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 

Email: mlcathparish-dsl@keypoint.com.au 

FaceBook: Mersey Leven Catholic Parish

Weekly Newsletter: mlcathparish.blogspot.com.au

                                              Parish Newsletter: mlcathparishnewsletter.blogspot.com.au
                                              Secretary: Annie 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 READING: Leviticus 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: Vigil – M 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 18^th year, until the beginning of their 60^th year; the law of abstinence binds those who have completed their 14^th 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.