Thursday, 30 January 2014

Presentation of the Lord (2nd February, 2014)

Mersey Leven Catholic Parish

Parish Priest:  Fr Mike Delaney   mob: 0417 279 437; email: mike.delaney@catholicpriest.org.au
Assistant Priest:  Fr Augustine Ezenwelu  mob: 0470 576 857
Postal Address: PO Box 362, Devonport 7310
Parish Office: 90 Stewart Street, Devonport 7310 
Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am - 3pm
Office Phone: 6424 2783 Fax: 6423 5160 
FaceBook: Mersey Leven Catholic Parish
Newsletter: mlcathparish.blogspot.com.au
SecretaryAnnie Davies   
Pastoral Council Chair:  Mary Davies

Archdiocesan Website: www.hobart.catholic.org.au  for news, information and details of other Parishes.


Our Parish Sacramental Life

Baptism: arrangements are made by contacting Parish Office. 
Parents attend a Baptismal Preparation Session on first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December. 
Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist: Are received following a Family–centred, Parish-based, School-supported Preparation Program.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: prepares adults for reception into the Catholic community.
Marriage: arrangements are made by contacting one of our priests - couples attend a pre-marriage Program
Anointing of the Sick: please contact one of our priests
Reconciliation:  Ulverstone - Fridays (10am - 10:30am)
                         Devonport -  Saturday (5:15pm– 5.45pm)
                         Penguin    -  Saturday (5:15pm - 5:45pm)

Scripture Readings: The Presentation of the Lord - Year A

FIRST READING: Malachi 3:1-4
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.) Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
SECOND READING:  Hebrews 2:14-18
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, alleluia!This is the light of revelation to the nations, 
and the glory of your people Israel. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Luke 2:22-40

Next Week: 5th Sunday of the Year - Year A

FIRST READING: Isaiah 58:7-10
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.) A light rises in the darkness for the upright
SECOND READING:  1 Corinthians 2:1-5
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, alleluia!I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the man who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matthew 5:13-16

Masses Next Weekend: 8th - 9th February, 2014

Saturday Vigil:     6.00pm    Penguin
                                        Devonport 
           
Sunday Mass:      8:30am    Port Sorell   
                          9:00am     Ulverstone
                        10:30am     Devonport
                        11:00am     Sheffield     L.W.C.
                         5:00pm     Latrobe

Masses This Week:  3rd - 7th February 2014

Monday             No Mass
Tuesday            9.30am - Penguin
Wednesday       9.30am - Latrobe
Thursday          12noon - Devonport & 7.30pm - Penguin (Healing Mass)
Friday              9.30am - Ulverstone

Ministry Rosters 8th & 9th February, 2014

Devonport:
Readers: Vigil:  P Douglas, T Douglas, M Knight  10.30am: E Petts, K Douglas, K Pearce
Ministers of Communion: VigilB & B Windebank, T Bird, J Kelly, T Muir, Beau Windebank
10.30am: J DiPietro, S Riley, B Schrader, F Sly, M Mahoney, M Sherriff Cleaners 8th Feb: M.W.C. 
14th Feb: K Hull, I Hunter, F Stevens  Flowers: J Cox, S O'Rourke Piety Shop 8th Feb: H Thompson 9th Feb: C Schrader


Ulverstone:
Reader:  B O'Rourke Cleaners: B & V McCall, G Doyle  Flowers: M Bryan
Ministers of Communion: E Standring, M Fennell, E & K Reilly  Hospitality: Filipino Community

Penguin:
Greeters: J & T Kiely Commentator: M Kenney  Readers: T Clayton, A Guest
Procession: M & D Hiscutt  Ministers of Communion: A Hyland, E Nickols  Music: M Bowles
Liturgy: Pine Road Setting Up: A Landers Care of Church: G Hills - B Eade, A Landers


Port Sorell:
Readers:  M Badcock, G Duff  Ministers of Communion: B Lee, V Duff  Clean/Flow & Prepare: G Bellchambers, M Gillard

Eucharistic Adoration:
Devonport:  Every Friday 10am - 12noon, concluding with Stations of the Cross and Angelus (starting again 31st January)
Devonport: Benediction with Adoration - first Friday of each Month.
Ulverstone:  First Friday 11.45am-12.45pm and Third Sunday  5pm – 6pm.

Prayer Groups: 
Charismatic Renewal - Ulverstone (Community Room) Every second and fourth Monday of the month 7:30pm - (in recession until Monday 10th February, 2014
                              - Devonport (Emmaus House) Thursdays - 7:30pm - (in recession until Thursday 30th January, 2014.)

Christian Meditation   - Devonport, Emmaus House - Wednesdays 7pm. Recommencing Wednesday 5th February, 2014.

Your prayers are asked for the sick:  
Laura Vella, Kieran Simpson, Sandy Cowling, Maria Karajovanova, Shanon Breaden, Glen Clark, Jamie Griffiths, Jane Dutton and Anne Johnson.

Let us pray for those who have died recently:
Sheila Bourke, Sheila Poole, Phil Green, Pat Lewis, Gerry Doyle, Benjamin Petts and Jim Woodhouse.
                                   
Let us pray for those whose anniversary occurs about this time:
Trevor Delaney, Thomas Kelly, Nicola Tenaglia,  Frank Meagher, Joan Nolan, Basil Cassidy, Darrell Smith, Betty Hodgson, Sylvia Strange, David Rutherford, Verna Crabtree and Harold Hawkes.
May they Rest in Peace

FROM FR MIKE:
Welcome to my first contribution to the weekly (printed) newsletter. Last Wednesday (29th) marked the end of month 1 of (at least – I hope) 120 months that I will be here in the Mersey-Leven Parish. It has been a little quiet
because of the school holidays but busy in the sense of getting to know what happens and when. Hopefully, this has been with as little disruption to normal programming as possible.

In the course of the month I have been to every Mass Centre a couple of times, have celebrated a Baptism and several funerals and have visited a number of the Nursing Homes as well as the Mersey Community Hospital. I’ve also managed to visit a few people in their homes and attended quite a number of meetings – thank God January is the quiet month!!

In the next few weeks we will be commencing our Sacramental Preparation Program for 2014. A small group has met to look at what we are going to do and more information will be available in the next few weeks. This is an important part of the life of the Parish and so I would hope that we will be able to further develop existing programs to support couples preparing for Marriage as well as families presenting their children for Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Older parishioners and those who are sick are not being forgotten either – as well as Charismatic Renewal Masses we will be celebrating Masses during which we will also celebrate the Anointing of the Sick on a regular basis. Masses in the Aged Cared Facilities within the Parish will also be celebrated on a regular basis.

Most of the things above are already happening so I’m not telling you as parishioners anything new – I’m hopefully saying that these are important things that I would like to see further developed and supported and, with Fr Augustine, a source of hope and faith in our Parish Community.

Like communities everywhere there are differences between each of our Mass Centres in style, personality and make-up so another of my hopes is that we further build on what it means to be the Mersey-Leven Parish. My little contribution to this process is to invite all parishioners to the Parish House, 90 Stewart St, Devonport on Friday, 7th February from 7pm for a meet and greet. For me it is a chance to say hi in a less formal way and, perhaps, an opportunity to build greater links within the wider Parish community. If you drink something other than wine or soft drink then it is BYO – otherwise just come and enjoy a ‘good night’.

Arvy Pisarskis was the clever person who determined why September 15th was important and my suggestion for an Australian Day Celebration. It was the day for the opening of the Sydney Olympics in 2000 when all  aspects of Australian culture were celebrated from the Dreamtime to the present. He chose a cherry ripe as his prize.

Until next week, take care on the roads and in your homes,

Fr Mike

BAPTISM:
Baptismal preparation sessions are held at Emmaus House, Devonport from 7.30 – 8.30pm on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December. These sessions are for any families who are thinking of baptism as well as those who have booked a date.
The next Baptism Preparation Session will be Tuesday 4th February, Emmaus House – 88 Stewart Street, Devonport at 7:30pm.

CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL: are sponsoring a HEALING MASS with Fr Michael Delaney at St Mary’s Catholic Church Penguin Thursday 6th February 2014, commencing at 7.30pm.
All denominations are welcome to come and celebrate the liturgy in a vibrant and dynamic way using charismatic praise and worship, with the gifts of tongues, prophecy, and healing. After Mass, teams will be available for individual prayer. Please bring a friend and a plate for supper and fellowship in the adjacent hall.
If you wish to know more or require local transport, please contact Celestine Whiteley 6424:2043, Michael Gaffney 0447 018 068 Devonport, Zoe Smith Latrobe 6426 3073, Tom Knaap Ulverstone 6425.2442.

MACKILLOP HILL:

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION:
Do you seek a regular short time of silent prayer to help you get through your day/week? If so, you may like to join a small group of people in our parish who are committed to the form of prayer known as Christian Meditation.  This prayer is based on Scripture (such as Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God) and follows the teachings of John Main osb (www.wccm.org.au). It is about experiencing the presence of God at the centre of our being. 
Where?  Emmaus House, 88 Stewart St, Devonport
When?  Every Wednesday - beginning 5th February from 7pm - 8pm no booking required
What do you do?  We have a short reading or listen to a talk on Christian Meditation, then we spend 30 minutes in silent prayer and conclude with a prayer or song (usually about 45 minutes in total)
Why not come along and experience this form of prayer?  All welcome.    Sr Carmel

WOMEN & SPIRITUALITY:
Resumes  Tuesday  11th February  7.30pm - 9.30pm -  Enquiries:  Josephine Kelly  Phone 6424:4633


LITURGY PLANNING FOR LENT/EASTER:
The season of Lent is rapidly approaching and our liturgical preparation will commence in earnest. A meeting to assist us in our preparation for Lent/Easter will be held Sunday 9th February 2pm at Emmaus House, 88 Stewart Street, Devonport. All are welcome! Contact Peter Douglas 0419 302 435.


SACRAMENTAL ROGRAM:
Families with children in Grade 3 or above are invited to participate in our family-centred, parish-based and school-supported Sacramental Program to prepare to celebrate the sacraments of RECONCILIATION, CONFIRMATION AND EUCHARIST in April and June next year.
Information Sessions to explain the preparation program will be held on: Monday 24th February 7.00pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Stewart Street, Devonport or Tuesday 25th February 7.00pm  at Sacred Heart Church, Alexandra Road, Ulverstone.
For further information, please contact the Parish Office (6424 2783) or mlcathparish-dsl@keypoint.com.au


RELOCATION OF THE BELL PETER:
You are aware that planning is underway for the relocation of the Bell Peter to the grounds of Sacred Heart Church. As part of the installation a History Board is being developed and will be situated adjacent to the new bell tower. Thanks to the input of parishioners to date this summary has been developed.
Some copies of the text of the proposed history are available at the rear of the church. Please make the time to read it for historical accuracy and to see whether any significant milestone regarding the bell has been omitted.
Please return any suggestions to Carey McIver or Jeff Cox for consideration in finalising the content of the History Board no later than March 9th 2014.


“As a nation, Australia should ensure that its agricultural trade policies are formulated on the basis of the ‘right to food’. Trade agreements that we make with other countries must be focused on the needs of the poorest and ensure that small farmers are able to obtain fair prices for what they produce. Access to land and land tenure, fair market structures, information on market prices, equitable savings and lending services, and agricultural and crop storage techniques are among the critical underlying issues faced by farmers in poorer areas of the world.”
From the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Social Justice Statement 2013-2014: Lazarus at our Gate: A critical moment in the fight against world poverty.

BINGO:   
Come along and have some fun with BINGO Thursday Nights - OLOL Hall, Devonport. Eyes down 7.30pm!  
Callers for Thursday 6th February are Jon Halley and Peter Bolster.

EVANGELII GAUDIUM
‘The Gospel offers us the chance to live life on a higher plane, but with no less intensity: Life grows by being given away, and it weakens in isolation and comfort. Indeed, those who enjoy life most are those who leave security on the shore and become excited by the mission of communicating life to others’.
Para 10, from Apostolic Exhortation Evangeli Gaudium, Pope Francis, Nov. 24, 2013

EUCHARIST IS A 'PLEDGE OF FUTURE GLORY 
 The Eucharist is a pledge of future glory because it fills us with every grace and heavenly blessing. It fortifies us for our pilgrimage in this life and makes us long for eternal life. It unites us already to Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, to Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, to the Church in heaven and to the Blessed Virgin and all the saints.
From: Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Paragraph 294
Prepared/contributed by the Catholic Enquiry Centre http://www.catholicenquiry.com

SAINT OF THE WEEK
St Agatha – February 5
Those of your parishioners who have experienced breast cancer, or who know someone that has, might be interested to know that one of the saints who has a feast day this week is the patron saint for breast cancer patients. St Agatha, who hailed from Sicily, is also the Patron Saint for bakers, wet nurses and the country of Malta.


Wednesday, 22 January 2014

3rd Sunday Ordinary Time (26th January, 2014)

 Mersey Leven Catholic Parish

Parish Priest:  Fr Mike Delaney   (mob: 0417 279 437)
Assistant Priest:  Fr Augustine Ezenwelu  (mob: 0470 576 857)
Postal Address: PO Box 362, Devonport 7310
Parish Office: 90 Stewart Street, Devonport 7310 
Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am - 3pm
Office Phone: 6424 2783 Fax: 6423 5160 
FaceBook: Mersey Leven Catholic Parish
Newsletter: mlcathparish.blogspot.com.au
SecretaryAnnie Davies   
Pastoral Council Chair:  Mary Davies

Our Parish Sacramental Life

Baptism: arrangements are made by contacting Parish Office. 
Parents attend a Baptismal Preparation Session on first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December. 
Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist: Are received following a Family–centred, Parish-based, School-supported Preparation Program.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: prepares adults for reception into the Catholic community.
Marriage: arrangements are made by contacting one of our priests - couples attend a pre-marriage Program
Anointing of the Sick: please contact one of our priests
Reconciliation:  Ulverstone - Fridays (10am - 10:30am)
                         Devonport -  Saturday (5:15pm– 5.45pm)
                         Penguin    -  Saturday (5:15pm - 5:45pm)

Scripture Readings 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

FIRST READING:Isaiah 8:23 - 9:3
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.) The Lord is my light and my salvation 
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, alleluia!Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom

and healed all who were sick. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matthew 4: 12-23

Next Week: The Presentation of the Lord - Year A

FIRST READING: Malachi 3:1-4
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.) Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
SECOND READING:  Hebrews 2:14-18
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, alleluia!This is the light of revelation to the nations, 
and the glory of your people Israel. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Luke 2:22-40

Masses Next Weekend: 1st - 2nd February, 2014

Saturday Vigil:     6.00pm    Penguin
                                      Devonport 
           
Sunday Mass:      8:30am    Port Sorell   L.W.C.
                          9:00am    Ulverstone
                        10:30am    Devonport
                        11:00am    Sheffield    
                         5:00pm    Latrobe

Masses This Week:  27th - 31st January 2014

Monday             No Mass
Tuesday            9.30am - Penguin
Wednesday       9.30am - Latrobe
Thursday          12noon - Devonport
Friday              9.30am - Ulverstone


Eucharistic Adoration:
Devonport:  Every Friday 10am - 12noon, concluding with Stations of the Cross and Angelus (starting again 31st January)
Devonport: Benediction with Adoration - first Friday of each Month.
Ulverstone:  First Friday 11.45am-12.45pm and Third Sunday  5pm – 6pm.

Prayer Groups: 
Charismatic Renewal - Ulverstone (Community Room) Every second and fourth Monday of the month 7:30pm - (in recession until Monday 10th February, 2014
                              - Devonport (Emmaus House) Thursdays - 7:30pm - (in recession until Thursday 30th January, 2014.)

Christian Meditation   - Devonport, Emmaus House - Wednesdays 7pm. Recommencing Wednesday 5th February, 2014.

Prego Reflection

In Jesus’ day there were divisions in the Jewish understanding of society - rich/poor, healthy/sick, good/sinner, Jew/Gentile etc. Only the first of each pair would inherit the kingdom.
Yet there was hope for a universal Kingdom of God.Jesus acted on that hope and it became real!
I read the passage, imagining Jesus teaching, healing, creating a community where all are one in him. How might it feel as an orthodox Jew, and/or as an outcast who is welcomed?
I see Jesus calling the disciples—and me—to help him realise God’s dream. What is he calling them, and me, to? What must they—and I—leave behind in order to respond to his call? Do Jesus and his call have priority over what I must leave behind?
What is my hope for the bit of the world that God has entrusted to me? I share this with Jesus and ask for what I need.

From Fr Mike
During this past week I spent time with 18 Tasmanians who had been Pilgrims to Israel, the majority who had spent time at Ecce Homo participating in the 'In the Footsteps of Jesus' program run at the centre each September.
It was good to be able to share with them some of the memories of this event, which everyone noted was an experience which had changed their lives.
This weekend we celebrate Australia Day - sadly a day that causes pain for many people in our community. Congratulations to all those whose efforts for the good of their communities are rewarded at this time and thanks to all the unsung local heroes who make a difference. 
I would hope that at some time in the future we might find another day which might be more suitable - I have a suggestion - September 15th. The first person who is able to determine why I think that date might be a good date can win a Cherry Ripe or Mars Bar for themselves.
Don't forget the Open House on Friday, 7th at 7pm.
As always, take care in your homes and in your travels.
Fr Mike

Evangelii Gaudium
“We become fully human when we become more than human, when we let God bring us beyond ourselves in order to attain the fullest truth of our being. Here we find the source and inspiration of all our efforts at evangelization. For if we have received the love which restores meaning to our lives, how can we fail to share that love with others?”
Para 8, from Apostolic Exhortation Evangeli Gaudium, Pope Francis, November 24, 2013
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium_en.html

Giving Holy Communion to other Christians
‘Catholic ministers may give Holy Communion licitly to members of the Oriental Churches which are not in full communion with the Catholic Church whenever they ask for it of their own will and possess the required dispositions. Catholic ministers may licitly give Holy Communion to members of other ecclesial communities only if, in grave necessity, they ask for it of their own free will, possess the required dispositions, and give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding the sacrament.
From: Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Paragraph 293
Prepared/contributed by the Catholic Enquiry Centre http://www.catholicenquiry.com

Saint of the Week
Tuesday, January 28 – St Thomas Aquinas 
Did you know he is a priest and doctor of the Church and patron of all universities and of students? In 1243, at the age of seventeen, he joined the Dominicans of Naples. Some members of his family resorted to all manner of means over a two year period to break his commitment to renouncing the things of this world, even sending an impure woman to tempt him. But all their efforts were in vain and St. Thomas persevered in his vocation. As a reward for his fidelity, God conferred upon him the gift of perfect chastity, which has merited for him the title of the "Angelic Doctor". (Catholic Online)

Social Justice focus
Constitutional Recognition: Sell Out or Stepping Stones is the title of a conversation between Professor Kerry Arabena, Professor George Williams AO and Chris Graham on the expert panel’s proposed constitutional changes to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and associated issues of sovereignty and land rights. 
You can watch the conversation at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytewert3sEc
Words of Wisdom
The principal act of courage is to endure and withstand dangers doggedly rather than to attack them.
- Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Doctor of the Church, Feast Day January 28

Meme of the week
If a picture tells a thousand words, imagine what a picture with words can do? You see them online every day and they are called memes (defined as ‘an idea, behaviour or style that spreads from person to person within a culture’). Here’s a great example of a memes that not only provokes laughter, but also a deeper level of thinking.
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/bd/39/b0/bd39b0e79386f5e1e6a63fd13d2fb2b2.jpg

A Prayer for our Country
Father, you reached out by the power of the Holy Spirit
through Jesus your Son to show your love for all creation.
You invite everyone to share in your life made available to us in Jesus.
You established the Church to bring your good news to all people.
Let your Holy Spirit help us to be the presence of your saving love to all.
May that same Spirit help us to proclaim your good news
in a way that is meaningful to people and touches their hearts.
May we, like Mary, Help of Christians, have the courage of the cross,
to fulfill the mission you gave us no matter what the cost.
Sharing in his confidence and trust in you, we ask this
through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Australia Day 2011


2nd Sunday Ordinary Time (19th January 2014)

Mersey Leven Catholic Parish

Parish Priest:  Fr Mike Delaney   (mob: 0417 279 437)
Assistant Priest:  Fr Augustine Ezenwelu  (mob: 0470 576 857)
Postal Address: PO Box 362, Devonport 7310
Parish Office: 90 Stewart Street, Devonport 7310 
Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am - 3pm
Office Phone: 6424 2783 Fax: 6423 5160 
FaceBook: Mersey Leven Catholic Parish
Newsletter: mlcathparish.blogspot.com.au
SecretaryAnnie Davies   
Pastoral Council Chair:  Mary Davies

Our Parish Sacramental Life

Baptism: arrangements are made by contacting Parish Office. 
Parents attend a Baptismal Preparation Session on first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December. 
Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist: Are received following a Family–centred, Parish-based, School-supported Preparation Program.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: prepares adults for reception into the Catholic community.
Marriage: arrangements are made by contacting one of our priests - couples attend a pre-marriage Program
Anointing of the Sick: please contact one of our priests
Reconciliation:  Ulverstone - Fridays (10am - 10:30am)
                         Devonport -  Saturday (5:15pm– 5.45pm)
                         Penguin    -  Saturday (5:15pm - 5:45pm)

Scripture Readings 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A

FIRST READINGIsaiah 49:3,5-6
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.) Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, alleluia! The Word of God became flesh and dwelt amongst us. He enabled those who accepted him to become children of God. Alleluia!
GOSPELJohn 1:29-34

Next Week: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

FIRST READING: Isaiah 8:23 - 9:3
SECOND READING:1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
GOSPEL: Matthew 4:12-23

Masses Next Weekend:25-26th January, 2014

Saturday Vigil:     6.00pm    Penguin
                                      Devonport 
           
Sunday Mass:      8:30am    Port Sorell   
                          9:00am    Ulverstone
                        10:30am    Devonport
                        11:00am    Sheffield    
                         5:00pm    Latrobe

Masses This Week:  20th - 24th January 2014

Monday             No Mass
Tuesday            9.30am - Penguin
Wednesday       9.30am - Latrobe
Thursday          12noon - Devonport
Friday              9.30am - Ulverstone


Eucharistic Adoration:
Devonport:  Every Friday 10am - 12noon, concluding with Stations of the Cross and Angelus (starting again 31st January)
Devonport: Benediction with Adoration - first Friday of each Month.
Ulverstone:  First Friday 11.45am-12.45pm and Third Sunday  5pm – 6pm.

Prayer Groups: 
Charismatic Renewal - Ulverstone (Community Room) Every second and fourth Monday of the month 7:30pm - (in recession until Monday 10th February, 2014
                              - Devonport (Emmaus House) Thursdays - 7:30pm - (in recession until Thursday 30th January, 2014.)

Christian Meditation   - Devonport, Emmaus House - Wednesdays 7pm. Recommencing Wednesday 5th February, 2014.

Prego Reflection

On the feast of Epiphany, the Christ child is revealed as one who comes for the entire world. Last Sunday’s readings show how Christ will save; not by being loud and showy, but through quiet faithfulness until justice prevails for the whole earth.
Today’s readings enrich and deepen this portrait of Christ, whose light is for all and for every dark place.
I imagine the scene as John the Baptist, seeing Jesus coming towards him, recognises the “Lamb of God” and invites his followers to “look” at Jesus. What do the crowds see? What do I see? How do I feel? What do I say to Jesus?
Where and in whom do I see the love of Jesus? Where do I see the Spirit of God at work in families and friends? I give thanks.
All Christians, like Jesus, are baptised with the Holy Spirit and sent to be a light to the nations. I ponder what this means for myself. I may ask that my baptismal faith be renewed and deepened. I could pray for people I know still coping with the darkness of fear, worry, hopelessness and sickness.
For “With Christ joy is constantly born anew.” [Pope Francis]

From Fr Mike

Some people were asking last weekend if there would still be a printed version of the Parish Newsletter as many people do not have access to the internet - rest assured the newsletter will continue to be printed each week and will be available in every centre.
This week has been busy with a series of meetings with various groups who are seeking to start the new year (an with a new PP) in such as way that supports what they are doing already and trying to find new ways of being Parish.
There are several major events happening in the next few weeks. In no special order we have the 1st Parish Pastoral Council meeting for 2014; the 1st Charismatic Renewal Mass for the year; our teachers return to School with Masses or Liturgies being celebrated with the staff to celebrate their return as well as an opportunity for them to join with the rest of the Parish Community on the weekend of the 8/9th for a Blessing and Prayer from the whole community for the new year; and the 1st Baptismal Preparation Session for 2014.
In coming weeks there will also be information regarding the Lenten Season with Stations of the Cross on Friday Evenings in various Centres as well as the possibility of Lenten Discussion Groups throughout the Parish.
All this and an Open House at the Parish House, 90 Stewart St, Devonport, on Friday 7th February from 7.00pm - this is an open invitation to all Parishioners. Our notices at Mass have been informing people that Wines, soft drink and nibbles will be provided but BYOther poison!!!
You will notice that there are some other articles here in the web edition of the newsletter - space does not always allow these things to be printed in the paper edition but these are added here for your information.
As always, take care in your travels and in your home.
Fr Mike

Feast of Santo Nino

The Filipino-Australian Community is celebrating the Sinulog Festival 2014 this Sunday, the 19th of January at Our Lady of Lourdes, Devonport. The celebration is in honour of the Holy Infant Jesus, the Snr. Santo Nino, Patron Saint of Cebu, Philippines.  It will commence with a Eucharistic Celebration at 10:30am followed by a Procession of the Statue to the Church Hall for further celebration, gathering and fellowship. This festival is also celebrated on this day by devotees all around the world. 
We request that you please bring your favourite dish to share in this occasion. Drinks, hot and cold are provided but no alcohol. All Welcome!

Evangelii Gaudium

‘Sometimes we are tempted to find excus­es and complain, acting as if we could only be happy if a thousand conditions were met. To some extent this is because our “technological society has succeeded in multiplying occasions of pleasure, yet has found it very difficult to en­gender joy”. I can say that the most beautiful and natural expressions of joy which I have seen in my life were in poor people who had little to hold on to. I also think of the real joy shown by others who, even amid pressing professional obligations, were able to preserve, in detachment and simplicity, a heart full of faith. In their own way, all these instances of joy flow from the in­finite love of God, who has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ.’
-         From Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis, November 24, 2013   Full text at:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium_en.html
  

Fruits of Holy Communion

‘Holy Communion increases our union with Christ and with his Church. It preserves the life of grace received at Baptism, and Confirmation and makes us grow in love for our neighbour. It strengthens us in charity, wipes away venial sins and preserves us from mortal sin in the future.’
-         Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.292
From Catholic Enquiry Centre  http://www.catholicenquiry.com


Feast Days of the Week
Tue  Jan 21     St Agnes         Virgin and Martyr (Third Century)
St Agnes, a Roman girl, was thirteen years old when she suffered martyrdom for her faith. She had consecrated herself to God saying, ‘Jesus Christ is my only Spouse.’ On her feast day, two lambs are blessed at her church in Rome, and then their wool is woven into the palliums (bands of white wool) which the Pope confers on archbishops as a symbol of their jurisdiction.
Fri   Jan  24                 St Francis de Sales                (1567-1622)
Born into a family of means, Francis studied law before hearing the message to ‘Leave all and follow me.’ which he took as a call to the priesthood. Bishop of Geneva at age 35, he spent time with children whenever he could. A friend of Saint Vincent de Paul, he helped found the Order of the Visitation with Saint Jeanne de Chantal. The value of his writings led to his being declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Blessed Pius IX in 1877, and a patron of writers and journalists by Pope Pius XI in 1923. The Salesians of Don Bosco, the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales, and the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales are named in his honour.
Wed    25 Jan                        The Conversion of St. Paul
Paul’s entire life can be explained in terms of one experience—his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus. From being a persecutor of the Church he became a slave of Christ, helping others to come to know Jesus as their Saviour.  He could say of himself:  ‘I live now not with my own life but with the life of Christ who lives in me.’ (Gal 2:20)


The journey of faith
‘Faith is not something you achieve. If you try to nail it down, it gets up and walks away with the nail. Faith works this way: Some days you walk on water, other days you sink like a stone. You live with a deep secret, the poet Rumi says, that sometimes you know, and then not, and then know again. Sometimes you feel the real presence, and sometimes you feel the real absence. Why?

‘Because, like love, faith is a journey, with constant ups and downs, with alternating periods of fervour and dryness, with consolation giving way to desolation, and with graced moments where God feels tangibly present eclipsed by dark nights where God feels absent. It's a strange state: sometimes you feel riveted to God, steel-like, other times you feel yourself in a free-fall from everything secure, and then, just when things are at their lowest, you feel God's presence again.’
-         Excerpt from a reflection by Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI
Quote
 ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.’

Take care where you park
Sign outside a church:  ‘Trespassers will be baptized.’