Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
ST MARTHA’S PARISH STRATHFIELD
‘Love your enemies’ … Matthew 5
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CATHOLIC PRESS.
Copies of the Catholic Weekly $2 & Catholic Leader $2.50 are available at the Church Entrances.
GLUTEN FREE HOSTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANY CELIAC PARISHIONERS. IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION PLEASE TELL THE CHURCH WARDEN OR SEE AN ACOLYTE IN THE SACRISTY PRIOR TO MASS.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING MINISTRIES YOU ARE
REQUIRED TO SIGN IN - ACOLYTES;
READERS; EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS; CHOIR; CHILDREN’S LITURGY
(LEADERS & CHILDREN) & SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM (LEADERS &
CHILDREN). SIGN IN FOLDERS ARE KEPT IN THE SACRISTY. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION.
ALTAR SERVERS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE SACRISTY
WITHOUT A PARENT/TEACHER. THE SIGN IN FOLDER IS
LOCATED IN THE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE SACRISTY.
A MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY.
Abuse is a crime. The appropriate people to deal with a crime are the police. If
you – or anyone you know – have been abused, please contact the police.
Alternatively, you can contact the Safeguarding and Ministerial Integrity Office at
9390 5810 or [email protected]. You may also want to
speak to your Parish Priest who will be able to provide support and guidance.
The Archdiocese has a legal obligation to report crimes to the police..
Please be aware that if you “TAG” St Martha’s in photos on your Facebook page, the images also appear on an “unofficial” St Martha’s Facebook page. This “unofficial” page was created
automatically by Facebook and is not controlled by St Martha’s. We kindly remind you to take care when uploading photos of any
children without parent consent.
SHARING OF THE WORD Our weekly meetings are held at St Martha’s
parish hall and commence on Monday 3 March from 7-8pm.
Everyone would be most welcome to join our group. Bibles are supplied.
MASS TIMES
Tuesdays: 7.30am Wednesdays: 9.10am
Thursdays: 9.10am Fridays: 9.10am
Saturdays: 9.10am, 5pm Vigil Mass
Sundays: 8.00am; 10.00am & 6.00pm
1st Saturday of every month: 8-9am Adoration, 9am Benediction,
9.10am Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick, followed by
reconciliation
RECONCILIATION: Saturday after 9.10am Mass or by appointment.
BAPTISM:
2nd & 4th Sundays of the month at 11.00am
by appointment only. (One months’ notice is required).
Contact the Parish Office.
Next Preparation Session: 1st March 2020 at 9.15am in Parish Hall
MARRIAGES: By appointment only.
(6 months’ notice is required).
ROSARY: Tuesday & Saturday after morning Mass, Wednesday, Thursday
& Friday 8.30am and 7.30pm on Fridays in conjunction with Marian Movement of Priests Cenacle and Divine Mercy Chaplet.
LIFE ASCENDING GROUP:
Resumes February 2020
PRAYER GROUP / ADORATION AT
ST MARTHA’S CHURCH: Mondays 10.30am – 11.30am
SYDNEY MALAYEALEE ROMAN CATHOLIC
COMMUNITY
Rosary, Mass & Adoration from 6.30pm to 9pm on
the 2nd Saturday of each month. Rosary & Bible Sharing 6.30pm on
the 4th Saturday of the month
ADORATION AT SISTER DISCIPLES
OF THE DIVINE MASTER: Daily from 2.30pm-6.00pm
Please continue to support the St Vincent De Paul Society
through the Church Poor Boxes.
THE PARISH OF ST MARTHA’S ACKNOWLEDGES THE WANGUL PEOPLE AS THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND ON WHICH THE CHURCH IS BUILT
Parish Priest: Fr Jacek (Jack) Cichy Priest in Residence: Fr Michael Milinga
Administration Coordinator: Nicolle Mazzaferro (Mon-Thurs) [email protected] Administration Support: Larissa Argiro (Fridays 9.30am – 2.30pm) [email protected]
Sacramental Coordinator: Patricia Saad (Monday & Tuesday) [email protected] Safeguarding Officer: Dianne Dawson [email protected]
Parish Ministries Coordinator: Helen Williamson Music Ministry: Marcella Ayoub & Jane Phillips Children’s Liturgy Coordinator: Rachel Suriano
Plenary Council 2020 Ambassador: Helena O’Neill Youth Ministry: Jessica Gereis [email protected]
St Martha’s School: 9764 1184 Email: [email protected]
Principal: Judy Gastin Assistant Principal: Leanne Meehan
REC: Attilia Kazacos
Vision:
Welcoming
Eucharistic
Transformed by the Word
Full of Grace
Proclaiming Good News
Mission:
Alive with the Spirit
Inspired by St Martha
We Celebrate & Witness
God’s love
Using our Gifts & Talents
70 Homebush Rd Strathfield NSW 2135 Phone: 9746 6131 Fax: 9764 3040
Email: [email protected] Website: www.stmarthas.org.au
Parish Office: Mon- Fri 9.00am-3.00pm
Please continue
to support the St Vincent De Paul Society
through the Church Poor Boxes.
LENT 2020 Copies of the Archbishop’s Lenten Penance are available at the Church Entrances.
Project Compassion boxes and envelopes are now available to
take home from the foyer of the Church.
“Grace” Lenten Program Meetings are being held every Monday morning in the
Church commencing at 10.30am. Thank you to Cathy
Milgate & Helen Gereis who are facilitating the program.
THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS WILL BE AT 7.00PM ON EACH FRIDAY
DURING LENT
If you are attending one of the Easter Liturgies at St Martha’s
Church and you are on the regular roster, could you please consider
volunteering. We are in need of Extraordinary Ministers of
Communion, Lectors & Altar Servers. Please write your name on the
sheets on the rear table of the church or contact Helen Williamson
on 9742 5746.
VOLUNTEERS ARE ALSO NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ‘WASHING OF THE FEET’
AT THE 7.30PM HOLY THURSDAY MASS. PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME ON THE SIGN-
UP SHEET AT THE REAR OF THE CHURCH IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER.
Background on the Gospel Reading (Loyola Press)
1st Sunday of Lent In each of the three Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke), after Jesus’ baptism by John, Jesus is reported to have gone to the desert to fast and pray for 40 days. In each case, while in the desert, Jesus is tempted by the devil. Matthew and Luke give more detail than Mark does, but each one tells how the devil tempts Jesus in the desert. In Matthew, as in Luke, the devil presents three temptations to Jesus. The devil tempts Jesus to use his power to appease his hunger; he tempts Jesus to put God’s promise of protection to the test; and he offers Jesus all of the kingdoms of the world if Jesus will worship the devil. In each case, Jesus resists the temptation, rebuking the devil with words from Scripture. The account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert is filled with allusions and parallels to the Old Testament, including the story of the people of Israel.
The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert in Exodus, for example, and Jesus spends 40 days in the desert. As the Israelites were tempted during the Exodus, so too is Jesus tempted. Each temptation offers insight into both God and the human condition. Jesus’ rejection of the temptations shows that he will not put God to the test. Grounding himself on the word and authority of Scripture, Jesus rebukes the devil, confident in God’s protection and faithfulness. As we start our journey through Lent, our Sunday readings call us to adopt the same confidence that Jesus had in the face of temptation: God’s word alone will suffice; God’s promise of protection can be trusted; God alone is God.
Parish Nursing Homes Masses:
Wednesday 4th March 10.00am Strathdale Nursing Home
Friday 6th March 10.00am Meredith Nursing Home
Wednesday 11th March 2.00pm Strathfield Gardens
Friday 13th March 10.30am Goondee Nursing Home
Wednesday 18th March 10.00am Jesmond Nursing Home
Please join Archbishop Anthony in praying for
Kristian and members of the Seric Family
who are a part of our
Parish and School community.
We ask Eileen O’Connor to intercede for
Kristian’s healing.
Eternal Father, You alone grant us every blessing in Heaven and on earth, through the
redemptive mission of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and by the working of the Holy Spirit. If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant,
Eileen O’Connor, by granting the favour I now request through her prayerful intercession for Kristian’s healing. I make this prayer
confidently through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
"Let's Celebrate At Mass Today” is a brand new Catholic
Children's Book that tells the story of a young boy who attends
Sunday Mass with his family. This story will guide and help
families find joy, love and God in the celebration of the Mass.
Limited copies of this great Australian story can be purchased in
the Church foyer for $20 each. Alternatively, you can visit
www.letscelebrateatmasstoday.com or follow
@letscelebrateatmasstoday on instagram for great inspiration
on how to encourage young children to actively participate in
the Holy Mass.
We have a dedicated team of people who visit the sick and vulnerable in the nursing
homes within ort parish to offer spiritual support, comfort, Holy Communion or just a
chat. One of our regular ladies is taking 2020 to look after her grandchild. We would
welcome someone who would like to join our team and visit the residents in one of our
local nursing homes. The day for ministry is Wednesday after 9.10am Mass. The usual working with children
compliance applies. Please contact Helen Williamson 0408 970 120 if you would like more information.
7th & 8th March
VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM
Special Veni Tandiono Gian Surjadinata Raymond K / Maria F. Andrew Bova
Ministers Iwan Tandiono Artha Surjadinata Georgia E. Mary L’Estrange
Meaghan Williamson
VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM
Readers Marianna Soo Beatrice Cooney Helen Williamson Anne Chow
Matthew Lam Beatrice Cooney Rachel Suriano Joanne Govorcin
VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM
Altar Nicholas T. George C. Kristian K. Katarina S.
Servers Patrick T. Elias C. Luca K.
Lachlan P. Volunteer Needed Michael S. Volunteer Needed
Elizabeth P. Volunteer Needed Anthony S. Volunteer Needed
Wardens VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM
Ken Goodrick Georgette Sahyoun Trudie Rogers Jean Duma
Children’s 10AM 10AM
Liturgy Yvonne Martins Pierre Wong
THE NEW ROSTER IS NOW AVAILABLE TO COLLECT FROM THE SIDE ENTRANCE OF THE CHURCH OR VIA THE PARISH WEBSITE.
MASS INTENTIONS Recently Deceased:
Cheryl Morgan, Sam Patane, Marcus Byrne, Vicky Buttel, Raymond Wehbe, Anne Russo, Antony, Angelina & Siena Abdallah, Veronique Sakr, Rudy Jimenez, Baby Xion Bangalan Marcos, John McManus.
Repose Of The Soul:
Fr Adrian Horgan, Fr Paul Ryan, Br Ray Dowding, Gerald Wilson, John Ferguson, Ken Fraser, Connie Wong, Aldo Amarino, Salvatore (Phillip) Puglisi, Dan Dillon, William (Bill) & Dorothy Starr, Roger O’Reilly, Stefano, Francesco & Maria Colagiuri, Estelle Thurn, Lisa Cooke, Michael & Mary Cassar, Romilda Reginato, Anne Cecilia Glass, Reginald & Agnes Glass, Gerald & Frances Gleeson, Faado Herro, Elias Mounayer, Patrick & Janet Reynolds, Jim Reynolds, Ken Rich, Monica & Patrick Ryan, Stephen Maxwell Stewart & Christopher John Stewart, Dr Stephanie Winfield, Philip Winfield, Charlie Gullotta, Ramza & Michael Obeid, Hamid Taouk, Peter & Margaret Hetherton, Norman & Christine Coorey, Jerko Ancic, Holy Souls of the D’Angelo, Pizzirusso & Vece Families.
Anniversaries:
Dan Dillon, Edmund Duggan, Tom O’Rourke, Mrs Raju, Joseph & Margaret McGannon, Maureen Sarks, Grace Hunt, Gwenyth Pearce, Anne Pittorino, Jim Henness, Tiarnan Rafferty, Declan & Mary Anne Dower all those whose anniversaries occur at this time.
Sick Intentions:
Luis Eladio Torres, Maria Almeida, Jaden & Livia Noronha, Rob & Val Reberger, Fr David Coffey, Fr John Langtry, Baby Chloe Alison, Marc Kayrouz, Conny Nilson, John Georges, David Freeland, Frances Spicer, Beryl Morahan, Mildred Azares Panes, Br Jude Butcher cfc, Lucy Washburn, Peter Starr.
Special Intentions: Kristian Seric & Family, Mark & Liz Byrne, Rineesh & Wander, Patricia McManus, Rita Fragassi, Judith Ferguson, Members of the Choi Family, Matteo & Caterina Genova, Filomena Pagano, Antonia & Giuseppe Pagano, Antonia & Luigi Ghidella, Deceased Friends, Relatives & Benefactors of the Dominican Order & the St Vincent de Paul Society & Benefactors, Holy Souls.
Mass Intention Envelopes are available at the Church Entrances
Reach Beyond: Become Simply Rich.… All trades and professions are being requested by communities abroad seeking to build the capacity of their
organisations and the skills of their people. They’re not asking for money or gifts that contribute to degrading dependence. Your assistance will help to develop self-reliance and sustainable solutions to poverty. Palms Australia will provide you with thorough preparation and support. You will be rewarded with riches greater than you might imagine. Look at www.palms.org.au and talk to Roger on O422472567, or email [email protected]
Holy Land Pilgrimage with Fr Thomas Would you like to join Berala Parishioners for a Pilgrimage to
the Holy Land? Dates will be between mid September – mid October 2020 (including school holidays). COST:
From AUD 3890 PP (All Inclusive Land Package). Please contact the Berala Parish Office by emailing
[email protected] or phone 9644 7787, to register your interest or obtain more information.
We pray for Hannah, Trey, Aaliyah & Laianah Clarke.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them.
May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Loving Saviour, touch the hearts of those who abuse others. Heal their thinking, so that they may turn to You and seek Your ways. Help them to know that every human being is a treasure to You. Help them to
know that You are a forgiving God and can lead them on a path to new life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Gracious God, You created us in Your image and breathed life into us, a life You want us to live abundantly. We ask You to free those living with abuse physically, mentally or spiritually, from their oppression, so that they may
walk in peace and enjoy a life full of Your blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Reflection on Lenten Fasting by Rev. Daniel Merz
In the early Church and, to a lesser extent still today, there were two fasts. There was the "total fast" that preceded all major feasts or sacramental events. The ancient name for this fast was "statio" from the verb "sto, stare" to stand watch, on guard or in vigil. The second fast was a fast of abstinence from certain foods, e.g., meats or fats. This was more an act of self-discipline and self-control. The statio fast was total and a means of watching and waiting…i.e. for something. The fast of abstinence was more general and personal, to help oneself be more disciplined or self-controlled.
The total fast is still kept today prior to reception of Holy Communion. Following Holy Communion, the total fast ceases because Jesus had explicitly stated that we don't fast when the bridegroom is here, in other words, what we're keeping vigil for has arrived, the wait is over. On the other hand, the fast of abstinence was allowed on Sundays because the continuity of abstinence can be important for it to be effective. These initial observations, then, teach us that the Eucharist is always the end of a preparation. It is always the fulfilment of an expectation. In the Orthodox Church during Lent, they have Eucharist only on Saturday and Sunday. But because Wednesdays and Fridays are total fast days, those two days are also days for the Communion service (Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified) which are held in the evening, i.e., after the day of preparation. Fasting is always preparatory. Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent. CNS illustration/Emily Thompson. But how did fasting become such an important means of preparing for the Eucharist and of learning virtue through self-discipline? Christian fasting is revealed in an interdependence between two events in the Bible: the "breaking of the fast" by Adam and Eve; and the "keeping of the fast" by Christ at the beginning of his ministry. Humanity's "Fall" away from God and into sin began with eating. God had proclaimed a fast from the fruit of only one tree, the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17), and Adam and Eve broke it. Fasting is here connected with the very mystery of life and death, of salvation and damnation. Food perpetuates life in this physical world, which is subject to decay and death. But God "created no death." (Wis. 1:13). Humanity, in Adam and Eve, rejected a life dependent on God alone for one that was dependent rather on "bread alone." (Dt. 8:3; Mt. 4:4; Lk. 4:4). The whole world was given to man as a kind of food, as a means to life, but "life" is meant as communion with God, not as food. ("Their god is their belly." Phil. 3:19). The tragedy is not so much that Adam ate food, but that he ate the food for its own sake, "apart" from God and to be independent of Him. Believing that food had life in itself and thus he could be "like God." And he put his faith in food. This kind of existence seems to be built on the principle that man does indeed live "by bread alone." Christ, however, is the new Adam. At the beginning of his ministry in the Gospel of Matthew, we read, "When He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He became hungry." Hunger is that state in which we realize our dependence on something else—when we face the ultimate question: "on what does my life depend?" Satan tempted both Adam and Christ, saying: Eat, for your hunger is proof that you depend entirely on food, that your life is in food. Adam believed and ate. Christ said, "Man does NOT live by bread alone." (Mt. 4:4; Lk. 4:4). This liberates us from total dependence on food, on matter, on the world. Thus, for the Christian, fasting is the only means by which man recovers his true spiritual nature. In order for fasting to be effective, then, the spirit must be a part of it. Christian fasting is not concerned with losing weight. It is a matter of prayer and the spirit. And because of that, because it is truly a place of the spirit, true fasting may well lead to temptation, and weakness and doubt and irritation. In other words, it will be a real fight between good and evil, and very likely we shall fail many times in these battles. But the very discovery of the Christian life as "fight" and "effort" is an essential aspect of fasting. Christian tradition can name at least seven reasons for fasting:
1. From the beginning, God commanded some fasting, and sin entered into the world because Adam and Eve broke the fast.
2. For the Christian, fasting is ultimately about fasting from sin. 3. Fasting reveals our dependence on God and not the resources of this world. 4. Fasting is an ancient way of preparing for the Eucharist—the truest of foods. 5. Fasting is preparation for baptism (and all the sacraments)—for the reception of grace. 6. Fasting is a means of saving resources to give to the poor. 7. Fasting is a means of self-discipline, chastity, and the restraining of the appetites.
This article draws in part on the writings of Alexander Schmemann, "Notes in Liturgical Theology," St. Vladimir's Seminary Quarterly, Vol. 3, No. 1, Winter
1959, pp. 2-9. Rev. Daniel Merz is a former Associate Director of the USCCB Divine Worship office.
Flyers are available to take home from the Church Foyer
