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 8:30am unl the beginning of the 9am Mass, on Saturday aernoons at Forster from 4:45pm unl 5:15pm, or other mes by contacng Fr Andrew.
Bapsms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any of our Sunday Masses or aer the 9am Mass. The next Bapsmal Preparaon meeng will take place in the Parish Halls meeng rooms on Monday 8th September commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish Oce 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 Oce 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 Oce for more details, or visit the Parish website. Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry
Follow us on Twier: @catholic Holy Name Parish School (K6) 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: admin@forster.catholic.edu.au W: www.forster.catholic.edu.au St Clares High School, Taree (712) Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)
Tur Pnnisu Dinnv(for the week ahead) Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time
Monday1st September
Tuesday2nd September 9am Chrisan Meditaon (Bob 6555 5914) 10:30pm Anoinng Mass @ Beaumont Terrace 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Family Ministry Commiee meeng @ Forster 5:30pm Chrisan Meditaon (Bob 6555 5914)
Wednesday3rd September Memorial of St Gregory the Great 9am Mass @ Forster 9:30am Secular Franciscans meeng @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @ Forster 2pm Anoinng Mass @ Kularoo Gardens 4:30pm Parish Pastoral Team meeng @ Forster 5.30pm Finance Council meeng @ Forster
Thursday4th September 9am Mass @ Forster 7pm Womens Bible Study (Natasha 0407 589 935)
Friday5th September Spring Ember Day (see page 4) 9:30am Mass @ Forster
Saturday6th September 8:30am Reconciliaon @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 2:30pm Wedding @ Tuncurry 4:45pm Reconciliaon @ Forster (unl 5:15pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry
Sunday7th September 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster 5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benedicon @ Tuncurry Rrcutnn Ac1ivi1irs iN 1ur Pnnisu Secular Franciscan Fraternity The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on Wednesday 3rd September, coming together for Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the meeng 10am to 12pm.
The menALIVE Groups Our Parish currently hosts two menALIVE groups. The morning group will next meet on Wednesday 10th September aer 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 informaon contact Natasha on 0407 589 935.
Chrisan Meditaon Our Parish hosts a number of opportunies for the pracce of Chrisan meditaon. These opportunies takes place on Tuesdays at two disnct mes, 9am and 5:30pm. For more informaon 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 informaon.
Singing Pracce The Singing Group will be meeng again on Tuesday 2nd September at 5:30pm at Tuncurry. All welcome.
Collecon of Foodstus for Homebase The next collecon of foodstus in support of Homebase will next take place on Sunday 7th September.
Holy Hour The Parish community observes a Holy Hour each Tuesday aernoon in the Tuncurry Church from 3:30pm unl 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 informaon contact Shioney on 6554 9468.
Evening Prayer & Benedicon The Parish community celebrates on the rst Sunday of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It will next be celebrated on Sunday 7th September. All welcome. Pnnisu Socint FuNc1ioNs ron 2014 The date for the remaining Parish Social Funcon 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. DnNcrnous Fni1u Talks taking place in the region about being Chrisan in the Middle East. Flyer is available from the rear of the church with further details. 3
Hosri1nt & HoMr Visi1s Because of the restricons 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 Oce or Fr Andrew. CoMMuNioN rnoM 1ur Cunticr wurN Sick The occurrences of colds and u are currently increasing, a reminder to everyone to consider the wellbeing of your fellow parishioners.
If you are not feeling well, we would respecully ask you to please refrain from receiving Communion from the Chalice during Mass. FonMn1ioN ron MiNis1nv PnocnnM A series of formaon 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 oered in Krambach beginning on Saturday 13th September.
All units completed can be credited towards a Cercate in Ministry. Brochures and yers are available at the rear of the churches. There is no cost for parcipang in the program.
For more informaon on the program, please email Sharon Murphy in the Diocesan Chancery on sharon.murphy@mn.catholic.org.au or the Tenison Woods Educaon Centre by email twec@ssjl.org.au. FnoM 1ur Pns1ons Drsk In the Catholic Church around the world, today is kept as the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. There are many trouble spots in the world, the latest being Northern Iraq and Syria. These places have been the cause of more people being forced to ee their homelands in the face of violence and persecuon. It is mely to remember on this day the Chrisan teaching that all human beings have a right to live life to the fullest safe from persecuon.
It is unfortunate, then, that in Australia these issues surrounding refugees and migrants are vexed ones and more oen the cause of division than harmony.
Australia, of course, is a naon that has been built through the labours and eorts of many who migrated here of their own accord (or via transportaon), or who have arrived here because they were eeing violence and persecuon in other parts of the world. By and large, they have been made welcome here, and Australia is, I would argue, much the stronger as a naon for it.
The generaon of fearparcularly of those things we do not understandcan be used for many foul purposes, but none more so then when it is used in an aempt to dehumanise those who have been created in the image and likeness of God, and who, for that very reason alone, have a legimate call on our compassion, our hospitality, and our generosity.
Unl next week Fr Andrew Vocn1ioN Virw O God, you are my God whom I seek. St Augusne recognised that our hearts are restless unl they rest in the Lord. Let go of all that blocks your seeking for God (Psalm 63:2). For more informaon regarding Vocaons contact Fr Brian Mascord on 4979 1112 or by email to vocaons@mn.catholic.org.au. A ou1 Nrx1 wrrk! 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 July edion of Aurora. The July edion of Aurora will appear in The Newcastle Herald and The Maitland Mercury on Tuesday 2nd September, in The Scone Advocate on Thursday 4th September and in The Muswellbrook Chronicle, The Manning River Times and The Singleton Argus on Friday 5th September. EMnrn DnvsWun1 Anr Turv? Ember Days mark the beginning of each of the four seasons. The name ember is similar in derivaon to the German Quatember, quarter day. Australian observes the First Fridays of Autumn and Spring (March, September) as special days of prayer and penance, focussing on the environment, the seasons and Gods providence.
On rogaon and ember days the pracce of the Church is to oer prayers to the Lord for the needs of all people, especially for the producvity of the earth and for human labour, and to give God public thanks.
General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar, 45 Cn1uotic Nrwsrnrrns Avnitnntr Both The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and The Catholic Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at a cost of $2 each from our churches. 4
Wuv Wr Do Wun1 Wr Do No. 3 Why do you, and some other parishioners, bow during the saying of the Nicene Creed?
This is a very good queson. At the very heart of the reasons behind this bow is a recognion of the profound nature of what it is that is being said at the same me.
The General Instrucon of the Roman Missal tells us that
The Symbol or Creed is sung or recited by the Priest together with the people with everyone standing. At the words et incarnatus est, etc (and by the Holy Spirit...and became man) all make a profound bow; but on the Solemnies of the Annunciaon and of the Navity of the Lord, all genuect. (GIRM, 137)
The reason the profound bow is prescribed is in order to honour the Incarnaon, God taking human form in the person of Jesus, which is the most profound act of Divine Revelaon in human history. Because of the signicance of this acon on Gods part, we respond during the praying of the Creed (or Symbol of Faith as it is also called) by making a profound bow at the menon of Jesus taking on human form.
If you have a queson that youve always wanted an answer to, now is your chance to ask. Quesons can be submied for Fr Andrew either by email or by wrien note. How great is the goodness, Lord, that you keep for those who fear you. Gr1 BruiNo Mr New Testament Commentary by Mary Coloe PBVM Remember when you were at school. One week you gave the right answer and received high praise. Then, sll wearing the aura of success you oered another answer, only this me it was totally wrong. This is Peters experience. In last weeks Gospel Simon, now named Peter (Rocky), gave the correct answer to Jesus queson You are the Christ (the Anointed One). Well done, Peter.
But Jesus begins to explain that as Gods anointed one, he must now leave Galilee and journey to the Religious centre of Judaism and there he will experience conict, persecuon and death. To this Peter speaks again, and Mahew says Peter rebukes Jesus. In all the Gospels the word rebuke is used for an exorcism, to dispel an evil spirit. Peter, in rebuking Jesus, acts as if Jesus has been taken over by an evil Spirit, that Jesus plan to go to Jerusalem and even to enter into death and conict is not the way of God.
Jesus response to Peter makes it clear that it is Peter, not Jesus, who is under the inuence of an evil spirit. First, Jesus once again renames Simon/Peter, this me calling him, Satan. Then he tells Peter that he is a stumblingblock the Greek actually uses the word skandalon. This is a very strong word both in the OT and NT where it has the sense of an obstacle in the path of faith or causing someone to go astray from faith.
Jesus decision to go to Jerusalem, knowing the likely consequences, is in some mysterious way the right path of his mission. Peter, in wanng to prevent this, in fact is blocking the way of God no wonder he is named Satan. While in earlier Hebrew thought Satan was not considered to be a source of evil, but rather one working with God to test faith (e.g. Job), by the rst century in Jewish thought Evil was not simply associated with an impersonal power, but was linked to an actual Being opposed to God. This personal being was somemes called Belial, or Satan, or the diabolos.
In calling Jesus the Christ he speaks from a Jewish understanding of the role of the Messiah/Anointed One (Christos in Greek). The expectaon was that the Messiah would be a son of David, and like king David would triumph over Israels enemies and win their freedom. This is not the type of Messiah that Jesus is. Jesus way of being the Messiah is to struggle against the oppressive spiritual powers that enslave and corrupt. This struggle will even take Jesus to his death. When Jesus begins to explain this, Peter remonstrates with him for Peters idea is of a glorious and victorious Messiah. In this Peter is acng as the Tempter, Satan, who tries to lead Jesus away from his true path.
Jesus words to Peter put him in his right place. Peter is a disciple, and the place for disciples is behind Jesus so that they can be his followers. It is not yet Peters role to lead. So Peter is told Get behind me take up the place of a follower, and stop being an obstacle in front of me.
Somemes I act like Peter. Somemes I nd myself telling God what to do, what would be the best course of acon. Like Peter I forget my place. Not only can I tell God what is best, but I then can work very hard to see that this happens! It is not easy leng God be God and dealing with the anguish of being an ordinary human being struggling with lifes mysteries. 5
Cnn PnnkiNc n1 Fons1rn Cuuncu Recent edions of Bridgeside Bullen have carried a reminder about the use of the new car park layout at the Forster church.
What it didnt menon was the expectaon that use of the ostreet parking should be priorised along a case of need (i.e. for the less mobile members of our worshipping community) rather than arrival.
Please be mindful of the less mobile members of our Parish community when using the car park at Forster so that they can connue to join us for Mass without unnecessary diculty of having to park at great distances from the church building. MicnnN1 nNo Rrrucrr SuNonv "Migrants and Refugees Towards a Beer World" is the inspired theme chosen by His Holiness Pope Francis to celebrate the 100th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday, 31 August 2014. The following is an extract from his message for today......
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our sociees are experiencing, in an unprecedented way, processes of mutual interdependence and interacon on the global level. While not lacking problemac or negave elements, these processes are aimed at improving the living condions of the human family, not only economically, but polically and culturally as well. Each individual is a part of humanity and, with the enre family of peoples, shares the hope of a beer future. This consideraon inspired the theme I have chosen for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees this year: Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Beer World.
An important element in building a beer world is the eliminaon of prejudices and presupposions in the approach to the arrival of migrants, displaced persons, asylumseekers and refugees, which give rise to suspicion and hoslity. Every human being is a child of God! He or she bears the image of Christ! We ourselves need to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees do not only represent a problem to be solved, but are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved. They are an occasion that Providence gives us to help build a more just society, a more perfect democracy, a more united country, a more fraternal world and a more open and evangelical Chrisan community. Migraon can oer possibilies for a new evangelizaon, open vistas for the growth of a new humanity foreshadowed in the paschal mystery: a humanity for which every foreign country is a homeland and every homeland is a foreign country.
Dear migrants and refugees! Never lose the hope that you too are facing a more secure future, that on your journey you will encounter an outstretched hand, and that you can experience fraternal solidarity and the warmth of friendship! To all of you, and to those who have devoted their lives and their eorts to helping you, I give the assurance of my prayers and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing. Francis Aus1nntinN Cn1uotic 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. Enotn CnN1 Dnivr PuitirriNrs MissioNnnirs rnoM Sirnnn LroNr The six missionaries, four Filipinos and two Spaniards ranging in age from 27 to 60 serve in two parish communies in the diocese of Makeni in West Africa, one of the highrisk areas of the country for Ebola infecon.
They reached their decision to stay aer consulng about the situaon with the apostolic administrator of the Makeni diocese, Fr. Lauro Larlar, the Philippines provincial of the order, toldNCR Monday.
As of Monday, the World Health Organizaon reported at least 1,145 people have died from the outbreak of the disease among 2,127 conrmed probable and suspected cases recorded by ministries of health of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The actual number of cases could run much higher, the WHO statement added.
Three Recollect missionaries who had been on vacaon in the Philippines could not reenter Sierra Leone because of travel prohibions, Larlar said.
The apostolic administrator gave the missionaries freedom and respected the decision of the group, Larlar said. The missionaries decided not to leave because they believe they can help more by remaining with the people, he said.
"They are aending to the people; they administer the sacraments, hold daily prayer with the people. That's what we call the apostolate of presence so people will feel they are not abandoned."
"People who are exposed to this virus will feel they are accompanied, that the church suers with them, the church works for them," Larlar said.
An Evening with Dr John Irvine An evening with Dr John Irvine will be held on Tuesday 2nd September at 6:30pm at St James Primary School, Skellatar Stock Route, Muswellbrook. Dr John Irvine is one of Australias most prominent child psychologists. Come along and hear him speak about Anxiety K12: Red ags & what parents can do to support their children. A Taree date also available on Wednesday 10th September. Light refreshments will be served from 6:30pm. Entry is by gold coin donaon, with all proceeds will benet charity. Visit www.mn.catholic.edu.au/drjohn to secure your seat.
Foster Care Stories from the Heart The Tenison Woods Educaon Centre in Conjuncon with Catholic Care invites you to an evening called Foster CareStories from the Heart on Wednesday 10th September at the Cathedral Funcon 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 informaon phone 4930 9601 or email twec@ssjl.org.au.
Family Group Renewal Day The MaitlandNewcastle Family Group Renewal Day will be held on Saturday 6th September at 10:30am at 2 Lake St, Windale. Please RSVP by 4th September to John & Pauline McGrath, MaitlandNewcastle Family Group Coordinators by phone to 4946 7460 or 0418 482 568, or by email to mcgraths_12@hotmail.com.
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 parcipaon of Bishop David Walker. For further enquiries, please call 9847 0448 or email registraons@dbb.org.au.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Marriage Encounter Weekend is a Marriage Enrichment experience for married couples set in peaceful, picturesque surroundings, away from the distracons of everyday life. During the weekend, couples have a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh their relaonship. Take me 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 wsharpe@bigpond.net.au.
Social Jusce Dinner A Social Jusce Dinner, with guest Bishop Georey 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 twocourse 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 MaitlandNewcastle BSB 062808 Account 1025 5506. Please include reference "your name" Robinson Dinner.
Charismac Renewal Healing Mass The Newcastle Catholic Charismac 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 Charismac 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.
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 & prospecve Catechists, and runs for six Fridays. RSVP to Zoe Crosbie by phone to 4979 1328 or by email to sre@mn.catholic.org.au.
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 essenals again, including our faith. All are welcome to come! Contact St Michaels Parish Oce on 4981 1069 for more details.
2014 Naonal 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 8
Ministers this Weekend... ...of the Word ...of Communion 6pm Tuncurry A: Bob Cashman B: Colleen Cashman Carolyn Ollie, Jeanee Goodacre, Kathryn McCabe, Pat Hooker, Valarie Ross. 7am Tuncurry A: Norm Chapman B: Cushla Drake Cushla Drake, Graham Griths, Mark Mowbray, Norm Chapman, Patricia Cornish. 9am Forster A: Lauranne Byrne B: Greg Byrne Barbara Dolahenty, Greg Byrne, Josie Beech, Robert Moran, Trevor Turner. Ministers next 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 Griths, Maria Armitage, Patricia Cornish. 9am Forster A: Kris Koch B: Sharon Fowle Barbara Kermode, Genevieve Williamson, Robyn Ryan, Sharon Fowle, Shioney Neal. Please note: The above informaon reects the rosters as originally published, and doesnt take account of any swaps that may have been organised between individuals. Scnir1unr RrnoiNcs Tuis Wrrk
Today Jeremiah 20:79 Romans 12:12 Mahew 16:2127 Monday 1 Corinthians 2:15 Luke 4:1630 Tuesday 1 Corinthians 2:1016 Luke 4:3137 Wednesday 1 Corinthians 3:19 Luke 4:3844 Thursday 1 Corinthians 3:1823 Luke 5:111 Friday 1 Corinthian 4:15 Luke 5:3339 Saturday 1 Corinthians 4:615 Luke 6:15 Sunday Ezekiel 33:79 Romans 13:810 Mahew 18:1520 Toonvs Li1uncv or 1ur Wono
Responsorial Psalm Response: My soul is thirsng for you, O Lord my God.
Gospel Acclamaon Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart, that we might see how great is the hope to which we are called. Alleluia! Text: Excerpts from the English Translaon of the Roman Missal 2010, Internaonal Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL); Music: From the Mass of St Francis 2010, Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Australian AgentWord of Life Internaonal Licence no 195E. IN voun cunni1v, rtrnsr rnnv ron:
Those recently deceased. Scott Gibbons, Irene Nichols.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now. Ray Kernahan, Bonnie & John Favero.