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.) My soul rejoices in my God.
PREGO REFLECTION :
We begin this third week of Advent asking to feel the joy
that comes from knowing God is amongst us, even though we do not always realize
this. I go to my place of prayer, become still and ask the Holy Spirit to show
me how I am being called to be a witness, a light in the 21st century.
Perhaps I can imagine St.
John
God wants and needs prophets who cry out the message of
unity and peace in our wilderness places. Maybe I rejoice in the prophets I
have known in person or through their writing. Gerry W. Hughes SJ will be
remembered as one who cried out for unity in the broadest terms. For what
contribution do I want to be remembered ?
Weekday Masses 15th - 19th December, 2014
Monday: 7:00pm Ulverstone Reconciliation
Tuesday: 9:30am Penguin
Wednesday: 9:30am Latrobe
7:00pm Devonport Reconciliation
Thursday: 10:30am Karingal
Friday: 11:00am Mt St Vincent
Next Weekend 20th & 21st December, 2014
Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm Penguin & Devonport
Sunday Mass: 8:30am Port Sorell (LWC)
9:00am Ulverstone
10:30am Devonport
11:00am Sheffield
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) Recommencing Thursday 5th February 2015.
Christian Meditation - Devonport, Emmaus House - Wednesdays 7pm. Recommencing 4th February, 2015
Ministry Rosters 20th & 21st December, 2014
Devonport:
Readers:
Vigil: V Riley, A Stegmann 10.30am: F Sly, J Tuxworth, K Pearce
Readers Christmas Masses:
8pm Vigil - Readings taken
from the Midnight Mass:
P Piccolo, C Kiely-Hoye, E Petts
Christmas Day - Readings
M Gaffney, M
Gerrand, C Morriss please
phone Kath
M Gerrand, T Bird, S Innes
10.30am: C Schrader, R Beaton, B&N Mulcahy, L Hollister
Cleaners
20th Dec: M&L Tippett, A Berryman
27th Dec: S Riley, A Stegmann
Piety Shop 20th Dec: H Thompson 21st Dec: M Doyle Flowers: M Breen, S Fletcher
Ulverstone:
Reader: K McKenzie
Ministers of Communion: M Murray, J Pisarskis
Cleaners: V Ferguson
Hospitality: Filipino Community
Penguin:
Greeters: J Garnsey, S Ewing Commentator: J Barker Readers: M Murray, E
Standring
Procession: A Landers, A Hyland Ministers of Communion: T Clayton, E
Nickols
Liturgy: Sulphur Creek C Setting Up: M Murray
Care of Church: M Murray, E Nickols
Port Sorell:
Readers: M Badcock, D Leaman Ministers of Communion: L Post
Clean /Prepare/Flowers: B
Lee, A Holloway
Latrobe:
Reader: H Lim Ministers of
Communion: M Mackey Procession: J Hyde & Co
Music: Jenny & May
Your prayers
are asked for the sick: Audrey Cassidy, Allan Conroy, Max Anderson, Victor Slavin, John Kirkpatrick, Shanon
Breaden, Shirley White, Tom Knaap, Kath Smith, Mely Pybus &.....
Let us pray for those who
have died recently: Fr Tom Garvey, Errol Northrop, John Purtell, Aileen
Broadbent, Bishop
Jeremiah Coffey, Margie Thorp, Terry Matthews,
Let us pray
for those whose anniversary occurs about this time: Fr Bill Egan, Rustica Bibera, Kath Last, Paul
Rech, Jim Rogers, Thomas Last, Beau Reynolds and Sr Marlene Binns ssj.
May they rest in peace
PRAYER FOR PEACE
"Almighty God and Creator, You
are the Father of all peoples on the earth.
We beseech You to guide all the
nations and their leaders
in the ways of justice and peace.
Protect us from the evils of
injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict and war.
Help us to put away mistrust,
bitterness and hatred.
Teach us to cease the storing and
using of implements of war.
Lead us to find peace, respect and
freedom.
Unite us in the making and sharing
of tools of peace against
ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression.
Grant that we may grow in harmony and friendship as brothers and
sisters created in Your image, to Your honour and praise.
Amen"
(St Ephraim the
Syrian)
BAPTISM:
We welcome and congratulate Lois
Dick
& Caleb Alexander
who are being baptised this
weekend.
RECONCILIATION: will be
celebrated in preparation for Christmas, at Sacred Heart Church
Monday 15th December, at 7.00pm and Our Lady of Lourdes Church
FR MIKE
Sometimes people think that Fr Augustine and I (and all
priests) only work on Sundays – this is my week.
Sunday morning I celebrated Mass at Ulverstone at 9.00am and then headed for
Monday morning saw me up in time to let the counters into the house at 8.30am before heading off to Ulverstone for Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Following Mass I visited a lady with Holy Communion and then another Parishioner whom I had said that I would visit some time ago. In the afternoon I visited another parishioner who wanted to talk about how they might prepare their funeral – not imminent but prudent. Monday was also the first anniversary of the ordination to Priesthood for Fr Shammi Perera (assistant at the Cathedral).
Tuesday saw me heading off to Penguin for Mass and then a visit to
An end of Year Mass at St Patrick’s Latrobe for St Patrick’s School was the start of the day for Wednesday and that was followed by a quick stop at one of our discount shops to purchase some Christmas Chocolates (sorry about that - apology for the future!). Then off to Ulverstone for the end of Year Mass for
I then managed to spend some time working on my homily for this weekend – starting later than usual so I’ll wait and see what happens – or perhaps you might tell me! The evening started with the final meeting for 2014 of the Parish Pastoral Council with a supper following the meeting. After Fr Augustine and I had cleaned up we chatted for a short time before the Archbishop arrived back from Burnie and we all chatted for a time and then bed.
After breakfasting with the Archbishop as he headed off to more meetings in Launceston I finished my thoughts for this week and (now future suggestion) then headed off to Eliza Purton for
Friday is a quieter day as I have a Communion Round in Ulverstone before lunching with the CWL Ladies in Ulverstone. As it is likely that I won’t have all my cards written (let alone presents purchased) I will continue working on them, I also have a Christmas Pudding to send to
Saturday will see me organising myself for any work that hasn’t been done including the finalising of the internet version of the newsletter, ensuring any additions have been made to the Prayers of the Faithful, celebrating a Baptism, having lunch and a short relaxation before heading off to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass at Devonport and then heading to bed to start on another Sunday (my one day of work!).
Of course, I might just be a mum!
Until next week take care in your homes and on the roads
KARINGAL
MASS: Thursday 18th December 10:00am -
Cuppa to follow - All Welcome!
Parishioners are welcome to place gifts or non-perishable
food in the crib for distribution by St Vincent de Paul Society with their
Christmas Hampers to those less fortunate in the community. The Society is
appreciative of the kindness of parishioners throughout the year and generosity
to families needing a helping hand.
CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN'S MASS - SACRED HEART ULVERSTONE & OUR LADY OF LOURDES
All children are invited to dress up (nativity theme) for the
6pm Christmas Eve Children's Mass at Sacred Heart Ulverstone and Our Lady of
Lourdes Devonport. After Christmas Eve Mass at Ulverstone, supper will be held
in the Community Room. Could parents please bring a plate of food to share!
Thursday Nights - OLOL Hall,
Devonport. Eyes down 7.30pm!
Callers for Thursday 18th December are ALL
CALLERS
CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN'S MASS OLOL:
All children are invited to dress up for the 6pm Christmas
Eve, Children's Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Devonport.
ANNUAL
PILGRIMAGE OF THE CHURCHES:
Is being
held in Latrobe on New Year's Eve. 5:30pm start at Baptist Church
ELDERLY CHRISTMAS PARTY
On Tuesday 2nd December the Sacred Heart Church Community Room
was filled with the sound of happy chatter, singing, applause, dance music, and
eventually the clatter of crockery! About 70 parish members and friends
attended the annual Christmas party, and all enjoyed wonderful entertainment
and a fabulous afternoon tea. Many, many people were involved in organising the
event, from cooking or financial donations, entertaining, decorating,
invitation delivery, setting up tables and many more tasks. A big thanks to
everyone who helped out to create a lovely afternoon, and a great Parish event!
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 March and August 2015. Information
Sessions to explain the preparation program will be held on: Monday 23rd
February 7.00pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Stewart Street Sacred
Heart Church Alexandra Road
For further information, please contact the Parish Office
(6424 2783) or email: sacra@eftel.net.au
PATHWAYS OF ST PAUL : Join parishioners from Holy
Innocents’ on a 20 day Pilgrimage to Greece
and Turkey St. Paul island
of Patmos , where St John
02 9747-4291, or download from www.holyinnocentscroydon.org.au/news-and-events/parish-pilgrimage
Evangelii
Gaudium
“... no one can
demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life,
without influence on societal and national life, without concern for the
soundness of civil institutions, without a right to offer an opinion on events
affecting society.”
Par 183 from
Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis, Nov.
24, 2013
Countdown
to Christmas
To help you and those
you love, and all members of your community, prepare for Christmas, Bulletin Notes is proud to share with
you some of the resources designed to help with the Christmas countdown. Each
week, during Advent, we will provide you with a chosen image from the pages of
Pinterest. We hope they help you prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.
This week’s offering was
found on Pinterest and is ideal for printing and including in your parish
bulletin, as a resource for children to colour, either during Mass or at home.
Feast Day of the Week – St Olympias
(December 17)
Olympias was born into a
wealthy, noble, Constantinople
family. She was orphaned when a child and was given over to the care of
Theodosia by her uncle, the prefect Procopius. She married Nebridius, also a
prefect, was widowed soon after, refused several offers of marriage, and had
her fortune put in trust until she was thirty by Emperor Theodosius when she
also refused his choice for a husband. When he restored her estate in 391, she
was consecrated deaconess and with several other ladies founded a community. She established a
hospital and an orphanage, gave shelter to the expelled monks of Nitria, and
was a firm supporter of St John Chrysostom when he was expelled in 404 from Constantinople
and refused to accept the usurper Arsacius as Patriarch. She was fined by the
prefect, Optatus, for refusing to accept Arsacius, and Arsacius' successor,
Atticus, disbanded her community and ended her charitable works. She spent the
last years of her life beset by
illness and persecution
but comforted by Chrysostom from his place of exile. She died in exile in Nicomedia on
July 25, less than a year after the death of Chrysostom. Her feast day is December 17.
Words of Wisdom – St Pacian
“If you want to know who I
am,” he said, “Christian is my name, Catholic is my surname.”
Meme of the week
This week’s meme is for
those of us who have ever encountered problems with the parish printer!
HONORING TALENT AND GRACE – JEAN BELIVEAU RIP
An Article by Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI. The orginal can be found at http://ronrolheiser.com/honoring-talent-and-grace-jean-beliveau-rip/#.VIoIliuUfAY
For those of you who aren’t Canadian, perhaps this name might not mean much, but, this past week, Canada lost one of its great cultural icons, Jean Beliveau, a famed athlete. He died and all Canadians, including this Canadian in exile, mourn his passing.
Jean Beliveau was more than an athlete, though certainly he was a one-in-a-million athlete. The record of his achievements almost defies belief. He played in the National Hockey League for 20 seasons and ended up with ten championship rings. Later, as an executive, he was part of another seven championships. Imagine anyone, in any sport, at the highest level, winning 17 championships!
But that wasn’t what defined his greatness, nor the reason why a country fell in love with him and made him a national icon. It was his grace, the exceptional way that he carried himself both on and off the ice. Seventeen championships are remarkable, but his real achievement was the respect that he drew from everyone, both inside the athletic arena and outside of it. I don’t know of any pro athlete, in any sport, who has garnered this type of respect. Indeed, long after his professional career was over, the Canadian Prime Minister, asked him to become the Governor-General of Canada, an office offered only to someone who is, for an entire country, a symbol of unity, dignity, and grace. He graciously declined.
What made him so unique? There have been other great athletes and pop stars who were humble and gracious. What sets him apart? Greatness is somewhat of an intangible; it’s hard to nail down what precisely sets someone apart in this way. Why Jean Beliveau? He was a just a hockey player after all. What made him so singular in drawing respect?
The renowned Polish, psychiatrist, Kasmir Dabrowski, had a thought-provoking theory about human maturity and what it takes to get here. For him, we grow by breaking down, by being driven to our knees through various crises which force us to move beyond our mediocre habits and immaturities. Richard Rohr calls this falling upwards: We mature through failure, grow arrogant through success. Mostly that’s true. Success, more than failure, destroys lives.
But is that logical? Isn’t it more logical to grow through success? Shouldn’t success induce gratitude within us and make us more generous and big-hearted? Someone asked Dabrowski that question in class one day. This was his answer: “You’re right, success should make us more grateful and big-hearted; that’s the ideal way to grow … except, in more than 40 years of clinical experience, have never seen it work that way. It only works that way in rare, exceptional cases … and that, I believe, is what makes for a great person.” A great person is someone in whom success enlarges the soul rather than swells the ego.
When Jean Beliveau broke into the National Hockey League he was, at that time, the tallest, some-skilled, most-graceful, and handsomest player in the league. No small gifts to carry. He was a little like the young, King Saul in the bible who when he was initially crowned king was described this way: Among the men of Benjamin was a man called Saul, a handsome man in the prime of life. Of all the Israelites there was no one more handsome than he; he stood head and shoulders taller than anyone else. But, sadly, all of that giftedness and success did not make Saul a good king. Rather it destroyed him. Clinging falsely to his giftedness, his life became a tragedy. His height and grace and handsomeness left him jealous before the gifts of others and he became paranoid and spiteful and eventually ended up taking his own life. Saul’s story is one of the great tragedies ever written; and sadly it keeps getting written too many times in the lives of the hugely talented. Giftedness comes with its own perils. Giftedness and success just as easily swell the ego as enlarge the soul.
Sadly we see a lot of that today, not least in the sports world where ego and self-promotion is legitimized and is often even seen as a desired quality inside an athlete, a virtue rather than a vice, because bravado and arrogant strut can help intimidate opponents, win games, and make the world watch. It makes for color, for hype, brings fans to the park, and awards a certain notoriety and fame. Character gets trumped by color and hype, but arrogance can be a help win games.
Even so, I’m glad I once knew a different time, a time when athletes and most everyone else still had to be apologetic about ego and self-promotion. I’m glad that when I was a boy, obsessed with sports and looking for a hero among athletes, there was a superstar, Jean Beliveau, who eschewed arrogance, bravado, strut, the taunting of opponents, and crass self-promotion, and played the game with such grace and humility that it invoked the right kind of admiration, even as it won games.
Be Here Now
Thomas Merton Day -
December 10
An email reflection by Fr Richard Rohr from his daily email posted on 10th December 2014
Thomas Merton entered
the monastery in Kentucky on this day when he was 27 years old. He was
accidentally electrocuted in Bangkok 27 years later on December 10, 1968, at
the age of 54. Merton reacquainted Christianity with its contemplative roots.
His writings inspired many, including myself, to return to le point vierge,
“the virgin point” of pure poverty and nothingness in God’s presence, which can
only be found in the now.
If you watch your mind, you will see you live most of your
life in the past or in the future, both of which Jesus warns us against. That’s
just the way the mind works. If you are to experience the ever-present and
ever-coming Christ, the one place you have to be is the one place you are
usually not: NOW HERE or “nowhere.” Everything that happens to you happens
right now; if you can’t be present right now, nothing new is ever going to
happen to you. You will not experience your experiences; they will not go to
any depth in your soul. You really won’t grow unless you’re willing to live right
here, right now—to be present.
How do you be present? Jesus describes it rather profoundly:
“You must love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul,
with your whole mind, and with your whole strength” (Luke 10:27). Whenever all
of these parts are working together at the same time you are present. He
finishes by saying “Do this and life is yours!” (10:28). I like to say that
prayer happens whenever all of you is present—body, mind, soul, spirit,
emotions—all together. That’s hard work. This is the core and constant meaning
of all spiritual practice, no matter what religion: how to be here now! Then
you will know what you need to know to go forward.
Usually we have to be shocked into it, I’m sorry to say.
Great love does it. When you are deeply in love—with anything—you tend to be
present to the Now. Someone has said, “To be a saint is to have loved many
things”—many things—the tree, the dog, the sky, the flowers, even the color of
someone’s clothing. You see, when you love, you love, and love extends to
everything all the time and everywhere. When you love, you’re much more likely
to be present.
Another time when all of you is present is when you suffer
or when someone dies. For some reason, all the forms of death pull us into the
now moment. In the presence of dying, for some reason, we discover our deepest
life. Someone said there are only two themes in all of literature: love and
death. I can understand why.
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