MERRYLANDS DRIVING SCHOOL

LEARN TO DRIVE SAFELY WITH A SENIOR DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

WITH 27 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SMALL LATE MODEL AUTO CAR

$50.00 PER HOUR

INSTRUCTOR: VICTOR OLENIK Phone: 9636 6357– Mob:0419 266 479

LESSONS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY Lic No: 11661106

* General Painting

* Wallpaper * All repairs: Timber, gyprock, render & tiles (prior to painting)

www.gebranpainting.com.au

0414 268 603

ST . MARGARET MARY ’S PARISH MERRYLANDS

PARISH INFORMATION

PARISH OFFICE: 1-5 Chetwynd Rd, MERRYLANDS NSW 2160 Postal Address: PO Box 757, Merrylands. Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 3.00pm

Phone: 9637 2526 9637 2014 Fax 9637 2442 Email: parish@stmm.org.au Website: stmm.org.au

PARISH GROUPS CO-ORDINATORS: Office Administrator/Secretary: Patricia Aviet

Finance Committee: Reuben Dias

Parish Council:

Chair: Fr Janusz Pawlicha, OSPPE

Secretary: Cheryl Fortini

Fundraising :

Samantha Tawil - 0424 755 311

Christyna Tawil

Catechists: Sonia Abi-Rached

Music : Kerry van der Linden

Sacraments: Christopher Barnes - 0415 663 966

Acolytes / RCIA : Peter Carroll

Readers: Gwen D’Silva

Youth groups: Teen S.W.A.T : Fr Peter James/ Rita Jacobson Pauline S.W.A.T: Fr Peter James

Legion of Mary: Merwyn D’Souza –0478 109 569

Playgroup: Maryanne – 0416 116 707

St Vincent de Paul: 1800 606 724

Bus to Berrima –Giovanna– ph 9682 1008

Our Parish is under the Pastoral Care of the Order of St Paul the First Hermit (known as the Pauline Fathers) who for more than 630 years are renowned

Custodians of the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Jasna Gora, Poland.

Parish Priest Fr Janusz Pawlicha

Assistant Priest

Fr Peter James Strohmayer

Prayer: Holy Father-Pope Francis’ monthly intention:

MARCH Formation in Spiritual Discernment That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.

First Friday:

11am: Maltese Mass 7.00pm: Holy Mass, Stations of the Cross followed by Exposition

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays-Eucharistic Adoration: 9.30 am-2.30pm 4th Sunday of the month: 1.00pm - 1.30pm– Divine Mercy Devotions 1st Friday of the month: approx. 8.30pm– midnight

Vespers– Sunday Evenings 5.15 pm - 5.45pm

RCIA sessions– Sunday mornings 9am Mass followed by Session 10 am –11am

Devotions:

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Tuesday: after morning Mass Wednesday: 6.30pm

Veneration of the Holy Face of Jesus:

Tuesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Divine Mercy Devotions 4th Sunday of the month: 1.00pm - 3.00pm, 3.00pm - Holy Mass

Baptisms: 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month

Reconciliation: Tues - Fri 8.30 - 8.55am Sat - 9am - 9.30am and 4.30pm-5.30pm (or by appointment)

Marriages: By appointment only (6 months required)

Sick Calls: 9637 2526– option 3 or 0412 625 187 - any time

THIS WEEK: 18 Mar 2018 - 24 Mar 2018 Counting: Group D Church Cleaning: C Altar & general cleaning– Nada & Volunteers

NEXT WEEK: 25 Mar 2018 - 31 Mar 2018 Counting: Group E Church Cleaning: D Altar & general cleaning– Nada & volunteers

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

18 th MARCH 2018

WEEKEND MASSES: WEEKDAY MASSES:

Saturday: 6:00pm Vigil Monday: 9:15am

Sunday: 7:30am Tuesday: 9:00am & 7:00pm

9:00am Wednesday: 9:00am & 7:00pm

10:30am Thursday: 9:00am

6:00pm Friday: 9:00am & 7:00pm

Saturday: 8:30am

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON

Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God,

are my strength.

FIRST READING Jer 31:31-34

A reading from the prophet Jeremiah

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and the House of Ju-dah, but not a covenant like the one I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant of mine, so I had to show them who was master. It is the Lord who speaks. No, this is the covenant I will make with the House of Israel when those days arrive – it is the Lord who speaks. Deep within them I will plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I will be their God and they shall be my people. There will be no further need for neighbour to try to teach neighbour, or brother to say to brother, ‘Learn to know the Lord!’ No, they will all know me, the least no less than the greatest – it is the Lord who speaks – since I will forgive their iniquity and never call their sin to mind.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

(R.) Create a clean heart in me, O God.

1. Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt. and cleanse me from my sin. (R.)

2. A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit. (R.)

3. Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. (R.)

SECOND READING Heb 5:7-9

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews

During his life on earth, Christ offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. Alt-hough he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ! If you serve me, follow me, says the Lord; and where I am, my servant will also be. Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!

GOSPEL Jn 12:20-33

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. These approached Philip, who came from Bethsaida in Gali-lee, and put this request to him, ‘Sir, we should like to see Jesus.’ Philip went to tell Andrew, and Andrew and Philip together went to tell Jesus. Jesus replied to them:

‘Now the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life. If a man serves me, he must follow me, wherever I am, my servant will be there too. If any-one serves me, my Father will honour him. Now my soul is troubled.

What shall I say: Father, save me from this hour? But it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name!’ A voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ People standing by, who heard this, said it was a clap of thunder; others said, ‘It was an angel speaking to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not for my sake that this voice came, but for yours. ‘Now sentence is being passed on this world; now the prince of this world is to be overthrown. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all men to myself.’

By these words he indicated the kind of death he would die.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Amen, Amen I say to you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single grain. But if it dies, it ears much fruit.

The scriptural quotations are taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Co Inc, and used by permission of the publishers. The English translation of the Psalm Responses, the Alleluia and Gospel Verses, and the Lenten Gospel Acclamations, and the Titles, Summar-ies, and Conclusion of the Readings, from the Lectionary for Mass © 1997, 1981, 1968, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS

25th March 2018 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

(Entrance-Mk11:1-10 or John 12:12-16)

Is 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 14:1-15:47

Please remember to switch off your mobile phone

HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Saturday 24th March -6pm– Vigil

Sunday 25th March–7.30am, 9am & 10.30am, 6pm (blessings of palms and olive branches at all Masses)

Monday 26th March -9.15 am Mass only

Tuesday 27th March–9am & 7pm Masses Wednesday 28th March-9am Mass only. Wednesday 28th—No evening Mass & Novena at St Margaret Mary’s

The Chrism Mass– St Patrick’s Cathedral Wednesday 28th March –7.30pm

Holy Thursday 29th March- No Morning Mass Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper– 7.00pm

Friday of the Passion of the Lord – Good Friday Stations of the Cross –10am Celebration of the Passion of the Lord–3pm

Holy Saturday 31 March - No Morning Mass Easter Vigil in the Holy Night– 7pm until approx. 9 pm

Sunday of the Resurrection– 1st April 7.30am,9am, 10.30am & 6pm

PALMS & OLIVE BRANCHES FOR PALM SUNDAY– 24 & 25 MARCH 2018

We are seeking donations of palms and olive branches for our procession and blessing for Palm Sunday–24 & 25 March. Deliveries of palms & olive branches to be left in the foyer of the church on Friday 23 March and Saturday 24 March by Midday.

Thank you

PRAYER REQUESTS

Sam, Charly & Samira Hasham

Cecil Rebeiro

Reshna Jordan

Tony Ralph

Joshua Dehan

Kartia Grace Russell

Michael Falzon

Peter Newman

Katrina Smith

Tony Ostojic

Lucita De Los Reyes

Hanna & Adam Kmita

Frank Grapa

Marie Smith

Mary Casey

Ludivina Green

John & Victoria Pjetraj

Mario & Christian Pjetraj

Alice Said

Willie & Tereza Cutajar

Gabrielle Wehbe

Diamond Pacheco

Katarina Lana

Stan Schwebel

Ann Stephenson

Shelly Barnes

Shirley Forno

Elsie Patricia Turnbull

Fiona Khoury

Annie Ingram

Teresa Saad

June Lewis

Anthony Hanna

George & Mary Spiteri

Christopher Oldham

Jack Pickering

Jocelyn Santos

Therese Taouil

Nour & baby Tannous

Hervé Nicolas

Therese Strohmayer

Therese Nicolas

Luca Jerkovic

Stefania Zielinska

Anna Batur

Fr Gabriel Taylor

Giovanna Prestipino

Andrew Tawil

Audrey Aviet

PARISH MORNING TEA

This Sunday 18 March 2018 After 10.30 Mass

Where: Pastoral Centre Hosted by: Parish Council Next week: Playgroup

ALL WELCOME

LENTEN PROGRAM– 2018 “Surrender Lenten Program–

Wollongong Diocese”

Thursday Evenings – 7.00pm Pastoral Centre

next Session– Thursday 22nd March

All are welcome for an evening of guided prayer and meditation during Lent. Each week we will meditate and discuss the com-ing Sunday’s Gospel and readings.

LENT 2018 STATIONS OF THE CROSS

WEDNESDAYS - FOLLOWING 9am Morning MASS

FRIDAYS - FOLLOWING 7pm Evening Mass

FRIDAYS IN LENT

Rosary –6.30pm

Holy Mass-7pm

Stations of the Cross 7.30pm following 7pm Mass

LENTEN MORNING DEVOTIONS FOLLOWING ALL MORNING MASSES

During the period of Lent , we are all invited join in our special Lenten morning devotions following the morning Masses. We will be reciting the chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Litany of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

ALL WELCOME

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2018

ENROLMENT MASS THIS WEEKEND 10.30AM

RECONCILIATION PROGRAM:

All preparation sessions held on SUNDAYS after 10.30am Mass

Session 1: 6 May 2018 Session 2: 20 May 2018 Session 3: 27 May 2018 Session 4: 3 June 2018

RECONCILIATION LITURGY– WEDNESDAY 6 June 2018– 7.30pm

Any queries, please contact Chris on Mondays 2-4pm at the Parish office–ph 96372526 OR 0415663966

EASTER FUNDRAISING

CHOCOLATE PASCHAL LAMBS

$10 per box ON SALE THIS WEEKEND 17 /18 MARCH

PASCHAL LAMBS are the perfect Easter gift and they will be available for purchase after all masses THIS WEEKEND- AVAILABLE WHILE STOCK LASTS. We will be selling white and milk chocolate lambs

2ND RITE OF RECONCILIATION Tuesday 20 March 2018

7.30pm following 7pm MASS

The 2nd rite of Reconciliation will be available on the 20th

March following the 7pm Mass in preparation for Easter. We will commence with community Prayers to prepare for rec-onciliation, followed by the opportunity for individual confes-sions.

LEGION OF MARY—ACIES Saturday 24 March—8.30am

All are invited to join our Legion of Mary members for Holy Mass on Saturday 24th March at 8.30am followed

by Holy Rosary & special prayers including a collective conse-cration to Mary. Morning tea will be held in the pastoral cen-tre after the morning devotions

PARISH EASTER EVENT

SATURDAY 7th APRIL

Time: 11am to 2pm Price: $6 per child (this includes entry to the animal petting farm, Easter egg hunt, arts and craft) Food and drinks will also be available for purchase on the day.

Show bags will be on sale after all Masses NEXT

weekend (24/25 March) and on the day. If you would like to place a pre-purchase order, please see one of the fundraising mem-

bers following all Masses NEXT weekend.

DONATIONS OF EASTER EGGS In order to minimise the costs of our fundraising activities and maximise the funds raised. We are seeking dona-tions of packs of Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt for Saturday 7th April.

Please leave your donations with any committee member following the weekend Masses. You are also welcome to bring them to the Parish office during the weekday opening hours. Thank you .

27th ANNUAL - HOLY SHROUD FIESTA CELEBRATION

EASTER MONDAY 2nd APRIL 2018 2:45 pm in our Parish

*Con-Celebrated Mass at 3:00pm followed by Eucharistic Pro-cession and Benediction *Refreshments Entertainment and Raffle Prizes at the Parish

Hall

ALL WELCOME

REMEMBER your Project Compassion box and/or a set of donation envelopes and please continue to support Caritas Australia this Lenten season themed “A Just Future”. You can donate through Parish boxes and envelopes, or by phoning 1800 024 413 or visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion