The Massabielle - St. Bernadette`s Parish, Castle Hill

The Massabielle
St Bernadette’s Parish Community, Castle Hill
January 4 & 5, 2014 - THE EPIPHANY - Year A
Issue Number 569
3
BISHOP ANTHONY & THE BLUE MOUNTAINS BUSHFIRE APPEAL
B
ishop Anthony Fisher wrote to us about
last year’s bushfires and the successful
Bushfire Appeal launched in the
Diocese. You will remember that fire
swept through the Blue Mountains, especially the
Springwood parish, destroying houses, property
and livestock. The Principal of the Springwood
parish primary school lost his house while he was
at work looking after the school children in his
care. He had to walk the children to safety, some
kilometres from the school. The old convent next
to the parish school was totally destroyed. Bishop
Fisher wrote:
My Dear People,
On 18 October 2013, I wrote to you about the
devastating bushfires that ravaged parts of our
State. I thanked many people and organisations
for their quick and inspiring response in the hour
of great need.
Soon after, the Diocese of Parramatta
launched an appeal. Many, many people dug
deep into their pockets to assist those affected by
the bushfires. Many of those persons donated
anonymously, or through means that made it
difficult to thank them individually for their
contribution.
I write now to thank each and every person
for their donation. This generosity does not go
unnoticed. It is a true testament to Christian
solidarity; a testament to Christ’s words: “By
this love you have for one another, everyone will
know that you are my disciples.” (Jn 13:35) It
has allowed CatholicCare Social Services to
provide ongoing counselling and support in the
Blue Mountains area for the foreseeable future.
We undertake to continue to work with the
Springwood Parish to support and rebuild the
surrounding communities.
I pray that you will have a most blessed
Christmas celebrating the birth of our Saviour.
Yours sincerely in the Infant Lord,
Most Rev Anthony Fisher op
Bishop of Parramatta.
M
any thanks to those who sent cards
and presents to the parish office for
the priests and staff at St
Bernadette’s.
We
were
overwhelmed
by
this
generosity
and
thoughtfulness.
Parishioners had already donated hampers for
the needy, money for the school at Mt Druitt,
and over $190,000 had come in by Christmas for
the church rebuilding. On top of that,
parishioners were mindful of the priests and staff
who serve in many ways by remembering us, too,
at Christmas. I am astounded at people’s care for
us. Thank you for this kindness. You are
generous and kind people. God Bless You!
LITURGY CORNER
The word ‘epiphany’ comes from a Greek word
meaning ‘manifestation/revelation’. In Matthew’s
gospel this episode is the first public manifestation of
Jesus (the wise men were probably magi/astrologers
from Persia and they represent all those who seek
God with a sincere heart). The feast of the Epiphany
came to be celebrated about the fourth century and
has always been a very important feast, especially in
the Eastern Churches. For the early Church, one of
the biggest problems they faced was the realisation
that even those who were not Jewish were invited to
faith in Jesus as Lord. Though his roots were in
Judaism, Jesus was of significance to all people who
sought the truth.
The Summit
Today’s Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6. Jerusalem
is a beacon of hope, not only drawing the
exiled Jews back to their home but also
attracting all the nations to worship the
Lord.
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6. The revelation
given to Paul is that the pagans share with the Jews the
same inheritance and the same promise through the
Gospel.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12. The wise men from the east
follow the light of a star to find the newborn king of the
Jews so that they can worship him and offer their gifts.
Next Week: The Baptism of the Lord - Year A
Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17.
REPARATION PRAYER GROUP
January 2014. All welcome.
resumes
21st
HOLY HOUR this Thursday from 8.00 to 9.00pm
including Rosary, prayers, hymns and scripture reading.
All welcome.
NO SERVICES AT THE RETIREMENT VILLAGES
THIS MONTH. Services will resume in February.
TUESDAY PRAYER GROUP meets in the Marian
Centre every Tuesday morning at 10.00am. All
welcome. For information phone Pauline Camilleri on
0407 417 039.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY runs every Sunday at the
9am Mass and is open to school age children. Two
groups operate: children from Kindergarten to Year Two
and the older group from Years Three to Six. The work
they do is too difficult for preschoolers so we ask you
not to send them with your older children. If you can
help with children’s liturgy we would love to have you.
You would be rostered on for approximately five
Sundays each year. Please ring Vicki Ford on
9872 1632 after 6pm or any time on the weekend .
Have you considered leaving a gift to the parish in your
will? If you would like further information please phone
9634 2622 for a confidential discussion.
A GIFT BEYOND CHRISTMAS: Thank
you to all who have supported this worthy
cause. So far we have received a total of
$13,300 which will be sent to Loyola Senior
High School, Mount Druitt to help support
students from struggling families and those
who would be unable to continue their schooling if not
for your generosity. It’s not too late to take an envelope
from the Christmas Tree and return it to the box near
the altar, drop it onto the collection plate with your
donation or leave it at the parish office. Benefactors
reports are available from the foyer.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMME
2013-2014: Session 1 will be held on 10 & 11
February 2014. If you have not yet finalised your
enrolment please contact the Parish Office on
9634 2622 as soon as possible.
GRACES OF ITALY PILGRIMAGE
(with optional extension to Medjugorje)
from 24th April to 8th or 17th May with
Harvest Pilgrimages. You have the
convenience of an experienced tour
guide as well as a Chaplain (Fr
Eugene). Places still available. Please
book Freecall on 1800 819 156 ASAP.
ST BERNADETTE’S STATUE: Parishioners are
invited to borrow the beautiful statue of Our Lady
appearing to St Bernadette for any week in 2014. Book
it for a special occasion or simply to encourage family
prayer. Place your name, address and contact number
on the roster at the back of the crypt. Enquiries: Janina
Mousley on 9899 6060
FREE SUPERANNUATION WORKSHOP - 22 Jan:
This half-day workshop session hosted by Australian
Catholic Superannuation is designed to help you
understand the tax-saving opportunities that become
available at ages 55 and 60. Their presenters will
explain transition-to-retirement strategies, optimising
your superannuation contributions and managing
market risk. Light refreshments will be served.
Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm at Parramatta Leagues
Club, 13-15 O’Connell St, Parramatta (plenty of
parking). To register call 1300 658 776 or go to
www.catholicsuper.com.au.
SEEKING MENTORS: Do you want to give
something back to your community? Catholic
Education Diocese of Parramatta’s Post School
Options team provides one-on-one mentoring for
secondary students. They are seeking new mentors
who would like to give something back to their
community and join this worthwhile program. The
volunteer mentor hosts the student in the workplace for
one day per week (May to September excluding school
holidays) and is both a personal and professional role
model for the student. All mentors are offered free
TAFE mentor training and can be from any industry, an
individual in any trade area: clerical and administration,
hairdressing and beauty or a large company, e.g.
Bunnings. For details call Leoni Jeavons-Fellows –
0424 750 583.
Check out our new website at
stbernadette.org.au. We'll be adding even
more content in the coming months.
Leading Teens
Closer To Christ
Youth & Young Adults Ministry
Life Nights (9-12), Into Life (Yrs 7-8) and all
teenagers! We have an exciting outing planned for all
high schoolers. It’s a chance to have fun, chill out,
meet new people , eat food and have some more fun.
Date: Saturday 11th January
Time: 11am - 3pm
Where: Heritage Park, Castle Hill
(off Gilbert Rd)
RSVP: ap2@stbernadette.org.au
Hope to see you there!
More information? Contact Fr. JJ on 9634 2622,
email ap2@stbernadette.org.au or visit us at
www.lifeteencastlehill.com.au.
PARISH CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE
CHURCH TODAY. PLEASE TAKE ONE HOME WITH YOU.
PASTORAL CARE TRAINING: Southern Cross Care,
which provides quality accommodation care and
support for valued and valuable older people at its
Nordby Apartments, West Pennant Hills is seeking
committed Pastoral Care Volunteers to give spiritual,
emotional and pastoral support to residents on a regular
basis. Training and support is given to assist you in your
role. An Information session will be held on Thursday 23
January at the Southern Cross Nordby Apartments, 15
Hill Road, West Pennant Hills at 10am. To register or
for information please call Kiliti Na’ati on 0412 731 979.
FREE SPORTS CLINICS & OUTDOOR MOVIE
NIGHTS AT SPRINGWOOD: St Thomas Aquinas
Parish at Springwood together with CatholicCare Social
Services Parramatta is hosting a series of sports clinics
and outdoor movie nights in January.
Free movie nights include a PG rated movie,
popcorn, sausage sizzle and more:
Saturday 11 January, Pat Drummond Concert 4.305.30pm, jumping castle 4-6pm, movie starts 8pm.
Saturday 18 January, entry from 6pm, movie starts 8pm
Saturday 25 January, entry from 4pm, music concert 45pm, jumping castle 4-6pm, movie starts 8pm.
Free sports clinics:
Tuesday 7 January, 1-3pm, GWS Giants will be on
hand to teach AFL skills, for children in Yr 7 and above;
Friday 10 January, 9-11am, Cricket NSW will be on
hand to teach cricket skills, for children aged K-Year 6.
Cricket NSW will provide showbags and information on
local cricket.
All events held on the grounds of St Thomas Aquinas
Primary, 168 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood. Visit
www.ccss.org.au or www.facebook.com/CCSSParramatta
St Bernadette’s Parish Community
Parish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154
Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: admin@stbernadette.org.au
Web page: http://www.stbernadette.org.au
Parish Staff
Mass Times for this Week
Fr John Boyle, Parish Priest
Sunday
Sat
6.00pm
Fr Eugene Szondi, Assistant Priest
Sun 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am &
Fr John Watkins, Assistant Priest
6pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth Mass
Sr Judy McLeod, rsm, Pastoral Associate
Weekdays Mon
6.45am
Sr Rosie Drum, mgl, Pastoral Associate (Youth)
Tue
6.45am
Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator
Wed
6.45am, 9.15am
Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager
Thurs
6.45am, 9.15am
Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu)
Fri
6.45am, 9.15am
Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance
Sat
8.00am
Reconciliation Sat 8.30am - 9.00am, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Mass on Public Holidays at 8.00am
Baptisms and Marriages: By appointment only. Contact the Parish House. Please note the Church law: Parents
are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth or even before
it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. [Can. 867 §1]
St Bernadette’s Parish School: Mrs Leanne Nettleton (Principal) 9634 2898
Parish Council : Peter Grace (Chairman) 9659 5350; Julie Ferry (Secretary) 9629 6808
Please pray for Mary Moloughney and Areopahito Flores who have died recently and for the anniversaries of
Lorenz Eberl and Harriet Egan and in remembrance of Yick Fui Chau, Say Lin Lee and the Deceased Members of the
Casey Family.
Prayers for the Sick: Denise Waudby, Robert Ison, Elaine Rowe, Michael Lopez, Alison Watkins, Ulrich
Pragst, Robert Teoh, Bashir Merhi.
ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 11 & 12 January, 2014
ACOLYTES/ SERVERS
VIGIL
7.30AM
9.00AM
10.30AM
LECTORS
MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
Special Roster
Douglas Carvalho
Tony Calabria
Felicity Carvalho
Felciity Carvalho, Susan Concon, John Leach,
Phyllis Lopez, Laura Burridge, Susan Cejka, Lynne Myers,
Joan Quinn, Mary McMahon
Special Roster
Gerard Kearney
Daryl Hill
Audrey Markowskei
Barbara Ortlepp, Alfred & Gladys Tsang,
Colleen & Eric Woodhead, Jo Wickens
Special Roster
Ann O’Brien
Susan Moore
Hubert Jenneke
Brian & Jenny Blacklock, Neil Bone, Angela Crowe,
Brian D’Arcy, Jeff Davis, Jocelyn Donovan, Jack Garcia,
Rosalie Sampath
Special Roster
Anna-Maria Fitzpatrick
Michael/John Fitzpatrick
Philip Golamco
Anita Christy, Pauline Camilleri, Dorothy Finucane,
Narelle Cartwright, Philip Golamco, Elizabeth Fogolin,
Margaret Hawkes, Winnie & Henry Li
6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 12 January
Adult Server
Nick Holden
Lectors
Josh Chaney
Leanne Pak
Natalie Jones
Altar Servers
Special Roster
Gift Preparation
Caitlin Chaney, Dominique Boudib
Alex Medak
Ministers of Communion
Jeremy Smith
Chris Dogulin
Julie Ferry
Jonathan Irawan
Josh Chaney
Nicci Heidegger
Tina Muscat
Tony Muscat
Bass
Musos
Anthony Healey
Piano
Alice Bradshaw
Guitar
Martin Abeleda
Projectionists
Josh Becker
Welcomers
Darren Edwards
Veronica Ward
Singers
Sara Ang
Patricia Wibisono
Adam Chioatto
Brigit Huxley
Alyssa Tchang
Drums
Justin Abeleda
Horns
Ushers
Serge Dogulin
Michael Oxford
Lauren Fernandez
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING
Jana Fizely
Pauline Andrew
Andrea Tomic, Krystyna Graczyk,
Mary Pereira, Venessa Xiberras
FLOWER ROSTER
COUNTING (1st Collection)
Sandra Fernando
Barbara Ingram
Marie Sammut
COUNTING (2nd Collection)
Howard Woodward, Stephen Leonardi,
Helen Wilson, John Giorgiutti, Joseph Boudib
BOOKSHOP
No Bookshop this Week