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| READINGS THIS WEEK
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 5th Sunday Lent - Year C
SUNDAY 21st March 2010
There are many sinners in today’s parable. The scribes and Pharisees act with malice towards Jesus, hoping to condemn him, while the woman caught in adultery provides a convenient pretext. Jesus sees through their hypocrisy and doesn’t play their game. When pressed, he challenges them to look at themselves. Confronted with their own sinfulness, they slink away. Jesus condemns nobody, but asks that we don’t sin anymore.
WEIGHT OF SHAME: The woman sat on the shore as the sun was setting and smiled as she stroked and kissed her beautiful crucifix that sat firmly on her neck. ‘How did I ever lose you, my Beloved?’ she thought.
Raising her hands and eyes to heaven she thanked God for all the blessings he had given her, as tears of happiness and love streaked down her face....story continues
 Examine your Heart... Let's look at our own faults, and not at other people's. People who are extremely correct themselves are often shocked at everything they see; however, we might often learn much that is essential from the very persons we censure. Our exterior comportment and manners may be better - this is well enough, but not of the first importance. We ought not to insist on everyone following in our footsteps, nor to take upon ourselves to give instructions in spirituality when, perhaps, we do not know what it is. Zeal for the good of souls may often lead us astray...Our Lord will care for the souls belonging to him (St Teresa of Avila 1515-1582)
"The great gift of being a human being lies in our freedom to continually right our wrongs
& make new persons of ourselves" (Old Chinese Saying) - PONDER: Reconciliation
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| SEASON OF LENT
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 Lenten Season 2010
Season of Lent commences with Ash Wednesday, 17th February 2010:
Don’t let Lent slip away unnoticed.
Take time to plan a specific commitment that will help prepare your heart for Easter. People make sacrifices for many reasons: they do weights to get fit—study long hours to forge a career— diet to shed those extra kilos. When our goals are important & clear enough, we are willing to take on whatever draws us closer to them & go without whatever pulls us away. Lent is a time for making sacrifices. It is a time for taking on extra commitments & giving up distractions so that we may draw closer to the heart of Jesus. Through prayer we build up our spiritual muscles. Through self-denial, we shed unessential baggage. By reaching out to others, we become other-centre. We do these things not for negative reasons but to open us to the never ending possibilities of God’s love taking hold of our lives. By our Lenten commitments we are training our attitudes & behaviour patterns into a gospel lifestyle.
Parish is offering a variety of ways you can prepare well! |
Lent - Attentiveness to self, God & others.
Through fasting (discipline of body & spirit) we care for ourselves; Through prayer (centering of the heart upon God), we draw closer to Him; Through almsgiving (practical concern for the needs of others), we reach out to share God’s transforming love. But we might also see the challenge of Lent not just in the during (40 days & 40 nights of attentiveness) but in the afterwards. Lent is much more than a preparation for Easter; it is also an introduction to a way of life for our lives. It is a kind of spiritual boot camp, for the soul. Jesus’ obedience to God was expressed not only in staring down the temptations that came to him during his time in the desert, but also in the whole of his life. Jesus remained faithful to his Father, trusting in His goodness & mercy. Whether in the desert or garden or home or office, we too have a basic choice facing us—the decision for fidelity, for trust in the goodness & mercy of God who is always there for us. Lent is an opportunity for a during that can become the afterwards of Jesus.
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| MARK YOUR DIARIES
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It’s on again…
 Parish Weekend Away….Fitzroy Falls
Friday (evening) 26 November—Sunday 28 November
Ever wished you could put a name to ‘that face’ you see at Mass each week?
New in the parish? or perhaps not been involved in anything social?
Just wanting to get away for a weekend?
....Here’s your chance to meet and make new and lasting friendships amongst your parish community!
ALL ARE WELCOME ...From babies, families, singles, couples, seniors!
There will be a variety of activities provided for all age groups over the weekend, all of which are optional, or you may prefer to explore the natural environment, read a book or take a nap. There is also a variety of accommodation available—from cabins to share; private rooms; or BYO caravan and/or tent! Costs (being finalised) will be all inclusive of accommodation meals & activities!
Weekend Away Launch (bookings and details) Saturday/Sunday 17th & 18th April
If this sounds like something you would like to do, or would like more information about, please contact one of the planning team members. ominique & Paul: sherleyfamily@optusnet.com.au
Sue & Brad: Phone: 9521 5118
Or Parish Office: 9521 2356 admin@stpatssutherland.org.au
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| 2010 PARISH ANNUAL CALENDAR
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Support the COLUMBAN MISSION
2007 - 2009 : International Year of Planet Earth UNITED NATIONS
THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF PLANET EARTH was proclaimed for 2007-09 by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its Plenary Session on 22 Dec 2005. The Resolution was tabled by the United Republic of Tanzania & co-signed by 82 nations. The aim of the International Year of Planet Earth is to demonstrate new & exciting ways in which Earth sciences can help future generations meet the challenges involved in ensuring a safer and more prosperous world. The initiative will seek to raise the awareness of the contribution to, and role of the Earth sciences in society in the minds of politicians, decision-makers, the media and the general public. Governments will be urged to pay greater attention to the Earth sciences as affecting many aspects of the everyday lives of their citizens
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| BECOMING CATHOLIC
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 Inquirers Course: 2010 - 2011
Would you like to know more about being Catholic?
Every year St Patrick’s Parish offer a course for those wishing to know more about the Catholic faith, or about becoming Catholic! The evenings explore some of the history & tradition of catholicism and also help people to discern God’s call in their lives.
I was born & raised Catholic, but I lost my connection to the Church Although I did make a few attempts at reconciliation, I stayed away for a long time. In March 2003, I met someone who had a significant affect on me and my faith. Shortly thereafter I spent time exploring church web sites and websites dealing with reflections etc. These provided the wake up call and direction I needed. I took a leap of faith.
Most of us don’t have to look very far to find someone in our circle of family & friends who is an inactive Catholic. Many people can’t explain why they stopped coming to church except that life just got in the way. Some inactive Catholics bear a tremendous amount of guilt, legitimate anger, or misinformation; but they are afraid of rejection if they approach the Church. For a variety of reasons, some may mistakenly think they are excommunicated or unwelcome in the Catholic Church. Many are simply waiting for that invitation to return. Are you someone who has been out of contact with the Catholic family for awhile? Do you have concerns or doubts that keep you from participating in the Church more fully? You are warmly invited to be in touch with Fr John, or Gayle in the office to discuss this a little more.: admin@stpatssutherland.org.au
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| OUR SCHOOLS
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What’s on in the Schools....
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| LOCAL & ARCHDIOCESAN PUBLICATIONS & ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
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 The Catholic Weekly...
Packed with special features, prizes to win, have your say ...
Campion College comes of age; Need for action to curb ‘new poor’ fear of having children, says bishop; Chistmas Mass but no visitors in jails; University role for Br Kelvin Canavan; Catholic student Christmas Art exhibition; Baby boom causes teacher shortage; Bishops approve Missal texts; Christmas Mass times in city; New book the ‘manual for new evangelisation’; Oldest US cardinal dies ; Deacon and two priests ordained; Parenting: Aim to make a good impression; Bishops Conference reports . .ww.catholicgiftshop.com.au .......www.catholicjobsonline.com.au..........plus news, reviews, features. competitions and topical debates....great value just $2 - Get yours! Editor: Kerry Myers
OTHER ON-LINE AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC NEWS SITES OF INTEREST
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| WHATS ON IN THE ARCHDIOCESE
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We've been asked to tell you..
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION DAYS: St Benedict’s Monastery, Arcadia—Sundays 21 Feb; 16 May; 15 Aug; & 21 November 2010: 10am—3pm: Eucharist, followed by presentations & periods of meditation. BYO picnic lunch. Refreshments provided. Books & material available. Ann Bergman 94982625 or anniebergman@hotmail.com or Ann Lomas 94564775
CENTACARE PARENTLINE For confidential & obligation free help with children up to 18 years of age simply call 132055
BECOME A TELEPHONE COUNSELLOR: Information Session: Thurs 4 Feb: 10am—12 noon: Frank Vickery Village, Bellingara Road, Sylvania: Lifelife Sydney & Sutherland provides a crisis and support telephone service 24 hours a day 7 days a week—Training new volunteers: noticeboard 9522 7807
You are invited to a HEALING MASS celebrated by Fr Jack Soulsby at St Catherine’s Gymea: Thurs 11 Feb: 7.30pm, Enquiries Brian 9526 8678
One stop shop for Catholic jobs—www.catholicjobsonline.com.au
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