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 Sixth SundayOrdinary Time (C)
Sunday 14th February 2010
Jesus calls ‘happy’ those who are poor or hungry or who weep. This sounds strange to us. But Jesus promises a great reward in the kingdom of heaven to those who suffer on his account. If we put our trust in the Lord and hope in him, the difficulties we encounter will not separate us from him, but be instead the means by which we will bear fruit.
STORY THIS WEEK: After World War II, John and Robert returned from duty in the Pacific Islands. Both were hospitalised, very ill from years of hardship and the effects of the diseases prevalent in those areas. It was obvious to the nurse that John really had little cause for hope, being in far worse condition than Robert.
A Students Prayer at the Beginning of the New School Year:
You were the teacher, Jesus. Your disciples gathered around to hear your wisdom. May we, too, gather as disciples, excited to learn, for our own good & good of others. With summer holidays behind us & the routine of school ahead, we are grateful. We take another step in the direction of who we are becoming. What am I looking forward to in the new school year? What am I fearing this school year? Can I turn to Jesus when things get tough in school? Can I see Jesus, the Teacher, in each of my teachers? Bless what we are about to begin, Lord. Open our eyes to discover; our ears to listen; our hearts to care. Guide our best efforts. AMEN.
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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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| 2009 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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MARK YOUR DIARIES
PARISH GROUPS THIS WEEK
 Celebrating St Patrick’s Day! Parish Dinner!!
As part of our on-going 75th anniversary celebrations we are planning a parish dinner! We’d hoped to celebrate this on St Patrick’s feast Day 17th March—but due to previous commitments the dinner
Friday 19th March at the Sutherland United Services Club, Sutherland—7.00pm—for 7.30pm! ALL are welcome, singles, couples, families!! Spread
We are still negotiating the price and also looking at options for family packages (to make this affordable for families). We are now TAKING BOOKINGS for this parish dinner, and ask if you would Please leave your name on the sheet at the back of the Church—please be sure to indicate your numbers! Details of Costs will be made as soon as info available.
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 SHAPING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER...DAY OF HEALING 2010
Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell—Sunday 14 February: 1.30pm—5.30pm
A multi-faith celebration on the second anniversary of the National Apology to Australia’s Aboriginal People. Inc: Smoking Ceremony Col Hardy Band, Aboriginal dancers & traditional games, Picnic tea (bring something to share). No entry fee but $7 parking fee applies.
BLUEPRINT FOR A BETTER WORLD
This interactive exhibition aims to bring people face to face with the reality of extreme poverty and shows how we can all work together to achieve the 8 millennium Development goals
Where: MARTIN PLACE SYDNEY
When: Tuesday 16th February—Thursday 25th February 2010
Times: 9am—6pm
(Sponsored by Caritas Australia & the Australian Government’s Overseas Aid Program (AusAID)
www.blueprintforabetterworl.org
Parish Weekend Away : 26-28 November 2010!!
Plans are a foot to hold another Parish Weekend this year in November. Unfortunately, quite a number of our last committee have resigned, due to other commitments or have moved away from the parish. This means there is a severe lack of committee members. Therefore a request is going out for new people to join us. Meetings are held to a minimum and most planning is done via email. If you would like to become involved, age is no barrier. Please give this some serious thought, because as it stands now with the number we have, we fear that the weekend will not eventuate. Please email me, Sue Lusty bands59@bigpond.com Or speak to me if you see me after mass.
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Inquirers Course - 2009-2010
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 Bill, or Gayle in the office to discuss this a little more.
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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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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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