St Patrick’s Parish Oamaru, Kurow, Omarama, Otematata & Hampden DECEMBER 2019 68 Reed Street Oamaru JANUARY 2020 Phone: 03-434-8543 Email: [email protected] Parish Priest: Father Wayne Healey Parish Centre Administrator:Elaine Hurley Phone: 03-434-8543 Father’s Emergency Mobile 027-348-7681 Volume XXXVII Issue XI Website: www.oamarubasilica.org St Patrick's Parish Oamaru and Areas CHRISTMAS 2019 and JANUARY 2020 Timetable MASS TIMES Oamaru Basilica

Christmas Vigil: Tuesday 24th Dec Mass 8pm Christmas Day: Wednesday 25th Dec Mass 9.30am Saturday Vigil: 5.00 pm Sunday: 9.30 a.m. Kurow

Christmas Vigil: Tuesday 24th Dec (Carols 5.40 pm) Mass 6pm Sunday: Dec 29th, Jan 5th & 19th 12 noon Hampden

Christmas/New Year: No Mass Sundays: Jan 12th, 26th 11.30 a.m.

Thank you Note from the Parish Office

To everyone who has helped with articles This is a joyous season to take a step or in any other way that has made it back from our busy lives and enjoy time possible to produce the Parishioner over with our loved ones. the past 12 months. Without your help, May the Christmas season end the it would be impossible to achieve this. present year on a cheerful note and make A special thank you to our Advertisers way for a fresh and bright New Year. for making it possible to publish the Wishing you and your family a safe and Parishioner. blessed Christmas. Elaine Hurley Judy Moffat - Editor DECEMBER 2019 ROSTERS JANUARY 2020 ROSTERS

Sacristans Sacristans Sat Dec-19 Larraine & Dave Marriott Sat Jan-20 Tony & Glenys Kearns Sun Dec-19 Maurice Mulligan Sun Jan-20 Kathy Martin-Inkster Sat Feb-20 Jan Law Intercessory Prayer Writers Sun Feb-20 Maurice Mulligan 1/12/2019 Jan Law 8/12/2019 Roseanne Sheridan Intercessory Prayer Writers 15/12/2019 Neroli Cottam 29/12/2019 - 2/2/2020 Elaine Hurley 22/12/2019 Jan Tierney 25/12/2019 Liturgy Committee to Organise 29/12/2019 - 2/2/2020 Elaine Hurley Church Cleaners 5/01/2020 Dave & Sue Finlay Church Cleaners 12/01/2020 Eufrosina & Jimmy Finlayson 1/12/2019 Tony Kearns 19/01/2020 Eufrosina & Jimmy Finlayson 1/12/2019 Pauline Orr 26/01/2020 Sharny Guthrie 8/12/2019 Tony Kearns 26/01/2020 Anne Sutherland 8/12/2019 Pauline Orr 2/02/2020 Sharny Guthrie 15/12/2019 Gloria Mansfield 2/02/2020 Anne Sutherland 15/12/2019 Roseanne Sheridan 22/12/2019 Gloria Mansfield Lounge & Parish Cleaning 22/12/2019 Roseanne Sheridan 2/01/2020 No Cleaning 29/12/2019 Dave & Sue Finlay 9/01/2020 No Cleaning 16/01/2020 No Cleaning Lounge & Parish Cleaning 23/01/2020 Tony Kearns 5/12/2019 Bev Conlan 30/01/2020 Tony Kearns 12/12/2019 Susan Finlay 6/02/2020 Judy Linwood 19/12/2019 Susan Finlay 26/12/2019 No Cleaning Morning Tea Sunday 5/01/2020 Eufrosina Finlayson Morning Tea Sunday 12/01/2020 Chris Heywood 1/12/2019 Espie Orlowski 19/01/2020 Espie Orlowski 8/12/2019 Roseanne Sheridan 26/01/2020 Roseanne Sheridan 15/12/2019 Eufrosina Finlayson 2/02/2020 Eufrosina Finlayson 22/12/2019 Chris Heywood 29/12/2019 Roseanne Sheridan Counters 5/01/2020 Susan Henderson 5/01/2020 Bernadette Rawson Counters 12/01/2020 Ria Keogh 1/12/2019 Ria Keogh 12/01/2020 Christine Hall 1/12/2019 Christine Hall 12/01/2020 Mary Dwyer 1/12/2019 Mary Dwyer 19/01/2020 Gloria Mansfield 8/12/2019 Gloria Mansfield 19/01/2020 Carmen Sutherland 8/12/2019 Carmen Sutherland 19/01/2020 Frank Plieger 8/12/2019 Frank Plieger 26/01/2020 Andy Blackmore 15/12/2019 Andy Blackmore 26/01/2020 Pat Finlay 15/12/2019 Pat Finlay 26/01/2020 Anthea Finlay 15/12/2019 Anthea Finlay 2/02/2020 Lorraine Bremner 22/12/2019 Lorraine Bremner 2/02/2020 Marie Watson 22/12/2019 Marie Watson 29/12/2019 Mary Watson 29/12/2019 Ngaire Henderson 29/12/2019 Sally Galvin

VOLUNTEERS This is your responsibility. Please arrange a replacement if you are not available for the time or date rostered. Altar Society December 2019 Rosters Altar Society January 2020 Rosters

Altar Soc.Flowers Altar Soc.Flowers Dec-19 Glenys Kearns Jan-20 Jan Pleiger Feb-20 Glenys Kearns Altar Soc.Cleaning 1/12/2019 Gloria Mansfield Altar Soc.Cleaning 8/12/2019 Gloria Mansfield 5/01/2020 Margaret Pink 15/12/2019 Soane & Tuavale Misiloi 12/01/2020 Carmen Sutherland 22/12/2019 Soane & Tuavale Misiloi 19/01/2020 Carmen Sutherland 29/12/2019 Margaret Pink 26/01/2020 Bev Conlan 2/02/2020 Bev Conlan Altar Soc.Linen 1/12/2019 Anthea Finlay Altar Soc.Linen 8/12/2019 Cally McKenzie 5/01/2020 Mary Doyle 15/12/2019 Jeanette Mansfield 12/01/2020 Anthea Finlay 22/12/2019 Laurette Robinson 19/01/2020 Cally McKenzie 29/12/2019 Mary Watson 26/01/2020 Jeanette Mansfield 2/02/2020 Laurette Robinson Altar Soc.Brass Cleaning (Before Christmas) Dec - 2019 Margaret Pink Altar Soc.Brass Cleaning (Before Easter) Dec - 2019 Marion Morris Mar-2020 Jeanette Mansfield Mar-2020 Anthea Finlay

Prayer For The Advent Wreath Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Saviour of us all. O Lord, let your blessing come upon us as we light the first (purple) candle of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise of salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this in His holy name. Amen.

Dear Parishioners, The 125th Anniversary of the opening of our St Patrick’s Basilica was indeed a wonderful faith filled celebration. It began with the celebration of Mass for students and staff from St Kevin’s College and St Joseph’s on Friday afternoon. This was an opportunity to welcome St Kevin’s College into the Diocese. This handover of Proprietorship by the Christian Brothers of St Kevin’s College to the Dunedin diocese officially took place on Monday 16th October. This was followed by the official 125th Anniversary of the Basilica Mass on the Saturday evening. It was an awesome occasion thanks to our Liturgy Committee, participants of our parish along with Bishop Michael and visiting clergy, Dominican Sisters, visiting guests and the backbone of our parish namely you, parishioners young and old. The celebration of Mass was followed with cutting of the cake, speeches and supper held at the Brydone Hotel. Many people commented of the wonderful family atmosphere they experienced and the chatter and mixing of people around the tables truly completed a lovely evening. On Sunday we celebrated a faith filled Mass once again. This was followed by morning tea in the Dean O’Reilly Lounge which completed a very successful weekend. I’m sure I speak for most that it was a weekend to remember and left one proud to be part of St Patrick’s community. We turn to the last page of our calendars today for the season of Advent and then the celebration of Christmas once again. I believe we can look back at the past year and be pleased with what we have done as a community giving ‘Glory to God’ Blessing to you all. Fr. Wayne. Happenings Lost and Found Group Everyone is welcome to a Pot Luck Deaths: Lunch in the Dean O’Reilly Lounge We remember in our Prayers every 2nd Sunday of the month. Victor Talanoa Grace at 12 noon. Enquiries to Pam McDonald Blackmore’s 434-8133 Pat Kennedy Paul Docherty Prayer for Peace Today's Readings God our Father creator of the world 1st DECEMBER 2019 you establish the order which governs all the ages. 1st Sunday of Advent Hear our prayer and give us peace in our time that we may rejoice in your mercy and praise you without end.

Oamaru Churches Foodbank

Remember the Food Bank every Sunday of the month. Introduction to the Mass At the beginning of the Advent season, we consider the coming of the Lord at the end of time. This is because Advent is the experience of all the year round. Every time we pray in the Lord's Prayer, "thy kingdom come", we are St Patrick's Parish living the power of Advent. Christ will come again. Prayer Group

First Reading: Isaiah 2: 1-5 " Glory to God in the highest and on We climb the mountain of God separately, but we meet at earth peace to people of good will. " the summit. Members of our group wish our Parish Family a Happy and Holy Christmas, Second Reading: Romans 13: 11-14 A prosperous and healthy New Year, and safe travels. We are in the night, but we can see the dawn is coming. Our breakup will be the 3rd December. We will resume on 4th February 2020 Gospel of Matthew 24: 37-44 If you would like to join us, we meet on Tuesday 2-3pm in Pray, think, care, and then you will be awake, ready for God the Parish Centre meeting room. in all things. For a request or a visit phone Maurice 437-0338 ------or Fely 434-9118 January Readings 5th January 2020 Luke 2:10-11 "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: The Epiphnay for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which of the Lord shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Introduction to the Mass Today we celebrate the revealing of God's plan to the Gentile nations: the magi represent those non-Jewish peoples who accept the Gospel of Jesu, and with the magi we can give thanks that we have been included in the offer of the Good News.

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6 The light of the Lord's glory shines out and draws people from all over the world: they come to worship and to praise the Lord. Gospel of Matthew 2: 1-12 Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6 The magi, who represent the Gentile nations, come to The writer tells how the non-Jewish nations, now share in Jerusalem as they serch for the recently born king of the the same inheritance and promise as the chosen people, Jews; they are sent on to Bethlehem, the city of King through Christ Jesus. David. Parish Pastoral Co-ordinating Committee Editorial November 2019 Meeting A Question of Justice. The last meeting for the year was attended by 14 We often sing the refrain from the prophet Joel ‘to act justly’ parishioners with three apologies and was chaired by so at the Christmas Season it's maybe good to reflect on this Barry Rooney. question of Justice. Joseph was caught in a system that was Many of you would have attended the2019 January unjust. How did he react? The Roman rulers wanted to extract Planning gathering at St Kevin’s this year and will as much tax as possible from a subjected people. Count them remember making many suggestions for the year. Last all, and record it was the way they did it. Not just count them night we discussed the last of these although many where they lived, but count them in the towns and cities had already been achieved. For your interest here where they came from or their ancestors came from, forcing are some statistics: - there were 118 suggestions. Of many to make a journey. Not only for Joseph and Mary but these, 11 are still under discussion e.g. changes inside for many, it required a journey not paid for by the authorities. the Basilica; 25 are achieved or almost achieved e.g. It is 120 kilometres from Nazareth to Jerusalem and another driveway and Bible study in small groups; 19 were 10 kilometres from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and would take unable to be measured e.g. ‘Bring Jesus closer to the at least four days. This journey is about the same as walking people’; 9 were of praise so thank you; there were a from Oamaru to Dunedin but today there are no bandits on number that were interesting but proved impractical the way or bears or lions and the roads are roads not paths and others awaiting the leadership or approach for and tracks as in biblical times. help to set up groups. The important thing is that the No small journey for a heavily pregnant woman and a caring input of everyone was valued and, where possible, husband. I might ask myself how far I have ever walked in a acted on. Thank you. day let alone four continuous days. The organisation for the 2020 Planning meeting is When in Bethlehem another unjust authority came into already under way. It will be at the same venue at the picture, so to save their child the little family became St Kevin's Staff Room on the 25th January so please refugees like so many families in our world today. The mark your diaries as the health and holiness of the distance from Bethlehem in the West Bank to Cairo, in parish depends on everyone’s contribution. The Egypt is 420.52 kilometres, approximately the distance from format will be different and there will be a speaker. Oamaru to Kaikoura. This time the baby has to be carried and You will be hearing more about this as things fall in fed regularly in winter conditions. to place. Christianity began in a time of injustice. The hope of the early Congratulations to those who organized and Christian Communities and the Pauline letters that everyone participated in the Christmas Parade. It is good to see would live in an equal just society, has not materialised. At a Christian aspect introduced. the moment our Catholic family is facing injustice from within A huge vote of thanks to the organizing committee that has become public. When it becomes public we all have who arranged the magnificent celebration of the to cope with the fallout and as the Royal Commission gets Basilica’s 125th anniversary. To quote from one underway with its work we may have to face more. In the thank you note, ‘it was a regal occasion, beautifully gospel for the last Sunday of the Liturgical year Jesus warns organized, and the presence of the birds had some that there will be disasters and persecutions. We think about symbolic significance as well.’ persecution in the time of the early church but what about The reflection at the meeting was centred on the now. Already the media is running a type of persecution and ‘Footsteps in the Sand’ poem and how we all have some of it is unjust like publishing a photo of religious groups times when we rely on Jesus to carry us, even if we in which one was a perpetrator so by implication the photo don’t recognize this until after the crisis is past. indicated that all were is one such. This Parishioner is a big one so is an opportune time For the victims of sexual abuse and physical abuse there are to say thank you to Judy Moffat for the work and time long lasting effects in the way of trust. Who can the victim she puts in to the production. trust, and who, too, can we trust? Often there is a question The Works and Maintenance group have been of love. Abuse destroys love and the ability to love. Love is awaiting quotes to get the heating in both the Lounge the foundation of our faith. It is not easy in our time to give and the Basilica up to a much higher standard so all the victims true justice; it becomes a matter of forgiveness. It should be cosy by next winter. The painted lines on is not the victims who have to forgive; it is us. As a family we the Parish centre driveway have been done so please have to seek forgiveness for this thing that has happened so keep left of the yellow one. It has certainly made a often and we were blind to it or didn’t want to know. Or did difference to the ease of access for many people now. know and did nothing. This sort of communal sin is the sin of Let’s hope any more changes will make it even better. all of us and together we need reconciliation. May we all pray for a happy and holy Christmas The new family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus were faced with season for all members of the parish as we enter in to a hard journey. At this time we are faced with a hard journey. a new year for the church. Let us set out together and support one another on the way Coleen Blackmore and not pretend it is not happening. Let us act justly, love Secretary tenderly and walk humbly with our God. Sr Mary Horn TOM COX St Vincent de Paul Society PLUMBING & DRAIN LAYING Opportunity Shop * Available for Tees Street Oamaru all types of plumbing work. Hours: Monday 1pm-4pm Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm * Reasonable rates.

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Please remember St Patrick's Parish in your Will. Why not speak to your lawyer about it? Form of bequest

I give to the St Patrick's Parish Oamaru the sum of $...... For general purposes (or name of specific purpose) and I declare that the receipt by the Parish Priest for the time being of St Patrick's Basilica shall be sufficient discharge for this gift.

“We the Parish Community, welcome EVERYBODY to our Parish family, and Next Issue of Parishioner would love to meet and greet you all 2nd February 2020 personally. However, since all parishioners Closing Date for all copy are not known to us by name, we would is 19th January 2020 love you to introduce yourself and join the Please hand in copy EARLY family for a cuppa in the Dean O'Reilly Email: Judy on Lounge after Mass on Sunday, or make [email protected] or to yourself known to Elaine or Father Wayne Secretary’s Office at Parish Centre in the Parish Office Singers and Musicians are invited Then I heard that boy say the innkeeper was mean. Yep. to come and That went home. It wasn’t the innkeeper who was mean, it was me. SING CAROLS I was the grumpy one who had no room in the inn of for Save the Children my thinking. Floor and roof were covered with negative thoughts, and it was time for me to go to the stable. on Sat 14 Dec, 11am-12noon So, Terry and I will celebrate Christmas as we’ve always done. I’ll sing carols in church and we’ll kneel before the in foyer of North End New World infant who has claimed our lives. Elsewhere, shops will be busy and smiling staff will be wearing Santa hats or plastic reindeer horns. In homes, Please contact Nicola Mountain by 9 Dec children get sent to bed so that presents can be wrapped (437-1422 or 021-659-757) and put under the tree. Some child will have left out a can of soft drink for Please wear a Christmas Hat and bring a musical Santa. Some dad will be wondering how he’ll wrap his instrument or percussion instrument to play! daughter’s first two-wheeler. If you do not have a hat – do not worry – And where is baby Jesus in all of this? hats provided! He is everywhere. Absolutely everywhere!

• Joy Cowley is a wife, mother, No Room at the Inn grandmother, great-grandmother The children were talking in class about the birth of Jesus. and retreat facilitator. December What did the angels look like? How many animals were in 18th, 2017. the stable? The only negative character in the story was the landlord of the inn. “He was mean!” a boy said. Really? I wondered why the world’s most beautiful story had to have a villain. Who was the innkeeper? Man or woman? St Luke doesn’t tell us. Were Joseph and Mary actually turned away? Inn is probably a respectable name for what would have been a largish one-roomed dwelling where travellers could spread some straw on the floor to sleep after a surfeit of wine. This was census time, so the place would be crowded and noisy, people elbow to elbow on the floor and rooftop. It was no place for a young woman about to give birth. What we understand to be a stable was probably a cave Tickets $20, $15 (conc.) or mud-brick shelter for the innkeeper’s animals, although there is no mention of animals in scripture. The ox and the ass were medieval additions. Oamaru Christian Bookshop It’s the word “manger,” an animal feeding place, that in Lower Thames St suggests there could have been a donkey, maybe a goat and a few sheep. If so, they would probably have been cleared Is holding a Closing Down Sale out to make room for Mary and Joseph. up to 31st December 2019 So, was the innkeeper mean or compassionate? And why do we want to judge the Christmas story this way? Hours 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday I’m still doing it. The advertising started in November and I complained about the commercial hijacking of Christmas. For me, the sprigs of holly and tinsel represented tension, greed and credit card debt. Behind the beard, Santa Claus was bogus, the agent for profit on one hand, poverty and waste on the other. I had become sour about what I called the secularisation of Christmas, although the word “secular” also felt false. I didn’t see families coming together, holidays planned. I didn’t count the children who were looking at the horizon with shining eyes, or the number of Christmas cakes fragrant in ovens. It didn’t occur to me that most of those presents were being chosen with love. December 2019 Feast Days January 2020 Feast Days Dec 3rd St Francis Xavier Jan 1st Mary, The Holy Mother of God Dec 4th St John Damascene Jan 2nd Sts Basil the Great & Gregory Dec 6th St Nicholas Nazianzen Dec 7th St Ambrose Jan 3rd The Most HolyName of Jesus D e c 9 t h I m m a c u l a t e C o n c e p ti o n o f Jan 5th The Epihany of the Lord the Blessed Virgin Mary Jan 7th St Raymond of Penyafort Dec 11th St Damasus Jan 12th Baptism of the Lod Dec 12th Our Lady of Guadalupe Jan 17th St Anthony Dec 13th St Lucy Jan 20th Sts Fabian & Sebastian Dec 14th St John of the Cross Jan 21st St Agnes Dec 21st St Peter Canisius Jan 22nd St Vincent Dec 23rd St John of Kanty Jan 24th St Francis de Sales Dec 25th The Nativity of the Lord Jan 25th Conversion of St Paul Apostle Christmas Jan 27th Sts Timothy, Titus & Angela Dec 26th St Stephen, the First Martyr Merici Dec 27th St John, Apostle & Evangelist Jan 28th St Thomas Aquinas Dec 28th The Holy Innocents, Martyrs Jan 31st St John Bosco Dec 29th The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

Society of St Vincent de Paul Mention must be made of Peter Watson who has been a Another busy year for St Patrick’s St Vincent de Paul member of the Society for over fifty years. He recently Society here in Oamaru for both the Conference members retired as President. We must congratulate Jeanette and shop volunteers. Conference members meet once Verheyen our Shop Manager and Secretary who has been fortnightly for meetings and are involved with visitation in charge for twenty-five years. Mary Watson has also and distribution of help to people in need. Material help been involved as Treasurer for over 25 years – a family is funded from proceeds from our shop in Tees Street, run affair. by Jeanette Verheyen with a wonderful band of helpers. A genuine Christian who is always prepared to listen and We are missing two members of our Conference – help anyone in need. There are thirty staff at the shop Suzanne Rapson, now in Dunedin and Gladys Youngman working shifts, two a day, throughout the week. Monday having a well earned rest after a long and fruitful time morning the shop is closed so a team of staff can sort with us. new used clothing and incorporate it onto the shop racks. The Conference has a new President, Des Burke taking The shop doesn’t open until 1:00pm on a Monday but the over from Peter Watson, who continues to be a member rest of the week the hours are from 10:00am to 4:00pm of the Conference. Father Wayne, our Spiritual Advisor, Perhaps this is something you would like to be part of. is a vital part of our meetings and what flows from them. Enquiries to Des Burke 4437-2211 or Jeanette Verheyen We also have group of Young Vincentians (Young Vinnies) 434-5565 who often help at the shop one day a week or visit the elderly in the resthomes. This year the Society was involved for a month delivering meals on wheels around town and will also be involved in January 2020. If you would like to help with the driving or running, please contact Jeanette at the Opportunity Shop, 434-5565. Thank you to everyone who is helping or has helped with this great service. Firewood to the value of $2,060 was delivered to families around town, food vouchers worth $4,000 and petrol vouchers for $1,700 were handed out to people in need this year. $1,000 was also donated to the Foodbank. We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers who frequent the shop, some at least once a week and donate their good used clothing and other items for sale. Many of these people become firm friends with shop staff. How Should the Wealth of the World A Modern Day Parable be Distributed? There was a woman who wanted peace in the world and peace in her heart and all sorts of good things, but she Edmund Waldstein, a Cistercian monk, consults Robin was very frustrated. The world seemed to be falling apart. Hood and Thomas Aquinas. Can a Christian justify private She would read the papers and get depressed. One day property? she decided to go shopping, and she went into a mall and Robin Hood Economics picked a store at random. She walked in and was surprised Once, when the Sheriff of Nottingham’s men came across to see Jesus behind the counter. She knew it was Jesus Robin Hood deep in Sherwood Forest, he was kneeling because he looked just like the pictures she'd seen on holy before an altar, hearing Mass. Robin waited until the holy cards and devotional pictures. She looked again and again sacrifice was over before turning to fight them. at him, and finally she got up her nerve and asked, "Excuse The old ballads consistently describe Robin as a pious me, are you Jesus? " and faithful Catholic, scrupulously chaste, who was said "I am." to have heard three Masses every day before breakfast. In "Do you work here?" fact, Robin’s band of merry men is described as following "No," Jesus said, "I own the store?" a quasi-monastic rule. They shared a common purse. And "What do you sell in here?" according to the sixteenth-century play 'The Downfall of "Oh, just about anything!" Robert, Earle of Huntingdon', based on older ballads, they "Anything?" even took a vow of chastity: “Thirdly no yeoman following "Yes, anything you want. What do you want? " Robin Hoode / In Sherewood, shall use widowe, wife, or She said, "I don't know." maid, / But by true labour, lustfull thoughts expell.” "Well," Jesus said, "Feel free, walk up and down the aisles, Nevertheless Robin loved to rob the abbots and priors of make a list, see what it is you want, and then come back England’s rich, feudal monasteries: “From wealthy abbots’ and we'll see what we can do for you." chests, and churls’ abundant store, / What oftentimes he She did just that - walked up and down the aisles. There took, he shar’d amongst the poor.” Those monasteries was peace on earth, no more war, no hunger or poverty, practiced a certain kind of poverty – they held everything peace in families, no more drugs, harmony, clean air, in common, and each monk was to receive only what was careful use of resources. She wrote furiously. By the time necessary from the common stock – yet, corporately, they she got back to the counter, she had a long list. Jesus took were rich landowners, and their abbots and priors were the list, skimmed through it, looked up at her and smiled, influential lords. Plough Weekly "No problem." And then be bent down behind the counter and picked out all sorts of things, stood up, and laid out a Strategy Meeting row of little packets. Coleen Blackmore The woman asked "What are these?" and Tony Mullally Jesus replied, "Seed packets. This is a catalogue store." hard at work at one She said, "You mean, I don't get the finished product?" of the many Strategy "No, this is a place of dreams. You come and see what it Meetings which they looks like, and I give you the seeds. You plant the seeds. have attended over You go home and nurture them and help them grow and the past few months. someone else reaps the benefits." "Oh," she said. And she left the store without buying anything. Daily Digs (From "Parables, The Arrows of God" We do not grow tired of eating and sleeping day after day, by Megan McKenna) because hunger and fatigue return; without them, we should be bored. It would be the same without hunger for Daily Dig spiritual things; we should be bored. Blaise Pascal Blessed are those who have realized their own utter helplessness, and who have put their whole trust in God. Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire If people have realized their own utter helplessness, and whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business have put their whole trust in God, there will enter into their and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to lives two things.…They will become completely detached do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves from material things, for they will know that things do not and our neighbours worthy if anything can. have the power to bring happiness or security; and they Thomas Merton will become completely attached to God, for they will know that God alone can bring them help, hope, and strength. There is only one God, and he is God to all; therefore it is Those who are poor in spirit are men and women who have important that everyone is seen as equal before God. I’ve realized that things mean nothing, and that God means always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, everything. a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a William Barclay better Catholic. Mother Teresa Wishing you Joy and Peace at Christmas and throughout the New Year DUTY ROSTER 4/5th JANUARY - 1/2nd FEBRUARY 2020 DUTIES: Vigil Sat 5:00pm 4/5th JANUARY 11/12th JANUARY 18/19th JANUARY 25/26th JANUARY 1/2nd FEBRUARY Sunday 9:30am THE EPIPHANY OF THE BAPTISM OF 2nd SUNDAY IN 3rd SUNDAY IN PRESENTATION THE LORD THE LORD ORDINARY TIME ORDINARY TIME OF THE LORD

READINGS: 1. Isaiah 60: 1-6 1. Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7 (YEAR A) 2.Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 1. Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6 1. Isaiah 9: 1-4 2. Hebrews: 2-10-11, 13-18 2. Acts 10: 34-38 2. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 G.1. MelachiLuke 2: 22-403: 1-4 G. Matthew 2: 1-12 G. Matthew 3: 13-17 2.1 Corinthians 1:10- G. John 1: 29-34 13,17-18 ALTAR 5:00pm M Cunningham, L Criddle & Luse & Sami Asi & Mariah Cunningham & P Spillane, Cooper Jones & Lilly Kelcher AG. & Matthew D Kilgour 4: 12-23 SERVERS: J Moore Serah Staju Lachie Criddle

9:30am Ivy-Belle & Molly-May Daniel & Christopher M-M & I-B Mestrom, Alexia Philps & M Misiloi, L Hauai, Jorgensen Mestrom M Misiloi & L Hausea Hana Davies I & N Jones-Hogan MASS GREETERS: Sam Asi & Family Shirley Johnston Phillipa Jones David Kilgour & Family Fely Parker 5:00pm Mary Doyle & Eufrosina Kate Houlihan & Stephanie Espie Orlowski & Diana Mary Watson & Nye Jones- Christopher Jorgensen & 9:30am Finlayson Leong Son Sinclair Hogan Nicola Mountain DATA PROJECTOR: 9.30am Misiloi Family Susan Quigley Lorraine Bremner Misiloi Family Susan Quigley

READERS: 5:00pm 1. Joe Spillane 1. Tony Mullally 1. Rosemary Burke 1. Nicholas Plieger 1. Monica Mullally 2. Coleen Blackmore 2. Monica Mullally 2. Samantha Flordeliz 2. Jan Law 2. Tony Mullally IP. Nicholas Plieger IP. Caring Burgess IP. Elaine Hurley IP. Ria Keogh IP. Joe Spillane

9:30am 1. Terry O'Neill 1. Mary-Anne Tipa 1. Roseanne Sheridan 1. Adrienne Wylie 1. Tony Brady 2. Gilbert Palliparampil 2. Judy Moffat 2. Sister Mary Horn 2. Mark Wylie 2. Moneuan Brady IP. Olive Roundhill IP. Nicola Mountain IP. Nicola Winders IP. Anika Winders IP. Bev Conlan

COLLECTORS: Ann McGeown, Robert Mills, Kathy Martin-Inkster, Ann Christopher Whitham, Olive Roundhill, Christopher Robert Mills, Olive Roundhill, 9.30am Olive Roundhill & McGeown, Robert Mills & Kathy Martin-Inkster, Ann Whitham, Kathy Martin- Christopher Whitham & Christopher Whitham Olive Roundhill McGeown & Robert Mills Inkster & Ann McGeown Kathy Martin-Inkster PRESENTATION OF GIFTS: 9:30am Moore Family Munn Family Patalbo Family Phillips Family Roundhill Family

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Tony or Glenys Kearns, Tony or Glenys Kearns, Tony/Glenys Kearns, Caring Tony/Glenys Kearns, Elaine Jan Law, Gloria Mansfield 5:00pm Monica & Tony Mullally Lynne Cullimore & R Burke Burgess & C Cunningham Hurley & S Flordeliz & Gladys Youngman

Neroli Cottam, Jeanette Mary Dwyer, Kate Houlihan, Misiloi Family x 3, Justine Terry O'Neill, Colleen Pali, R Sheridan, Sister Mary 9:30am Verheyen, Mary Watson, Socorro Laraga, Jasmin Rodgers & Olive Roundhill Rose Pound, Judy Moffat & Horn, Diana Sinclair, Nicola Winders & Mark Wylie Maret & K Martin-Inkster Margaret Mount M-A Tipa & J Verheyen

DISTRIBUTION No Distribution Required No Distribution Required No Distribution Required Espie Orlowski & Jan Law D Sinclair & C Sutherland AFTER MASS: 9:30am

ROSTERS: Important - If anyone is not available for the time or date rostered, please arrange for someone to take your place, and notify Jan Tierney 434-5516 in plenty of time to notify her of your replacement. More Rosters on Page 2 & 3. DUTY ROSTER 7/8th DECEMBER 2019 - 28/29th DECEMBER 2019 DUTIES: 7/8th DECEMBER 14/15th DECEMBER 21/22nd DECEMBER 25th DECEMBER 28/29th DECEMBER Vigil Sat 5:00pm 2nd SUNDAY 3rd SUNDAY OF 4TH SUNDAY THE NATIVITY THE HOLY FAMILY Sunday 9:30am OF ADVENT ADVENT OF ADVENT OF THE LORD OF JESUS,MARY & CHRISTMAS DAY JOSEPH 1. Isaiah 11: 1-10 READINGS: 1. Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10 2. Romans 15: 4-9 1. Isaiah 7: 10-14 2. Colossians 3:12-21 (YEAR A) 2. James 5: 7-10 1. Isaiah 52: 7-10 G. Matth 2:13-15,19-23 G. Matthew 3: 1-12 2. Romans 1: 1-7 1. Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 G. Matthew 11: 2-11 2. Hebrew 1: 1-6 G. Matthew 1: 18-24 ALTAR 5:00pm L Criddle, M Cunningham, A & D Kilgour & S & L Asi G.8pm John Vigil Mass1: 1-18 Tues 24th S Staju. M Cunningham, A & D Kilgour, C Jones & A & D Kilgour SERVERS: S Staju & J Moore Cooper Jones J & P Spillane M Cunningham

9:30am N & I Jones-Hogan, M Misiloi, L Hausia, M Quiachon, A Philips, 9:30am Mass Wed 25th C & D Jorgensen M-M & I-B Mestrom N & I Jones-Hogan M Misiloi, N & I Jones-Hogan, M Misiloi, L Hauai, L Kelcher L Hausia L Kelcher & H Davies MASS GREETERS: Shirley Johnston Phillipa Jones David Kilgour & Family Fely Parker Alan & Tama Roberts 5:00pm Eufrosina Finlayson & Kate Houlihan & Stephanie Diana Sinclair & Espie Mary Watson & Nye Jones- Christopher Jorgensen. 9:30am Mary Doyle Leong Son Orlowski Hogan & Nicola Mountain

DATA PROJECTOR: Misiloi Family Susan Quigley Liturgy Committee to 9.30am Organise READERS: 5:00pm 1. Tony Mullally 1. Coleen Blackmore 1. Caring Burgess 1. Liturgy Committee to 1. Elaine Hurley 2. Monica Mullally 2. Samantha Flordeliz 2. Jan Law 2. Organise 2. Ria Keogh IP. Joe Spillane IP. Elaine Hurley IP. Rosemary Burke IP. IP. Jan Law

9:30am 1. Judy Moffat 1. Joel Kunnethedan 1. Misiloi Family 1. Liturgy Committee to 1. Jenny Nyika 2. Bev Conlan 2. Socorro Laraga 2. Misiloi Family 2. Organise 2. Margaret Mount IP. Mark Wylie IP. Tony Brady IP. Misiloi Family IP. IP. Rhea Ratgali

COLLECTORS: Kathy Martin-Inkster, Ann Christopher Whitham, Olive Roundhill, Christopher Robert Mills, Olive 9.30am McGeown , Robert Mills & Kathy Martin-Inkster, Ann Whitham, Kathy Martin- Liturgy Committee to Roundhill, Christopher Olive Roundhill McGeown & Robert Mills Inkster & Ann McGeown Organise Whitham & Kathy Martin- Inkster PRESENTATION OF GIFTS: 9:30am Growcott Family Kelcher Family Kathy Martin-Inkster Liturgy Committee to Misiloi Family Organise

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Dave/Larraine Marriott, Dave/Larraine Marriott, Dave/Larraine Marriott, Liturgy Committee to Dave/Larraine Marriott, 5:00pm S Flordeliz & R Burke C Cunningham & L Cullimore E Hurley & Gloria Mansfield Organise C Blackmore & G Youngman

Jasmin Maret, K Houlihan, Misiloi Family x3, Judy C Pali, M Mulligan, R Pound, Liturgy Committee to D Sinclair, J Rodgers, 9:30am Kathy Martin-Inkster, Moffat & Olive Roundhill Margaret Mount & T O'Neill Organise Sr M Horn, M-A Tipa M Dwyer & Socorro Laraga & Roseanne Sheridan

DISTRIBUTION AFTER MASS: 9:30am Dympna & Tony Jenkins N Mountain & Terry O'Neill No Distribution Required No Distribution Required No Distribution Required

ROSTERS: Important - If anyone is not available for the time or date rostered, please arrange for someone to take your place, and notify Jan Tierney 434-5516 in plenty of time to notify her of your replacement. More Rosters on Page 2 & 3.