Parish Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest) Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate) Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administraon Associate) Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry) The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is staffed on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 4pm. Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bullen should be received by midday on Thursday. 33 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 67, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6304 F: (02) 6554 6425 E: [email protected]W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au Fr Andrew can be emailed directly using the address: [email protected]Holy Name Parish School (K-6) Ms Brooke Schumann (Acng Principal) 41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6504 F: (02) 6554 8895 E: [email protected]W: www.forster.catholic.edu.au The Parish is also served by St Clare’s High School, Taree (7-12) Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal) Davis Street, Taree NSW 2430 P: (02) 6552 3300 F: (02) 6552 3656 E: [email protected]W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au Sunday 23rd March, 2014 Third Sunday of Lent, Year A Bridgeside Bulletin The weekly bullen of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church 33 Lake Street, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church Cnr Kent & Peel Streets, Tuncurry Proclaiming Christ to the communies of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts Celebrang the Sacraments Reconciliaon is available on Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8am unl the beginning of the 9am Mass, on Saturday aſternoons at Forster from 4:15pm unl 5:15pm, or other mes by contacng Fr Andrew. Bapsms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any of our Sunday Masses or aſter the 9am Mass. The next Bapsmal Preparaon meeng will take place in the Parish Hall’s meeng rooms on Monday 14th April commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website. Weddings are celebrated by arrangement and with at least three (and preferably more) months noce. Please contact Fr Andrew for more details, or visit the Parish website. A Sacramental Preparaon process runs each year in the Parish for children wishing to complete the celebraon of the Sacraments of Iniaon as part of the Parish community. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website. The Parish hosts the Rite of Chrisan Iniaon of Adults process for those adults wishing to be bapsed or be received into the communion of the Catholic Church. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website. The Parish can also be found online: Search for us on Facebook as ‘Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry’ Follow us on Twier: @ſtcatholic
Sunday 23rd March, 2014 Third Sunday of Lent, Year A
Bridgeside Bulletin The weekly bulletin of the
Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church
33 Lake Street, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church Cnr Kent & Peel Streets, Tuncurry
Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts
Celebrating the Sacraments Reconciliation is available on Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8am until the beginning of the 9am Mass, on Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:15pm until 5:15pm, or other times by contacting Fr Andrew.
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any of our Sunday Masses or after the 9am Mass. The next Baptismal Preparation meeting will take place in the Parish Hall’s meeting rooms on Monday 14th April commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website.
Weddings are celebrated by arrangement and with at least three (and preferably more) months notice. Please contact Fr Andrew for more details, or visit the Parish website.
A Sacramental Preparation process runs each year in the Parish for children wishing to complete the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation as part of the Parish community. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website.
The Parish hosts the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process for those adults wishing to be baptised or be received into the communion of the Catholic Church. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website.
The Parish can also be found online:
Search for us on Facebook as ‘Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry’
Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic
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The Parish Diary…(for the week ahead) Fourth Week of Lent
Monday—31st March
Tuesday—1st April 10:30am Anointing Mass @ Beaumont Terrace
Nursing Home 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry 7pm Singing Practice @ Forster
Wednesday—2nd April 9am Mass @ Forster 9:30am Secular Franciscans meeting @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @
Forster 2pm Anointing Mass @ Kularoo Gardens 4:30pm Parish Pastoral Team meeting @ Forster
Thursday—3rd April 9am Mass @ Forster
Friday—4th April 9:30am Mass @ Forster
Saturday—5th April 8am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:15pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15 pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry
Sunday—6th April 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster 5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction @ Tuncurry
Regular Activities in the Parish Secular Franciscan Fraternity The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on Wednesday 2nd April, coming together for Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the meeting 10am to 12pm.
The menALIVE Groups Our Parish currently hosts two menALIVE groups. The morning group will next meet on Wednesday 9th April after the 9am Mass, while the evening group will next meet on Thursday 24th April at 7:30pm.
Maintenance & Gardening Group The Parish is lucky to be served by a very dedicated band of volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds and gardens of our two church sites. They do a fabulous job, and are always ready to welcome new members to the group. The next date is Thursday 17th April starting at Tuncurry at 8am and then on to Forster. Contact Howard 6557 6826 for more information.
Singing Practice The Singing Group will next gather in the Forster church on Tuesday 1st April for a 7pm start. All are welcome as we gather to practice hymns for our Sunday Masses.
Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase On the first Sunday of each month we undertake a collection in order to support Homebase. The next collection will next take place on Sunday 6th April.
Holy Hour The Parish community observes a Holy Hour each Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from 3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm.
Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help The Novena is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster church commencing at 11:15am and is followed by a cuppa in the Parish Hall. Contact Shioney (6554 9468) for more information.
Evening Prayer & Benediction The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It will next be celebrated on Sunday 6th April. All welcome.
Chrism Mass 2014 The Diocesan Chrism Mass will be held on Tuesday 15th April at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hunter Street, Newcastle West commencing at 7pm. It will be followed by light refreshments. All members of the Diocesan community are invited to join with Bishop Bill, the clergy and laity of the Diocese in this annual celebration.
Volunteers Sought Any parishioner who is planning on attending the Diocesan Chrism Mass and who would be prepared to assist in the collection of the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens are asked to contact Fr Andrew or the Parish Office.
Australian Catholics This latest edition has the theme “sharing the Joy”and its articles deal with laughter and comedy in our faith lives. Copies available, free of charge at rear of Church.
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From The Pastor’s Desk... As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Lent, or Laetare Sunday, we find ourselves moving into the second half of our Lenten season. Palm Sunday is but two weeks away, and Easter Sunday—that most holiest of all days in the Church’s life—is only three weeks away.
This Sunday’s Gospel features the account of the healing of the blind man, a metaphorical restoration of a man blinded by having turned away from God and towards other gods because of the direct intervention of Jesus. This gracious act on the part of Jesus, unasked for by the man born blind, is the same gift that Jesus extends to us: the chance to have our eyes opened to the world as God would see in through Jesus, regardless of what we may or may not have done.
To have our eyes open, to be restored to the Light from our exile in darkness, is the fundamental journey of the Christian life. Through the gracious act of Jesus which we will soon celebrate, we have been invited to once again put aside those things that prevent us from seeing—our prejudices, our preconceptions, our pride—and to step boldly into a new life in which we see as Jesus sees, where we act as Jesus acts, where we love as Jesus loves.
Nothing we could possibly do ourselves can bring about this move from darkness to light. It is entirely impossible for us to achieve though any effort we might exert. It is, and always will be, completely beyond our abilities.
The move from darkness to light is only possible when we are touched by Jesus, when he opens our eyes once more and invites us into the realm of the Light of the World, of Jesus himself. Only then, once our eyes are open, are we able to respond in the same way as the man born blind in today’s Gospel.
Only then can we say “Lord, I believe” and worship Jesus.
May the Lord continue to pour out his blessings upon you. Until next week…
Fr Andrew
‘Dio Update’ E-Newsletter Each Tuesday, the Diocese publishes an e-newsletter, titled Dio Update, featuring stories from across the Diocese, updating subscribers on events coming up, photos and feedback from events already held, press releases, topics of interest and dates to remember.
You can subscribe to this weekly e-newsletter by visiting the Diocesan website www.mn.catholic.org. au/news-events/diocesan-events.
Hospital & Home Visits Because of the restrictions imposed by Australia’s Privacy Laws, the Parish relies on family and friends to inform us about those who are unwell in our community.
If you know of anyone needing a visit or Communion in hospital or at home please contact Fr Andrew or the Parish Office.
Secondary School Enrolments St Clare’s High School, Taree is now accepting enrolments for Year 7, 2015. Forms for enrolment may be collected from the School Office, or an information pack can be posted to you by contacting the School on 6552 3300.
Families with students enrolled in a Catholic primary school will receive an enrolment form via their school.
Prayer at The Tanks In the lead up the Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, you are invited to join with our Christian brothers and sisters to pray for the ongoing preparations for the Service and for its success each Thursday morning at 8am at The Tanks.
In the case of inclement weather, the prayer will take place in the Forster Baptist Church.
Car Parking at Tuncurry Church A reminder that driving on any of the grassed areas on the Tuncurry church site is strictly prohibited under any circumstances and at all times.
Cars are permitted to be driven to the door via the concrete driveway to drop less mobile parishioners at the church doors, but must remain on the concrete at all times.
Catholic Newspapers Available Both The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and The Catholic Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at a cost of $2 each from our churches.
Parish Hall Kitchen The Kitchen in the Parish Hall is currently being renovated (with some new stainless steel benches) and will not be accessible until this is completed. We apologise for any inconvenience.
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Parish Social Functions for 2014 The Parish Pastoral Team organizes four social functions for the Parish each year. The dates for the remaining for 2014 are:-
PARISH DINNER to be held on Friday 16th May.
INTERNATIONAL LUNCH to be held on Saturday 2nd August.
BLESSING OF THE FLEET/PARISH BBQ will be held this year on Sunday 5th October.
Please note these dates in your calendars now. Further details will be published closer to each event.
Aurora out next week! Aurora hits the newsstands again next week. As always you are encouraged to support our diocesan magazine and buy a copy of your local paper to receive your April edition of Aurora.
The April edition of Aurora will appear in The Newcastle Herald and The Maitland Mercury on Tuesday 1st April, in The Scone Advocate on Thursday 3rd April and in The Muswellbrook Chronicle, The Manning River Times and The Singleton Argus on Friday 4th April.
Vocation View Jesus opens the eyes of the blind man, bring newness of life. Let us allow Jesus to open our eyes to life. Be open to new areas that God is leading you to trust in his promises (John 9:2-3). For more information regarding Vocations contact Fr Brian Mascord on 4979 1112 or by email to [email protected].
Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation During Lent During the Season of Lent, that time each year when we are called to examine our lives, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available for extended periods each Saturday:
On Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8am until the beginning of the 9am Mass; and
On Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:15pm until 5:15pm.
A Second Rite of Reconciliation will be organised for later during the Season of Lent, and you can also contact Fr Andrew directly outside the scheduled times to approach the Sacrament (subject to his availability).
Holy Week & Easter Triduum Schedule The following is the schedule of liturgies to be celebrated in the Parish from Passion (Palm) Sunday through to Easter Sunday. Please note that some events are yet to be confirmed.
Sat (12/4) 6pm Mass—Tuncurry
Sun (13/4) 7am Mass—Tuncurry 9am Mass—Forster 3pm Ecumenical Stations of
Autumn Fashion Parade The Uniting Church in Forster will be hosting an Autumn Fashion Parade, courtesy of Margo’s Fashions, on Saturday 12th April at 1:30pm for 2pm.
Entry is $10 and includes afternoon tea and lucky door prizes.
Welcome! We welcome to our community of faith Esteban and Sebastian Verdejo, the sons of Patricio and Jessica who will be baptised with water and the Holy Spirit this weekend.
Little White Books Six minute daily reflections for the Easter Season, beginning on 21st April and continuing through to Pentecost on 8th June. Get yours before they are sold out $5 each
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Work Health & Safety Information The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its workers (i.e. employee, contractor or subcontractor, employee of contractor or subcontractor, employee of labour hire company, outworker, apprentice or trainee work experience student and volunteer), visitors and the public in workplaces and also the health and safety of those who may be affected by its operations. In securing workplace health and safety, the Diocese promises to pursue best practice in Work Health and Safety (WHS), fulfil its statutory duties with regard to WHS and through continual improvement strive to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
If you become aware of any hazard on parish property, or suffer an incident or injury while on parish property, you are asked to let Fr Andrew or the Parish Office know as soon as possible in order that the appropriate steps can be taken.
If there is any matter concerning Work Health & Safety that you wish to raise or have considered by the Parish, please contact Fr Andrew who will bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate person.
Poppies for ANZAC Day 2015 The craft group at St Alban’s Anglican Church invite all handcrafters (knitting, crochet, felting, etc) from local churches to join in making as many poppies in preparation for ANZAC Day 2015, and also for the rededication of the War Memorial in Tuncurry in February 2015.
The official launch and first poppy making workshop will be held on ANZAC Day 2104 from 1pm to 3pm at the St Alban’s Anglican Church Hall in Forster. This will be followed by more poppy making workshops on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (commencing in May) from 10am until 12 noon—tea and coffee will be provided.
For more information, contact Julie Davies on 0429 433 330 or by email to 5000poppiesgreatlakes@gmail. com.
Diocesan Tribunal Office The Diocesan Tribunal Office extends a caring invitation to any divorced person who might wonder about applying for an annulment of their previous marriage to come and speak with us. Alternatively we would be only too pleased to speak with you by telephone.
We would be happy to explain the process involved in approaching the Church for a ruling of nullity. You can be assured that your privacy will be respected. Should you wish to apply for an annulment, we will guide and support you through the process.
For further information please contact Jane or Rose on 4979 1370 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursdays. The Tribunal Office is located near the Diocesan Offices, in Tudor Street, Hamilton.
Parish Family Ministry Committee The next meeting of the Parish Family Ministry Committee will take place on Friday 4th April beginning at 4:30pm in the Parish Meeting Room (at the rear of the Parish Hall).
Anyone interested in this aspect of Parish life is invited to attend this meeting.
Lent: Giving Money, or Yourself? Communities in Asia, Africa and the Pacific seek people with qualifications and experience in education, health, administration, agriculture, tourism and other professional, technical and trades willing to volunteer to share their knowledge and skills for a minimum of twelve months from January 2015.
PALMS Australia will be holding an Information Session on Thursday 10th April in the Toohey Room of the Diocesan Offices, from 5:30pm to 7pm.
For more information and enquiries, contact Roger O’Halloran on 9518 9551 or [email protected].
Encounter Although Lent is halfway over, we have some extra, beautifully presented “Encounter” booklets, reflecting on the Sunday Gospels of Lent. These booklets are now available for private reflection. Cost $5.00.
Community Appeal You may have read in this week’s Advocate about young Dwayne Gumbleton, a local plumber who was electrocuted at work two weeks ago. Dwayne is at present in a critical condition in John Hunter Hospital while his partner Priscilla is about to give birth to their first child. The Forster Tuncurry community is conducting an appeal for baby necessities or cash to assist this young family. Donations can be left at the Parish Office or given to Melia Belcher at 4/86 Head St, Forster, 0458 171 686.
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Opportunities Outside The Parish
Exploring the Seasons of Grief A two day workshop “Exploring the Seasons of Grief” will be hold on Thursday 3rd April (the second day is 10th April) at Therry Centre, Cnr New England Highway and King Street, East Maitland beginning at 9:30am. Using the metaphor of the changing seasons, participants explore the impact of change and loss. The cost is $50 ($30 for Parish or CSO participants). Books are essential; contact Mandy or Jenny on 4979 1355 or email [email protected]
Holy Week Reflection Day The Tenison Woods Education Centre will host a Holy Week Reflection Day on Saturday 5th April beginning at 9:30am at the Centre, New England Highway, Lochinvar. Join Virginia Bourke rsj as she leads a day of exploring and reflecting on the prayers and readings of the liturgies of Holy Week. The cost is $20, morning tea is provided. Please BYO lunch. Please RSVP to the TWEC Secretary by phone 4930 9601 or email [email protected].
Christian Meditation Community Day A Christian Meditation Community Day will be held on Saturday 5th April beginning at 10am at St James’ School Hall, Vista Parade, Kotara. The guest speaker is Rob Mackay. Bring a spiritual dimension to the realities of your life through meditation. Meditation helps to lead a balanced life. The cost is $20, and morning tea is provided, but please BYO lunch. Contact 0407 436 808 or [email protected] for more information.
Ecumenical Way of the Cross The Ecumenical Way of the Cross will be held on Sunday 6th April beginning at 3pm at Kilaben Bay. All are welcome to join Bishop Bill as he leads the Ecumenical Way of the Cross in the grounds of St Joseph’s Conference Centre, 140 Wangi Road, Kilaben Bay.
St John the Baptist Maitland Refurbishment Launch The launch of the project to refurbish the former cathedral of St John the Baptist, Maitland will be celebrated by Bishop Bill on Palm Sunday (13th April) beginning at 1pm in Cathedral Street, Maitland. If you, or any of your family members, were baptized, confirmed or married in this church or the Pro-Cathedral, you would be especially welcome! For more information contact Michael Belcher on 4930 1458 or Mark Lees (Diocesan Offices) on 4979 1124.
SRE Encouragement Day A SRE Encouragement Day will be held on Monday 28th April beginning at 10am at Cessnock. The theme
for the day is “Making the Most of SRE”. To RSVP phone 4979 1328 or email manysuessmeier@mn. catholic.org.au.
CatholicCare Masquerade Ball The 2014 CatholicCare Masquerade Ball will be hold on Saturday 17th May beginning at 7pm at Wests Leagues Club, New Lambton. The event is a fundraiser for CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning’s Child & Family Services, and coincides with National Families Week (15th-21st May). The Ball is a great way to celebrate the vital role families play in our community. Tickets are $140ea (plus booking fee) and are available from www.stickytickets. com.au/14972 or by phoning 4979 1120.
2014 TWEC Dinner The 2014 TWEC Dinner will be held on Friday 13th June 2014 at The Therry Centre, East Maitland, 6:30pm for 7pm. The special guest speaker will be Mr Tim Fischer, former Deputy Prime Minister and more recently the first resident Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, well known train enthusiast, writer and much more! The cost for hors d’oeuvres, drinks, main meal and dessert is $60 per person For more information call 4930 9601 or email [email protected].
2014 Diocesan Youth Retreat “Be, Grow, Show” is the title of the 2014 Diocesan Youth Retreat which will be held from Friday 27th June to Sunday 29th June at Camp Elim, The Lakes Way, Forster. Save the date! For more information email [email protected].
Chisholm Region RCIA Anniversary On Pentecost Sunday 2014 the Chisholm Region will celebrate 21 years of RCIA ministry. If you have had any experience of RCIA in the parishes of the Chisholm Region, especially in the parishes of East Maitland, Morpeth, Maitland, Rutherford or Lochinvar, we hope you will bring a picnic lunch on Sunday 8th June 2014 to the Corcoran Centre, George St, Morpeth and celebrate with us. For more information please contact Loretto Lynch on 4933 7425 or loretto.lynch@ exemail.com.au.
Marriage Encounter Weekend A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held beginning Friday 13th June at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville. The weekend offers married couples a special kind of “time out”, a different kind of “weekend getaway”. Contact Ardell or Bill Sharpe on 4283 3435 or [email protected] for more information.
While the earnings of a minority are growing exponentially, so too is the gap separating the majority from the prosperity enjoyed by those happy few. This imbalance is the result of ideologies which defend the absolute autonomy of the marketplace and financial speculation. Consequently, they reject the right of states, charged with vigilance for the common good, to exercise any form of control. A new tyranny is thus born, invisible and often virtual, which unilaterally and relentlessly imposes its own laws and rules. Debt and the accumulation of interest also make it difficult for countries to realize the potential of their own economies and keep citizens from enjoying their real
purchasing power. To all this we can add widespread corruption and self-serving tax evasion, which have taken on worldwide dimensions. The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits. In this system, which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits, whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenceless before the interests of a deified market, which become the only rule.
Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 56.
If you would like to read more of Evangelii Gaudium, copies are available for purchase ($10) or borrowing from the Parish Office.
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In your charity, please pray for:
Those recently deceased:
Those whose anniversaries occur about now: Clare Williamson, Bill and Molly Dutfield, Bill and Jean Craig, Robert and Carmelina Calamatta, Les Gapps
All those in our community who are sick.
Ministers this Weekend... ...of the Word ...of Communion
6pm Tuncurry A: Tony Stevens B: Maureen Stevens
Lou Hope, Margaret Smith, Ruth Pearson, Tony Stevens, Valarie Ross.
7am Tuncurry A: Chris Matuszny B: Anne-Marie Greene
Alex Matuszny, Graham Griffiths, Kay Griffiths, Maria Armitage, Tony Knight.
9am Forster A: Marion O’Neill B: Marie Keep
Alan McCarthy, Elle Cairns-Cowan, Greg Byrne, Josi Beech, Lauranne Byrne.
Ministers next Weekend... ...of the Word ...of Communion
6pm Tuncurry A: Lou Hope B: Valarie Ross
Michael Amato, Owen Carroll, Burness Goodlet, Pat Hooker, Kathryn McCabe.
7am Tuncurry A: Patricia Cornish B: Kay Griffiths
Lorraine Clark, Cushla Drake, Cecile Malone, Alex Matuszny, Edna Tucker.
9am Forster A: Judith Shand B: Kris Koch
Sharon Fowle, Barbara Kermode, Anne Moloney, Robert Moran, Robyn Ryan.
Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as originally published, and doesn’t take account of any ‘swaps’ that may have been organised between individuals.
Scripture Readings This Week
Today 1 Samuel 16:1,6-7, 10-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Monday Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54 Tuesday Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 John 5:1-3, 5-16 Wednesday Isaiah 49:8-15 John 5:17-30 Thursday Exodus 32:7-14 John 5:31-47 Friday Wisdom 2:, 12-22 John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Saturday Jeremiah 11:18-20 John 7:40-52 Next Sunday Ezekiel 37:12-14 Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-45
Today’s Liturgy of the Word
Responsorial Psalm Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Gospel Acclamation Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!
