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
Secretary: Annie Davies/Anne Fisher
Pastoral Council Chair: Mary Davies
Secretary: Annie Davies/Anne Fisher
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)Devonport - Saturday (5:15pm– 5.45pm)
Care and Concern: If you are aware of anyone who is in need of assistance and has given permission to be contacted by Care and Concern, please phone the Parish Office.
Weekday
Masses 3rd - 7th June, 2014
Tuesday: 9:30am Penguin
Wednesday: 9:30am Latrobe
Thursday: 12:00 Devonport
Friday: 9:30am Ulverstone
Saturday: NO MASS THIS MONTH
Next
Weekend 7th & 8th June, 2014
Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm
Penguin
Devonport
(L.W.C.)
Sunday Mass: 8:30am
Port Sorell
9:00am Ulverstone (L.W.C.)
10:30am Devonport
11:00am Sheffield
(L.W.C.)
5.00pm
Latrobe
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.
Ministry Rosters 7th & 8th June, 2014
Devonport:
Readers:
Vigil: M Kelly, B Paul, R Baker 10.30am: H
Williams, D Williams, J Phillips
Ministers of Communion: Vigil B&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 6th June: M.W.C.
13th June: K Hull
Piety Shop 7th June: R McBain 8th June K Hull Flowers: J Cox, S O'Rourke
Ulverstone:
Reader: E Standring Ministers of Communion: B Deacon, J Allen, G Douglas, L
Hay
Cleaners: V Ferguson
Penguin:
Greeters: G&N Pearce Commentator: M Kenny Readers: E Nickols , Y Downes
Procession: M&D Hiscutt Ministers of Communion: J Garnsey,
S Ewing Music: L
Keen
Liturgy: Sulphur Creek C Setting Up: E Nickols Care of Church: Y&R Downes
Port Sorell:
Readers: M Badcock, P Anderson Ministers of Communion: L Post, B Lee Clean /Prepare/Flowers: C
Howard
Your prayers
are asked for the sick:
Maureen Harris, Joy Dean, John de Kievet, Brenda Lao,
Shanon Breaden, Jamie Griffiths, Anne Johnson, Lionel Rosevear, Kieran Simpson,
Arlene Austria
Let us pray for those who have died recently:
Miss Barbara O'Rourke, Margaret
Bourke, Anne Stanley, Cyril Long, Fr Pat McAnany, George Batten, Marie Butterworth, Don Burrows, Bob Charlesworth, Kevin Shelverton, Miing Vizcarra,
Laurie McGuire, Tas Purton
Let us pray for those whose
anniversary occurs about this time:
Sr. Josie Berry Kath
Bennell , Leon
May they Rest in Peace
PREGO REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL:
I may find it helpful to read the text several times.
Although the story is familiar to me, there is often
something new to be revealed. Far from an ending, it is a moment of empowering.
First, I try to enter into the scene.
I place myself there with Jesus and the disciples.
Do I bow down in worship… or do I hesitate…?
What do I see... what do I hear... how do I feel as He
departs?
Perhaps I recall partings in my life? Loss of loved ones,
coping with illness, being far from home. The times I can feel alone, with no
one to listen or talk to; times without hope.
Do I hang onto Jesus’ parting words: “I am with you
always”…?
With quiet confidence, I pray to be given God’s Spirit of
hope - hope in Christ and in his promises…
I hear him say: “Go, therefore, make disciples of all the
nations…”
Can I pray to realise that the invitation of which he
speaks is an invitation to ME?
Christ calls me even in my weakness, to spread the word; to
continue his work; to be his witness; to bring hope to people. Perhaps starting
with my family, with those with whom I work, in my parish...
To whom is the Lord asking me to go?
First Reading : Acts 2: 1-11; Second Reading
WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY 2014
FROM FR MIKE:
This
weekend we commence our Mass/Liturgy of the Word with Communion Roster – I’m
sorry if anyone feels that we haven’t been able to look after their needs as
well as they might have hoped but with our limited resources we are trying to
ensure that all areas are able to have Mass at least fortnightly. That is why I
will be working to ensure a weekday Mass can be celebrated at Sheffield
at an appropriate time within the next fortnight.
A couple
of months ago two extra Masses were added into our timetable – a 9.30am Mass at
Devonport on the 1st Friday of the month and a 9.00am Mass at Ulverstone on the
1st Saturday. Unfortunately I am not available for either Mass next week (6th
& 7th June). I will be at Ulverstone on the 6th for their 9.30am Mass and I
will be representing Archbishop Julian at the Tasmanian Council of Churches
Annual Meeting (in Hobart
On
Wednesday I joined with Archbishop Emeritus Adrian and 15 priests from around
the Archdiocese in celebrating the funeral of Fr Pat McAnany. Two of his
sisters, a niece and nephew were able to join friends of Fr Pat’s from many of
the parishes were Fr Pat worked in farewelling a great visiting priest who
remembered people long after he’d left their parish and who kept in regular
touch with them even in recent times when he has been unwell. May he rest in
peace.
This
weekend we complete our Sacramental Preparation Program with the children and
their parents/ adult support on Saturday and the presentation of the Our Father
to the Candidates at Masses over the weekend. Archbishop Julian will be with us
in a fortnight to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on the children and then
to share with them in their first reception of the Eucharist – a time of great
rejoicing for the whole Parish – please keep our children in your prayers over
these next few weeks.
During the
week (27th) I celebrated the 63rd anniversary of my Baptism with Mass at
Penguin – can I encourage you to see if you can learn the date of your Baptism
so that you too can celebrate it as a special event in your lives.
DATE
CLAIMER:
28th/29th June for the 125th Anniversary Celebrations for Sacred Heart School
26th July for a Day with Sr
Christina Neunzerling rsj on A Spirituality of Pastoral Care.
Until next
week, take care on the roads and in your homes, Fr Mike
Position
Available – MacKillop Hill
Co-Ordination
& Maintenance : Grounds &
Buildings
MacKillop Hill is seeking expressions of interest in this position as
soon as possible. Initially
10-12 hrs per week; Salary according to qualifications and experience. Further
information: Sr. Marg ph 6428 3095
email: rsjforth@bigpond.net.au
Men & Spirituality Thurs 12th June 7.30 -9pm MacKillop Hill.
All men welcome!
Baptismal preparation sessions are now being held at Parish
House, Devonport from 7:30 –
8:30 pm on the first Tuesday of, June, August, October, December, February and
April. These sessions are for any families who are
thinking of baptism as well as those who have booked
a date or for anyone wanting to know more about baptism including those who may be expecting
a child.
The next session
is on Tuesday 3rd June - 7:30pm
Please note:
Baptismal Preparation Sessions are now held at:
Parish House, 90 Stewart Street
PLANNED GIVING PROGRAMME:
New envelopes are being distributed
during June. If you are not already part of this programme and would like to
join, or do not wish to continue giving, please contact the Parish office.
Please note the new envelopes should not be used until July.
PENGUIN ECUMENICAL PENTECOST SERVICE:
Christian Reformed Church, Sunday 8th June at 6pm. Everyone welcome.
ST
MARY'S PENGUIN:
Soup and sandwich dinner after Mass Saturday
21st June. All welcome. Please contribute by bringing a plate
of sandwiches or a dessert.
Rosters - Its that time again and Jenny will be starting within
the church or if you are unable to continue on the roster
(64372400/0400072400/garnseys@bigpond.net.au) the Penguin roster in the next
week or so. Please let Jenny know ASAP if you are interested in taking on a
role.
125TH ANNIVERSARY OF SACRED HEART SCHOOL
Saturday 28th June - Cocktail Party 7pm - Sacred Heart
School - $25 per head (concession applies) inc welcome drink and canapes. Tickets
to be pre-purchased from the school office.
Sunday 29th June - Mass of Thanksgiving at 9.00am at
Sacred Heart Church
Family BBQ and School Open Day from 12 noon to 3pm at Sacred Heart
School Buttons Avenue
We will be launching a fundraiser for the refurbishment of
the school chapel as a joint initiative with this anniversary celebration.
Please rsvp by Friday 13th June to Debbie on 64252680 or shu@catholic.tas.edu.au
SACRED HEART
SCHOOL
In preparation for our 125th Anniversary celebrations, we
are seeking examples of old school uniforms, badges and any other memorabilia
that people may be willing to loan to the school.
If people do wish to provide items on loan they can be
delivered to the school office or please contact Debbie on 6425 2680, to
arrange collection. Great care will be taken with the items during their loan
to the school.
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMENT:
“The depth and
breadth of poverty that still exists in our world calls us to action. That so
many suffer multiple burdens of deprivation prompts deep soul searching. How is
it that so many are excluded from enjoying spiritual, cultural, educational,
social, economic and political freedoms? How is it that so many still lie like
Lazarus at our gate, bearing in their bodies the cost of their struggle and
denied access to the table of participation and solidarity time and again?”
From the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Social Justice
Statement 2013-2014: Lazarus at our Gate: A critical moment in the fight
against world poverty.
FOOTY MARGIN: Round 10 Geelong
BINGO Thursday Nights - OLOL Hall, Devonport. Eyes down 7.30pm!
Callers for Thursday 5th June are Jon
Halley & Peter Bolster
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
On
Saturday the children and a parent enjoyed a day of preparation and learning
about Eucharist. We continue to pray for the children and their families
as they journey closer to their initiation in two weeks time.
This
weekend the children are also presented with a copy of the Lord’s Prayer during
Mass or Liturgy with the words: My dear young people, the community now hands
on its life of prayer to you. Join us now as we pray together in the
words our Saviour gave us.
EVANGELII GAUDIUM
‘Works of love directed
to one’s neighbour are the most perfect external manifestation of the interior
grace of the Spirit.’
-
Para
37 from Evangelii Gaudium, Pope
Francis, Nov. 24, 2013
IF GOD IS OMNIPOTENT AND PROVIDEND, WHY THEN DOES EVIL EXIST?
‘To
this question, as painful and mysterious as it is, only the whole of Christian
faith can constitute a response. God is not in any way – directly or indirectly
– the cause of evil. He illuminates the mystery of evil in his Son, Jesus
Christ, who died and rose in order to vanquish that great moral evil, human
sin, which is at the root of all other evils.’
From:
Compendium of the Catechism of the
Catholic Church: Paragraph 57 (Contributed by the Catholic Enquiry Centre www.catholicenquiry.com)
FEAST OF THE WEEK - ST MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT, RELIGIOUS (June 6)
Marcellin was a
typical illiterate French peasant when, as a young boy, a visiting priest
suggested to him that he might like to train for the Catholic priesthood. Although
poor, his family made the sacrifices to send him to a seminary. Marcellin found
the early years of his studies towards the priesthood extremely difficult. He
was no natural scholar but through sheer will and hard work, combined with
prayer and the never failing support of his mother and aunt, he was finally
ordained as a priest in 1816.
During his
studies Marcellin and a group of other seminarians had discussed forming a
religious order under the patronage of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This dream
was realised in the church
of Our Lady
a reflection by fr ron rolheiser
http://ronrolheiser.com/raissa-and-jacques-maritain-and-the-new-evangelization/#.U4kKrfmSzAY
RAISSA AND JACQUES MARITAIN AND THE NEW EVANGELISATION
“The Church has sanctified extreme passions, blessed the frenzied, acclaimed the neurosis it had previously canalized and nothing, it seemed, could stop me at its door. Nothing.”
These are the words of a young intellectual, Maurice Sachs, just after he had converted to Catholicism in the early 20th century and they describe what had most drawn him there, namely, mysticism, sacramental rites, devotional practices, affective piety, and most everything inside of Roman Catholicism that speaks of something outside of what can be understood rationally. In his memoirs, Sachs describes these mystical, sacramental, and devotional elements as “rays of sunshine” and sees them as a radical alternative to the narrow rationalism that was the pervading intellectual atmosphere of this time and which he found suffocating.
Maurice Sachs was just nineteen years old when he was baptized and his journey towards Catholicism was strongly influenced by Raissa Maritain, herself a convert to Christianity from Judaism. She and her famous husband, Jacques, had met at the Sorbonne in Paris in the early 1900s. Both were agnostics at the time; she, agnostic about her Jewish religious heritage, and he, agnostic about his Christian roots. Each had gone to the Sorbonne precisely because, as a non-believer, each wanted to be immersed in science and rationalism. But what they met there deeply disappointed and disillusioned them. They felt suffocated. Their minds and souls wanted more than pure science and reason and they soon left the Sorbonne, unsure of what they were looking for, but mostly sure in the fact that a rational world alone would never satisfy them.
They began to search for an alternative and this led them to two intellectual mavericks, Leon Bloy and Charles Peguy, both of whom, because of their fondness for the mystical and devotional, drew considerable disdain from the intellectual world at the time. Leon Bloy eventually led the Maritains into the church, becoming Raissa’s godfather at her baptism, and one of the things he introduced into their lives, something basically antithetical to everything they had met at the Sorbonne, was mysticism and devotional piety. These, more strongly than Christian dogmas, drew the Maritains into the church.
Not long after becoming Christians, Raissa and Jacques, themselves now outcasts from the intellectual mainstream, began to hold weekly discussions at their house outside Paris. By this time, they had also read Thomas Aquinas and been deeply affected by his vision. It gave them an intellectual framework within which to integrate mysticism, sacraments, and devotion. They now felt ready to mentor others and soon had a large circle of artists, writers, and intellectuals gathered around them, many of who were eventually baptized.
And what did they offer these people that the intellectual and cultural life of Paris at the time was not offering? How did they draw intellectuals and skeptics into the church? They offered them a vision of faith, Christianity, and the church, which spoke to both the heart and the head in ways that neither the rationalism of the universities nor the unbridled piety of church circles at the time was able to speak. Their vision of faith addressed both heart and head. It was both highly devotional and highly intellectual all that same time, a rare formula.
We struggle today in our churches to offer precisely such a vision, one that provides food for the heart and the head equally. We tend to sell off one for the other.
Liberal circles tend towards a vision of faith and church that more properly honors reason but often doesn’t leave much room “to sanctify extreme passions and bless the frenzied”. Consequently, we have lots of young people like Maurice Sachs who distrust a more-critical vision of faith and want their faith served up mostly with devotions, piety, and catechetical clarities. They don’t want scholarly criticism poking its head into their churches and shining its light into their certainties. And, because they feel that the scholarly world doesn’t honor their religiosity, they regard that world in much the same way as the Maritains regarded their rationalist professors at the Sorbonne, a world of burnt-out rationalists, devoid of fire.
But there’s a near-perfect flipside to this: The circle of those who are fearful of and disdain the world of scholarly criticism tends to produce a vision of faith which, while making place for the pious, the devotional, and catechetical clarity, lacks the empathy and embrace of a Catholicism that’s wide enough to be acceptable to a thinking mind. While many young people, like Maurice Sachs, are attracted to this kind of Catholicism, millions of other people find it too suffocating, too intellectually narrow, too fearful, too mean, too self-absorbed, and too much into self-protection to be palatable. So many just walk away and many others simply suffer their churches rather than draw any inspiration from them.
And so we can learn a lesson from Raissa and Jacques Maritain in our search for a formula apropos the new evangelization. We need both hard, critical theology and gentle, heartwarming piety.
