THE BULLETIN ST THERESA’S PARISH

23/24 DECEMBER 2017 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B

RECENTLY DECEASED Thomas Smith (Carole Rogan’s Father)

HEALING FOR THE SICK

Parishioners: Bernice Herbert Stephen Watchman Carol Spence

Rosemary Carter Len Pauli

Neville Preece John Robinson

Chris McNally John Thompson

Thelma & Doug Wall

(Lillian Ashcroft’s sister & brother in law)

Robert & Donna Ashcroft

(Lillian Ashcroft’s sister & brother in law)

Freda Coorey (Kathy Sternes Fr iend) Shona Kraayvanger

(Gabrielle Adam’s daughter) Joe Short (Powell family group) Enrico Marsili (Raul Ruffini’s nephew)

Indiana Harman

(Ray & Madeline Taylor’s Granddaughter)

Louis Gandini (Lina Pervan’s brother)

Connie Bamgart (Lina Pervan’s friend)

Elaine Dillon (Vivienne Pr ice’s mother)

Pamela Dyson (Sandra Madden’s sister)

Patricia Jenkins (Thel Jelley’s cousin)

Roslyn Morton (Patr ick’s sister)

Simon Riethmuller (Shir ley’s son)

Max Shearer (Grandson - Judy Shearer)

John Mullen (Helen McNaught’s nephew)

Archie Mullen (Helen McNaught’s

brother)

Reet Hughes (ex Par ishioner and close

friend of Bette Flamsteed)

Br Ed Collins OH

ANNIVERSARIES

Frank Hill Ellen (Nell) Skippen Bob Mackie Maureen Long Judith Ryan Denise Long Russell Cartwright Monica Bierhoff Alan O’Connell

MISSION STATEMENT St Theresa’s Catholic Parish is a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming community committed to living and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Under our baptismal mission and inspired by the Spirit, we are bread for one another and nourished we reach out to make a difference in the world. __________________________________________________________

4th Sunday of Advent Year B

What strikes me about today’s readings and the readings throughout the various Christmas liturgies is the frequent mention of King David and his father Jesse. We also hear at the Christmas vigil the long genealogy of almost unpronounceable names tracing Jesus’ lineage all the way back to Abraham. Sometimes these readings with their ancient biblical figures can go over our heads and leave us wondering what they have to do with us and with Christ’s coming. Firstly, I’d like to point out that the Christmas day liturgy presents us with that soaring text from John’s Gospel in which we are told of Christ’s pre-existence and divinity, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God… and the Word be-came flesh and lived among us…” Well the long genealogies and the references to “the house of David” and the “stock of Jesse” around this time are meant to tell us that the extraordinary event narrated in John’s Gospel was in a sense quite ordinary. They witness to the fact that the incarnation of the transcendent God is not some abstract affair out there somewhere; rather that the Word became flesh within real human histo-ry, into a particular culture, a particular time, and was born into a par-ticular family. In short, the incarnation is real. But since it is true that God came among us in real space and time, in a way that was earthy, vulnerable and particular, this is exactly how God continues to come among us today. For as I’ve said before, Christ’s arrival is not “once upon a time”, but here, now and always. That means Jesus is not simply an historic figure found within the pages of the bible and remembered when we go to church. It means he is to be found in ordinary circumstances: in your kitchen, in your bedroom, out in the street, as you drive in your car, when you’re having coffee with a friend, at the supermarket, or at work. Since our world is sacramental, the person of Jesus can be found in any particular circum-stance in any particular place, if we but enter the fragile silence of any particular present moment. I can name no greater joy than to reach out and let ourselves be grasped by Christ within that moment. To conclude, I’d like to point out that this extraordinarily ordinary event has further consequences for us. The incarnation is in a very real sense God’s “marriage” to human nature– divinity and hu-manity were joined most perfectly and intimately, becoming “one flesh” in the person of Jesus. Therefore what we do to others we truly do to God. Every time we gossip about another person, insult them, write them off, use them or neglect their needs, we do it to Jesus who is joined to them. On the other hand, every time we treat someone with respect, generosity, and tenderness, or every time we apologise, for-give, serve, and love another, we do it to Jesus who is joined to them. Let us carry this mystery with us everywhere we go, into the new year and always. by Thomas Duncan

MASSES

St Theresa’s Parish

READINGS BAPTISMS

MON 7AM CHRISTMAS DAY

TUE NO MASS

WED NO MASS

THU NO MASS

FRI NO MASS

SAT 6PM MASS

SUN 9.30 AM MASS

RECONCILITATION IS

AVAILABLE BEFORE MASS

OR BY APPOINTMENT

Fourth Sunday in Advent Year B

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14,16 The kingdom of David will be established for ever in the sight of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: 88: 2-5, 27, 29

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27

The mystery kept secret for endless ages is now revealed. Gospel Acclamation: Luke 1: 38

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the servant of the Lord: may his will for me be done. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38

You will conceive and bear a son.

Next week’s readings. Feast of the Holy Family

Gen 15 1-6, 21: 1-3 or Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14 Heb 11: 8, 11-12, 17-19 or Col 3: 12-21 Luke 2: 22-40

Baptisms are celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday

of the month either during Mass at 9.30am

or after Mass at 11am.

ST THERESA’S CHRISTMAS MASSES & MARY OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS HIGHFIELDS Saturday 23rd December Saturday 23rd December 4th Sunday of Advent 6pm 4th Sunday of Advent No Mass Sunday 24th December Sunday 24th December 4th Sunday of Advent 4th Sunday of Advent 9.30am NO MASS 8am Mass Sunday 24 December Sunday 24 December 7pm Christmas Eve 4pm Christmas Eve Vigil Mass Vigil Mass Monday 25th December Monday 25th December 7am Christmas Day Mass 8.30am Christmas Day Mass

CARITAS GLOBAL GIFTS - GIVE A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY THIS CHRISTMAS As we welcome the season of Advent, the season of waiting and preparing our hearts for the birth of Child Jesus. May we, as individuals, schools and parishes, act and pray for a more just and fair world, a world full of hope, peace, joy and love.

Send a Christmas message to those you love, and give to those in need. When you choose a Global Gift card to give to fami-ly or friends this Christmas, you are bringing a mo-ment of joy and helping create a lifetime of change for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Order Global Gift cards online at:

www.globalgifts.org.au or call us on 1800 024 413

CHRISTMAS DAY APPEAL

Each year the Christmas Day Appeal in the Toowoomba Diocese is split between the local St Vincent de Paul and another worthy cause. This year half the appeal proceeds will benefit the work of the Missionary Congregation of the Priests and Brothers of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) working with the poor in Dahanu, India. Fr Salvador Fernandes msfs, who is currently at St George Parish, is part of this order. Donations can be made through

your local parish on Christmas Day.

Consolation Message

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose…

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.

mailto:cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.aumailto:cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.aumailto:cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.auhttp://www.globalgifts.org.au

St Theresa’s Parish

STUDENT ACCOMODATION AVAILABLE

There is a vacancy for private accommodation for a University student in Wishart, Brisbane. The room for rent is $250.00 includes electricity, internet, share bathroom, double bed including sheets, quilt and blankets and all food. Bus stop is close and easy to Griffith, Nathan and QUT Universities. Non smoker only. Please contact parish office on 4639 4688 for details.

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: A GIFT FOR THE WORLD We are offering a two and a half day workshop for women at the Benedictine Abbey, Jamberoo. For women of any age and any experience. For women in formal leadership positions, and for those who exercise leadership without a formal title … in business, schools, homes, offices, parishes, anywhere. DATE: April 13-15, 2018 VENUE: Benedictine Abbey 695 Mountain Road, Jamberoo TIME: Arrive afternoon of Thursday 12 April, leaving after lunch on the Sunday COST: Cost of program is $200. Accommodation fees depend upon type of room selected. BOOKINGS: 0242360533 or cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.au For more information, see flyers on the notice board.

TOM’S FAREWELL

Tom will be finishing his time of Pastoral placement in our parish on Christmas Day. We will be making a presentation to Tom at Christmas masses, to acknowledge our thanks to him. VOLUNTEER ACCEPTANCE FORM If you are a volunteer in any Ministry at St Theresa’s Parish and have not yet submitted the Volunteer Acceptance form, please complete the form which is available in the foyer. As directed from the Bishop these forms need to be completed by Christmas. These forms can be left in the foyer or dropped off to the office by midday 22 December. We value the time that our volunteers contribute to the St Theresa’s community.

NOTICES

YEAR OF YOUTH 2018

Come Holy Spirit of this Great Southland Inspire our entire faith community, As we prayerfully discern new horizons for spreading joy in the lives and communities of the People of God. Come Holy Spirit of Youth Fill the hearts of young people with the hope and love of Jesus Christ. Enliven our community with the creativity, energy and joy of youth. Guide us together, as we strive to offer God’s mercy to those who feel abandoned or outcast. Come Holy Spirit of Faith Empower our community to be courageous. Unite your people as witnesses of love. Walk with us, as we blaze new trails of discipleship, accompanying young people as we renew the Church together. Come Holy Spirit of Vocation Stir within young people an awareness of God’s call. Reveal to us the graces of young people. Guide us all, in finding our place and raising our voices, to build a civilization of love. Amen Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, friend of the young, pray for us.

mailto:cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.aumailto:cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.aumailto:cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.au

St Theresa’s Parish

CONTACTS NOTICE

Parish Priest:

Fr Brian Noonan 4696 7094 e-mail: brian.noonan@sttheresas.org.au

Pastoral Associate

Monica Brennan 4639 4688 Fax 4639 6538 e-mail: monica@sttheresas.org.au

Parish Secretary: Janet Weier 4639 4688 Fax: 4639 6538 e-mail: office@sttheresas.org.au

Church: Cnr Campbell & Curzon Sts, Toowoomba

Office: 55 Curzon Street, Toowoomba

Parish Website www.sttheresas.org.au

Parish Pastoral Council

Fr Brian Noonan, Michael Murtagh, Francis Njoroge, Danny Carter, Kathy Sternes, Paul Apel, Gerry Ryan, Tim Burgess, Rhianna Conaghan, Gay Jorgensen, Jenny Ryan, Vanessa Horton, Tom Duncan, Monica Brennan.

Finance Committee

Fr. Brian Noonan, Pat Morton, Warren Dredge, Ray Taylor, Shane Blakeley, Brian Wilson, Pat Richardson.

Liturgy Team

Fr. Brian Noonan, Jan Mayo, Peter Kenny. Carole Rogan, Libby Rosentreter, Kay Gleeson, Monica Brennan.

Musicians

Norma Kenny, Kathy Sternes, Elizabeth Stewart, Libby Rosentreter.

Baptism Team:

Cath Kelly, Jenny Ryan, Tracy George, Bernadette Hede, Alison Daniel, Anne Anderson, Jan Watkins, Maureen Burke, Angela Irvine, Mary Otto, Jane Burgess, Catherine Cooper.

Consolation Team:

Fr Brian Noonan, Lyn McRae, Peter Kenny, Bette Flamsteed, Pam Merritt, Alf Mason, Moya Schaefer, Josephine Nolan, Liz Phelan., Monica Brennan

Welcome & Hospitality Team:

Paul & Kathryn Marangelli, Carole Rogan, Maureen Burke.

Family Groups: Coordinator: Brian Wilson.

Care & Concern Team

Coordinator: Moya Schaefer.

DIARY DIARY

Every Tuesday

St Vincent de Paul St Theresa’s Conference, 4pm Contact 4636 4371

First Tuesday– No meeting January 2018

Care and Concern Meeting, 9.30am Parish Office.

First Wednesday– starting 3rd January 2018

Parish morning tea at 9.45am, Cobb & Co Museum

Second Sunday

Mad Toowoomba Group from 7.00pm at St Anthony’s. Parish Centre. (Grade 7-12 people) PH: 4636 0461 4636 0461

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

The parish office will be closed from 12noon, Friday 22nd December and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2,

2018.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL’S CHRISTMAS TREE

St Vincent de Paul conference of St Theresa’s has erected a Christmas tree in the foyer.

Envelopes have been placed under the tree if you are able to contribute a gift towards others within

the community to share the spirit of this holy season.

POSITION VACANT -

PAYROLL ADMINISTRATION OFFICER,

DIOCESAN FINANCE OFFICE

The role includes the preparation and processing of a fortnightly payroll, processing of accounts receiv-able and accounts payable, plus some reception du-ties. The position is ongoing on a part time basis (5.5 days a fortnight).

Further enquiries can be directed to Kathleen Herden, on 07 46327589. A resume and covering letter addressing the position’s requirements can be forwarded marked Staff in Confidence by email to kherden@twb.catholic.org.au by Friday 29 December 2017.

mailto:kherden@twb.catholic.org.au