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Welcome to Mt Barker/Strathalbyn
Catholic Parish 25th April 2021
The Saints Ceaselessly ‘Give us a Hand’ During his General Audience on April 7th, Pope Francis continued his catechesis on Christian prayer, focusing on the Communion of Saints. He explained that when we pray, we are never alone, but find ourselves immersed in a great stream of past, present and future intercession for the needs of individuals and of the whole world.
We pray together with all the saints in the communion of the Body of Christ which is the Church, and those prayers are “expansive,” “they propagate themselves continuously, with or without being posted on social networks.” “Prayer is always born again: each time we join our hands and open our hearts to God, we find ourselves in the company of saints who pray with us and who intercede for us as older brothers and sisters who have preceded us on this same human adventure.”
The Pope described the saints as this "great cloud of witnesses" both known and unknown, who ceaselessly pray with us and for us in giving glory to God. "Our veneration of the saints draws us closer to Jesus, the sole Mediator between man and God," he said. Pope Francis went on to say that the saints “remind us that even in our lives, however weak and marked by sin, holiness can unfold. It is never too late to be converted to the Lord who is good and great in love.”
"Holiness is a life journey, an encounter with Jesus, whether long or short, whether in an instant. But always it is a witness; a saint is a witness, of a man, a woman, who met Jesus and followed Jesus.” Here on earth there are to be found “the saints next door.” The intercession of the saints “is their most exalted service to God’s plan” and we can and should “ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world.”
Dwelling on loved ones who have passed from this life, Pope Francis said, “There is a mysterious solidarity in Christ between those who have already passed to the other life and we pilgrims in this one: from Heaven, our beloved deceased continue to take care of us. They pray for us and we pray for them.” The saints are there to “’give us a hand’ to obtain the grace from God that we need.”
Our Priests
Father Richard Morris
Parish Priest
Father Ian Wilson
Assisting Priest
Our Churches
Our Lady of Mercy
5 Mann Street, Mt Barker SA 5251
The Good Shepherd
2 Chapel Street, Strathalbyn SA 5255
St James the Less
24 Luck Street, Macclesfield SA 5153
Our Parish Office
7 Mann Street, Mt Barker SA 5251
Tue-Fri Ph 8391 1053
Michelle Muller, Parish Secretary
Fr Richard: [email protected]
www.barkerstrathcatholic.com
Our Ministry Coordinator, Strathalbyn
Sue Eckert Ph 8537 3053
Our School St Francis de Sales College
Gavin McLaughlin, Principal
Ph 8393 1000
We are a community learning to be disciples of Jesus
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Mass Times This Week
Saturday 6pm Our Lady of Mercy
Sunday 9am Our Lady of Mercy
Sunday 10:45am The Good Shepherd
Mon 26/04 11.00am Rosary Garden
St Mark, Evangelist
Tue 27/04 9.30am Our Lady of Mercy
Wed 28/04 12 noon Our Lady of Mercy
St Peter Chanel
Thu 29/04 9.30am Our Lady of Mercy
St Catherine of Siena
Fri 30/04 9.30am Our Lady of Mercy
Fri 30/04 6.00pm St James the Less
Sat 01/05 9.30am Good Shepherd
Sat 01/05 11.00am Rosary Garden
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows Mass on Thursday and Saturday
mornings for half an hour.
Reconciliation is available during and after Exposition, and by appointment.
Please Pray For... Sick
Roma Baraglia, Blossom (Teresa) Ferrarese,
Gene Ferrarese, Mario Ferrarese, Ashlee Lloyd,
Helen Malin, Helene Meijer, David Neville, Patricia Smyth,
Archer Thomas, David Thomas, Clara Umoren.
Names are kept on the sick list for 4 weeks.
Recently Deceased
John Entwistle Snr, Rina Papini.
Anniversaries
Karen Comaggia, Mick Feltus, Gladys Giles, Mary Gogler,
Kevin Grady, Dennis Harris, Harry Jordans, Pat Kavanagh,
Vera Longbottom, Arturo Panozzo, Gordon Sherwin,
Madge Smith, Ken Sutherland, Stanley Valladares,
Cornelia van Rysbergen.
Anniversaries from Saturday 24th to Friday 30th April..
Parish Pastoral Council Neil McGoran (Chair), Fr Richard Morris (Ex Officio),
Fr Ian Wilson (Ex Officio), Gavin McLaughlin (Ex Officio),
Stewart Chilcott, Teena Cobiac, Joanna Falkland,
Mike Galea, Yesamma Hendry, Sandra Lloyd, Jo Manalo,
Tung Pham, Jan Sobotta.
Supporting our parish community on our journey of faith.
Parish Finance Council Father Richard Morris (ex officio), John Barton (Treasurer),
Michelle Muller, Noel Duffield, Jim Mann, Delia Hughes.
For parish property, maintenance and finance matters.
Collections Last Week
1st Collection (supporting our priests) $ 810.10
2nd Collection (supporting the parish)
Envelopes $ 731.00
Online and direct debit $ 815.00
Loose plate $ 444.80
Total second collection $ 1,990.80
Project Compassion $ 145.00
Thank you for supporting our parish and our priests.
If you would like to give to the first and second collections via
envelope, direct debit or credit card, please contact Michelle
or Father Richard at the Parish Office, ph 8391 1053.
Information about how to leave a bequest can be found in
the leaflet ‘God loves a cheerful giver’ in each church.
Meetings This Week
Mon 9.45am Arty Crafty Ladies OLOM Foyer
Thu 10.30am Christian Meditation Parish House
Sun 10.00am Legion of Mary Parish House
Child Safe Contact Officers
Michelle Muller and Teena Cobiac.
Child Abuse Report Line (CARL): 13 14 78
Reflection on the Scripture Readings
As we have noted, the readings for
many Easter liturgies bring us the
meditations of John's gospel upon
what the life of the Word made flesh
means to the world. Sayings of
Jesus beginning with ‘I AM’ abound
in this gospel – clearly intimating the
Saviour's claim to the divine name
itself (cf. Exodus 3:14). They come
readily to mind: ‘I AM the bread of life’ (6:35); ‘I AM the gate’
(10:9); ‘I AM in the Father’ (10:38); ‘I AM the way; I AM truth and
life. No one can come to the Father except through me’ (14:6);
‘I AM the true vine’ (15:1); ‘I want those you have given me to
be with me where I AM’ (17:24); ‘I AM he … I have told you that
I AM HE’ (18:5, 8); and the momentous, ‘Before Abraham ever
was, I AM’ (8:58).
The gospel reading of today's liturgy, ‘I AM the good shepherd’,
heard against this background, takes us deep into the mystery
of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ – and, as we shall
see, it tells us of how God's initiative in the Paschal Mystery was
conceived in the depths of the Trinitarian Life itself.
The Good Shepherd theme has had a great impact on Christian
consciousness. One of the earliest and most repeated motifs of
Christian art is the youthful shepherd carrying the lost sheep
home on his shoulders. The image it suggests is so telling that
it has featured prominently in the Church's preaching in every
age. As so often happens with the best things in life, we tend to
take this theme for granted. Today's text helps us to find a fresh
appreciation of its implications. In it Jesus explains these
implications by reference to the Paschal Mystery.
He says that he is the ‘good’ shepherd – in contrast to the
unfaithful shepherds who have failed God's people, thinking
only of their own interests - because, as he three times repeats,
he ‘lays down his life’ for them. He lays it down, he explains,
‘in order to take it up again’. In his Resurrection, he will be a
source of life for them. And in this drama of his death and
resurrection, he is carrying out and making clear to the human
family what his Father wills for them – an enterprise so dear to
the Father that he looks upon the Son's obedience with a
renewed love.
It is a plan that works to bring all those who believe into unity.
There are other ‘folds’, or pens, than the one the community that
gave us John's gospel finds itself in. Through his Paschal
Mystery, the Good Shepherd will lead them in the forming of a
single ‘flock’, overcoming all the apparently insurmountable
barriers that divide the human family.
The other readings illustrate the blessings that belong to those
who ‘know’ the Good Shepherd and ‘listen to his voice’.
We recall the faith and courage of Peter, as he works the
Christian Church's first miracle in the power of the divine name
– ‘in the name of Jesus’. And we are told that we can become
‘God's children’, through ‘the love that the Father lavishes on
us’, with a future which when it is fully revealed will give us a
share in the intimate life of God. John Thornhill SM
Bishops’ Memorial Mass
Please join us to honour the memory of Archbishop Andrew
Killian, Archbishop James Gleeson, Bishop Philip Kennedy,
Archbishop Leonard Faulkner and Archbishop Philip Wilson.
Wednesday, April 28 2021 at 5.45pm in St Francis Xavier’s
Cathedral. All are welcome.
Question of the Week
Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd. The Good shepherd lays
down His life for His sheep’. (John 10: 11)
Adults: Whom are you shepherding in your life right now, and
who shepherds you?
Young People: How have I made a difference, or how can
I make a difference, by showing leadership in my church,
community and school?
Children: Who has been like a shepherd to you by their
example? For whom could you be a shepherd?
Presentation for Baptism Last weekend we welcomed Eva Rose Jaensch-
Young who was presented to the community in
preparation for her baptism. The presentation
was on Sunday in the 9am Mass at Our Lady of
Mercy. We ask God to bless parents Kelley Jaensch and Josh
Young as they prepare for this important occasion.
Welcome Archbishop Patrick
We welcome Archbishop Patrick O’Regan to our parish on
Thursday 29th April as he comes to bless the St Francis de
Sales College Reception to Year 6 buildings and the Alive
Catholic early learning centre.
Good Shepherd Sunday
Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, is also the World
Day of Prayer for Vocations. Pope Francis
tells us: “There can be no faith without risk.
Only by abandoning ourselves confidently
to grace, setting aside our own programs and
comforts, can we truly say “yes” to God.”
(Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2021)
God calls young people from our local communities to serve as
priests and consecrated religious. We all have a role to play in
helping young people to hear this call. What can I do to foster
vocations from this community?
For more information about vocations to the Priesthood in the
Adelaide Archdiocese, visit vocationsadelaide.catholic.org.au
Wine and Cheese Night Adelaide Hills Catholic parish Social Justice Group invites you
to a Wine and Cheese Night. Guest speaker is Trish Dundon
from the Circle of Friends and guitar music will be provided by
Jack Hasanica. Commencing 7pm in the Adelaide Hills Parish
Hall on Friday April 30th. Cost is $10.
All funds raised support the Vinnies Migrant and Refugee
Centre which is for many refugees a place of last resort,
especially those whose visas prohibit them from working but
deny them eligibility for Centrelink payments.
Please book via [email protected].
Knights Quiz Night Saturday 8th May, 6.30 for 7pm start
in the Catholic Church Hall, 3 Chapel Street
Strathalbyn. $10 each at the door.
Tea/Coffee provided at no cost. BYO nibbles and drinks.
Book a table at E: [email protected]
Fundraising for the Fathering Project: thefatheringproject.org
Youth Group Next Weekend
We are getting together again on Saturday nights, 7-9pm (after
the Vigil Mass) on the odd weeks of school term. Starting next
Saturday 1st May. For youth aged 11+. Ruby and Ella.
Parish Finance Council Report COVID Update
Under new state government regulations, we are able to have
up to three people per four square metres in our churches
without having to wear masks. This is equivalent to having five
people in most of the OLOM pews, or more for family
groupings. Greater numbers are allowed if everybody in
attendance wears a mask.
Singing is allowed provided a mask is worn; priests and choirs
are exempt. Please bring your own mask.
All attendees are required to sign in upon entry to the church.
Strathalbyn Shed
The Good Shepherd Hall Management Committee has asked
for a 6x4m shed to be erected behind the Strathalbyn church.
This will be discussed in our May meeting.
Risk Register
A risk management process has begun for the parish. We have
started identifying and describing risks in the parish, such as
personal safety issues.
We would like a volunteer to represent us at a quarterly half-
day Archdiocesan meeting about Health and Safety. If you are
interested, please speak to Father Richard.
Burra Charter
Some information about the Burra Charter and Our Lady of
Mercy Church has been added to our website under Parish
History/Heritage. Information about The Good Shepherd and
St James the Less churches, sourced from our local councils,
will be added over the coming weeks.
Other Issues
Two members of the Finance Council will draft a parish project
management framework, using current standards.
A plumber has attended the parish house and replaced approx.
12 metres of pipes to the septic tank, as tree roots had
completely blocked the drains.
An electrician has been booked to investigate electrical issues
at Our Lady of Mercy.
We will resume passing collection bowls/plates during Mass.
They will be wiped with a disinfectant wipe every few pews.
Thank you from Vinnies
Thank you to the gentleman who supplied a small round table
to Vinnies in response to our request in the bulletin.
F?@AB RCDE?FG AHBA 4:8-12
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
This is the only name by which we can be saved.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter said: 'Rulers of the people,
and elders! If you are questioning us today about an act of
kindness to a cripple, and asking us how he was healed, then
I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the
whole people of Israel, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ
the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, by this name and by no other that this man is able
to stand up perfectly healthy, here in your presence today.
This is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has
proved to be the keystone. For of all the names in the world
given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.'
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
RCAIJFAJ@?DK PADKL 117:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28-29
R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner stone.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
for his love has no end.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in men:
it is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes. R.
I will thank you for you have given answer
and you are my saviour.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the corner stone.
This is the work of the Lord,
a marvel in our eyes. R.
Blessed in the name of the Lord
is he who comes.
We bless you from the house of the Lord;
I will thank you for you have given answer
and you are my saviour.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good;
for his love has no end. R.
SCHJFE RCDE?FG JJOF 3:1-2
A reading from the first letter of St John
We shall see God as he is.
Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us,
by letting us be called God's children;
and that is what we are.
Because the world refused to acknowledge him,
therefore it does not acknowledge us.
My dear people, we are already the children of God
but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed;
all we know is, that when it is revealed
we shall be like him
because we shall see him as he really is.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GJAICK AHHKDLDB?JF JJOF 10:14
Alleluia, alleluia!
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
Alleluia!
GJAICK JJOF 10:11-18
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
Jesus said:
'I am the good shepherd:
the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.
The hired man, since he is not the shepherd
and the sheep do not belong to him,
abandons the sheep and runs away
as soon as he sees a wolf coming,
and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep;
this is because he is only a hired man
and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd;
I know my own
and my own know me,
just as the Father knows me
and I know the Father;
and I lay down my life for my sheep.
And there are other sheep I have
that are not of this fold,
and these I have to lead as well.
They too will listen to my voice,
and there will be only one flock
and one shepherd.
The Father loves me,
because I lay down my life
in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me;
I lay it down of my own free will,
and as it is in my power to lay it down,
so it is in my power to take it up again;
and this is the command I have been given by my Father.'
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Next Week: May 2, Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B, All who live in me, and I in them, bear much fruit.
First Reading: Acts 9:26-31, Psalm: 21:26-28, 30-32, Second Reading: 1 John 3:18-24, Gospel: John 15:1-8.
The English translation of the Psalm Responses, Alleluia & Gospel verses, & Lenten Gospel Acclamation from Lectionary for Mass© 1969,1981, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
