaker. I tried every means to keep the family going. I prayed a lot. God was silent. I began to complain to God but mum said: “Don’t ever lose faith in God!” At that time, I did not strongly believe in what mum said as we had to ‘hopelessly’ struggle to live. We survived and I asked mum why she said this. She told me that she believed in the arrangement of God for everybody and she was ready to accept anything that might happen. Mum did not do any theological course. She never understood the so-called ‘faith seeking understanding’. She just believed and kept going…
We profess our faith at every Sunday and solemn Masses. However, we need to put our profession into action. We need to nurture, strengthen and deepen our faith through our living. Our profession will bear significant meaning with our acts accompanied.
Actions speak louder than words. The reminding words from Jesus in the Gospel can serve as a guide to us, living our faith in a way of service and love: “When you have done all you have been told to do, say ‘We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”’ We pray that our faith always goes hand in hand with action in service, love, peace and justice. We also pray for the ‘increasing of our faith’ that we can courageously bear witness to the Kingdom of God according to our ability and capacity. May God bless us all!! Fr John Hong.
I choose to enjoy the journey God has set before me.
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS
CELEBRATIONS FOR THIS WEEK
Monday 3rd October - Weekday, Ordinary Time 27 NO 7.00am MASS St Joseph’s North Ipswich 7.00pm Mater Dei Sadlier’s Crossing
Tuesday 4th October –St Francis of Assisi 9.00am Immaculate Heart of Mary Leichhardt 10.30am St Mary’s Hostel Wildey Street
Wednesday 5th October - Weekday, Ordinary Time 27
9.00am Villa Maria Limestone Street 9.30am Cabanda Nursing Home Rosewood NO MASS at RSL Care Retirement Community Grange Road Rescheduled to next Wednesday 12th October
Thursday 6th October - Weekday, Ordinary Time 27
9.00am St Mary’s Woodend 9.00am St Joseph’s North Ipswich
Friday 7th October - Our Lady of the Rosary 8.30am Sacrament of Reconciliation Eastern Hts 9.00am Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Eastern Hts 9.00am Immaculate Heart of Mary Leichhardt
Saturday 8th October - Weekday, Ordinary Time 27 5.00 - 5.30pm Sacrament of Reconciliation St Mary’s 5.30pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Leichhardt
Vigil 5.30pm Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Eastern Hts 6.00pm St Mary’s Woodend 6.00pm Immaculate Heart of Mary Leichhardt
Sunday 9th October - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time 7.30am St Joseph’s North Ipswich 8.00am St Mary’s Woodend 8.00am St Brigid’s Rosewood 9.30am Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Eastern Hts 9.30am St Joseph’s North Ipswich 6.00pm St Mary’s Woodend
St. Mary’s Church, Elizabeth Street, Woodend
Mater Dei Church, Cnr Ferrett Street & Rowland Terrace, Sadliers Crossing
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Robertson Road, Eastern Heights
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 22 Old Toowoomba Road, Leichhardt
St. Joseph’s Church, 42 Pine Mountain Road, North Ipswich
St. Brigid’s Church, Matthew Street, Rosewood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Fr Brian Taylor, Merv Lamke, Joyce Dippelsman, Joyce Collins, Carmel Strudwick, Teresa Crouch, Ann Vaughan, John Lynch, Mary Kavanagh,
Fr Michael Skehan, Santo Conte, Lorraine Murphy, Jem Ireland, Barry Holmes, Peggy Quinn.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Paul McKean, Joanne Watts, Craig Hannam, Michael Williams, Merryl(Paddy) Gleeson, Kay Smith, Joan Earl, Clyde Towler, Conrad Behrendorff, Jeff Corris,
Max Bishop, Vince Elmore, Carolyn Burt, Dell Burns, Mavis Craik, Marie Tonner, Vince Heffernan.
FAREWELL HELENA: On Sunday, 23rd October after the 9.30am Mass at St. Joseph’s, we will have a Morning Tea to thank Helena for all she has contributed to the Leichhardt and North Ipswich Parishes over the past (almost) 5 years. She has helped out in so many ways — not just in her official role — and although she will continue to be involved as a parishioner, we will miss her in the formal role of
Office Administrator. So, please join us.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE PARISHES
A CALL TO CARE FOR CREATION
A presentation by Fr Sean McDonagh SSC will be held on Thursday 3rd November at St Mary’s Parish Centre Ipswich, Cnr Elizabeth Street and Roseberry Parade , Woodend commencing at 10am with morning tea. The presentation will be 10.30am—12.30pm.
Irish Columban Fr Sean McDonagh is known around the world as an eco-theologian who
works to raise awareness on the connections between justice and peace issues, environmental sustainability and faith. He is an outspoken critic of policies that allow
for the systematic degradation of the environment, linking them to global poverty and the increased suffering of the poor.
Fr Sean is the author of numerous articles and nine books including Climate Change: The Challenge to All of Us, Greening the Christian Millennium, Care for the Earth and Dying for Water. He highlights the causes and consequences of issues such as global
warming, genetically engineered food, water pollution, the nuclear industry and loss of biodiversity.
OCTOBER 4TH is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi:
Pope Francis gathered with representatives from world-wide faith traditions in Assisi (last week) to join in a united prayer for peace and to demonstrate a living symbol of spiritual unity. Here is what he said:
'Men and women of various religions, we gather as pilgrims in the city of Saint Francis.... We have heard the voice of the poor, of children and the younger generations, of women and so many brothers and sisters who are suffering due to war. With them let us say with conviction: No to war! May the anguished cry of the many innocents not go unheeded. Let us urge leaders of nations to defuse the causes of war: the lust for power and money, the greed of arms' dealers, personal interests and vendettas for past wrongs. We need a greater commitment to eradicating the underlying causes of conflicts: poverty, injustice and inequality, the exploitation of and contempt for human life.
'May a new season finally begin, in which the globalized world can become a family of peoples. May we carry out our responsibility of building an authentic peace, attentive to the real needs of individuals and peoples, capable of preventing conflicts through a cooperation that triumphs over hate and overcomes barriers through encounter and dialogue. Nothing is lost when we effectively enter into dialogue. Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer. Everyone can be an artisan of peace. Through this gathering in Assisi, we resolutely renew our commitment to be such artisans, by the help of God, together will all men and women of good will.'
How can you be an "artisan of peace" today? We pray that peace will be real for all within our community.
READINGS FOR MASS: 1/2 October: Hab 1: 2-3, 2: 2-4; 2 Tim 1: 6-8, 13-14; Lk 17: 5-19 8/9 October: 2 Kg 5: 14-17; 2 Tim 2: 8-13; Lk 17: 11-19 BRISBANE OPEN HOUSE (BOH): On the weekend of 8th/9th October, the Cathedral of St Stephen and St Stephen’s Chapel will participate in BOH. BOH celebrates the city’s architecture, giving visitors a rare insight into contemporary, and environmentally significant buildings in the heart of the city. View the display of Mary MacKillop artefacts in the windows of Penola Place and follow the Mary MacKillop Walk (opened and blessed by Archbishop Mark Coleridge on 8 August, the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop).
THE CATHOLIC LEADER: Keeping faith with you * Thousands grow in faith as Ignite Conference draws huge crowds
to Brisbane ; * New book outlining the threat of ‘marriage equality’ censored by printer; * 22-year-old Iranian asylum
seeker free, but her future is uncertain; * Brisbane priest loses his best friend in horror New Zealand crash; * Catholic
pacifist joins peacemaker teams for dangerous Iraq expedition; * Seven-page feature highlighting options for older
Australians ; * Brisbane Catholic school students to be the face of world sporting event ; * Three priests murdered in
Mexico in a week; * Cairns teachers inspired by Polish WYD pilgrimage and Pope Francis.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR PARISH ‘RENOVATE” - MOVE FROM “MAINTENANCE” TO
‘MISSION” - THEN THIS SEMINAR IS FOR YOU! AND FOR YOU! AND FOR YOU! On Saturday, 19th
November, 9am-4pm (yes, all day—morning tea and lunch included) at San Sisto College, Carina,
FR JAMES MALLON will inspire us with stories of how his parish has transformed into a more vibrant,
welcoming and outwardly focused faith community. He will share key strategies that have worked for them and could work
for US. DON’T JUST LEAVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE, BE PART OF MAKING OUR PARISH BETTER! Mark your diary
now, and plan to come along. Registrations will need to be made at the Parish Office (Ph 3281 2133) by 1st November.
APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL AT ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE: The Ipswich Catholic Community is happy to share with you the appointment of Mr Diarmuid O’Riordan. Diamuid’s appointment is effective from January 2017. Welcome Diamuid!
ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE TWILIGHT TOURS: Wednesday October 12th – 5pm – 7pm. Come along and meet the
Principal and staff, tour the College and enjoy a sausage sizzle and refreshments. Interviewing now for year 7/ 2018. Enrolled year 6 students for a year 7 intake, will join our wonderful Eddies’ Rookies Program. Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday the 12
th October. Please phone the College on 3810 4448 if you need any further information.
ST EDMUND’S OLD BOYS DINNER: Saturday 29 October 2016 at 7pm - Brother Leagues Club Ipswich. Guest speaker: Cr Paul Pisasale - Mayor of Ipswich. $50 per head for 2 course meal. Book a Table of 10 for $450. For tickets please contact Andrew McGrath on 0438 164 452 or [email protected]. All welcome!
TRIVIA NIGHT: You are invited to a Trivia Night and 3 course Irish Meal on Saturday 8th October 2016 supporting Ipswich
Multicultural Projects. Have lots of fun with Trivia M.C. Peter Smith. Starts 7pm at Masonic Hall, Cnr Roderick and Nicholas Streets, Ipswich. All inclusive Cost is $25.00 per person. To book or info phone 0414 703 842. Lots of fun and Prizes.
HIVE NEWS Ignite Conference by Morgan Leschke
In the lead up to attending the Ignite Conference I wasn’t all that excited. Having to spend 4 days of my holiday at a church conference didn’t really appeal to me at all. However, last Thursday while waiting in the carpark, I couldn’t help but feel some excitement growing within me. The drive down to the conference took a while, however the group in Jacinta’s care were great company. We were regularly looking out the window to keep our ‘caravan’ of 3 vehicles together; successfully!
Upon entering the conference centre I first noticed the energy the Ignite staff had in welcoming us. This quickly had us ready for our spiritual journey. The first day at the conference was very quiet when compared to the other days, which was great because it was my first time attending the conference along with a great majority of others who hadn’t been there before. I spent my time at the first rally sitting down thinking what’s the point of dancing and jumping around in the “praise pit” and thinking that is something I definitely would not do. The night closed and my group went back to St Patrick’s College to sleep and to replenish our much needed energy for the next day of activities.
The rally on the second day had a lot more people getting involved as everyone was becoming more comfortable with each other. This resulted in me walking up near the “praise pit” (not to start jumping and dancing and getting involved) but to just see what all the hype was all about. The great music had my knees bouncing and my head bobbing without me even knowing it! Then to my surprise I actually joined in and started to have an awesome time! That’s right Fr. Chukwudi; an AWESOME time!
I brought my friends from my group down because they really didn't know what they were missing out on and they really enjoyed it too. Lunch came around and everyone filled the open area. No one was alone. People were playing basketball, skating, dancing with the live music and even participating on stage and showing everyone their ‘God-given’ talents in music. I found myself once again not getting too involved and just sitting with my friends eating lunch. I went to a number of workshops which helped me to understand many different things that I really wasn't sure about before. The workshops were split into age groups, so it was pretty good. Games were incorporated in the workshops so no one lost focus. Night two closed with another rally and once again I found myself participating in the “praise pit” with my friends.
On day three the opening rally was filled with so much energy. So many people were joining in, it was great. You were really missing out if you just sat there and didn't come dance. Around lunch time I walk out and BAM! It was beautiful, this thing, sitting before my eyes. A half pipe (skate ramp) had found its way into the lunch area and it was great! Everyone was astounded and everyone loved it. This helped build more atmosphere and we were sharing our time with people we had only just met. Once again after the workshops the night closed with a rally and then it was off to bed.
Day four came around and I was deeply saddened, I knew it was my last day at Ignite and I really didn't want to leave. It was an interesting feeling, because if I had the option not to go, I would've quickly declined and not have known what I was missing out on. Everyone made the most of the last day and I know without a doubt no one wanted to waste this day; we treasured every second of it. Everyone was singing and dancing and the amount of energy in the room at the rally was amazing. I really felt the presence of God and felt like I was home.
After spending time at Ignite my faith has started to resurface. I felt myself become stronger not only in my relationships with others but most importantly, my relationship with God. The Ignite conference was so amazing and I cannot wait to go back next year, I would recommend it to everyone, no matter how old you are! There were over 20 of us that attended. Please take the time to talk to those who attended, we have some wonderful stories we would like to share.
