WEBSITE www.allsaintsblackbuttsouth.org.au

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR Fr Joseph Figurado Presbytery: 4957 5949 Parish Mobile: 0452 280 687 Email: Joseph.Figurado@mn.catholic.org.au ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH Lockyer Street ADAMSTOWN ST KEVIN’S CHURCH 226 Main Road CARDIFF ST PHILIP’S CHURCH/PRESBYTERY 31 Vista Parade KOTARA PARISH OFFICE 230 Main Road Cardiff PO Box 233 CARDIFF 2285 P: 4954 0977 Fax: 4956 7168 E: asbsparish@mn.catholic.org.au Secretaries Louise Byron, Anna Bojkowski NOW WORKING FROM HOME Office Hours Monday— Thursday 9.00am-3.00pm (May vary) PARISH PRIMARY SCHOOLS St Columba’s Adamstown St Kevin’s Cardiff St James’ Kotara PARISH HIGH SCHOOLS St Pius X Adamstown St Paul’s Booragul Links are on our Website

All Saints Blackbutt South Parish

ALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTHALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTHALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTH Faith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, KotaraFaith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, KotaraFaith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, Kotara

24 May 202024 May 202024 May 2020

Ascension of the Lord Year AAscension of the Lord Year AAscension of the Lord Year A

Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions – Step One Believing it to be the more prudent course of action, the Bishop has determined that given the limitations on the number of people who could attend them, the public celebration of Mass will remain suspended under Step One and will be reviewed when we move to Step Two. The previously communicated dispensation of the faithful of the Diocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY by Dianne Bergant CSA It seems that the risen Jesus remained on earth for forty days, appearing to his apostles and speaking about the reign of God. When the disciples’ responsibilities were sufficiently explained, he was taken from their sight. The cloud is a traditional symbol of the presence of God. The two men in white garments who interpreted the ascension recall the two men in similar garb who announced the resurrection. In most eschatological passages, the Spirit is identified with the endtime. Here the activity of the Spirit is a characteristic of the new age, the period between the resurrection and the time of complete fulfilment. A ritual of enthronement unfolds within this psalm. Two divine titles are invoked: Lord and Most High. The first is the personal name of the God of Israel; the second is an ancient Semitic title of excellence. The enthronement established God’s rule over all the earth and all nations. The kingship of the Lord has cosmic underpinnings. The ancients believed that before creation the forces of good and evil were in mortal combat. A battle ensued from which good emerged triumphant. Following this, the cosmos was reordered, a heavenly palace was constructed, and the victor ascended the throne to rule over all. If the kingship of God was commemorated in Israel, this story would have been in the consciousness of the people. The author of Ephesians prays for a threefold spiritual enlightenment: the hope of the calling from God; the riches of the glory of the inheritance of the holy ones; and the surpassing greatness of God's power for those who believe. These marvels have already taken place; it is for the believers to acknowledge them. The power referred to belongs to God. It was God’s power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Christ in the place of honour in heaven; it was God's power that made all things subject to Christ and exalted Christ as head of the church. It is this same power that enables the members of Christ’s exalted body to share in Christ's fullness and exaltation. In the account of the commissioning by Jesus, the disciples returned to Galilee and see Jesus on the mountain. They worship him, but with incomplete understanding. The commission that Jesus confers is straightforward and all encompassing. The disciples are told to go out and make disciples of all nations. This will be accomplished by baptising and teaching. The disciples are told to baptise in the threefold name of the Trinity. Those baptised are plunged into the mystery of that name and recreated as new beings. Social or cultural boundaries are dissolved; ethnic and gender restrictions are lifted. The specific teaching alluded to is moral rather than doctrinal. Those who hear this teaching are to observe what Jesus commanded. © Dianne Bergant CSA-LiturgyHelp

ALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTHALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTHALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTH Faith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, KotaraFaith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, KotaraFaith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, Kotara

Towards Building a Strong Parish of All Saints Blackbutt South …….. Let us envisage our future

Catholics are a community. A body made up of many different people, united by a common bond of love. Because of the enduring strength of this bond, and the life-long commitment it implies, one of the best ways of describing the Catholic Church is that "it is like a family." It is a Faith Family, United in The Most Holy Eucharist and constantly repeating the Command of the Master "Do this in remembrance of me." (1Corintians 11:23) A Catholic Faith Community is always one Faith Community. The above-said idea may come as a surprise to many people associate different images with the Catholic Church: organisation, government, moral watchdog and a Social Club. Yet, really, at its heart, the Church is a community of people travelling together through life, Sharing life, love, time and energy with one mind and soul. Like every human family, we have our ups and downs, our good times and bad. We have a heritage from which our values and behaviour codes have come. We cooperate through a variety of roles and functions. We have our special times of celebration, as well as the mundane activities of day to day life. What is different about this family-like bond; however, this Catholic identity is not based on race or blood but a spiritual relationship of faith. We believe in a God who is love, a God who has created us out of love. We believe this loving presence of God has been communicated to the world in an extraordinarily tangible way through the person of Jesus Christ, a man who walked on the earth 2,000 years ago in Palestine and whose whole life was animated by the Spirit of God. During his short life (for he only lived to about 33 years of age) Jesus preached a bold message of love, of freedom from fear, a promise of life. People experienced him as a person of extraordinary love, bringing healing, hope and forgiveness of sins to those who knew him. So significant was his impact among the people of his day, that the religious and political authorities felt threatened. So much so, that Jesus was put to death by crucifixion. Jesus' followers were devastated by his death. By appearing, strengthening and bringing those runaway disciples, Jesus wanted His Faith family to be together. Primarily under the patronage of His Blessed Mother. After the resurrection disciples of Jesus experienced his living presence in a whole new way. Their lives were transformed. Their faith in God took a quantum leap. Yes, love is stronger than death! Yes, the promise of eternal life is real! Yes, our God is always with us. The Spirit of God alive in Jesus had taken hold of their lives too. They came to recognise Jesus as the Son of God, the Christ, God-with-us. They had felt themselves 'die' with Christ, and now they experienced themselves 'resurrected'. Alive! Free! Hope-filled and open to the promise of life - in this life and the next. Continued next page…...

ALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTHALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTHALL SAINTS PARISH BLACKBUTT SOUTH Faith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, KotaraFaith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, KotaraFaith Communities of Adamstown, Cardiff, Kotara

In their excitement, Jesus' followers gathered in a little community. Together they lived a new vision for their lives. Their joy of knowing Christ and living in his Spirit was all-consuming. They felt his presence in the depths of their humanity. So much so, that they came to understand themselves as 'the body of Christ', the people in whom the Spirit of God dwelt and was active! Their bond of love attracted others. Their stories of how God had touched their lives raised hope, questions, curiosity amongst those who would listen. Their community grew and spread to all parts of the world. Despite times of great persecution and difficulty, this experience of faith continued to be transmitted through the ages; passed down through word of mouth, through sacred writings, through the traditions and practices of the community, enlivening the hearts of each new generation of Christians. The Scripture story 'The whole community of believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed any of their possessions as his own; but rather they shared all things in common. With great power, the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and they were living in a time of grace.' (Acts 4.32-33) Putting It Simply We Catholics are a body of people, a community, a family with a story, a history, a purpose who believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We share a shared vision for life, seek to live in a spirit of love, not just a social club, not just a group of likeminded people, not just a welfare agency, or a spiritual fill-up station, but a life-long love relationship, alive in the Spirit of Christ, a people with a mission to proclaim Jesus to the world, share our life with others, so that the world may believe and share our joy. Jesus said, 'This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this, to give one's life for his friends.' (John 15:12-13)

Dear Parishioners hope this little draft would inspire you on a correct disposition to have a significant impact on the parish life which we are going to explore together in coming days. This article would appear several times on our weekly bulletin until we resume full-length activities in our Parish. I continue to pray for all of you in my Holy Masses and paying a possible visit to the elderly and most vulnerable. Hope we shall see each other soon on our regular celebrations. Fraternally yours in Christ, Fr.Joseph Figurado

then journal your responses to the questions in the reflection, finish your session with the prayer provided or your own. During the week reflect on what your action could be to show greater generosity to those in need.

Members of the Formation and Education, Pastoral Ministries team have been working assiduously over the last several months in unpacking and sorting books in the reestablishment of Diocesan (DoMN) Library & Resource centre. The books have come from the St Laurence Resource centre, Broadmeadow and various diocesan collections including the Dilley Library and the former Newcastle Christian Library. With such a large collection we are calling for Expressions of Interest for people to join a Library and Resource Advisory Group. Expression of Interest form is attached. Project Compassion Thank you for your continued support of Project Compassion over many years and no doubt you are doing your bit this year to give generously to the ongoing outreach of Project Compassion in aid and development around the globe. Information from Diocese is attached.

PARISH NEWS (WEB: www.allsaintsblackbuttsouth.org.au)

Free Firewood Available from beside St Philip’s Columbarium at Kotara. Please bring a trailer and chainsaw and help yourself

Parish Office is closed and we are working from home you can contact us by phone or email during our office hours. Anna & Louise Staying in touch: our weekly bulletin is uploaded to the Parish website on Thursday, as well we are emailing PDF copy to parishioners. If you currently receive the bulletin by email, please share it with family and friends who may not have internet access. Live stream Mass every Sunday at 9.30am at https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/places/live-stream/ This year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be from 24 -31 May. The theme “They showed us unusual kindness” (Act 28:2), remembers the historic shipwreck of Paul on the island of Malta and calls us, just like the people on the Island of Malta to a greater generosity to those in need. The Week for Christian Unity is usually celebrated together. The theme calls us to move from shared prayer to shared action. Due to COVID-19, we are not able to join together, so we need to be creative and adapt the current situation. We welcome you to download the World Day of Prayer for Christian Unity 2020 Reflection for 8 Days https://www.ncca.org.au/faith-and-unity-resources. Take some time each day to read the reflection, discern or meditate on the words,

SICK/SPECIAL NEEDS: We remember in prayer … Leonie Pickett, Veronica Hipwell, Karen Curran, Bernadette Milne, Algi & Geraldine Bajelis, Mick King, Margaret McLellan, Jan Hobson, Lewis Peel (Purcell), Sheila Kinsella, Warren Sheppard, Rita Martin, Emma Pacifico, Lorraine Caldwell, Emilinda Peralta, Michael Wood, Loris Jackson, Linda McDonald, Dean Hart, Terry Hart, Barry Moore, Leigh Hooper, Chris Patsan, Catherine Horner, John & Albert Erzetich, Catherine Hobbs, Fr Terry Horne, Bernadette Coffey, Dorota Bakowska ANNIVERSARIES: Stan Gleeson

Tax Receipts: Request is attached Letter has been distributed to our givers. Complete form and return either by email or post to Parish Office only if you require Tax Receipt. Please consider the payment options for your donations by either Direct Debit or EFT

Transfer. New Planning Giving Envelopes: Are currently being prepared. Parish Planned Giving Program: We are encouraging parishioners, whose financial position allows them to do so, to join the electronic parish planned giving program. Application forms can be obtained from the parish website (under Contact Us) or by contacting the parish office. Thank you.

The banking details for depositing Project Compassion funds are:

BSB – 062217

Account Number – 10471471 (this indicates it is from our diocese)