Catholic Church

26 Swanston Street, St Marys, NSW 2760 Tel: (02) 9623 1962 Fax: (02) 9833 1063 Entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco Parish Email: [email protected] Parish Website: www.olrchurchstmarys.org.au

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Year B 16 - 17 Dec, 2017

Entrance Antiphon Responsorial Psalm: (contd)

Rejoice in the Lord always; (R.) My soul rejoices in my God. again I say, rejoice. 3. He fills the starving with good Indeed, the Lord is near. things, sends the rich away empty. He protects Israel, his servant, First Reading : Is 61:1-2.10-11 remembering his mercy. (R.) I exult for joy in the Lord.

The spirit of the Lord has been Second Reading: 1 Thes 5:16-24 given to me, for the Lord has May you all be kept blameless, spirit, soul and anointed me. He has sent me to body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. GOSPEL: (contd) bring good news to the poor, to Be happy at all times; pray con- appeared as a witness. When the bind up hearts that are broken; to stantly; and for all things give Jews sent priests and Levites from proclaim liberty to captives, free- thanks to God, because this is Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are dom to those in prison; to pro- what God expects you to do in you?’ he not only declared, but he claim a year of favour from the Christ Jesus. Never try to suppress declared quite openly, ‘I am not Lord. ‘I exult for joy in the Lord, my the Spirit or treat the gift of proph- the Christ.’ ‘Well then,’ they asked, soul rejoices in my God, for he has ecy with contempt; think before ‘are you ?’ ‘I am not,’ he clothed me in the garments of you do anything – hold on to what said. ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He salvation, he has wrapped me in is good and avoid every form of answered, ‘No.’ So they said to the cloak of integrity, like a bride- evil. May the God of peace make him, ‘Who are you? We must take groom wearing his wreath, like a you perfect and holy; and may you back an answer to those who sent bride adorned in her jewels. ‘For all be kept safe and blameless, us. What have you to say about as the earth makes fresh things spirit, soul and body, for the com- yourself?’ So John said, ‘I am, as grow, as a garden makes seeds ing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God prophesied: a voice that spring up, so will the Lord make has called you and he will not fail cries in the wilderness: Make a both integrity and praise spring up you. straight way for the Lord.’ Now in the sight of the nations.’ The word of the Lord these men had been sent by the The word of the Lord Pharisees, and they put this fur- Gospel Acclamation: ther question to him, ‘Why are you

Responsorial Psalm: Alleluia, alleluia! baptising if you are not the Christ,

and not Elijah, and not the (R.) My soul rejoices in my God. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; prophet?’ John replied, ‘I baptise 1. My soul glorifies the Lord, he sent me to bring Good News to the poor. with water; but there stands my spirit rejoices in God, among you – unknown to you – Alleluia! my Saviour. the one who is coming after me;

He looks on his servant in her and I am not fit to undo his sandal GOSPEL: Jn1:6-8.19-28 nothingness; henceforth all ages -strap.’ This happened at Bethany, will call me blessed. (R.) There stands among you, unknown to you, the on the far side of the Jordan, one who is coming after me. where John was baptising. 2. The Almighty works marvels for A man came, sent by God. His me. Holy his name! name was John. He came as a wit- The Gospel of the Lord His mercy is from age to age, ness, as a witness to speak for the Communion Antiphon: on those who fear him. (R.) light, so that everyone might be- Say to the faint hearted; lieve through him. He was not the Be strong and do not fear. light, only a witness to speak for Behold, our God will come; the light. This is how John and he will save us PARISH TEAM Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - RCIA Parish Priest: Fr. Brendan Murphy SDB Do you know anyone interested in becoming a Catholic? Assistant Priest: Fr Guy Riolo SDB Please invite them to contact: Parish Secretary: Fleur Mathias Vera on 0416 008 582 or the Parish Office on 9623 1962 Parish Telephone: 9623 1962 Parish Email: [email protected] Web: www.olrchurchstmarys.org.au PARISH MINISTRIES Parish Fax: 9833 1063 St Vincent de Paul Society: meets every Tuesday at 7:00pm in the St Vincent de Paul Office beside the Parish Hall. For Enquiries Please Phone The Parish Office Junior Legion of Mary: meets on Fridays, 4:30pm to 5:45pm in between 9:30am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Mon-Fri the Parish Hall and Parish Meeting Rooms. Young people welcome Senior Legion of Mary: Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm in the Parish Hall Salesian Community: Phone: 9623 1220 Meeting Room. All Welcome to join. Rector: Fr John Walenciej SDB The Cenacle: Every Thursday after 9am Mass, you are invited to Don Bosco Youth Centre: Phone: 9623 0450 join us to pray the Cenacle of the Marian Movement of Priests. Co-Directors: Sr Jenny Doudle FMA Cuppa and Craft Club: Thursdays at 9:30am, Parish Hall. Fr John Walenciej SDB Contact Parish Office 9623 1962. Computer Class (50 years & over):Basic:9.30am-11.30am and Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School Advance:1.30pm-4pm, Parish Hall Mtg Rm. Please contact Parish Office. Principal: Mr Siciliano Rosary Statue: Mr & Mrs Prendergast, 26 Thomas St, St Marys Phone: 9623 2500 RCIA: meets Thursdays, 7:30pm, Parish Meeting Room. Email: [email protected] Know someone who would like to be a Catholic? New enquirers welcome. Web: www.olorstmarys.catholic.edu.au Catechists: Teaching God’s Word in our State schools. Volunteers needed. Contact Maureen Watts 9623 9272. Emmaus Catholic College Mother’s Prayers: Every Monday, 10am at the Infant School.

Principal: Mr Robert Nastasi Ladies Auxiliary: 2nd Mon’s, Parish Office Meeting Room, 7:30pm Phone: 9670 4588 Youth Choir: Choir Practices on the 2nd Sunday of the month, Email: [email protected] 2.30pm – 4pm. Choir sings at the 9am Mass on the 4th Sunday Web: www.emmauskempscreek.catholic.edu.au of the month. All young people welcome, 6 -16 years. OLR-Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Apostolate (PMA) Rosary Prayer: every 4th Sunday of the month after the 10.30am Mass (11.45am) in the Church. All Welcome!

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK Sat 16 Dec 6:00pm Holy Souls in Purgatory Jesus the Healer, we commend to your gentle hands those who are sick Sun 17 Dec THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 7:30am Fr George O’ Mara, Fr Lawrie Mooney, Brendon Vella, Trevor Douglas, Alby 9:00am Kemp, Dennis McGee Jnr, Judith Urbano-Lopez, Denham de Silva, Clare 10.30am Holy Souls in Purgatory O’Rance, Mary Bonanno, Leanne Barlon, Plaridel Santos, Kathy McMillan, 5:30pm Charlize McMillan, Soaad Halaka, Ester Santos, Jeblet, Greg , Sharan & Baby Larna, Anna R, Iris Warne, Donna, George Safi, Joan Law, Camilleri, Mon 18 Dec 6:30am Charlie Sultana, Maria Maciejewska, Peter Wetton, Maureen Cocks, Daniel 9:00am Jacobson, Linda & William Weightman, Grazia Gullo, Tracey Bokor, Fuller, Sylvia Smith, Adrian Durando, Andrew Boulos, Ricardo Herft, Grant Tue 19 Dec 9:00am Butterfield, Avalee, Dana, Garry., Meerle Steere, Elivra Puyat, Renato Cazar, Wed 20 Dec Vera Gould, Loyd, Carol Greentree, Tangey Fernandes, Vitas Varnas, Luzia J. 12 noon Vinuya, Joan Sattlar, Anna Clarke, Jim Kama, Allan Williams, Ryan Cleary, Thur 21 Dec ST Shaanan Pereira, Imelda & Joe Bonser, Frank Campbell, Wiloto Seng, Padraig 9:00am Smith, Rosina Paulo, Sally McFarlane , Michael McDermott. Fri 22 Dec 9.15am Holy Souls in Purgatory PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Sat 23 Dec ST JOHN OF KANTY Please remember in your prayers our deceased 5:00am parishioners, family and friends especially 8:00am Jadwiga Walenciej, Alfred Farrugia. Francine Low, Sid Lawrence, Mario Daros, Daniel Samardzic, Sr Henriette, Jessie Gomes, Joe Rukavina, Mary Briffa, Matt Julian, William Melton, Fr Jerry Breen, Charlie Zammit, Alberto Garate., Ber- RECONCILIATION nadette Downey, Maria Teresa Urbina, Grazia Gullo, Nella Capasso, Vency Every Wednesday: 11:15am - 11:45am. Pinto, Brian Buan, Sejundina Sacun, Moises Sorrigaga, Francesca Premutico, Every Saturday: 9:00am - 10:00am, 5:00pm - 5:30pm Maria Castiglioni., Kevin Kennedy, Malcolm Wood, Betty Cox, Linda Dunn, ADORATION BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Pamela Polland, Gwendoline Cash, Ron Hopkinson, Daniella Siciliano Carbone, Rory Hampsey, Peter Murphy, Elizabeth Chidgey, Malek Athum Abaker. Wednesday: 11:15am - 11:45am, Mass at 12 noon Eternal rest grant unto their souls O Lord, let perpetual light shine Every Thursday: 9:30am - 6:00pm (after 9:00am Mass) upon them, may they rest in peace. Amen Friday: 8:30am - 9:00am. followed by Mass at 9:15am

Next Sunday’s Readings:FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 1st and 2nd Collections: st 1st Collection: for the support of the priests of the parish 1 Reading: 2 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 2nd Collection: (including planned giving envelopes) goes Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 88: 2-5, 27, 29 nd towards the running costs of the Parish. 2 Reading: Romans 16: 25-27 Thankyou for your ongoing support. Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38 COMING EVENTS FOR THE DIARY WE WELCOME 17 Dec: Evening Prayer, 6.45pm Praise Chimaobi Egbufor, Miracle Adaenyi Carols by Candlelight, 7.30pm Egbufor, Kaiden Joseph Kevin Kasman, 19 Dec: Legion of Mary, Parish Hall Meeting Room 6.30pm Monica Grace Seymour, St Vincent De Paul, Parish Hall Mtg Room, 7:00pm Charlie Francesca Raccanello.

18-23 Dec: Evening Prayer, 7.00pm into our Parish Family through the Sacrament of Baptism 22 Dec: Junior Legion of Mary, Parish Hall Meeting Rm,5pm 16-24 Dec: Misa de Gallo, 5am Mass ————————————————————— OLR PARISH COMPUTER CLASSES Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament We have an opening with limited seats for 2018 Basic

ADORATION CHAPEL Computer Class. If you are interested, please contact the Parish office during office hours, to make a booking. Mondays & Tuesdays 8am - 9pm Start Date: 15 February, 2018 CHURCH Venue: Parish Hall Meeting Room Thursdays 9:30am - 6pm Basic Class: 9.30am – 11.30am (18 seats only for Basic computer class) 100’S CLUB FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Advance Class: 1.30pm – 4pm The Raffle for the Term July to December was drawn (Please contact Joe directly for Advance class) by Denise at the Parish Office on December 4th. CONGRATULATIONS to the 5 Lucky Winners 1st. Prize $200 - L Banno Royal Commission into Institutional 2nd.Prize $100 - Gianno Stefan Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

2nd.Prize $100 - Victor Franco The Royal Commission into Institutional 3rd.Prize $50 - Angie Abreva Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will shortly 3rd.Prize $50 - Margaret Dwyer release its final findings on public hearings, and Please collect your prizes from the Parish Office during its recommendations, related to the Catholic working hours. Church in . The Diocese of Parramatta once again To keep our Altar adorned with flowers we do depend on the offers its unreserved and deepest apologies to those many generosity of you the Parishioners. We need atleast 100 people who have suffered because of the child sexual people to enrol and subscribe $20each for the abuse that has occurred in the context of Church ministry. TERM JANUARY ’18 to JUNE ’18. In particular, the Diocese of Parramatta apologises to There will be only two collections each Term. We hope to survivors of abuse and their families for the hurt and complete our Quota of 100 subscribers within this period. suffering this abuse has caused throughout their lives. Collection Dates: January 13th and 14th and January 21st and During the Royal Commission, the Diocese of Parramatta 22nd 2018. The Core Group members will collect after all has strived to engage in their processes with openness, Masses during the respective weekends. transparency and a commitment to learning about our Thank you to all our regular contributors, you have been history so that our child protection policies and procedures contributing to one of the longest running collections in the are strengthened and there is restored confidence in Church Parish. 17 years is a long time and during this period we ministry. The Diocese of Parramatta is committed to have all worked together to keep our Altar continuously reviewing and improving its child protection looking beautiful. New members are always welcome. Do- policies and procedures. For more information please visit nations accepted. A statements of accounts is handed to the www.safeguarding.org.au. For more information please Parish Office every year July/ August. refer to the Royal Commission website: www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au Our next Raffle will be drawn in June’18. $500 in the For anyone needing information and support please contact kitty. We thank Grace our ever obliging florist and Beverley the Diocese of Parramatta information line on 8838 3419. our Accountant. Concerns or allegations about any criminal offence should The Core Group thanks Jesus and Mother Mary for all the be reported to NSW Police on 131 444. help and we pray that you will be blessed with health and joy in the New Year. Stay safe and happy Core Group Judy, Carmel, Antonia and Gladys. Mother Apostolate Pilgrim Rosary Please note that the 4th Sunday of the month, 24 Dec ROSTERS 11.45am Rosary Pilgrim has been moved to Sunday SPECIAL MINISTERS, READERS, ACOLYTES 31 January at 11.30pm (before the Midnight Mass)

Please pick up a copy of your Roster, for the 4th Sunday of Advent from the Church Foyer. St Marys Gardens Nursing Home Morning Masses will be as usual on Communion Roster Sunday 24th December, Christmas Eve. Sun 17 Dec: White Family, Violet P, Marcy P, Mila H Co-ordinator - Primie Sumampong Sun 24 Dec: Jasna Bekic, Miranda Lim, Cynthia Arndt THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 16-17 : 3rd Sunday of Advent It was this ‘vivid empathy’ that drew Mary away from her deeply loved humanities studies, at which she excelled, to Dear Parishioners, medicine. There was a surprisingly ecumenical encour-

Condolences: We offer our sympathy to Deng Athum agement in her vocation, from the Presbyterian town and family on the death in South Sudan last week of his doctor to a Protestant who pointed out Catholic medical principles during a controversial procedure which they father, Malek Athum Abaker. both opposed.

Parish Carols by Candlelight Sun Dec 17, 7:30pm: Bring a candle and a chair and your friends for a beautiful night. Nicholas is again able to visit us. In the event of rain, the Carols will take place either in the parish hall or under the MacKillop Centre verandah.

Misa de Gallo Christmas novena of Masses: There will be a 5am Mass every day from Dec 16 till Dec 24 inclusive.

Coming Up: Dec 16-24 Misa de Gallo 5am Mass

Dec 17: Parish Carols by Candlelight 7:30pm.

Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dr Mary Glowrey, who would spend herself in the almost 6pm Carols 6:30pm Mass impossible task of curing and reverencing the bodies of 8pm Carols 8:30 Mass the newborn, pregnant, plague-ridden and dying people 11:30pm Carols 12 am Midnight Mass of Guntur, experienced first hand the ‘gnawing disease’ of bone cancer as a final culmination of herself becoming December 25: Nativity of the Lord like Christ – a path first shown to her through her family. 7:30am Mass 9:00am Mass Her confidence in saying ‘yes’ to her religious life and 10:30am Mass heroic mission in India was a joining of smaller dots of [No evening Mass] light from her early life. This definitive calling, which came after Mary had listened to a Scriptural homily given December 26-31: Mass at usual times. on Hospital Sunday on 24 October 1915 at St Patrick’s New Years Eve: Cathedral, marked the beginning of a health apostolate 11:20pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: which would ultimately help countless millions. At the 11:30pm Rosary end of her extraordinary life, Mary said ‘yes’ once again 11:50pm Benediction and shouldered the Cross of excruciating physical pain

January 1: Mary, Mother of God and suffering. Mary’s only regret, in her own words: 12am Midnight Mass ‘I have not done enough. I could have done more.’

9:00am Mass

God bless. *****************************

“We do not want, as the newspapers say, a Church that Fr Brendan will move with the world. We want a Church that will

move the world.” **************************** - G.K. Chesterton SAINTLY AUSTRALIAN SR. MARY GLOWREY- MISSIONARY- MEDICAL DOCTOR (Part 4) **************************************** By Anna Krohn “It is better to fail in a cause that will ultimately succeed, than to succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail.” Mary’s parents also gave her a sense that what she did Peter Marshall, US Senate chaplain. with her life – as with every single life – mattered to the world and to God. It is clear from her writing that her **************************************** experience of her own serious childhood sickness “The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet (diphtheria and rheumatic fever), the loss of a baby within reach, is JOY. There is radiance and glory in the brother and sister, and her keen vision of the grief darkness, could we but see, and to see we have only to caused by this, formed an indelible channel in her look.” – Fra Angelico, 16th C. vocational reflections.

**************************************** She realised that grief “was a real physical pain” and “Live joyfully. Our Lord is looking on you lovingly. His that losing a precious baby could leave “a void that mercy is infinitely greater than our misery.” could not be filled”. She also realised that her family’s – St tenderness with the dying was not just a social custom but a mission owed to all people. *****************************