Thursday 27 February 2014

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time -Year A

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
Weekly Newsletter: mlcathparish.blogspot.com.au

                                              Parish Newsletter: mlcathparishnewsletter.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:  8th Sunday of the Year- Year A

FIRST READINGIsaiah 49:14-15
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.)  Rest in God alone, my soul.
SECOND READING:   
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 
Alleluia, alleluia! The word of God is living and active; it probes the thoughts and motives of our heart. Alleluia!
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:24-34

Prego Reflection on today's Gospel
I read this text slowly. It is the Word of God, alive and active. What strikes me? How do the words and images make me feel?
I imagine Jesus saying these words to me: ‘surely life means more than food, and the body more than clothing.’
What is life for me, and what are my concerns and worries in life?
Do I feel free enough to hand all over to Jesus, who waits by my side with open hands?
I imagine Jesus asking me to choose between God and money. Do his words unsettle or frighten me?
I think about how I might respond. I speak honestly to Jesus, telling him how I am sometimes tempted to rely on myself.
I ask him to help me to entrust myself into the providential hands of a loving Father.
I spend some moments with the Lord, asking for the grace to surrender to God’s love in trust like the child who falls asleep in his mother’s arms.

Next Week:  - First Sunday in Lent - Year A

FIRST READING: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.) Be merciful O Lord, for we have sinned.
SECOND READING:  Romans 5:12-19
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
No one lives on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
GOSPEL: Matthew 4:1-11


Weekday Masses 4th - 7th March, 2014
Tuesday:            9:30am   Penguin
Ash Wednesday: 9:30am   Latrobe & Penguin, 7pm D'port & Ulv 
Thursday:           12noon   Devonport
Friday:               9:30am   Ulverstone 


Next Weekend (8th & 9th March, 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


Ministry Rosters 8th & 9th March, 2014

Devonport:
Readers: Vigil:  M Gaffney, P McKinnon, H Lim  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 7th March: M.W.C. 14th March: P Shelverton, I Hunter, E Petts
Flowers: V Mahoney, M Knight
Piety Shop 8th March: R Baker 9th March: M Doyle


Ulverstone:
Reader:  J Landford Cleaners: V Ferguson, E Cox  Flowers: M Byrne
Ministers of Communion: P Steyn, E Cox, M Byrne, J Landford
Hospitality: M Byrne, G Doyle

Penguin:
Greeters: G Hills-Eade, B Eade   Commentator:       Readers: A Landers, M Kenney
Procession: Cure Family  Ministers of Communion: A Hyland, E Nickols Music: M Bowles
Liturgy: Pine Road  Setting Up: A Landers Care of Church: G Hills-Eade, A Landers

Port Sorell:
Readers:  V Duff, G Duff  Ministers of Communion: B Lee, L Post
Clean/Flow & Prepare: A Hynes

Latrobe:
Readers:  P Marlow  Ministers of Communion: Elizabeth, M Mackey
Procession: M Clarke, I Campbell Music: Hermie

Eucharistic Adoration:
Devonport:  Every Friday 10am - 12noon, concluding with Stations of the Cross and Angelus
Devonport:  Benediction with Adoration - first Friday of each month.

Prayer Groups:
Charismatic Renewal - Ulverstone (Community Room) Every second and fourth Monday of the month 7:30pm                                                                      - Devonport (Emmaus House) Thursdays - 7:30pm

Christian Meditation  - Devonport, Emmaus House - Wednesdays 7pm. 

Your prayers are asked for the sick:  
Tony Becker, June Bourke, Mely Phybus, Laura Vella, Kieran Simpson, Sandy Cowling, Maria Karajovanova, Shanon Breaden, Jamie Griffiths, Jane Dutton, Anne Johnson & ...

Let us pray for those who have died recently:
Irene Kilby, Glen Clark, Michael Duggan, Thea Nicholas,  Audrey Cabalzar, Sheryl Allen, Robert Rothwell and Laurie McGuire. Also Darlene & Tony Haigh and Otto Hello.
                                   
Let us pray for those whose anniversary occurs about this time:
Darryle Webb, Aileen Hill, Pat Chisholm, Pauline Lamprey, Doris Roberts and Betty Waldon-Cruse. Also Helen Armsby.

May they Rest in Peace


FROM FR MIKE:
Update on Fr Jim’s Car. We received an offer in excess of what was a minimum amount and so the decision was made to accept the offer. Thanks to others who expressed an interest.
 This weekend is traditionally known as ‘Project Compassion Sunday’ and information regarding the Project Compassion Program for 2014 becomes available. For those with Smart Phones there is an App for the Lenten Calendar – a good way to be reminded of the reflection for the week and what we can do to be more aware of the issues facing so many in our world.
 The Discussion Groups commence shortly and many people have indicated they are willing to be part of a group – it is still not too late to join a group, please add your names to the lists at the rear of the Church this weekend please.
 Also, each Friday evening during Lent Stations of the Cross will be held at OLOL and Sacred Heart Churches at 7pm. Other centres might like to consider whether they would like to have Stations during Lent – please let the Office know or tell the celebrant/leader this weekend and an announcement can be made.
 Last weekend the MLCP Newsletter was presented to the Parish and was well received – there were none left after Mass so I presume they were all taken home.  If you didn’t get a copy or would like to have it for future reference you can find it at www.mlcathparishnewsletter.blogspot.com.au
 That time of the year is near at hand when normally mild and meek people become one-eyed fanatics – to help your addiction we will have the footy margins tickets for sale next weekend so get ready to join the fun.
 Help! In order to ensure the continued good running of our Parish Office we need some assistance so that if I ever let Annie have a holiday the office can continue working. If you are interested in learning more about what is involved (and whether you are a fit for this unique position) please contact me for an initial chat.
Last weekend at the Masses I celebrated I spoke about the Prayer of Abandonment by Blessed Charles de Foucauld. The priest who introduced us to the prayer was Fr Edward Farrell (not Ray as I thought) but here is the prayer:
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures -
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.
Charles de Foucauld

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


LENT:  Begins this week with Ash Wednesday
                      on the 5th March.


Mass times:   9:30am    St Patrick's Church, Latrobe
                     9:30am    St Mary's Church, Penguin
                    7:00pm   Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Devonport                          7.00pm   Sacred Heart Church, Ulverstone


Stations of the Cross will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Devonport 7 - 7:30pm each Friday commencing 7th March All other Mass Centres will be announced next week if they will be having Stations of the Cross during the weeks of Lent.


CARITAS:
This year’s Project Compassion theme, “have life and have it to the full” is a quote from the New Testament. This idea was reaffirmed in 2013 when Pope Francis said, “Men and women of all times and all places desire a full and beautiful life... a life that is not threatened by death but that can mature and grow to its fullness.”
Isn’t this what we all desire? Don’t we all wish for a life filled with certainty; a life free from the burden of poverty with equal access to food, water, education, healthcare and shelter; a life of dignity and a life of peace within our hearts and minds...?
Thank you for supporting Caritas Australia through the Lenten season and continuing to keep Project Compassion close to your hearts. Together we will build a world filled with love, compassion and dignity for all.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: Theme - Streams in the Desert:
Thursday 6th March 7:30pm Holy Cross Sheffield, Friday 7th March 10am at St Mary's Church Penguin (everyone welcome to join the service prepared by the women of Egypt and share morning tea afterwards) and Friday 7th March 1:30pm at Sacred Heart Church Ulverstone.
Parishioners are welcome to attend any of these celebrations of prayer.

Sacramental Program:
The program of preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist will begin shortly.  If you were unable to attend an information evening last week and you would like your child to participate in the program please contact Belinda Chapman at the parish office on either Tuesday (4th) or Thursday (6th) between 9.30am and 2.30pm.  PH:  64 24:2783.


CCR RALLY: Join with local Catholic Charismatic Renewal prayer groups and guest presenter Dan Hewitt, Chairman of CCR. Perth, for Praise, Worship, Intercession, Prophecy, Teaching and Prayer for Healing. Monday 10th March, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church, Community Room Ulverstone, 7:30pm to 9:30pm. All welcome! Please bring a plate for supper. For further information or local transport contact: Devonport: Celestine 6424:2043, Zoe 6426:3073, Michael 0447 018 068, Ulverstone: Tom 6425:2442,  Burnie: Mirka 6431:8485.



MACKILLOP HILL:
ST PATRICK'S DAY SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCHEON:– A lighthearted celebration!    Bring a friend!  Enjoy a delicious lunch!     Wear a Shamrock …. Leprechauns welcome! Monday 17th March  12 noon start.     RSVP 13th March. Bookings essential - Phone 6428:3095    Email: rsjforth@bigpond.net.au 


BUTTON SELLERS REQUIRED: St Vincent de Paul Society Annual Button Day has been changed to Friday 28th March. If you are able to assist for an hour shift, your help will be greatly appreciated. Please phone Trish at the Regional Office 6427:7100 or Toni on 6424:5296.


“Indigenous peoples face far greater health, welfare, educational and social challenges than non-Indigenous people do. They are over-represented among the world’s poor and among those facing oppression and social, political and economic exclusion. Cultural, geographical and language-based discrimination deprive them of education, basic human services, skills training and employment opportunities. Worldwide, Indigenous peoples fare worse than the majority populations around them, particularly with regard to health, child mortality rates and education.”
From the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Social Justice Statement 2013-2014: Lazarus at our Gate: A critical moment in the fight against world poverty.





OLOL FLOWER ROSTER:

Have you noticed how wonderful our flowers are around the Church/Sanctuary at Our Lady of Lourdes? Unless we have some more wonderful volunteers you wont have to worry about looking at the flowers anymore! Please contact the parish office 6424:2783 if you would like us to see the flowers!!!








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






NEWS FROM ACROSS THE ARCHDIOCESE:

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE ARCHDIOCESE:

PALM SUNDAY PILGRIMAGE 2014 - will be held in Hobart (including all your favourite features: pilgrimage walk, concert, special guests, family fun, witness, celebration, street procession & Mass) on Sunday 13th April. Put it in your diaries and get ready to register! More info coming really soon!

URGENT: Palm Sunday Pilgrimage Volunteers Needed! Catholic Youth Ministry needs Volunteers to help out on the day at Palm Sunday Pilgrimage 2014 in Hobart.  There are all sorts of jobs from walking marshals to helping at the Concert & Family Fun Day (especially if you are not walking!).  Volunteers need to be over 18, able and willing to undertake a National Police Check and attend a Volunteer Briefing. We need volunteers asap, so that Police Checks can be conducted in time. If you can help please contact Rachelle: rachelle.smith@aohtas.org.au or 0400 045 368

MYSTERIOUS MOVEMENTS – LENT RETREAT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE! Join CYM and the dynamic Fr Morgan Batt and Adam Burns from the Archdiocese of Brisbane to help us on our Lenten journey. Friday 21st – Saturday 22nd March at Emmanuel Centre, Newstead. Register by 6th March to make use of the early bird discount rate! For more info go to: cymtas.org.au/lent2014 or contact Rachelle: rachelle.smith@aohtas.org.au    

Evangelii Gaudium

All of them have a right to receive the Gospel. Christians have the duty to proclaim the Gospel without excluding anyone. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations, they should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet.
From: Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Paragraph 15

When did Christ institute the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

The risen Lord instituted this sacrament on the evening of Easter when he showed himself to his apostles and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained: (John 20:22-23)

From: Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Paragraph 298

 (Prepared & contributed by the Catholic Enquiry Centre http://www.catholicenquiry.com)


Saint of the Week – Saint Casimir (March 4)

Born into a royal family, the third of 13 children in 1461, Casimir was committed to God from childhood. Some of that commitment was the result of a tutor, John Dlugosz, whose holiness encouraged Casimir on his own journey. He demonstrated great fidelity, denying the opportunity to wear fashionable clothes and sleeping on the floor, instead of a bed.
He died at the age of 23 in 1484 from lung disease. He was buried with his favorite song, a Latin hymn to Mary called Omni die dic Mariae which we know as Daily, Daily Sing to Mary. Because of his love for the song, it is known as the Hymn of St. Casimir though he didn't write it. He is now the Patron Saint of Poland and Lithuania.

Pinterest proves to be powerful prayer resource for parishes
In the month of March, the Pope has asked the universal church to pray that ‘all cultures may respect the rights and dignity of women’. On the popular website, Pinterest, there are many illustrations, images, graphics and other mediums highlighting the message at the heart of this prayer focus. While some of the material is quite political, a search for ‘prayers for women’, elicits many worthwhile materials, and plenty of food for thought, such as the one at the link below.
Words of Wisdom
On March 8, the Church celebrates the Feast of St John of God, patron saint of hospitals. He was famous for once declaring: ‘I know of no bad person in my hospital except myself, who am unworthy to eat the bread of the poor.

Meme of the week -

The purpose of a ‘meme’ is to convey, using text and words, a truth or a statement, with a touch of humour. This is one of a series of great memes available from a site on a website called Tumblr. It’s simply called Catholic Memes.





















Wednesday 19 February 2014

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A


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
Weekly Newsletter: mlcathparish.blogspot.com.au

                                              Parish Newsletter: mlcathparishnewsletter.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:  7th Sunday of the Year- Year A

FIRST READINGLeviticus 19:1-2. 17-18
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.) Happy are they who follow the law of the Lord!
SECOND READING:   
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, alleluia!Alleluia, alleluia! 
Whoever keeps the word of Christ, grows perfect in the love of God. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matthew 
5:38-48

Prego Reflection on today's Gospel
I may have spent a lot of time listening to people today or I may have been alone. But now I choose a time and place where I can give my attention just to Jesus and his word to me today. I think of this as quality time and know that I am loved even when challenged.
Jesus begins by speaking about the moral and legal requirements of his time but asks his disciples to go further and become really compassionate, become more like God, in fact. I notice how he is in touch with their reality and yet challenges them.
In my own time and place, what might Jesus be inviting me to do?
Maybe I live in a part of the world where there has been conflict?
Can I decide to forgive those who have persecuted or hurt my family and friends?
May be my “enemies” are those at work with whom I struggle? Perhaps I can try to be more compassionate and understanding, rather than defensive?
As all this is very hard, I allow Jesus to prompt me gently to see how I can live his values in my life. I might want to have a conversation with him about how I can move forward.
I ask for the grace to become more God-like, more able to forgive.


Next Week:  - 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

FIRST READING: Isaiah 49:14-15
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (R.) Rest in God alone, my soul.
SECOND READING:  1 Corinthians 4:1-5
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, alleluia! The word of God is living and active; it probes the thoughts and motives of our heart. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matthew 6:24-34


Weekday Masses 25th - 28th February, 2014
Tuesday:       9:30am Penguin, 11am Devonport - CWL  70th Anniversary Mass 
Wednesday:   9.30am Latrobe
Thursday:     12noon Devonport
Friday:          9:30am Ulverstone


Next Weekend (1st & 2nd March, 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


Ministry Rosters 1st & 2nd March, 2014
Devonport:
Readers: Vigil:  A McIntyre, M Williams, C Kiely-Hoye  10.30am: A Hughes, T Barrientos, C Morriss
Ministers of Communion: VigilM Doyle, M Heazlewood, S Innes, M Gerrand, P Shelverton

10.30am: B Peters, P Bolster, F Sly, J Carter, E McLagan, B Schrader Cleaners 28th Feb: F Sly, M Hansen, R McBain
7th March: M.W.C.  Flowers: J Cox, S O'Rourke  Piety Shop 1st March: H Thompson 2nd March: C Schrader

Ulverstone:
Reader:  F Pisano Cleaners: V Ferguson, E Cox  Flowers: M & K McKenzie
Ministers of Communion: M Murray, C & J McIver, J Pisarskis  Hospitality: M & K McKenzie

Penguin:
Greeters: J Garnsey, S Ewing Commentator:  E Nickols   Readers: M & D Hiscutt
Procession: Kiely Family  Ministers of Communion: M Kenney, A Guest Music: L Keen
Liturgy: Sulphur Creek C  Setting Up: M Murray Care of Church: M Murray, E Nickols

Port Sorell:
Readers:  J Kitson, P Anderson  Ministers of Communion: T Jeffries  Clean/Flow & Prepare: A Hynes



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 - Devonport (Emmaus House) Thursdays  7:30pm  

Christian Meditation   - Devonport, Emmaus House - Wednesdays 7pm. 

Your prayers are asked for the sick:  
June, Bourke, Mely Phybus, Laura Vella, Kieran Simpson, Sandy Cowling, Maria Karajovanova, Shanon Breaden, Glen Clark, Jamie Griffiths, Jane Dutton, Kate O'Driscoll Anne Johnson & ...

Let us pray for those who have died recently:
Audrey Cabalzar, Sheryl Allen, Robert Rothwell, John Sullivan and Laurie McGuire. 
                                   
Let us pray for those whose anniversary occurs about this time:
James Marsterson, Enid Stubbs, Jim & Sylvie McKenna, Collin Morgan, Rita Sullivan, Kristine Morgan, Reginald Alderson, Richard O'Neill, Mary Mann, Michael Sturgess. Also Helen Armsby.

May they Rest in Peace






BAPTISM:

We welcome and congratulate.....
Mitchell Lane son of Jye & Lydia

who is being baptised this weekend.



FROM FR MIKE:
Last Saturday, two Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny arrived in Tasmania and stayed at the Parish House for two nights before travelling to Queenstown. Besides visiting Tasmania on holidays they wanted to visit Gormanston because in 1904 some of their Order had come to Tasmania from French Caledonia and had worked in the little Catholic School at Gormanston. We travelled to the West Coast on Monday where they stayed for two days and enjoyed the hospitality of the community there.
Back to the original Sisters. Sadly they only stayed one year – the conditions in the town were so different (!!!) from Caledonia but of greater concern for them was the fact they could only attend Mass once a week and then it occurred only if they could get over Mt Owen down into Queenstown. We found the place where the School, Convent and (later) Church had existed but there is now little else to indicate what conditions these women might have endured.
From Queenstown I travelled to Hobart for a dental appointment (made 6 months ago) and to attend a meeting of the Executive of the Tasmanian Council of Churches – I am the current immediate past president and secretary. Like any group there is a great deal of work involved and at present we are transitioning with a group of new members as frequently happens when there is change of personnel at the end of a year.
Which brings me back to Mersey-Leven. Next week the Sacramental Program flies into action with meetings on Monday and Tuesday evenings – more details elsewhere in the newsletter.
Lists for people wishing to join a Lenten Discussion Group are available at the rear of each of our Churches. The opportunity to spend time reflecting on the Gospels and seeking to further develop our adult faith is a significant part of our Parish life. It is also the reason that there is a reflection following the Gospel now being included in the newsletter each week – please read through it even if you (as yet) don’t use it for prayer.
You might also notice that at the end of the list of names of the Sick there are some dots – there are several people who are sick but have asked that their names not be included in our lists. To acknowledge their desire for privacy but wishing to support them they are included by implication and so included in our prayer.
Finally, we are offering Fr Jim’s car for sale. It is on the basis of ‘as is where is’ – it has been checked and is in running order. Registration is only until the end of March. Offers will be accepted and a decision made within the next few weeks unless someone gives us an offer we can’t refuse.
Until next week, take care on the roads and in your homes,

Fr Mike

MACKILLOP HILL:
SPIRITUALITY IN THE COFFEE SHOPPE: Got something on your mind? Come along for a round the table chat about issues affecting your everyday life. Relaxed atmosphere, good company. All welcome! 10:30am - 12 noon this Monday 24th February. More information phone 6428:3095 email rsjforth@bigpond.net.au


CWL DEVONPORT - INVITATION: Catholic Women’s League is an organisation who have made a difference in our Devonport Community since 1944. To help us celebrate our 70th birthday we invite any woman of the parish and our Catholic Schools communities to join us at 11am Mass on Tuesday 25th February  followed by lunch at the Gateway Motel. For catering purposes please ring Pat 6424:2597 or Kath 6424:6504 by Thursday 20th February.


SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM:
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 this 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


If you have an interest in joining the Family Ministry team and you have an occasional hour to spare, please contact Belinda Chapman on 64 261835. 


BUTTON SELLERS REQUIRED: St Vincent de Paul Society Annual Button Day has been changed to Friday 28th March. If you are able to assist for an hour shift, your help will be greatly appreciated. Please phone Trish at the Regional Office 6427:7100 or Toni on 6424:5296.




ST MARY'S PENGUIN:

Please join us for a BBQ after Mass on 
Saturday evening 1st March.
 There will be sign up sheets  in the church foyer asking for salads and desserts.
 All welcome!






WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: Theme - Streams in the Desert:
Thursday 6th March 7:30pm Holy Cross Sheffield, 
Friday 7th March 10am at St Mary's Church Penguin and 
Friday 7th March 1:30pm at Sacred Heart Church Ulverstone.

Parishioners are welcome to attend any of these celebrations of prayer.


CCR RALLY:
Join with local Catholic Charismatic Renewal prayer groups and guest presenter Dan Hewitt, Chairman of CCR. Perth, for Praise, Worship, Intercession, Prophecy, Teaching and Prayer for Healing. Monday 10th March, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church, Community Room Ulverstone, 7:30pm to 9:30pm. All welcome! Please bring a plate for supper. For further information or local transport contact: Devonport: Celestine 6424:2043, Zoe 6426:3073, Michael 0447 018 068, Ulverstone: Tom 6425:2442,  Burnie: Mirka 6431:8485.





 Mersey Leven Catholic Parish invites
 all Parishioners 'Young and Old' 
to a night of Irish Fun at our 
........ Old Time Dance.........
Friday 14th March 2014 - Devonport Parish Hall.
7:30pm start - Admission $5
This is a BYO event so please bring
 a glass and plate of supper!







Come along and have some fun

with BINGO.
Thursday Nights - OLOL Hall, Devonport.
                  Eyes down 7.30pm! 
    Callers for Thursday 27th February are
             Rod Clark and Tony Ryan.






NEWS FROM ACROSS THE ARCHDIOCESE:

PALM SUNDAY PILGRIMAGE 2014 – HELP NEEDED!
The fifth Archdiocesan Palm Sunday Pilgrimage will be held on Sunday 13th April.  Catholic Youth Ministry needs YOUR assistance to help make this even more successful than ever! We are in need of: Business Sponsorship, Donations (food items, water, kids activities etc), know-how and/or access to sound equipment, vehicles and people to transport large objects, PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER ON THE DAY! Volunteers need to be 18 years or older, able to undertake a national police check and attend a volunteer briefing. If you can help in any of the above ways we would love to hear from you asap. Please contact Rachelle: rachelle.smith@aohtas.org.au or 0400 045 368

MYSTERIOUS MOVEMENTS – LENT RETREAT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE!
Join CYM and other young people for an awe-inspiring retreat this lent to discover life, the mysterious movements within it and what we are called to be doing with them to meet the Easter Challenge of living life to its fullest! We are joined by the dynamic Fr Morgan Batt and Adam Burns from the Archdiocese of Brisbane to help us on our journey. Friday 21st – Saturday 22nd March at Emmanuel Centre, Newstead. Register by 6th March to make use of the early bird discount rate! For more info go to: www.cymtas.org.au or contact Rachelle: rachelle.smith@aohtas.org.au 



Evangelii Gaudium

‘...evangelization is first and foremost about preaching the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus Christ or who have always rejected him. Many of them are quietly seeking God, led by a yearning to see his face, even in countries of ancient Christian tradition. All of them have a right to receive the Gospel.’
-          Para 14, from Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis, Nov. 24, 2013

Sacrament of Reconciliation after Baptism

Since the new life of grace received in Baptism does not abolish the weakness of human nature nor the inclination to sin (that is, concupiscence), Christ instituted this sacrament for the conversion of the baptised who have been separated from him by sin.
From: Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Paragraph 297 (Prepared & contributed by the Catholic Enquiry Centre http://www.catholicenquiry.com)


Occasion of the Week
The Ordo does not list any significant feast days for saints, during the week of February 23-March 1. However, as the following week marks the beginning of Lent, it might be worth sharing the following ‘pastoral notes’ with your parish bulletin/newsletter readers: ‘Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. According to the Ordo, the law of fasting ‘binds those who have completed their 18th year, until the beginning of their 60th year; the law of abstinence binds those who have completed their 14th year.’

Social Justice focus
Next Sunday, March 2, Caritas Australia will launch its annual Project Compassion appeal. Perhaps remind your parishioners that they can help raise funds in various ways - direct donation, events such as running, swimming or walking for Caritas Ks or hosting a Fish Friday event where people eat small fish meals in exchange for their donations to Caritas Australia.
Information regarding Caritas Australia and Project Compassion can be found by going to http://www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion and choosing any of the links on the page.