T he he Parish V ision S t at ement We are an We are an acti - - PDF document

01st / 02nd February, 2020

Year A: Vol.45 No.09

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Parish V ision S t at ement

Please visit our Parish Website: www.standrewsmarayong.org.au

PARISH REGISTRATION

If you have not filled out a Registration Form, please do so as soon as possible and return it to the Church or Parish

• Office. Forms are available at the back of the Church.

If you are a new parishioner, we ask you to complete a Registration Form, and return it to the Parish Office.

Bulletin Highlights …

⬧ Calendar for February 2020 ⬧ Faith Formation Program ⬧ Stations of the Cross during Lent ⬧ Reflection on Liturgical Matters ⬧ Upcoming Parish and Diocesan Events

T he he PRE S E N E N T A T A T I T IO N N

• f t

the L he L O R O RD

PARISH STAFF: Monsignor Ron McFarlane Father Florito [Flor] Apalias Father Luis Herrera Maria Hyson (Sacramental Coordinator)

Michelle Sultana &

Joe Clemson (Office staff) Parish Office: Phone: 9622 0817 Fax: 9671 7971 40 Breakfast Rd, Marayong 2148 [PO Box 4345] Email Address: saapm@bigpond.com Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm After hours phone: 9676 7960 Presbytery: 41 Breakfast Rd, Marayong WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday (Vigil) 6.00pm Sunday: 7.30am, 8.45am, 10.30am . SUNDAY SCHOOL: Each Sunday morning after the 8.45am Mass.

Weekday Masses:

Monday: 9.00am Tuesday: 9.00am Wednesday: 9.00am Novena & Mass: 7.00pm Thursday: 9.00am Friday: 9.00am Holy Hour & Mass: 7.00pm Saturday: 9.00am Mass for the Sick: 4th Saturday

• f the month at 9.00am

Rosary: After each morning Mass and before the Saturday Vigil Mass SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

• After weekday morning

Masses.

• Saturday: 4.30pm - 5.30pm
• Anytime by arrangement.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Baptisms: 1st & 3rd Sunday

• f each month at 11.45am

Baptismal Preparation: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Fr Byrne Centre. Please book for Baptisms with the Parish Office. PIETY STALL: Open after Masses on Saturday night and Sunday morning or by asking for an appointment at the Parish Office.

• FR. BYRNE CENTRE:

(Parish Meeting Rooms) 38 Breakfast Rd, Marayong. PARISH SCHOOLS:

• St. Andrew’s Primary

Principal: Yvette Baird Phone: 8869 6700 Address: 36 Breakfast Road Marayong 2148

• St. Andrews College

College Principal: Stephen Kennaugh Phone: 9626 4000 Campus - Junior Campus (Yrs. 7-10) Address: 116 Quakers Road Marayong 2148 Senior Campus (Yrs. 11-12) Address: 50 Breakfast Road Marayong 2148

SA CRA M EN T O F FI RST H O LY CO M M U N I O N

This Program will commence in Term 1 for children in Years 3 and above who have received the Sacrament of Penance.

Registration Forms ……... may be collected from the Parish Office starting Monday 03th February 2020 [These forms may also be collected from the Parish Office on Sunday 09th February and Sunday 16th February between 9.30 and 11.30am] Registration Evening: Tuesday 18th February 2020 at 7.00pm in the Church Classes: Sundays 01st March & 08th March 2020 [Classes begin with 8.45am Mass and conclude at approximately 11.30am] Sacrament of First Holy Communion: Saturday 21st March at 6pm and Sunday 22nd March 2020 at 8.45am or 12:15 pm [choose one] Please note – Allocation to the 6pm, 8:45 am or 12:15pm Masses will be based on when Registration forms are collected from the parish office.

From Monsignor Ron …

I believe that on this feast day Simeon and Anna teach us an important lesson of searching for God. Of course, this is a false question for God is always with us. At the same time, we do need to become more aware of his presence and grow deeper in our relationship with him. So it would be profitable for us to ask how they managed to pick this child out of the

• crowd. I think the answer lies in the fact that they

were waiting in the Temple. I like to see this as a statement about their prayerfulness and about their desire to be as close to God as possible. This is important because so often when our lives lose focus, purpose, direction, or fulfilment we give into the temptation of materialism. This material and the self-centredness it entails is what our world so often presents to us is the path to fulfilment. Simeon and Anna were open to God and welcomed him. In our faith we are asked to seek out the signs of God’s saving presence around us. Then we are called to proclaim this good news to a world desperate for signs of hope. Only when we have recognised and proclaimed God’s saving love can we actually achieve the purpose of our existence.. Jesus comes to renew our vision about how to live. Jesus comes as one of us, to take away our sins and to empower us to be his disciples. There are a couple of points that come from all this. In the first place we need to ask ourselves if we actively seek the presence of Jesus in all the events

• f each day and in all the people we meet each day.

If we see life as an invitation we look beneath the surface and discover the presence and activity of God and whatever happens. We also will realise we cannot afford to neglect or cut off any one person because every person brings God to us. We need to make sure we apply this to every aspect of our lives, including our families and our parish community. We need to discover the presence of our God and accept our privilege to proclaim his good news in every situation. I see today’s feast day in a somewhat similar way to the way I view the season of Advent. It is an invitation to prepare ourselves to meet our God in the events of

• ur daily lives by striving each day to become the

person that God created us to be. Jesus came to be a light to the world and our preparation involves us in becoming representatives of Jesus to our world, which means our first priority is accepting we have a mission which is to work with Jesus and continue his work in the world.

BUSHFIRE APPEAL:

We express our gratitude to all parishioners who participated so generously with the bushfire appeal last weekend. Some people do not have the

• pportunity to do so and so we offer the opportunities

to you to now become involved in this vitally important appeal to help our brothers and sisters who are in such need. There are envelopes at the doors

• f the church and we do encourage you to make use
• f them.

Stations of the Cross during Lent:

We invite people in the various ministries to offer their services in leading the Stations of the Cross of Friday evening during the season of Lent. HJM will be responsible for Friday, March 6 and Friday, April 3 as this is the monthly Mass during which they provide music. We need volunteers for March 13, 20, 27

Commissioning of Catechists:

The catechists who exercise ministry in our parish state schools will be recommissioned for this ministry at all Masses on the weekend February 22 & 23.

MASS READINGS -YEAR A THIS SUNDAY: The PRESENTATION of the LORD

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm: Ps 23:7-10 Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-32

NEXT SUNDAY: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10 Psalm: Ps 111:4-9 Second Reading: 1 Cor 2:1-5 Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16 Please contact the Parish Office, if you are unavailable for your rostered Ministry.

THIS WEEK’S ROSTER: 01st / 02nd February 2020 [1st Sunday of the Month-Even Month] Ministries 6.00pm 7.30am 8.45am 10.30am Acolyte

Ruben Bables Joe Doyle Ged Oblea Rufino Oblea Joy Kadodkar Mario Spiteri Ike Enriquez Deacon Thong Nguyen

Commentator

Stephen Debrincat Mary Anne Xuereb Maria Hyson Peter Maw

First Reader

Roshan Thomas Anthony Culbert Joyce Vincent Linda Ranee

Second Reader

Maria Valentine Julie Nunez Zoe Victoria Donnie Velasco

Projector Operators

Delia Fernandes Volunteer Required JohnPaul & A Bhandoo Volunteer Required

Welcomer

Henryka Ogrodniczek Annette Hudson Rita Vaughn Dot Kaster, Des Zammit YouthWorks!

Musicians

Lorraine's Group NO Music Mass Worship Hymn Dingalings

Ministers of Communion - First Sunday of the Month NEXT WEEK’S ROSTER: 09th / 09th February 2020 [2nd Sunday of the Month - Even month] Ministries 6.00pm 7.30am 8.45am 10.30am Acolyte

Romy Gapud Emmanuel Tabone Gus Kaster Joe Doyle Olan Cruise Mario Picart Noe Adan Edward Yuliardhyanto

Commentator

Nenette Gapud Claire Blunt Antonette Elogious Socorro Amos

First Reader

Mirza Alata Volunteer Required Belinda Elogious Allen Brady

Second Reader

Volunteer Required Pauline Sultana Rose Rotik Volunteer Required

Projector Operators

Francisca Martinez Volunteer Required Jaden Victoria Justine Webb

Welcomer

Annette Hudson Claire Blunt Agnes iligan Volunteer Required Volunteer Required

Musicians

Hearts NO Music Mass Deep Shore Choir Couples for Christ

Ministers of Communion - Second Sunday of the Month

F O R T H CO MI N G P R O GR A MS :

• 1. The Faith Formation Program (RCIA):

Will continue on the first Monday of February. Of course all parishioners are invited to attend and participate in subjects they would be interested to learn more

• about. This weeks topic: •

Knowing God’s Hope

• 2. Reflection and Study of the Bible:

This program will commence 25th February and will be facilitated by Father Flor. The theme is unlocking the mystery of the Bible, further details available next week.

• 3. Lenten Discussion Group and Reflection Meetings: For those interested in a daytime or evening Lenten

reflection group, we are prepared to conduct these. These could be either daytime or evening. If you are interested please put your name on the list at the door of the church. The booklet that will be used will be the Lenten Program from the Wollongong Diocese which is available for sale in the piety store.

Lenten Reflection Books

Once again we have obtained the Lenten program book from Wollongong Diocese. This is a 76 page full-colour book and has short daily reflections which are perfect for individual devotional reading. The book also includes material for discussion groups. These are available in the piety store at a cost of $10.

FIRST FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY DEVOTIONS: On Friday, February 7 we will have our monthly Holy Hour

commencing with Mass at 7 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to spend time with our loving God and to express our devotion and worship to him.

SENIORS GROUP MEETING : Second Thursday each month at the Fr Byrne Centre 10am

Welcoming new members interested in coming together to share friendship, to pray and discuss the Sunday Gospel and plan other interesting activities. Over a cuppa, talk about issues and our understanding and ideas about local and broader events that are of interest. Transport can be organised.

STEPPING BEYOND — SUPPORT GROUP FOR SEPARATED / DIVORCED ADULTS

Living through a separation or divorce can be an overwhelming experience. Not only are the hopes and dreams for your future shattered, but this experience accompanies isolation, loneliness, challenges supporting or caring for your children, and sometimes difficulty communicating with your spouse or partner

• ver legal matters.

Stepping Beyond Monthly Support Group is a safe environment to explore these issues. Together with trained facilitators, each month members explore their challenges and celebrate their achievements on their journey. If you are separated or divorced and would like support, you are welcome to join Stepping Beyond. VENUE: 13 Buller St, North Parramatta DATE: Last Tuesday of each Month (Jan –Nov) TIME: 7.00pm – 9.00pm COST: $5.00 Further information & registration, please call Rita on 8843 2575 or email soloparentservices@ccss.org.au

M ARRI AGE A N N I V ERSARI ES FO R TH E M O N TH O F

O F FEBRUARY

Those parishioners who are celebrating marriage anniversaries during the month of February are invited to attend the 8:45am Mass on Sunday, February 16th for a blessing of their marriage.

If you would like to be involved, please contact the parish office with your details.

REFLECTION ON LITURGICAL MATTERS

It is an absolute fact that people make their own decision in regard to the manner in which they will receive Holy Communion, on whether they will be interested in becoming an Extra Ordinary Minister of Communion or taking up the ministry of Minister at the Altar. However, as is so often the case there is a fair bit of misinformation floating around and even being promoted in regard to these practices. For example, receiving Holy Communion: there always seems to be a lot of discussion in regard to how we should receive Holy Communion. Many people for some reason believe that it has always been the practice to receive Communion on the tongue. I would like to share with you something I read recently: “The Eucharist was received in the hand for the first nine centuries of Christianity. Pope Benedict XVI confirms this in his book God Is Near Us. He reminds us that communion in the hand was the original form of receiving communion. In the book he doesn’t take a firm stance on hand vs tongue, but he does remind us that the tongue is often no more “clean” than our hand, and that our tongue is often used to commit even more serious sin than our hands. Something for all

• f us to ponder.” Those who receive Communion may receive either in the hand or on the tongue,

and the decision should be that of the individual receiving, not of the person distributing Communion.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The Presentatjon of the Lord Saint Ansgar (Oscar), Bishop 09:00 Mass Saint Agatha, Virgin, Martyr Saints Paul Miki and his First Friday Saint Jerome Emilian, Counters: Group 5 Saint Blaise, Bishop, Martyr 09:30 Rosary 09:00 Mass Companions, Martyrs 09:00 Mass Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin 09:30 Sunday School Registratjons Open - 19:00 Choir Practjce Deep Shore 09:30 Rosary 09:00 Mass 09:30 Rosary Saturday memorial of the 11:45 Baptjsm First Holy Communion 19:30 Legion of Mary 19:00 Novena & Mass 09:30 Rosary 16:00 Junior Legion of Mary Blessed Virgin Mary 09:00 Mass 19:00 Music Practjce 19:00 Holy Hour & Mass 09:00 Mass 09:30 Rosary 20:00 Choir Practjce HJM 09:30 Rosary 19:30 Faith Formatjon 09:40 Jnr Legion of Mary 10:00 Church Cleaning CFC 16:15 Legion of Mary 16:30 Reconciliatjon 19:00 Prayer Meetjng HJM

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Scholastjca, Virgin Our Lady of Lourdes 09:00 Mass 09:00 Mass Saints Cyril, monk, Saturday memorial of the Counters: Group 6 09:15 Mass SAP Opening 09:00 Mass 09:30 Rosary 09:30 Rosary and Methodius, Bishop Blessed Virgin Mary 09:30 Sunday School 09:30 Rosary 09:30 Rosary 19:00 Novena & Mass 10:00 Seniors meetjng FBC 09:00 Mass 09:00 Mass 10:30 Mass - 19:00 SVdP Meetjng 19:30 Legion of Mary 19:30 Baptjsm Preparatjon 09:30 Rosary 09:30 Rosary Bishop Vincent celebratjng 19:30 Faith Formatjon 20:00 Music Commituee Meetjng 16:00 Junior Legion of Mary 09:40 Jnr Legion of Mary 10:00 Church Cleaning LoM 16:15 Legion of Mary 16:30 Reconciliatjon

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time The Seven Holy Founders 09:00 Mass [& SAP yr3] 09:00 Mass 09:00 Mass Commemoratjon of Saint Saint Peter's Chair Counters: Group 7

• f the Servite Order

09:30 Rosary 09:30 Rosary 09:30 Rosary Peter Damian, Bishop, Doctor 09:00 Mass for the Sick 08:45 Marriage Blessing 09:00 Mass 19:00 Registratjon Evening 19:00 Novena & Mass 20:00 Music Practjce 09:00 Mass 09:30 Rosary 09:30 Sunday School 09:30 Rosary First Holy Communion 20:00 Combined Music Practjce 09:30 Rosary 09:40 Jnr Legion of Mary 11:45 Baptjsm 19:30 Faith Formatjon 19:30 Legion of Mary for Ash Wednesday 16:00 Junior Legion of Mary 16:15 Legion of Mary 19:00 Youth Leaders Mass 16:30 Reconciliatjon 20:00 Choir Practjce HJM 19:00 Prayer Meetjng HJM Catechist Commissioning 6pm Mass

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time 09:00 Mass 09:00 Mass [& SAP yr2] Ash Wednesday 09:00 Mass 09:00 Mass 09:00 Mass Counters: Group 8 09:30 Rosary 09:30 Rosary 09:15 Mass SAP 09:30 Rosary 09:30 Rosary 09:30 Rosary Catechist Commissioning all Masses 19:00 SVdP Meetjng 19:00 Bible study reflection course 10:00 Rosary 14:00 Church Cleaning - Group 4 16:00 Junior Legion of Mary 09:40 Jnr Legion of Mary 09:30 Sunday School 19:30 Faith Formatjon 19:30 Legion of Mary 12:00 Mass 19:30 Music Practjce CFC 19:00 Mass & 16:00 Music Practice Worship Hymn 19:00 Mass Statjons of the Cross 16:15 Legion of Mary 20:00 Core Meetjng HJM 16:30 Reconciliatjon

February 2020