18 Dec 2011 ... 7.00pm: St Agnes' Church, Hay Street, Port Macquarie. 8.30pm: St ... An evening
with Br Michael Herry FMS song writer and singer 'God of ...
ST AGNES' PARISH NEWS OUR VISION "Everything is to be oriented towards the praise and glory of God".
OUR MISSION The St Agnes' Parish Community strives to make our Vision a reality by a commitment to: > holiness in the image of Christ > proclaim the good news of salvation > minister within the faith community > the service of all, particularly those in need
4th Sunday of Advent
Year B
18th December 2011
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES CHRISTMAS EVE—Saturday 24th December 6.00pm: 6.40pm: 7.00pm: 7.00pm: 8.30pm: Midnight:
St Bernard’s, Pacific Highway, Telegraph Point. Christmas Carols before Mass at St Paul’s Campus. St Paul’s Campus Multipurpose Centre, Ocean Drive – Children’s and Youth Mass. St Agnes’ Church, Hay Street, Port Macquarie. St Agnes’ Church, Hay Street, Port Macquarie. St Agnes’ Church, Hay Street, Port Macquarie.
CHRISTMAS DAY—Sunday 25th December 7.00am: 8.00am: 8.15am: 9.30am: 9.30am:
St Agnes’ Church, Hay Street, Port Macquarie. Star of the Sea Chapel, Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie. St Agnes’ Church, Hay Street, Port Macquarie. St Agnes’ Church, Hay Street, Port Macquarie. St Francis Chapel, Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie. PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO MASS ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT
Children attending Christmas Masses, particularly the Youth Mass at St Pauls High School, are encouraged to dress up as Christmas/Nativity characters.
RECONCILIATION TIMES The Parish Penitential Services will be held at: Star of the Sea Chapel, Lake Cathie on Monday, 19th December at 6.00pm. St Agnes’ Church on Tuesday, 20th December at 7.00pm. The First Rite of Reconciliation will be held on the following dates and times in St Agnes Church: Date Friday, 23rd December Saturday, 24th December
Time 11.00am – 12 noon 11.30am – 12.30pm
St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie
SELLING GOOD HERRY NEWS FMS BROTHER MICHAEL Angels are messengers that God uses to promote the good news about God and God’s plan for us. What we need in this with worldBrare more Herry “angels’” will continue An evening Michael FMSwho song writer and to promote God’s Good News. Paul writes in his letter singer ‘God of Surprises’. Brother Herry will present today to the people of Rome that this Good News he an eveningmust of music and singing of mostly preaches be ‘broadcast to the paganshis own everywhere.’ Obviously, Paul was not thinking ofatthe songs on Wednesday 26th August commencing local radio station. I fear that today we Christians are 7pm in the Agnes the Church. begin evening reluctant to St promote faith He we will have beenthe given. The science of “Apologetics” is interpreted not as one with a short prayer focus and then incorporate his that aims to explain Christian doctrine, but rather as songs into the Brother our attempts toevening. apologise for thewill facthave that his we tapes are Christians. and CD’s on sale for $25 and $20 respectively. All Reflecting on ‘broadcasting to the pagans’, I did work welcome to attend. for a radio station for some years, it was a large organisation and I only vaguely knew many of the people who worked at that district office. One day a NEW OFFERTORY ROSTERcame and Les Woolard, who worked in transcriptions, sat on my desk and fired a question at me: “Are you a Catholic?” he said. I was tempted to reply “Mind your own business”, but answered straight away, “Yes, I It is time to update the Offertory Roster for St Agnes am”. Les replied “I saw you at Mass on Sunday”. I was Church. so happy I had not snapped back at him and tried to hide my faith. If you are happy continue on the same masswho you We cannot all beto Archbishop Fulton J Sheen, was able through. television to reach tens of millions of need do nothing people, but we can and should do our bit no matter However, you wish to involved, your how small.if Ignorance ofbecome the Catholic Faithchange is a great handicap today even among our own Catholics. I am mass time, or do not wish to continue please contact constantly amazed at the little understanding of the the Presbytery Office onand 6583 1024teaching by Monday, Mass, the Sacraments Church that7th so many people people have who were baptised and September. educated as Catholics even among my own family. There seems to be reluctance on the part of Catholics who have a good knowledge of their faith to pass it on. A fear that by correcting,AWARDS directing or MASS suggesting LONG SERVICE matters of faith may harm a relationship. I do believe we realise that there are a lot of people out there who do want to know about our CatholicMass faith,the but are On Thursday, 3rdmore September, at 5.15pm reluctant to ask. This was emphasised to me when I Parish will recognise those who have was working as chaplain at employees a university, there were so many students who longed to learn more about theAll served 15, 20 and 25 years with our organisation. Catholic Church and its teaching. employees the parish, and of the We must beof“angels” whoschool spreadteachers the message Good News. are As Paul urges us, it must to parishioners invited to attend. Thisbe willbroadcast be those who are struggling with little faith or with none followed by a light supper in the Parish Hall. If you are at all. What use is cash hidden under the mattress? Hidden there it benefits no one. We mustthe show that attending please RSVP either by phoning we are followers of Christ in our actions and in our Presbytery office on 6583 1024 or emailing Peter on words. It does not hurt by starting to tell friends and
[email protected]. acquaintances that you are praying for them. I think you may be surprised at the response you will get. Mary received her message in prayer and prayer is a great means of communication. John Airey CSsR, Redemptorists 2011
TELEGRAPH POINT MASS There will be no Mass offered at St Bernard’s, Telegraph Point next Thursday, 22nd December. Mass will be offered on Christmas Eve at 6.00pm.
Thank You .
.
An ENORMOUS thankyou to all involved in this years hamper project—again it was awesome to witness. Thanks to all who sponsored a ‘hamper family’ through the church, the schools, work organisations, or through cash or grocery contributions. The 194 hampers were truly magnificent. To all who came and helped with packing hampers on Wednesday, moving hundreds of baskets and boxes on Saturday, and the extraordinary number who came on Sunday for delivery, I say a huge THANK YOU on behalf of the recipients. Without each and everyone of you this project wouldn't happen. Thanks to our small committee who for many weeks before Hamper Sunday, assist with labels, shopping, packing and unpacking the store room and setting up ‘Santa’s Workshop’. Thanks to Pastoral Pete and the Presbytery girls who assist with a smile during this hectic time. May the joy you have spread to the recipients of the hampers this Christmas be shared with your own families during this Holy Season. Toni
OFFICE CLOSURE DATES Parish Administration Office ♦ Friday 23 December 2011. Close 1.00pm ♦ Tuesday 3 January 2012. Reopen 8.30am. Presbytery Office ♦ Friday 23 December 2011. Close 12.00pm. ♦ Wednesday 28 December. Reopen 8.30am. MacKillop Gift Shop ♦ Friday 23 December 2011. Close 1.00pm. ♦ Thursday 5 January 2012. Reopen 10.00am. Diocesan Investment Fund ♦ Friday 23 December 2011. Close 1.00pm ♦ Tuesday 3 January 2012. Reopen 9.00am. The Lismore office of the DIF will be closed on the public holidays only and will be available for telephone transactions on the other days during this period.
PUBLIC HOLIDAY MASS CHANGES IN ST AGNES CHURCH Monday, 26th December - 9.00am not 5.15pm Tuesday, 27th December - 9.00am not 5.15pm
St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie
MACKILLOP GIFT SHOP The Gift Shop has available a wide range of Christmas stock—Fr Macs puddings, nativity sets, 2012 calendars, gifts and cards. Come and visit our shop for a browse—you’ll be amazed what you can find! Open Monday to Friday 10am-2pm.
ADVENT PRAYER INSERT In the bulletin this week please find the last Reflection insert for the Fourth Week of Advent with prayers helping us to prepare for Christmas. Peter O’Driscoll
BREAK OPEN THE WORD The Break Open the Word book of readings for Year B has commenced. A copy can be collected from the Presbytery Office. It would be appreciated if readers could return their current Year A book when collecting the new one.
Kimberley Catholic Volunteer Service URGENTLY WANTED: VOLUNTEER WORKERS The Diocese of Broome, Western Australia, requires volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal Missions. There are various important voluntary tasks: administration, building maintenance, gardening, cooking and cleaning. Placements are preferred for a period of 6 months to 2 years, with the possibility of an extension. For further details and an application form please contact: Jo & Kevin Bell on Phone: 08 9192 1060, or mobile 0427 433 244. Email:
[email protected]. Mail to: PO Box 76 Broome WA 6725.
STAMPS FOR THE MISSIONS A reminder to parishioners that used stamps can be dropped off to the Presbytery Office. These stamps are used to raise money for the missions.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS Recently Deceased: Gerard Brown, Jane Trainer, Jean Ginnivan, Maisie Burton, Sister Winifred Lovett,LCM, Allen Perrott, Darcy Woodgate. Anniversaries: John Heagney, Bernard Dawson, John Melrose, John Mullin, Greg McGrath, Anne Sleeth, Maureen Milford, May Mellier, Jack Quinn, Bob Graham, Damien Byrne. Other Mass Intentions: Robert Burton, Elizabeth Burton, Kerry O’Connor, Marija Miller, Cyril & Eileen Bennett, John & Kathleen Carroll, Rita Warlters, Beryl Thomas, Elizabeth Clavin, Michael Patrick Grace, Mass of Thanksgiving and donor intentions.
THE CATHOLIC LEADER Is available for sale at $2.00 after each weekend Mass. The paper can also be purchased from the Presbytery Office during the week.
CATHNEWS CathNews provides online Catholic news, both from Australia and abroad. To receive CathNews, visit: http://www.cathnews.com. au.
Congratulations to St Agnes’ Parish Secondary School students from MacKillop Senior College, St Joseph’s Regional College and Newman Senior Technical College on outstanding HSC results. Some highlights include: •
5 State All-Rounders – students who achieved 90 percent in 10 or more units: Bridget Allen, Tessa Campbell, Nikki Patterson, Nathan Ussher and Rebecca Holdt.
•
1st place in the State in Electrotechnology achieved by Christopher Rowsell from Newman Senior Technical College.
QUOTE ‘Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a • healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so • that it can discern the star of hope. It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.’ Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION The Meditation Group will stop for Christmas and January. It will recommence in February on Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm. Any Enquiries please contact Cathy on 6582 1450.
•
3rd place in the State in Studies of Religion 1 Unit by MacKillop student, Amy Geddes. Twenty students had practical projects nominated or selected for displays or performances. These are among the very best projects in the state for Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Design and Technology and Industrial Technology. Fifty-four percent of combined examination results from students at MacKillop and St Joseph's Regional College were over 80 percent.
St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie
PARISH PRIEST: Father Leo Donnelly ASSISTANT PRIEST: Father Amila Rajasekara ST AGNES’ PRESBYTERY: Phone 6583 1024 PASTORAL ASSISTANT: Peter O’Driscoll, Phone 6584 9970 E-mail:
[email protected] Parish Web Site: www.stagnesparish.org.au
ROSTERS 24th–25th DECEMBER
PARISH MASSES
READERS AND COMMENTATORS
ST AGNES CHURCH
Christmas Eve—Saturday 24th December
Hay Street Port Macquarie Monday to Thursday: 5.15pm Friday: 12.05pm Saturday: 8am, 6pm Vigil Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am, 6pm Please note: Weekday Masses at 9am on Public Holidays Reconciliation: Friday, 11.30am until noon. Saturday: 11.30am – 12.30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 1st Saturday of the month 8.30am – 9.30am.
7.00pm: 8.30pm: Midnight:
Robert Green Peter Dolan Wayne Evans Bill Skane Peter O’Driscoll Alan Wheatland
Christmas Day—Sunday 25th December Brian Tierney Charles Thornton David Metz Vanessa Denham Paula Richardson Mary Bennett
7.00am: 8.15am: 9.30am:
ST FRANCIS CHAPEL
MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST Christmas Eve—Saturday 24th December 7.00pm:
7.00pm:
8.30pm:
Midnight:
St Paul’s High School Tim McCosker Des Grissell Rod Smith St Agnes’ Church Gae Green Barry Johnson Maureen Dick Peter Brooks Sue Skane Peter O’Driscoll Kay Fowler Lesley Tierney
CHRIST THE KING CHAPEL Boronia Street Port Macquarie Contact: Peter O’Driscoll ( Pastoral Assistant ) Ph: 6584 9970 or 042 965 8404 Mass: Saturday Vigil: 4.30pm. Rosary and Exposition: 1st Saturday of the month 4pm.
Christmas Day—Sunday 25th December 7.00am:
8.15am:
9.30am:
Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie Chaplain: Bishop John Satterthwaite Contact: Peter O’Driscoll ( Pastoral Assistant ) Ph: 65849970 or 042 965 8404 Communion Service or Mass: 9.30am Monday -Friday. Sunday: 9.30am Reconciliation: After Mass on Friday or notify Bishop Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Every Wednesday, 3pm.
ST BERNARD'S, TELEGRAPH POINT Pacific Highway Telegraph Point—Thursday: 6pm.
Greg Grace Kevin Lewis Denise Smith Peter O’Driscoll Don Farrell Nigel Toole Anne Thurgate Mike Hawtin Cathy Hawtin
STAR OF THE SEA, LAKE CATHIE Ocean Drive Lake Cathie—Sunday: 8am.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES, WAUCHOPE 1 King Street, Wauchope—Saturday Vigil 6pm; Sunday: 7.30am.
FEAST DAYS
THE STATUE OF OUR LADY Nona & Ted Byrnes
Wednesday, 21st December - St Peter Canisius Friday, 23rd December - St John of Kanty
READINGS FOR NEXT WEEKEND Isaiah 9:1-7; Psalm 95:1-3,11-13; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14. DIOCESAN INVESTMENT FUND PAYS 5.50% AT CALL! There are no fees or charges on your account. AGENTS: Mrs Veronica Rinkin & Mrs Mary O’Brien DIF Office, Parish Administration Centre, Ph: (02) 6583 7439 9am – 1pm Monday - Friday St Agnes’ Catholic Church - Port Macquarie
