Granville Catholic Church Record Vol. 2. No. 7. February 12, 2017 6 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A The Official Bulletin of Holy Trinity Parish at Granville and Holy Family Parish at East Granville With the close of Christmastide and as we approach Lent the Church enters the season of Ordinary Time. The Church now vests herself in the colour green which symbolises hope. Ordinary Time refers to two periods of time in the liturgical year that are found in the calendar of the ordinary form of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. The name of this time is Tempus per annum translated as “time during the year”. observed as Trinitytide. Both of these periods of time, combined, are the longest time in the liturgical year. The weeks of Ordinary Time are numbered, which is where the name “ordinary” comes from because it is from the word “ordinal” meaning numbered. Several Sundays bear the name of feasts or solemnities celebrated on those days, including Trinity Sunday and the Feast of Christ the King. Ordinary Time comprises two periods: the first period begins the day after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday; the second period begins on the Monday after Pentecost, the conclusion of the Easter season, and continues until the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent. In some traditions, the first period is celebrated as Epiphanytide, and the latter of these periods is ORDINARY TIME ✠
Transcript
Granville Catholic Church Record
Vol. 2. No. 7. February 12, 2017 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
The Official Bulletin of Holy Trinity Parish at Granville and Holy Family Parish at East Granville
With the close of Christmastide and as we approach Lent the Church enters the season of Ordinary Time. The Church now vests herself in the colour green which symbolises hope. Ordinary Time refers to two periods of time in the liturgical year that are found in the calendar of the ordinary form of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. The name of this time is Tempus per annum translated as “time during the year”.
observed as Trinitytide. Both of these periods of time, combined, are the longest time in the liturgical year. The weeks of Ordinary Time are numbered, which is where the name “ordinary” comes from because it is from the word “ordinal” meaning numbered. Several Sundays bear the name of feasts or solemnities celebrated on those days, including Trinity Sunday and the Feast of Christ the King.
Ordinary Time comprises two periods: the first period begins the day after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday; the second period beg in s on the Monday a f t e r Pentecost, the conclusion of the Easter season, and continues until the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent. In some traditions, the first period is celebrated as Epiphanytide, and the latter of these periods is
Missionary Sisters of Mary, Queen of the World — Australia Sr. Justina Pham
T (02) 9637-1827
JMJ
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
Please remember in your prayers those who are sick including Janelle Allan, Marlene Ashton, Ann Blesson,
Thomas Brady, Leslie Cotter, Eileen Dean, Evangeline Grabato, Elizabeth Hicks, Paul Hoes, Jacob Lee, Ester Matos, Tony Moussa, Ben Nursoo, Flory Pinto, Peter Rahme, Anna
Saunig, and those who care for them.
Saint Raphael, who are called ‘the Remedy of God’ and ‘the Angel of Health,’ pray for them. Amen.
IN MEMORIAM
In your charity, pray for the souls of all the faithful departed, and particularly for the following deceased. Arribas
family, Caruana family, George Chayban, Joyce Dwyer, Wadim Gabreal, Raymond Gee, Gravino family, Harb family, Raymond Bakos Hekeik, Simon Hekeik, Hekeik family, Joe
Joseph, May Joseph, Jack Kelly, Pierre Kizana, Jack McIntyre, Charles Micallef, Sam Moussa, Doris Pickering, Guy Pitel, Matilda Sadek, Tenn family, Lorna Thomas, Graham Wales,
As Fr. Andrew will be the only Priest in both parishes for a few weeks there will be no Mass this Friday morning at 9:15 a.m. at Holy Family Church. This Friday, Mass will be said at Holy Trinity Church at 9:15 a.m. However, all other Masses for the week will be said at the usual times.
Holy Trinity Friendship Group
Morning Tea
The Holy Trinity Friendship Group begins again for the new year. Join them at a morning tea in MacKi l lop Hal l on Tuesday, 14th February at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. So come along and join your fellow parishioners for a morning of socialising. I f yo u w o u l d l i k e m o r e information on the activities and events of the Holy Trinity Friendship Group speak with John Borg or telephone the parish office on 9637-1904.
Are you interested in serving the parish? Right now we are in need of catechists (Special Religious Education teachers) to teach the faith to students in local public schools. This is a wonderful opportunity to make known the faith that was made known to you and to pass it on to a new generation. You do not need any past experience in teaching as the diocese, through the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (C.C.D.), provides all the training that you will need to succeed in this vital role. So if you are interested in becoming a catechist or if you just want more information then speak with Fr. Andrew or Joe Elias, Catechist Co-ordinator, or call the parish office on 9637-1904 and we will be happy to help. This is a great way for you to participate in the life of the parish and to make known the Catholic faith to so many others.
Thank you to all those who came along and supported the sausage sizzle fundraiser in aid of St. Francis Social Services’ House of Welcome. $600 was raised that day, all of which goes to support the House of We l c o m e t o b e o p e n e d a t St. Joseph’s Convent across the road from Holy Family Church. This money will be used for m u c h n e e d e d r e p a i r s a n d maintenance to the convent to make it ready to serve those in our community most in need of support. If you would like to make your own contribution to this project either by donating money or by giving your services as carpenter, electrician, plumber, or in other ways then please contact the parish office on 9637-1904.
H O L Y TRINITY PA R I S H
Holy Trinity Statue
The Holy Trinity statue commissioned by the parish to adorn the church has been completed and has been delivered to the parish. It has been placed temporarily on the Sacred Heart A l t a r be fo re i t i s i n s t a l l ed permanently before the ambo. However, we are looking for the help of a carpenter to construct the stand for the statue. If you are able to help or if you know of anyone who can help please let Fr. Andrew know. We will be very grateful for your service.
Shrove Tuesday
O n S h r o v e T u e s d a y , 28th February, we will again hold the traditional Burning of Palms and the Burial of the Alleluia followed by a pancake supper. But we need your help. If you have palms left over from last Palm Sunday please bring them to the church and leave them in the narthex. We will collect these palms and burn them to make the ashes to be used the next day on Ash Wednesday. And if you can help cook pancakes for the supper or if you have a hotplate that we can borrow then please let Fr. Andrew know. This was a great success last year and so join us again this year and be part of these great traditions of the Church and join in the fun.
Holy Trinity Friendship Group
Morning Tea
The Holy Trinity Friendship Group will host a morning tea in MacKi l lop Hal l on Tuesday, 14th February at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. So come along and join your fellow parishioners for a morning of socialising.
On behalf of Holy Trinity Parish and pas t Par i sh Pr ies t s and Adminis t ra tors I extend our gratitude to Maria DeLeon for her years of dedicated service to the parish. Chris and Maria are moving to their new home and, for that, we wish them well. Maria grew up in the parish and has used her God-given talents to serve the Church all for the glory of God. She has been an inspiration to us and an example of someone who seeks to give back and to make a contribution and participate in her parish. And for this we have all been blessed by her tremendous voice which has graced everything from Sunday Masses to Tenebrae to Carols on the Lawn to Carols by Candlelight and to so many solemnities. Through this she has helped to build the finest parish music ministry in the diocese. So thank you, Maria, for all that you have done. We wish you God’s grace and blessing and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Catechists (Special Religious Education)
Meeting on Friday, 17th February
The first term catechist meeting will be held on Friday, 17th February at 9:30 a.m. at the parish office. Those who currently serve as catechists are asked to attend the meeting. And if you are interested in becoming a catechist and teach in the local public schools then please come along to the meeting for more information on this valuable service.
John Porte l l i O R G A N I S T
Weddings and Special OccasionsAvailable to Travel to Your Church
The Diocesan Works Fund (D.W.F.) Appeal is being held across the diocese during February. Donations to the appeal will provide financial support to our not-for-profit social services. Each year, more than 20,000 inquiries for assistance are received by the Ephpheta Centre, which supports the deaf, and CatholicCare from refugees, youth, families, young mothers, the elderly and people with disability. Appeal envelopes are available from your parish or donate online at: www.faithatwork.org.au.
Volunteer Bus Driver Needed
St. Hedwig Village
St. Hedwig Village aged care facility in Blacktown is in need of a volunteer bus driver for residents’ outings, usually twice a month. Excellent driving record and current LR (light rigid) or equivalent licence is essential. For further information contact the Manager 8822-9903 or send your resume and deta i l s to [email protected].
Pilgrimage Information Session
Sunday, 12 March
Fr. Wim Hoekstra, Parish Priest of St. Michael’s Parish at Baulkham Hills, is accompanying a pilgrimage ‘Of Celtic Saints, English Martyrs and Aussie Links’. The pilgrimage to Ireland, Scotland and England will depart on 25th September and return on 25th October. Some of the places to be visited on t h i s p i l g r image i nc lude Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Glastonbury, Dublin, Knock, Fort William, Iona, Holy Island (Lindisfarne), Durham, York, Cambridge, Walsingham, London and Canterbury. An information afternoon will be held on Sunday, 12th March at 2:30 p.m. in the Downey Room at St . Michael’s Parish Offices, 1-3 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills. Brochures are available on request by sending an email to F r . W i m H o e k s t r a a t [email protected] or by writing to P.O. Box 1501, Baulkham Hills, N.S.W. 1755.
Lenten Retreat for Young Adults
24 to 26 February
A Lenten retreat for young adults will be held from Friday, 24th February to Sunday, 26th February at Mount Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa. The cost is $180 for students, and $210 for those in full-time employment . Regis t ra t ion i s essential and can be made by sending an email to Sr. Mary Julie at [email protected].
The Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross that marks the beginning and end of the Holy Mass, and which signifies the sealing of the Word of God “in our minds, on our lips and in our hearts” at the reading of the Gospel, has its origin in the first centuries of Christianity. The sign of the cross, done by fa i th , has immense power. St. Benedict once did the sign of the cross over a poisoned drink meant to kill him, and as his hand moved reverently through the four directions of the cross, the glass shattered. Each sign of the cross is also a sign—a renewal even—of one’s personal decision to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. How many times have we gone through the “motion of the cross" instead of the “sign of the cross”?
1163 “Holy Mother Church believes that she should celebrate the saving work of her divine Spouse in a sacred
commemoration on certain days throughout the year. Once each week, on the day which she has called the Lord’s Day, she keeps the memory of the Lord's resurrection. She also
celebrates it once every year, together with his blessed Passion, at Easter, that most solemn of all feasts. In the course of the year, moreover, she unfolds the whole mystery of Christ… Thus recalling the mysteries of the
redemption, she opens up to the faithful the riches of her Lord’s powers and merits, so that these are in some way made present in every age; the faithful lay hold of them and are filled with saving grace.”
1164 From the time of the Mosaic law, the People of God have observed fixed feasts, beginning with Passover,
to commemorate the actions of the Saviour God, to give him thanks for t h e m , t o p e r p e t u a t e t h e i r remembrance, and to teach new generations to conform their conduct to them. In the age of the Church,
between the Passover of Christ already accomplished once for all, and its consummation in the kingdom of God, the liturgy celebrated on fixed days bears the imprint of the newness
of the mystery of Christ.
The Church has everything, even a patron saint of ice cream. And that’s St. Brigid of Ireland, a 5th century nun and a friend of St. Patrick. The reason for her being the patron saint of ice cream may come from a legend which says that she was known to turn water into milk (and even beer) for the curing of the sick at Easter. Because of this she is also the patron saint of dairy workers. St. Brigid is honoured by Catholics and Orthodox, and her feast is celebrated on February 1st.
Try to find these words: altar angry commands death disciples gift glorious mature mysterious offer peace respects
First Reading The Book of Ecclesiasticus (15:15-20)
If you wish, you can keep the commandments, to behave faithfully is within your power. He has set fire and water before you; put out your hand to whichever you prefer. Man has life and death before him; whichever a men likes better will be given him. For vast is the wisdom of the Lord; he is almighty and all-seeing. His eyes are on those who fear him, he notes every action of man. He never commanded anyone to be godless, he has given no one permission to sin.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 118:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34. ℟. v. 1) ℟. Happy are they who follow the law of the Lord!
They are happy whose life is blameless, who follow God’s law! They are happy those who do his will,
seeking him with all their hearts. ℟.
You have laid down your precepts to be obeyed with care. May my footsteps be firm
to obey your statutes. ℟.
Bless your servant and I shall live and obey your word. Open my eyes that I may consider
the wonders of your law. ℟.
Teach me the demands of your statutes and I will keep them to the end. Train me to observe your law,
to keep it with my heart. ℟.
Second Reading First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2:6-10)
We have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity: not a philosophy of our age, it is true, still less of the masters of our age, which are coming to their end. The hidden wisdom of God which we teach in our mysteries is the wisdom that God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began. It is a wisdom that none of the masters of this age have ever known, or they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory; we teach what scripture calls: the things that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, things beyond the mind of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him.These are the very things that God has revealed to us through the Spirit, for the Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia!
Gospel The Gospel of Matthew (5:13-16)
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish them but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven. ‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny. ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell. ‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. ‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God’s throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’
