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Sunday 7th September, 2014 Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time,
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
Parish Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest) Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral
Associate) Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration Associate) Sr Kathryn
McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)
The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is
normally staffed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to
4pm.
Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin 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 Andrews email: [email protected].
Celebrating the Sacraments Reconciliation is available on
Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8:30am until the beginning of
the 9am Mass, on Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:45pm 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 Halls meeting rooms on Monday
8th September 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.
Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of Forster
Tuncurry
Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic
Holy Name Parish School (K-6) Ms Brooke Schumann (Acting
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
St Clares 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
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The Parish Diary(for the week ahead) Twenty Third Week in
Ordinary Time
Today7th September 5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction @
Tuncurry
Monday8th September Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
Mary 7pm Baptism Preparation meeting @ Forster
Tuesday9th September 9am Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
11am Anointing Mass @ GLAICA House 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry 5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
5:30pm Singing Practise @ Tuncurry
Wednesday10th September 9am Mass @ Forster 9:30am menALIVE
morning group @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual
Help @
Forster
Thursday11th September 9am Mass @ Forster 7pm Womens Bible Study
(Natasha 0407 589
935)
Friday12th September Anniversary of the Dedication of our
Cathedral (Feast) 9:30am Mass @ Forster
Saturday13th September Memorial of St John Chrysostom 8:30am
Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:45pm Reconciliation
@ Forster (until 5:15pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry
Sunday14th September Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross 7am
Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster
Regular Activities in the Parish Secular Franciscan Fraternity
The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on Wednesday 1st
October, 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 10th
September after the 9am Mass, while the evening group will next
meet on Thursday 25th September at 7:30pm.
Womens Bible Study Group Our Parish hosts a Womens Bible Study
Group that meets every Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm. For more
information contact Natasha on 0407 589 935.
Christian Meditation Our Parish hosts a number of opportunities
for the practice of Christian meditation. These opportunities takes
place on Tuesdays at two distinct times, 9am and 5:30pm. For more
information contact Bob on 6555 5914.
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. Our next reunion will be on Thursday 18th September. Contact
Howard 6557 6826 for more information.
Singing Practice The Singing Group will be meeting again on
Tuesday 9th September at 5:30pm at Tuncurry. All welcome.
Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase The next collection of
foodstuffs in support of Homebase will next take place on Sunday
7th September.
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. For more information
contact Shioney on 6554 9468.
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 7th September. All
welcome.
Parish Social Functions for 2014 The date for the remaining
Parish Social Function for 2014 is the BLESSING OF THE FLEET/PARISH
BBQ will be held this year on Sunday 5th October.
Please claim this date in your diary now and watch for further
details as they are released closer to each event.
Dangerous Faith Talks taking place in the region about being
Christian in the Middle East. Flyer is available from the rear of
the church with further details.
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Hospital & Home Visits Because of the restrictions imposed
by Australias 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 the Parish Office or Fr Andrew.
Renowned Child Psychologist Visit The Catholic Schools Office
(CSO) Federation of Parents and Friends have organised for renowned
child psychologist, Dr John Irvine to hold a session in Taree next
Wednesday 10th September from 6.30pm. An open session for all local
parents from the Taree and Manning communities, Dr John will be
providing insight into child anxiety and offering tools and tips
for parents in managing. All who are interested are encouraged to
RSVP via the CSO website: www.mn.catholic.edu.au/drjohn
Formation for Ministry Program A series of formation units
developed especially for members of Parish Leadership Teams, Parish
Pastoral Councils, Parish Finance Councils and Parish Pastoral
Teamsas well as those involved in other parish groups and
ministrieswill be offered in Krambach beginning on Saturday 13th
September.
All units completed can be credited towards a Certificate in
Ministry. Brochures and flyers are available at the rear of the
churches. There is no cost for participating in the program.
For more information on the program, please email Sharon Murphy
in the Diocesan Chancery on [email protected] or the
Tenison Woods Education Centre by email [email protected].
From the Pastors Desk This is my final week in the Parish before
my Annual Leave commences. I would be being dishonest if I said I
wasnt looking forward to my Leave: I am most definitely looking
forward to the chance to rest and recreate, to catch up with family
and friends, and to recharge the batteries in preparation for my
return.
Like any job, parish ministry can be both challenging and
joyful, demanding and life giving, yet those engaged in that
ministry still need the opportunity to be completely away from
ministry. This is not in order to avoid the tasks of ministry, but
rather in order to be better equipped for those same tasks. It is,
no doubt, the same in many occupations.
During my absence, things will continue as per usual. Fr Dennis
Rochford, already well-known to the Parish, will be here, and Greg
Byrne will continue to provide his usual ministry of service. The
Parish community will be in good hands.
And so, Im heading off Fr Andrew
Vocation View Where two or three are gathered, there I am in the
midst of them. Allow Christ to be the centre of your interactions
with others (Matthew 18:20). For more information regarding
Vocations contact Fr Brian Mascord on 4979 1112 or by email to
vocations @mn.catholic.org.au.
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.
Red Cross Ebola Appeal Sr Diana Santleben op, from Penola House,
is asking people to consider donating to the Red Cross Ebola
Appeal. Many African Australian families living in Newcastle have
family in Africa where this crisis is playing out.
You can donate to the Red Cross Ebola Appeal online at
www.redcross.org.au or by posting a cheque or money order to Ebola
Outbreak 2014 Appeal, Australian Red Cross, GPO Box 2957, Melbourne
8060.
Australian Catholic Copies of the current issue of the
Australian Catholic Magazine are now available from the rear of the
churches at no cost. Please take a copy with you as you leave
today.
The local St Vincent de Paul Conference would like to extend a
huge thankyou to all who contributed to the Winter Appeal. Funds
raised totalled $6,650.95 which has greatly assisted many local
families and individuals at a challenging and difficult time in
their lives.
Friendship Group (Seniors) The friendship group will be lunching
this coming Tuesday 9th September At the Taree Aquatic Club. We
will be leaving Tuncurry church at 11.30 So those intending to come
please call Lorraine on 65547056 or Stella 65559380 to make a
booking or arrange transport.
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Boundaries and Juries HOMILY by Fr Michael Tate
There are some things I just could not do. One would be to watch
my old school playing a football match against another school and
barrack for that other team. My old schoolmates would make it
pretty clear that they regarded this as an act of betrayal. If I
persisted, they would shun me.
Why? Because even on such a minor scale of things they would be
asserting the need for boundaries which help define a group, help
to give its members a sense of identity, help to reinforce common
values they can gather around. This is a very human thing to do,
essential for personal identity and sanity.
It is the same for the Church. Our Lord acknowledged that the
community he was establishing had to set boundaries. Forces of
disintegration cannot be allowed to create a situation where we are
unsure of our identity gathering around core beliefs and practices
as desired by Jesus Christ.
But who is to decide who is within or who is outside those
boundaries?
Sometimes, a local bishop can get it right in declaring who is
within and who is beyond the boundaries. I have heard of several
bishops in Italy and Sicily who have refused public Christian
burial for those mafia leaders who have notoriously pursued a
lifetime of corruption, drug trafficking and killing of their
opponents.
But I equally recall my parents being summoned by the Archbishop
when they decided to move my brother from the Catholic school to
the state high school when the Catholic school stopped teaching
French. The bishop threatened to exclude my parents from the
sacraments because they were bringing scandal upon the faithful by
sending their Catholic boy to a state school. (My parents stood up
to him and he backed down.) What went wrong?
I think it lay in the fact that one man exercised plenary power
in deciding who was in and who was out. In todays gospel, Our Lord
teaches that a much more nuanced step by step process should be
invoked. First, there is private conversation, then slightly
extended to bring in two or three others, then the community of the
church can make the final decision to treat the person as an
outsider.
I am a great believer in the jury system. Now and again I have
noted cases where the jury, in the face of overwhelming evidence,
has refused to convict a person. I assume the jury decided that,
despite what had occurred, the person did not deserve to be
branded with a conviction and punished. A certain common sense
prevailed.
I think St Matthews gospel is suggesting that some such church
community jury should be convoked before a person is put beyond the
pale and excommunicated. Where such a jury meets in prayerful
discernment, then Our Lord promises to be with them to help guide
their decision. Then they can be sure it will be ratified in
heaven. How might this work?
Such a jury might find itself operating in the same way as some
families have had to when confronted with the knowledge that their
son or daughter has done something wrong.
This would require of the Church the same process in which such
families often have to engage: pain, struggle, difficulties.
Excluding from the family would be a rare and very extreme step to
take.
There are boundaries, there is a proper sense of identity, there
are core beliefs and practices which have to be affirmed. Where
these are threatened there may be consequences but the severity of
those consequences is a matter for judgment.
A matter opened up by Pope Francis is the way in which a
divorced and remarried Catholic may relate to receiving Holy
Communion, keeping in mind that that sacrament, The Eucharist,
although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for
the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.
[Evangelium Gaudium, 47]
These are matters for the church community which Our Lord Jesus
Christ evidently trusts to undertake such a difficult and
discerning task.
In turn, our confidence comes from Our Lords promise: Where two
or three are gathered into my name, I am there with them.
Blessing of the Fleet On Sunday 5th October we will be
celebrating our Annual Blessing of the Fishing Fleet at Tuncurry.
On this weekend ALL MASSES WILL BE AT TUNCURRY.
Following the 9am Mass the congregation will process down to
John Wright Park where Fr Andrew will board a boat and travel down
the channel blessing all vessels. If you have a boat, no matter the
size, you are invited to launch it into the channel to be
blessed.
This will immediately be followed by a BBQ in John Wright Park
to which everyone is welcome. BYO chairs, blankets and drinks.
Fish, sausages and bread all provided and lovingly cooked.
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Communion from the Tabernacle When I attended a summer school in
liturgy at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, I was
delighted to do a course presented by Robert Taft, an Eastern-rite
Jesuit whose book Beyond East and West is my bible of information
about the liturgical year.
Fr Taft is Professor-emeritus at the Pontifical Oriental
Institute in Rome, serves as Consultor for Liturgy of the Vatican
Congregation for the Oriental Churches, and is a member of several
Vatican commissions and other editorial and advisory boards.
He is a prolific writer, the bibliography of his publications in
English, French, and Italian comprising over 800 titles. His
writings have been translated into nineteen different
languages.
I was delighted therefore to discover that the Pray Tell blog
has included Robert Taft in a new series of interviews being
conducted with liturgical leaders. One of the ten interview
questions is Three things to fix the liturgy what would they be? Fr
Tafts reply is instructive.
The liturgy doesnt need fixing. What needs fixing are the
celebrating clergy. What I have often said of my own Jesuit
confreres applies here too: all Jesuits have studied theology, but
not all of them learned theologyi.e., learned how to think
theologically. A classic instance is the question of the clergys
refusal to cease giving communion from the reserved sacrament in
the tabernacle despite the Churchs constant exhortations and orders
to do so. That is not because the clergy are disobedient, but
because they are theologically and liturgically ignorant, as I have
tried to show in an article I had published in Worship
recently.
The article he refers to appeared in the liturgy journal Worship
in January and is entitled Communion from the Tabernacle A
Liturgico-Theological Oxymoron.
Taft uses strong even provocative language, but it reflects
Tafts deep-seated and understandable concern about the
all-too-common practice of hosts being distributed from the
tabernacle at Mass.
Communion from the tabernacle is an issue I have addressed
several times in this column but I get the impression that many
people think that I am just being a typical liturgical terrorist
wasting time over inconsequential rubrics. I am delighted to have
Robert Taft on my side in this battle!
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says: It is most
desirable that the faithful, just as the priest himself is bound to
do, receive the Lords body from
hosts consecrated at the same Mass so that even by means of the
signs Communion will stand out more clearly as a participation in
the sacrifice actually being celebrated. (# 85)
Despite this, it is not uncommon to see a minister go to the
tabernacle during the Lamb of God and place on the altar a ciborium
of hosts which are distributed during Communion.
The dynamic of the Eucharist is one continuous movement. In the
procession of gifts, the faithful present the bread and wine for
the sacrifice, along with the gift of their lives, to be blessed by
God and then received back as the Body and Blood of Christ when
they come forward in procession for Holy Communion.
To be fed with the Body of Christ from the tabernacle and not
from what was consecrated at the Mass being celebrated breaks the
connection between sacrifice and Communion. There can be no
Communion without sacrifice, and this is symbolised most clearly
when we receive Communion from what we ourselves have offered.
This article is written by Elizabeth Harrington and originally
appeared in the Liturgy Lines column in the 17th August edition of
The Catholic Leader. All rights reserved: used with permission.
Work Health & Safety Information The Diocese of
MaitlandNewcastle 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.
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Kids Corner
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Opportunities Outside The Parish
Foster Care - Stories from the Heart The Tenison Woods Education
Centre in Conjunction with Catholic Care invites you to an evening
called Foster CareStories from the Heart on Wednesday 10th
September at the Cathedral Function Centre (Victor Peters Suite)
841 Hunter St, Newcastle West. Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start; Cost $15
(includes light refreshments). RSVP 3rd September. For further
information phone 4930 9601 or email [email protected].
Broken Bay Bible Conference 2014 The 2014 Broken Bay Bible
Conference will be held on Friday 12th September at Caroline
Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills. Join us for
a remarkable two days of uncovering fresh insights into Johns
Gospel with prominent Australian Johannine scholars Fr Frank
Moloney sdb and Dr Mary Coloe ibvm, with the participation of
Bishop David Walker. For further enquiries, please call 9847 0448
or email [email protected].
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Marriage Encounter Weekend
is a Marriage Enrichment experience for married couples set in
peaceful, picturesque surroundings, away from the distractions of
everyday life. During the weekend, couples have a unique
opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh their relationship.
Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most
precious asset, your Marriage! Weekend dates: 12 14 September &
7 9 November at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. Bookings
can be made to Ardell & Bill Sharpe on 02 4283 3435 or email
[email protected].
Social Justice Dinner A Social Justice Dinner, with guest Bishop
Geoffrey Robinson, who will speak on Church in Crisis, will be held
on Friday 19th September at 6pm at Victor Peters Suite, 841 Hunter
St, Newcastle West. The cost is $25 which includes a two-course
dinner. Please RSVP by 12th September by email (events@mn.
catholic.org.au) or phone (4979 1111). Payment can be made to
Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle BSB 062-808 Account 1025
5506. Please include reference "your name" Robinson Dinner.
Charismatic Renewal Healing Mass The Newcastle Catholic
Charismatic Healing Mass will be held on Monday 22nd September at
7:30pm at Our Lady of Victories Church, 262 Sandgate Rd, Shortland.
The Newcastle Catholic Charismatic Renewal invites all parishioners
and friends to a Healing Mass with Most Rev Colin David
Campbell,
Bishop of Dunedin, New Zealand. Contact Wayne Caruana on 0466
631 394 for more further details.
Towards A Better World Conference The National Conference on the
Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees will be held on Wednesday
1st October at Australian Catholic University, North Sydney. For
more information visit www.acmro. catholic.org.au or phone 6201
9848.
SRE Renew Training SRE Renew Training will commence on Friday
10th October at 10:30am at 262 Sandgate Road, Shortland. SRE
Training is for current & prospective Catechists, and runs for
six Fridays. RSVP to Zoe Crosbie by phone to 4979 1328 or by email
to [email protected].
ACTiv8 Spring Retreat The ACTiv8 Spring Retreat will be held on
Friday 17th October at Lake Mac Outdoor Recreation Centre,
Balcolyn. The cost of the Retreat is $115 per person. For more
information visit www.activ8chisholm.org or email
[email protected]
menALIVE Weekend A menALIVE Weekend will be held on Saturday
18th October at St Michaels Primary School, Sproule St, Nelson Bay.
menALIVE is an event which has been held in dozens of parishes
around Australia these last 8 years. It is an enjoyable and
encouraging experience for men to enjoy. There is a chance to share
insights, and the weekend serves to help men focus on lifes
essentials again, including our faith. All are welcome to come!
Contact St Michaels Parish Office on 4981 1069 for more
details.
2014 National Pilgrimage In the Footsteps of Saint Mary
pilgrimage commences in Melbourne on 22nd October and ends in
Sydney. The cost per person, twin share is $2,740 (ex Sydney).
Contact Therese Leydon rsj by phone to 8912 4818, or by email to
[email protected].
Communion from the Chalice when Sick The occurrences of colds
and flu are currently increasing, a reminder to everyone to
consider the wellbeing of your fellow parishioners.
If you are not feeling well, we would respectfully ask you to
please refrain from receiving Communion from the Chalice during
Mass.
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Ministers this Weekend... ...of the Word ...of Communion
6pm Tuncurry A: Neil Pye B: Valarie Ross
Burness Goodlet, Frank Hayman, Maureen Pye, Michael Siddle, Neil
Pye.
7am Tuncurry A: Chris Matuszny B: Maree Gapps
Alex Matuszny, Cushla Drake, Kay Griffiths, Maria Armitage,
Patricia Cornish.
9am Forster A: Kris Koch B: Sharon Fowle
Barbara Kermode, Genevieve Williamson, Robyn Ryan, Sharon Fowle,
Shioney Neal.
Ministers next Weekend... ...of the Word ...of Communion
6pm Tuncurry A: Monica Hunt B: Lou Hope
Lou Hope, Maureen Stevens, Michael Amato, Owen Carroll, Ruth
Pearson.
7am Tuncurry A: Bronwyn Morse B: Tony Knight
Alex Matuszny, Cecile Malone, Cushla Drake, Edna Tucker,
Patricia Cornish.
9am Forster A: Marie Keep B: Trevor Turner
Alan McCarthy, Anne Moloney, Barbara Dolahenty, Coral McCarthy,
Elle Cairns-Cowan.
Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as
originally published, and doesnt take account of any swaps that may
have been organised between individuals.
Scripture Readings This Week
Today Ezekiel 33:7-9 Romans 13:8-10 Matthew 18:15-20 Monday
Micah 5:1-4 or Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 Tuesday 1
Corinthians 6:1-11 Luke 6:12-19 Wednesday 1 Corinthians 7:25-31
Luke 6:20-26 Thursday 1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13 Luke 6:27-38
Friday 1 Corinthian 9:16-19, 22-27 Luke 6:39-42 Saturday 1
Corinthians 10:14-22 Luke 6:43-49 Sunday Numbers 21:4-9 Philippians
2:6-11 John 3:13-17
Todays Liturgy of the Word
Responsorial Psalm Response: O that today you would listen to
his voice! Harden not your hearts.
Gospel Acclamation God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to
himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to
us. Alleluia!
Text: Excerpts from the English Translation of the Roman Missal
2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL);
Music: From the Mass of St Francis 2010, Paul Taylor. All rights
reserved. Used with permission. Australian AgentLicenSing Online
Lic No. 624844.
In your charity, please pray for:
Those recently deceased. Hazel Middleton.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now. Tanzini Cesare,
Bernice Baragry, Jean Byrne, Marjorie Moss.
All those in our community who are sick.
