OUR LITURGY
FIRST READING Isaiah 56: 1. 6-7
We hear how the prophet Isaiah challenges his
contemporaries to have care for justice, to act with
integrity, for the Lord’s salvation will be manifested in
Jesus. God’s house is to be called a house of prayer for
all peoples.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 66
R O God, let all the nations praise you!
SECOND READING Romans 11: 13-15. 29-32
St Paul was comfortable in his mission to be the apostle
to the pagans. The reconciliation of the world through
Jesus manifests how God never takes back his gifts or
revokes his choice.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom, and
healed all who were sick.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
GOSPEL Matthew 15: 21-28
We hear how, just like the Samaritan woman at the
well, Matthew shows how the dialogue of Jesus with a
Canaanite woman reveals that faith is respected and is
open to more than just the lost sheep of the House of
Israel.
REFLECTION
Today we move ahead in our reading of Matthew’s Gospel.
Last week we read about Jesus walking on the water and the
disciples’ confession of faith that Jesus is the Son of God. If
we were reading Matthew’s entire Gospel, we would have
read about Jesus’ debate with the Pharisees about Jewish
purity laws. Jesus argues that it is not what goes into us that
makes us unclean; he is referring to the strict Jewish dietary
rules. Instead our words and our actions—what comes out of
us—make us unclean because they emerge from a heart that
is unclean.
Knowing about Jesus’ debate with the Pharisees helps us to
understand today’s Gospel. In fact the story heightens the
surprise and shock we feel as we hear Jesus’ exchange with
the Canaanite woman. The woman, who is not Jewish,
approaches Jesus, requesting that he heal her
demon-possessed daughter. At first Jesus ignores her; he says
nothing. The disciples ask Jesus to send her away, and Jesus
agrees, remarking that he was sent to minister to the Jews
alone.
The woman persists, paying homage to Jesus, and yet Jesus
denies her request again. He even insults her, using a Jewish
word of derision for Gentiles, “dog.” But the woman
cleverly turns Jesus’ insult into an affirmation of faith. Only
then does Jesus grant her request and heal her daughter.
Jesus’ unresponsiveness to this woman may strike us as
uncharacteristic or shocking. Yet in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’
ministry is directed primarily to the people of Israel. At only
a very few points, such as the one found in today’s Gospel,
do we find Jesus anticipating the later Christian ministry to
the rest of the world.
Pope Francis Quotes:
“Our Prayer cannot be reduced
to an hour on Sundays. It is
important to have a daily
relationship with the Lord”.
St John the Baptist Catholic Church
Plympton Parish
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
16th August 2020
PLYMPTON MASS TIMES:
Weekday Masses - 9.30am
Mon, Wed, Thurs & Friday
Saturday Vigil - 6.00pm
Sunday - 8.30am and 10.00am
Confession - Saturday 11.30am
Baptisms - 2nd & 4th Sunday
11.30am (by appointment)
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Recently Deceased:
David Richard Nussio, Praising Sioson, Edwin Jhosue Acosta,
Leonarda Nicolo, Bradley Wenceslaus, Richard Bachmann,
Rev. Father Terry Kelly, Brother Kevin Francis Hogan, Estrella
Alvarez.
May they rest in peace!
Anniversaries:
Robert Hay, Muriel & Keith Koen, Elsie Boylen, Vito Alvarez,
Melchor Alvarez, Elena Badili, Pedro Cortes, Charita Cortes,
Elias Cortes, Beatriz Cortes.
The Sick:
Charlie McRae, Elva Pomalaza, Max Blanco, Silvia Carrillo,
Irma Paredes, Antonietta Caruana, Fr Chris Warnlock, Angelica
Mendoza, Tamia Zegarra, Jeremy Sia, Anne Chiu, Betsabeth &
Sebastian Trujillo, Ignacio Pomar, Chrisanthi Panayotakis, Paz
Jayme, Mercedes Li, Reynaldo Melchor Cruz, Emily Elgueta,
Rob, Natalia Memije Sabio, Kevin Clarke, Fr John Chambers
and all sick children.
We also pray for the sick in our parish,
in nursing homes, hospitals and the housebound.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
We are having Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every
Friday and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to be with
the Lord in silent adoration. It will be after Friday mass from
10.00 am till 12.00 noon. Benediction is at 11.45am.
PLAY 2 GROW
ST JOHN’S PLAYGROUP
Wednesdays 9-10.30am in the School Hall
0-5 Year Olds
Gold Coin Donation Everyone Welcome
Enquiries: St John’s School—8293 6280
KNITTING AND CROCHET YARN NEEDED
Knitting and crochet yard needed for various craft activities.
Please leave for Sr Anne Cashen at the parish office or at the
Pines Office, 342 Marion Road, Plympton. Many thanks
Chrism Mass – Booked Out
The Archdiocesan Mass of the Oils is on Tuesday August 18
2020 at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral at 6pm.
The Mass is now booked out but will be live streamed via
www.adelaide.catholic.org.au.
If you would like more information regarding this event,
please contact the Office for Worship on 8210 8287 or
Archdiocesan Events on P: 8210 8220 or via E:
READERS AT MASS
There are no rosters for readers at this time. Parishioners
are still learning about the opening of the churches. In the
meantime, if you are a minister of the word, you can offer
yourselves to the celebrant or organisers prior to mass
commencing.
ST VINCENT de PAUL
PLYMPTON/EDWARDSTOWN CONFERENCE
This weekend, a representative from Vinnies will join us to
have a chat regarding volunteers to help in supporting the
people in the community that are in need.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
FOR ALL ENCOUNTERED COUPLES/PRIESTS
We are delighted to invite you for the forthcoming
Enrichment Program, on Sunday August 23 from 2pm to
4pm via Zoom. Presenters: Andrew & Marian, Worldwide
Marriage Encounter Australian Ecclesial Team.
We would love to see you. For zoom details/link and your
confirmation, please email [email protected] or
call/text Charlie & Joy on 0411 289 462.
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC MEN’S GATHERING 2020
The ACBC National Catholic Men’s Gathering for 2020 is
being offered as a free event for registered participants. This
modified program will be delivered in four pre-recorded
sessions of approximately 1 hour in length, available from
Saturday August 15. Registration is free. To register please
visit http://www.catholicmensgathering.com.au/
BAPTISM
Congratulations and welcome to:
Zinnia and Zara Okwu and their parents
Emeka & Mariam.
May God’s blessing be with Zinnia & Zara as they receive
the Sacrament of Baptism this weekend.
KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS NEWSPAPER
COLLECTION
On the First Sunday of each month the Knights Newspaper
Collection will be after each weekend Mass.
Please leave your papers on the Eastern side of the Church
near the seat. Social distancing will be observed.
The dates for collection are 6th SEPTEMBER, SUNDAY 4th
OCTOBER, SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER, SUNDAY 6th DE-
CEMBER. Thanking everyone for your continued support.
Proceeds support charities and our parish schools.
Darryl Smitheram and Simon O’Neill.
Plympton/Edwardstown Knights of the Southern Cross
THE SOUTHERN CROSS
The new August edition of the Southern Cross is now
available in the church porches.
Please support your local Catholic Newspaper.
COLLECTION FOR LAST WEEK
1st Collection $852.75
2nd Collection $1,625.00
(Incl loose plate - $351.00)
Appeals for Vocations $327.50
FATHER’S DAY - 6 SEPTEMBER
If you wish to have your father (living or deceased)
remembered on Fathers’ Day, please fill out the form in
the church foyer. A basket is provided and the names will
be taken to the altar in the Offertory Procession.
EASING OF RESTRICTIONS UPDATE
Under Step 3, a two square metre per person rule will apply
with no cap on numbers. No need to book for mass but we
ask that everyone must sign in, on the sheets in the church
foyer, with a name and contact phone number.
The Premier has announced that as of last Wednesday, July
29, the number of people allowed at funerals and weddings in
South Australia will be 100.
Confessions have resumed on Saturdays at 11.30am till
12noon.
Hand sanitiser is available at church entrance and is to be used
upon entering the church and leaving the church.
Care should be taken at the dismissal and on leaving the
church to minimise social contact.
Sanitising wipes are provided in each of the empty pews. In
order to prevent cross infection, it would be greatly
appreciated if at least one person could take a wipe and wipe
the seat, and hand rail for the pew where you are seated
before you leave the church.
If you are not feeling well, we ask you to please stay at home.
NEW DIRECT GIVING APP
The Adelaide Archdiocese’s Find a Mass App has been
upgraded to allow people to contribute to the first and second
collections via their mobile phone. Users can make a one-off
donation or set up recurring donations to their parish and
community (second collection) and for the support of the
clergy (first collection) as well as to special collections held
throughout the year. If you have any inquiries, please call
8210 8160 or email [email protected]
Search for ‘Adelaide Mass App’ from the Apple
and Google Play stores.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL OF EVANGELISATION
You are invited to come and be
Healing Seminar
Guest Speaker & Celebrant - Fr Patrice Ndemasi
When: Saturday 29th August 2020
Where: St Peter Claver Parish Hall, 1A Stuart Road, Dulwich.
Time: 10.30am to 3.30pm
Because of Covid19 protocols no food sharing. Bring your
own lunch and snacks.
Praise & Worship: Teachings: Mass & Healing Service
Please register your intention to attend. Contact:
0419144872.
NAMING GOD (GOD BEYOND ALL NAMES) - MFP
You are warmly invited to attend the MFP Seminar, Naming
God: God Beyond all Names presented by Michael Trainor
on Saturday, September 5 2020
At this stage we are planning to hold the seminar at the
Catholic Education Centre Conference Room 7 & 8 as well as
streaming on Zoom. Due to COVID restrictions, numbers are
strictly limited and RSVP via email is absolutely essential. Click
here Naming God Seminar. Please RSVP via email to Suzanne
H o r a n , E A M i n i s t r y F o r m a t i o n P r o g r a m
[email protected] stating your attendance
option by Friday August 28 2020 to: Option 1 – Attending in
person, including full name/s of attendees or Option 2 –
Connecting via Zoom, including preferred email address.
PARISH INFORMATION
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR - Fr Denis Ssemuju
8293 6600
DEACON Paul Crowe
8293 6600 (Tues, Thurs & Friday)
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE - Mary-Anne Quinn
8293 6600
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE - Heran Jayasuriya
8293 6600
PARISH OFFICE
Open Monday - Friday - 9.00am - 2.00pm
Parish Secretary - Helen Konieczny
342 Anzac Highway, Plympton SA 5038
Phone 8293 6600 Fax 8293 8992
Email: [email protected]
Website: parish.stjohnplympton.com
Postal Address: PO Box 90 Plympton SA 5038
Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson
Tanya McNamara
Child Safety Officer - Helen Konieczny - 8293 6600
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL - 8293 6280
Principal -
Co-Principal - Bernadette Lacey
Deputy Principal - Joanne Livingstone
APRIM - Angela DeNadai
Hearing assistance available. Please ask for a receiver.
COMMUNION FOR COELIACS
Please see Priest before Mass to arrange a
gluten free Host.
TOILETS ARE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOYER
Baby change table available for use in toilet area.
www.facebook.com/PlymptonCatholic Parish
Next Week’s Readings
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
MASS INTENTIONS
Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to offer a
Mass for your loved ones.
Feast Days During the Week
Wednesday 19th August - St John Eudes
Thursday 20th August - St Bernard
Friday 21st August - St Pius X
Saturday 22nd August - The Queenship of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This weekend we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her feast day, August 15th
is a holy day on the Australian Liturgical calendar. In the Catholic Church, holy days of
obligation are days on which the faithful are expected to attend Mass, and engage in rest from
non-essential work and recreation. The significance of this feast day in Australia is demonstrated
by the fact that the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference has decided that, in addition to all
the Sundays in the year, the only feast days to be observed in Australia as holy days of
obligation are the solemnities of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas Day), and the
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This obligation has been negated this year because of
COVID-19.
On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII solemnly defined in Munificentissimus Deus on that “the
Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly
life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” Although the solemn definition may
have been at the midpoint of the twentieth century, the belief in the Assumption of our Blessed
Mother has been longstanding in our Church. We must remember that the early Church was
preoccupied with resolving questions about Christ, particularly His incarnation and the
hypostatic union (the unity of His divine and human natures in one person). However, in
addressing these questions, the Church gradually defined the titles of Mary as Mother of God
and as the New Eve, and the belief of the Immaculate Conception, all of which form the basis
for the Assumption.
Pope Pius XII cited various Church Fathers to trace the longstanding tradition of the belief of the
Assumption – St. Modestus of Jerusalem (d. 300), St. John Damascene (d. 749), St. Andrew of
Crete (d. 740), and St. Gregory of Tours (d. 594), to name a few. St. John Damascene recorded
an interesting story concerning the Assumption: “St. Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem, at the
Council of Chalcedon (451), made known to the Emperor Marcian (d. 457), who wished to
possess the body of the Mother of God, that Mary died in the presence of all the Apostles, but
that her tomb, when opened, upon the request of St. Thomas, was found empty; wherefrom
the Apostles concluded that the body was taken up to heaven”.
The early Church Fathers defended the Assumption on two counts: Since Mary was sinless and a
perpetual virgin, she could not suffer bodily deterioration, the result of original sin, after her
death. Also, if Mary bore Christ and played an intimate role as His mother in the redemption of
man, then she must likewise share body and soul in His resurrection and glorification. The
Byzantine Emperor Mauritius (582-602) established the celebration of the Dormition of the
Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 for the Eastern Church. (Some historians speculate that the
celebration was widespread before the Council of Ephesus in 431.) By the end of the sixth
century, the West likewise celebrated the Feast of the Assumption.
The Feast of the Assumption gives each of us great hope as we
contemplate this one facet of the beautiful woman of faith, our Blessed
Mother. Mary moves us by example and prayer to grow in God’s
grace, to be receptive to His will, to convert our lives through sacrifice
and penance, and seek everlasting union in the Heavenly Kingdom.
Mary-Anne Quinn
Pastoral Associate