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
Weekly Homily Podcast: podomatic.com/mikedelaney
Parish Magazine: 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)
Penguin - Saturday (5:15pm - 5:45pm)
SCRIPTURE READINGS:
FIRST READING
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: (R.) (R.) Happy are those who fear the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Alleluia, alleluia! Live in me and let me live in you, says the Lord;my branches bear much fruit. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:14-30
PREGO REFLECTION :
I take a moment to still my mind and heart and to bring
myself before God as I am, open to receive what God desires to give me during
this time of prayer.
I place myself in the scene, among the disciples, as Jesus
tells this parable, and I let his words come as an invitation to reflect with
him on how I am living my life. What thoughts and feelings arise in me as I
listen?
Perhaps I ask myself what I have made of the talents I have
been given. Have I used them well or wasted them as did the man who received
one talent and fearfully hid it?
I now let Jesus speak to me about using my unique gifts in
the service of others, about using them in such a way that they are multiplied
for the building of God’s kingdom.
As I listen I hear Jesus say to me, ‘Well done, good and
faithful servant’. How do I feel? What response do I want to make? What grace
do I want to ask for in the coming week?
Weekday Masses 18th -21st November, 2014
Tuesday: 9:30am Penguin
Wednesday: 9:30am Latrobe
Thursday: 10:30am
Karingal
Friday: 11:00am
Mt St Vincent
Next Weekend 15th & 16th November, 2014
Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm Penguin & Devonport
Sunday Mass: 8:30am Port Sorell
9:00am Ulverstone
10:30am Devonport
9:00am Ulverstone
10:30am Devonport
11:00am Sheffield (LWC)
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 - Devonport (Emmaus House) Thursdays - 7:30pm
Christian Meditation - Devonport, Emmaus House - Wednesdays 7pm.
Ministry Rosters 22nd & 23rd November, 2014
Readers: Vigil: P Douglas, T
10.30am: A Hughes, T Barrientos, C Morriss
Ministers of Communion: Vigil M Heazlewood,
B & J Suckling, G Lee-Archer, M Kelly, T Muir
10.30am: T & S Ryan, M & B Peters
Cleaners 21st Nov: K.S.C
28th Nov: B Paul, D Atkins, V Riley
Piety Shop 22nd Nov: H Thompson 23rd Nov: M Doyle Flowers: M Breen, S Fletcher
Ulverstone:
Reader: Ministers of Communion: B Deacon, J Allen, G Douglas, K
Reilly
Cleaners: B & V
McCall Flowers: G Doyle Hospitality: S & T Johnstone
Penguin:
Greeters: G & N Pearce Commentator: Y Downes Readers: A Landers, A Guest
Procession: S Ewing ,
J Barker Ministers of
Communion: M Kenney, J Garnsey
Liturgy: Sulphur Creek C Setting Up: M Murray
Port Sorell:
Readers: V Duff, G Duff Ministers of Communion: B Lee, D Leaman
Clean /Prepare/Flowers: C Howard
Latrobe:
Reader: M Eden
Procession: I Campbell & Co Music: Hermie & Co
Your prayers
are asked for the sick: John Kirkpatrick, Mely Pybus, Melissa
Gilbert, Shanon Breaden, Shirley Fidler, Shirley White,
Tom Knaap, Kath Smith,
Jamie Griffiths &.....
Let us pray for those who
have died recently:
Tony Matthysz, Jason Brook, Bill Hutton, Margaret Pratt, Gloria Woodward, Margaret
Williams, Leon Breaden, Jack Miller, Frances Roberts and Christine MacDonald.
Let us pray
for those whose anniversary occurs about this time:
Freda Morgan, Edith Collis, Marie Kristovskis, Maisie
McLaren, Bert Carter, Francis Farruge, Shirley Bellchambers, Joyce Doherty, Bernadette Ibell; Also Jim, Sylvie & Peg
McKenna and all those named in the November Remembrance Book.
May they rest in peace
First Reading
FR MIKE
A report
from the Retreat:
Our director, Fr Paul Castley MSC, (a regular visitor to
MacKillop Hill, Forth ) has been inviting us to
experience the mercy and compassion of God with his sharing of the Scriptures
and his experiences. I didn't realise how many times the concept of mercy is
mentioned in the Bible. I have also been reading the book - Mercy: The Essence
of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life by Cardinal Walter Kaspar - and
finding many more insights into the concept.
Archbishop Julian headed off to Sydney
This weekend is the menAlive retreat so please keep all
those who are part of the experience in your prayers at this time.
Another special event will occur next weekend when there
will be a special celebration for the children of the Parish at the 9.00am Mass
at Ulverstone. As well as participating in the Mass the children and their
families are invited to take part in activities in preparation for the Advent
Season.
Next weekend there will be a timetable of the Mass Times
for Christmas printed in the Newsletter - we hope that you will make these
times known amongst family and friends and invite them to join the Community
for the celebration of the birth of our Saviour.
If you haven't already done so please consider nominating a
fellow parishioner as a candidate for the Parish Pastoral Council - this is a
significant role in our Parish and having people come forward and support the
Parish in this way helps our community greatly. Forms can be found in the foyer
of all our Churches.
Take care on the roads and in your homes. Until next week.
Fr Mike
THE CATHOLIC STANDARD:
Don’t forget to grab your copy of The Catholic Standard at
Mass this weekend and each fortnight. And if there’s anything or anyone
outstanding or new in your parish you think would make a great story, be sure
to let us know at Catholic Standard@aohtas.org.au Top
stories this week include Corpus
Christi
WE BELIEVE
IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
By choosing a Global Gift this year, you are helping to
spread the message that together, as one global family, we are making the world
a better place. One gift at a time, we are helping to alleviate poverty,
enabling people to create healthier, happier futures for themselves, their
children and their communities.
Our range of Global Gifts encompasses many of the most
important areas of our work – from responding to emergency situations with food
and water to supporting education programs and training farmers in new
agricultural techniques that empower and sustain communities for generations to
come. Please, choose your gift now. Your purchase of a specific gift is
representative of the type of community development work done by Caritas Australia
LITURGY PREPARATION GROUP:
You are very warmly invited to join parishioners and
members of local liturgical and musical groups to assist in the preparation of
our parish Christmas liturgy. The meeting will be held at Emmaus House as per
below:
Christmas: Sunday 30th Nov from 2.30 pm - 4pm. Further information contact: Peter
Douglas on 0419 302 435
HEALING MASS:
Catholic Charismatic Renewal, are sponsoring a Healing Mass
at St Mary’s Catholic Church Penguin on Thursday 20th November 2014,
commencing at 7.30pm. All 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 anointing for healing. After Mass, teams will be
available for individual prayer. Please bring a friend and a plate for supper. If
you wish to know more or require local transport, please contact Celestine
Whiteley 6424:2043, Michael Gaffney 0447
018 068, Zoe Smith 6426:3073, or Tom Knaap 6425:2442.
FAMILY MINISTRY
EDUCATION OF PRIESTS COLLECTION - SUNDAY 23RD
NOVEMBER:
The Education of Priests collection enables the Archdiocese
of Hobart to fund training to seminarians. A person needs 7 years of study to
become a priest. The Archdiocese is responsible for the cost of tuition for
each seminarian throughout these years. This is paid to the Catholic Theological
College Victoria
Envelopes will be available from all
Mass Centres next weekend.
MACKILLOP HILL SPIRITUALITY CENTRE:
SPIRITUALITY IN THE COFFEE SHOPPE:
Monday 24th November 10.30 – 12 noon. Come along…share
your issues and enjoy a lively discussion over morning tea!
ADVENT CELEBRATION 2014:
Wednesday 3rd December
10.00 – 12 noon The Word of God came down to earth and lives among us … lives in our
fragile universe sharing our human fragility. Phone: 6428 3095 Email:
mackillophill.forth@sosj.org.au
Booking necessary, Cost: $15.00 / donation
ULVERSTONE CHRISTMAS PARTY -
HELP!! - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
The 2014 Ulverstone Christmas Party
for the elderly will be held Tuesday 2nd December. If you would like to help in some way – perhaps posting invitations, baking,
cutting sandwiches, or helping out on the day, please ring Joanne Rodgers on
64255818. There are many little jobs and any help will be very much
appreciated.
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION SESSION: Tuesday 2nd December 7:30pm at Parish House, 90 Stewart Street
VOLUNTEER
NEEDED:
to make an Advent Wreath for Ulverstone (Advent begins 30th November). The
frame, or oasis is available for greenery to be added. If you can help please
contact: Barbara O'Rourke 6428:2723
ASSIST A STUDENT:
Blessings to all the generous members and donors who have
supported the Assist a Student project so far. Over $30,226.00 was raised in Tasmania
BINGO
Thursday Nights - OLOL Hall,
Devonport. Eyes down 7.30pm!
Callers for Thursday 20th November are Rod
Clark and Alan Luxton.
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE ARCHDIOCESE:
SOLEMN PROFESSION- CARMELITE MONASTERY: Friday November 21st –
Feast of the Presentation of Our Lady: Sister Anna Maria of the Passion will
make her Solemn Profession during the Sung Mass celebrated by Archbishop
Porteous at 9.30 am. All are invited to be present and to pray for Sister in
these days of her retreat.
ST MARY'S COLLEGE PAST SCHOLARS: Are invited to attend a Christmas
Luncheon at Two Oaks Restaurant, Somerset on Saturday 22nd November at 12noon.
Please RSVP L. Hay 6428:2773 or F. Sly 6424:1933.
WHY IT'S GREAT TO BE CATHOLIC: A series of talks by Robert Haddad will
be held on Thursday 20th November at 7pm, Friday 21st November at 7pm and
Saturday 22nd November at 2pm, 4pm and 7pm at St Francis Xavier Church Hall.
Free Entry. For more information please phone 0411 064 742
Newsletter
items must be received before 12 noon Thursday – thank you.
Evangelii
Gaudium
“He needs to be
able to link the message of a biblical text to a human situation, to an
experience which cries out for the light of God’s word. This interest has
nothing to do with shrewdness or calculation; it is profoundly religious and
pastoral. Fundamentally it is a ‘spiritual sensitivity for reading God’s
message in events,’121 and this is much more than simply finding something
interesting to say. What we are looking for is ‘what the Lord has to say in
this or that particular circumstance.’”
Par 154
from Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis,
Nov. 24, 2013
Where
the rubber hits the road
In this section, we turn
our attention to a Catholic response, or perspective on significant societal
pressures, including economic and cultural forces. This week, we provide links
to several links on how Catholics can become more informed about sex and
relationships.
One site worth drawing
attention to is Real Talk. Its web site says it aims to help people ‘get real on
the topics of sex, relationships and personal identity.’ Based on Catholic
Christian values and personal testimony from a team of dynamic presenters, Real
Talk provides up-to-date resources, presentations and programs that “help young
people to understand God’s amazing plan for love and life.”
At the Smart Loving
website, there are articles on building trust in relationships, overcoming
anxiety and a whole range of topics relevant to relationships.
Feast Day of the Week – St Cecilia (November
22)
History
indicates that the first saint whose body experienced the phenomenon of
incorruption is St Cecilia, the patroness of musicians.
The
year of St Cecilia's birth is unknown, but it is believed she died about 177
A.D. Cecilia was a member of a rich and distinguished Roman family, who gave
her in marriage to a young nobleman named Valerian, despite her desire to
remain a virgin. On their wedding night St Cecilia was successful in persuading
the new groom to respect her vow of virginity and later converted him to the
Faith when he was favoured with a vision of Cecilia’s guardian angel.
Words
of Wisdom – Father
de Caussade on being occupied with God
“When you happen to be entirely unoccupied with
created things so that you seem to be thinking of nothing and desiring nothing,
you should know that then your soul in unconsciously occupied with God and in
God.”
Meme of the week
Think about it! LOL
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
An Article by Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI. The original article can be found at http://ronrolheiser.com/spiritual-warfare/#.VGav1vmUfAY
Spiritual literature has always highlighted the primordial struggle between good and evil, and this has generally been conceived of as a war, a spiritual battle. Thus, as Christians, we have been warned that we must be vigilant against the powers of Satan and various other forces of evil. And we've fought these powers not just with prayer and private moral vigilance but with everything from Holy Water, to exorcisms, to a dogmatic avoidance of everything to do with the occult, the paranormal, alchemy, astrology, spiritualism, séances, witchcraft, sorcery, and Ouija boards. For Christians these were seen as dangerous venues through which malevolent spirits could enter our lives and do us harm.
And scripture does, seemingly, warn us about these things. It tells us that for our world to come to its completion and its fulfillment Christ must first triumph over all the powers that oppose God. And for that to happen, Christ has to first vanquish and destroy death, darkness, evil, the powers of hell, the powers of Satan, and various "thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers."
What, concretely, are these powers and how is Christ ultimately to triumph over them? How should we conceive the battle that's taking place?
We are clearer about how death will be defeated: We believe that the resurrection, Jesus' and our own, is how that battle is to be won. As to Satan and hell, each of us has her own idea of what these are, but what we share in common as Christians is the belief that these will not be vanquished but will continue to exist, alongside and opposed to God and heaven, for eternity. That's the common Christian belief, though not the universal one. There have always been theologians and mystics who believed that the full triumph of Christ will occur when the Satan himself converts and goes back to heaven along with everyone else in hell. The love of God, they believe, is so powerful that, in the end, nobody, not even Satan himself, will hold out against it. Eventually love will win everyone over and Christ will be fully triumphant when hell is empty.
But that still leaves us with what scripture calls the "thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers" Are these simply another way of referring to Satan and his powers? Or do these refer to spiritual forces that many believe are hidden inside the occult, alchemy, astrology, spiritualism, séances, witchcraft, sorcery, and Ouija boards? How might we conceptualize evil spiritual forces?
To the extent that we do not dismiss them out of hand as purely mythical, each of conceptualizes them in some way, usually in the graphic images given us in the Book of Revelation and by centuries of Christian artists. And so we picture some kind of spiritual warfare happening beneath the surface of things, a spiritual battle between good and evil, a warfare wherein, eventually, Christ will triumph by defeating and destroying all these malevolent powers, akin to the primordial battle wherein Michael, the Archangel, initially defeated Satan and threw him out of heaven.
But those are archetypal images, not meant to be pictured literally but intended rather to point us towards something deeper. What really are the "thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers" that are opposing Christ and how are they to be defeated? How might we conceptualize the spiritual warfare going on beneath the surface of things?
The spiritual warfare that is being described in scripture and inside all authentic spirituality has less to do with the occult and exorcisms than it has to do the malignant grip of narcissism, greed, anger, bitterness, hatred, lust, wound, grudges, and ignorance. These are the real "thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers" that oppose Christ and the struggle against them is the real battle between good and evil.
Authentic spiritual warfare is to be pictured this way: Inside our world and inside each of us there's a fierce battle waging, a war between good and evil, and these are the contestants: Hatred is battling love; anger is battling patience; greed is battling generosity; bitterness is battling graciousness, jealousy is battling admiration; choosing to remain inside our wounds is battling healing; holding on to our grudges is battling forgiveness, ego and narcissism are battling compassion and community; and self-hatred is in a bitter battle with the acceptance of love and God's unconditional embrace. Paranoia is waging a war against metanoia. That's the real war that's going on, in our world and inside each of us.
Hatred, anger, paranoia, greed, bitterness, lust, jealousy, non-forgiveness, and self-hatred are the "thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers" about which scripture warns us. Hence the final triumph of Christ will occur when the last of these forces is eventually subdued, when we are finally at peace with goodness, with love, with trust, with ourselves, with others, with our history, with our mistakes, with those who have hurt us, with those whom we have hurt, with our shortcomings, and with our impatience with God.
In the meantime, there will be spiritual warfare, primordial battles all around.
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