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
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)
Devonport - Saturday (5:15pm– 5.45pm)
Penguin - Saturday (5:15pm - 5:45pm)
Scripture Readings
FIRST READING
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: (R.) Remember
your mercies, O Lord.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Alleluia, alleluia! My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord; I know
them, and they follow me. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matthew 21:28-32
PREGO REFLECTION ON TODAY'S GOSPEL:
I take a few slow breaths, then breathe normally, and
prayerfully read this week’s gospel.
I try to visualise the characters in this scene: the chief
priests, the elders and Jesus. What is the atmosphere like? In my imagination,
I see their clothes, I hear their voices.
I focus on the story of the two sons. Maybe I feel drawn to
bringing the story into the 21st century and to imagine parents and their
children. What would be the setting? Does it throw a different light on the
situation?
Perhaps I see myself as one of the sons. Which one am I
drawn to be? It could be that at some time in my life I have been like one son,
then the other. I ponder.
Jesus opposes two very different categories of people
trying to enter his Kingdom: the religious authorities and the tax collectors
and prostitutes.
I look at the people around me. How readily do I put them
into categories and decide which ones are making their way into the Kingdom of God
When I am ready, I slowly bring the strands of my prayer
together and thank the Lord for being with me.
Weekday
Masses 30th September - 4th October, 2014
Tuesday: 9:30am Penguin ...St Jerome
Wednesday: 9:30am Latrobe
...St Therese of the
Child Jesus
Thursday: 12noon Devonport ...The Holy Guardian Angels
Friday: 9:30am
Ulverstone & Devonport
Saturday: 9:00am
Ulverstone ... St Francis of Assisi
Next
Weekend 4th & 5th October, 2014
Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm Penguin & Devonport
Sunday Mass: 8:30am Port Sorell (LWC),
9am Ulverstone, 10:30am Devonport,
11am Sheffield , 5pm 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 4th &
5th October, 2014
Devonport:
Readers:
Vigil: A Macintire, M Williams, C
Kiely-Hoye 10.30am: J Phillips, K Pearce
Ministers of Communion: Vigil M Doyle, M
Heazlewood, S Innes , M Gerrand, P Shelverton
10.30am: B Peters,
F Sly, J Carter, E McLagan , B Schrader
Cleaners 3rd Oct:
M.W.C 10th Oct: Knights of the Southern Cross
Piety Shop 4th Oct: R Baker 5th Oct: D French Flowers: J Cox, S O'Rourke
Ulverstone:
Reader: K McKenzie Ministers of Communion: P Steyn, E Cox, C Singline, J Landford
Cleaners: G & M
Seen, C Roberts Flowers: M Byrne Hospitality: T Good Team
Penguin:
Greeters: S Ewing ,
J Barker Commentator: Y Downes Readers:
A Guest, T
Clayton
Procession: A Landers, A Hyland Ministers of Communion: M Hiscutt,
M Murray
Liturgy: Pine
Road
Port Sorell:
Readers: G Duff, P Anderson
Ministers of Communion: T Jeffries
Clean /Prepare/Flowers: K Hampton
Latrobe:
Reader: M Eden
Ministers of Communion: Elizabeth
Your prayers
are asked for the sick: Eloise Riley, Kieran
McVeigh, Tony Hyde, Shanon Breaden, Shirley Fidler, Shirley
White, Tom Knaap, Kath Smith, Jamie Griffiths, Anne Johnson, Arlene Austria
&.....
Let us pray for those who
have died recently:
Kaye Jackson, Pauline Kennedy, David
Windridge, Anthony Van
Horrik, Peggy Scanlan,
Ted McCarthy, Joan Scully, Russell
Foster, Terence Doody, Br Tony Smith, Max Davis,
Barry Stanfield, Marion Roberts, Allan Horton, Robert
Sheehan, Kathryn McLennan
Rita & Ray Stokes and Shirley Ranson.
Let us pray
for those whose anniversary occurs about this time:
Lila Bramich, Adam Hugen, Stephen Harris, Mary Forth, Peter
Kirkpatrick, Irene Marston, Allan Clarke, Reginald Kelly and Audrey Abblitt.
May they rest in peace
First Reading
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43
FROM FR MIKE:
This weekend the 2014 Social Justice Sunday document - A Crown For Australia
This weekend being Grand Final Weekend will see many people happy or
sad – since Geelong
aren’t there I hope that it was a good game anyway. There are many passionate
followers of the Swans and the Hawks (Fr Smiley & Fr Richard being two of
the ‘worst’) – I know one will be happy at the end of the day.
Next weekend sees the start of the Extraordinary General Assembly of
the Synod of Bishops on the Family with Bishops from around the world gathering
with Pope Francis to address issues that have been raised about the state and
place of the family in the Church and world today. A prayer was distributed this week and we
were asked to make it available so please accept the copy that is available
today and pray it today and throughout the time the Synod meets – 5th
– 19th Oct, 2014. For more information regarding the Synod go to http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/2014-2015-synods-of-bishops-on-the-family.cfm
We wish all students and staff of our local Schools and Colleges a
pleasant break before they return for the final term of 2014 and the challenges
that the last term of any school year present.
Until next week, take care on the roads and in your homes,
Fr Mike
SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY: 28th September
This weekend we celebrate Social Justice Sunday. This
year's Social Justice Statement is titled: 'A crown for
The Statement celebrate the place of sport in our national
life, especially the way in which it brings individuals and communities
together and contributes to our health and wellbeing. At the same time, the
Statement challenges to look at sport's darker side - the potential for
violence, abuse and corruption that blemish its image and disillusion those who
love it most.
For further details about the Social Justice Statement,
visit the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council website
http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au or call 02 8306 3499.
BAPTISM:
Baptismal preparation sessions are now being held at 'Parish
House' Devonport from 7.30pm – 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 or
for anyone wanting to know more about baptism
including those who may be expecting a child.
The
next session is on Tuesday 7th October - 7:30pm
Parish House, 90 Stewart Street
MACKILLOP HILL:
JESUS: A FRESH LOOK AT THE GOSPEL CALL:
Presented by Clare Kiely-Hoye “There was fire in Jesus’ heart. He knew what he wanted to do: he would bring
fire to the earth.” (Jose A Pagola) This programme is being offered twice: Wednesday
8th October 10.30am – 12 noon Thursday 9th October 7.30 – 9pm.
Cost $15.00 Bookings necessary Phone: 6428 3095 Email: mackillophill.forth@sosj.org.au
VINNIES:
If you are looking to fill in a few
hours volunteering, Vinnies Shops would welcome you at our local Vinnies
stores. Please contact TONI on 6427:7100 or call into Vinnies Ulverstone,
Penguin, Latrobe, Devonport, East Devonport .
NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE BOOKS:
November is the month we remember
in a special way all those who have died. Should you wish anyone to be
remembered, write the names of those to be prayed for on the outside of an
envelope and place the clearly marked envelope in the collection basket at Mass
or deliver to the Parish Office by Thursday 23rd October.
COLUMBAN CALENDARS:
The 2015 Columban Art Calendar is now available from the
Piety Shop's at OLOL Church and Sacred
Heart Church Mission
FOOTY MARGIN:
Preliminary Final held Friday 19th Sept. Margin 71 - Winners: D Griffin, Z Jones, B Green.
Preliminary Final held Friday 19th Sept. Margin 71 - Winners: D Griffin, Z Jones, B Green.
Callers for Thursday 2nd October are John Halley and ???
FAREWELL WITH GRATITUDE:
Our time as parishioners of Mersey Leven is coming to an
end. We have been richly blessed to be part of the community of Sacred Heart
and thank you for your friendship, support and witness to our catholic faith
here in Ulverstone. We have found a new 'roof over our heads' at 70 Carlton Street
May God bless you
all, Carey and Judy McIver.
CONGRATULATIONS: Jan Tuxworth who was awarded Life Membership for 30 years service to
Scouts - Well done Hawk!
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE ARCHDIOCESE:
Solemnity of St. Teresa of Jesus: Wednesday 15th October, sung Mass
will be celebrated - Carmelite Monastery, 7 Cambridge Street Mass.
SAINTS OF THE WEEK:
St Rhipsime (September 30)
Chosen from an extensive list simply because of her name, I discovered quickly that this particular saint had a fascinating backstory. Now honoured as one of the first Christian martyrs of Armenia Alexandria , Egypt Georgia Armenia
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4595
Sept 30 St Jerome
Born to a rich pagan family, he was converted and lived for years as a hermit in the Syrian deserts. Reported to have drawn a thorn from a lion's paw, the animal stayed loyally at his side for years. A student of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen, he became Secretary to Pope Damasus I who commissioned him to revise the Latin text of the Bible. The result of his 30 years of work was the Vulgate translation, which is still in use. Lived his last 34 years in the Holy Land as a semi-recluse. Recognised as a Doctor of the Church, and a Father of the Church.
Oct 1 St Therese of the Child Jesus 1873 - 1897
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, one of the most instantly popular saints of the 20th century, was canonized less than 30 years after her death at the age of 24.
A principle reason for her great appeal was her Little Way to holiness -- her example of achieving sanctity, not through undertaking great deeds, but through personal devotion and dedication. The young nun's autobiography, Story of a Soul, presented people with a compelling example of spiritual maturity and piety achieved by an ordinary young girl. Her shrine at Lisieux , France , is still one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Europe .
Oct 2 The Holy Guardian Angels
The Gospel tells us that Lazarus ‘was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham’. While not being an article of faith, it is the ‘mind of the Church’ that each person has a guardian angel - as St Jerome expressed it: ‘How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it.’
Oct 4 St Francis of Assisi
Francis of Assisi turned away from his life of wealth and privilege to live with lepers, the ‘untouchables’ of his society. He preached the idea of the sanctity of all life, becoming an advocate of animal rights and environmentalism in a time when even human life often had little value. He found joy in owning nothing, and giving everything away. St Francis captures the imagination of Catholics and non-Catholics alike by his unique simplicity, the originality of his spirit and his utter devotion to the risen Christ.
Evangelii Gaudium
‘The message of peace is
not about a negotiated settlement but rather the conviction that the unity
brought by the Spirit can harmonize every diversity. It overcomes every
conflict by creating a new and promising synthesis. Diversity is a beautiful
thing when it can constantly enter into a process of reconciliation and seal a
sort of cultural covenant resulting in a “reconciled diversity”’.
-
Para
230 from Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis, Nov. 24, 2013
A
will to shape the future
We began this section
last week, focussing on the idea of supporting the work of the St Vincent de
Paul Society, through a bequest in your will. This week, we highlight the work
of another Catholic charity, Aid to the Church In Need. We do so conscious that
there may be those in your parish moved to support efforts showing solidarity
towards Christians living in places touched by persecution and violence.
According to its website in Australia
Perhaps
include the link below in either your parish PowerPoint or drop it into your
parish newsletter, with any of the above text.
Words
of Wisdom – Australian Bishops’ Social Justice Sunday Statement
“Australians are passionate
about their sport, whether as participants or as supporters, whether following
the fortunes of their local club or their national team. Sport brings us together,
builds communities and lets us celebrate the joy of movement and skill. Good
sport makes everyone a winner.
Sport also holds a mirror
up to our society. It reflects the best in us as individuals and as a nation –
but it can also reflect the worst in us. We are becoming too familiar with
violence and abuse of drugs and alcohol, both on the field and off it, on the
part of players and of spectators.
"Instances of illegal
betting and corruption across different codes pose a real threat to the integrity
of sport and its capacity to build community. Discrimination and exclusion
undermine a key attribute of sport to build bridges across social divides and
show a special concern for people who are marginalised,” Bishop Saunders said.
In the Statement, A
Crown for Australia, the Catholic Bishops highlight the transformative
power of sport and call on all levels of society to treasure and safeguard
sport from those forces that undermine its integrity.
Meme of the week
In line with the
information shared above, we thought that, instead of a meme, we would share
the poster being used to promote this year’s Social Justice Sunday.
FATHERLESS AT THE DEPTH OF OUR BEING
An article by Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI. The
original can be found at http://ronrolheiser.com/fatherless-at-the-depth-of-our-being/#.VCXvKPmSzAY
Anthropologists tell us that
father-hunger, a frustrated desire to be blessed by our own fathers, is one of
the deepest hungers in the world today, especially among men. Millions of
people sense that they have not received their father’s blessing. Robert Bly,
Robert Moore, Richard Rohr, and James Hillman, among others, offer some rich
insights into this.
We suffer from
being fatherless. However, in its deepest root, this suffering is something far
beyond the mere absence of a blessing from our biological fathers. We tend to
be fatherless in a much deeper way. How so?
Some 25 years ago,
a French philosopher, Jean-Luc Marion wrote a book entitled, God Without Being,
within which he offers a very challenging interpretation of the famous parable
of the Prodigal Son.
We’re all familiar
with the parable: A father had two sons. The younger comes to him and says:
‘Father give me the share of the property that’s coming to me.’ His father
shares out his goods. The younger son takes his share, leaves for a distant
country, and squanders his property on a life of debauchery. When he has spent
everything, he finds himself hungry and humiliated and sets off to return to
his father’s house, where he is undeservedly greeted, embraced, and taken back
by his father.
At one level, the
lesson is clear: God’s mercy is so wide and compassionate that nothing we can
do will ever stop God from loving us. Many wonderful books have been written to
highlight this, not least Henri Nouwen’s classic, The Return of the Prodigal
Son.
But Jean-Luc
Marion, drawing upon the specific wording of the Greek text, emphasizes another
element in this story. The Greek text implies that the son went to his
father and asked for something more than property and money. It says that he
asked his father for his share of the property (ousia). Ousia, in Greek,
means “substance”. He’s asking for his life, as independent of his father.
Moreover, as a son and an heir, he already has use of his share of what is
rightfully his; but he wants to own it and not owe it to anyone. He wants what
is rightly his but he wants to have it as independent of his father, as cut off
from his father, and as his own in a way that he no longer has to acknowledge
his father in the way he receives his life and freedom and uses them. And the
consequence of that, as this parable makes clear, is that a gift no longer
sensed or acknowledged as gift always leads to the misuse of that gift, to the
loss of integrity, and to personal humiliation.
With an apology
for the abstractness of Marion
The prodigal son’s
real issue was not so much his hunger for pleasure as his hunger for the wrong
kind of independence. He wanted his life and the freedom to enjoy life
completely on his own terms and, for him, that meant he had to take them
outside his father’s house. In doing that, he lost his father and he also lost
genuine life and freedom because these can only be had inside the acceptance a
certain dependence. That’s why Jesus repeated again and again, that he could do
nothing on his own. Everything he was and everything he did came from his
Father.
Our lives are not
our own. Our lives are a gift and always need to be received as gift. Our
substance is not our own and so it may never be severed from its source, God,
our Father. We can enter our lives and freedom and enjoy them and their
pleasures, but as soon as we cut them off from their source, take them as our
own and head off on our own, dissipation, hunger, and humiliation will follow.
There’s life only
in the Father’s house and when we are outside that house we are fatherless and
wasting our ousia.
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