Readings at Mass - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

Gospel Entrance Antiphon Matthew 13:1-23 Cf. Ps 16:15 Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds 16th July 2017 • 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time • Year A As for me, in justice I shall behold your face; gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The I shall be filled with the vision of your glory. people all stood on the beach, and he told them many things in

Collect parables. O God, who show the light of your truth He said, ‘Imagine a sower going out to sow. As he sowed, some to those who go astray, seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate so that they may return to the right path, them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little give all who for the faith they profess soil and sprang up straight away, because there was no depth of are accounted Christians earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, 20 Huntly Street, AB10 1SH the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among and to strive after all that does it honour. thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, www.stmaryscathedralaberdeen.org“I Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, some thirty. Listen, anyone who has ears!’ one God, for ever and ever. Then the disciples went up to him and asked, ‘Why do you talk to them in parables?’ ‘Because’ he replied, ‘the mysteries of the First reading kingdom of heaven are revealed to you, but they are not revealed Isaiah 55:10-11 to them. For anyone who has will be given more, and he will have Thus says the Lord: ‘As the rain and the snow come down from more than enough; but from anyone who has not, even what he the heavens and do not return without watering the earth, mak- has will be taken away. The reason I talk to them in parables is ing it yield and giving growth to provide seed for the sower and that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or under- bread for the eating, so the word that goes from my mouth does standing. So in their case this prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled: not return to me empty, without carrying out my will and suc- You will listen and listen again, but not understand, ceeding in what it was sent to do.’ see and see again, but not perceive.

Psalm For the heart of this nation has grown coarse, Psalm 64:10-14 their ears are dull of hearing, and they have shut their eyes, Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop. for fear they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, You care for the earth, give it water, understand with their heart, you fill it with riches. and be converted Your river in heaven brims over and be healed by me. to provide its grain. R. ‘But happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because And thus you provide for the earth; they hear! I tell you solemnly, many prophets and holy men you drench its furrows; longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you you level it, soften it with showers; hear, and never heard it. you bless its growth. R. ‘You, therefore, are to hear the parable of the sower. When You crown the year with your goodness. anyone hears the word of the kingdom without understanding, Abundance flows in your steps, the evil one comes and carries off what was sown in his heart: this in the pastures of the wilderness it flows. R. is the man who received the seed on the edge of the path. The one who received it on patches of rock is the man who hears the the parables. For Matthew, understanding the The hills are girded with joy, word and welcomes it at once with joy. But he has no root in him, MEDITATION the meadows covered with flocks, he does not last; let some trial come, or some persecution on ac- In making use of parables, Jesus did not parables presupposes a heart open to revelation, the valleys are decked with wheat. count of the word, and he falls away at once. The one who re- They shout for joy, yes, they sing. R. inaugurate a form of preaching new to the ready to translate the word into action despite ceived the seed in thorns is the man who hears the word, but the Second reading worries of this world and the lure of riches choke the word and so people of his day. The Old Testament and later opposition and apparent defeat. Romans 8:18-23 he produces nothing. And the one who received the seed in rich rabbinic literature offer many examples of this soil is the man who hears the word and understands it; he is the I think that what we suffer in this life can never be compared to one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now of communication. It was the content rather At certain times everything seems to conspire to the glory, as yet unrevealed, which is waiting for us. The whole sixty, now thirty.’ creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal his sons. It was not than the form of Jesus’ preaching which came as prevent us from hearing the gospel and believing

for any fault on the part of creation that it was made unable to a surprise. He proclaimed with authority the in its future. For two thousand years the sower attain its purpose, it was made so by God; but creation still retains Sunday 11.15am Mass the hope of being freed, like us, from its slavery to decadence, to proximity of the kingdom of heaven and has gone out to sow and we are sometimes enjoy the same freedom and glory as the children of God. From therefore the need to be converted to the Lord. tempted to ask what this sowing has the beginning till now the entire creation, as we know, has been Entrance Hymn 576 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven groaning in one great act of giving birth; and not only creation, accomplished. Our proper response to the but all of us who possess the first-fruits of the Spirit, we too groan Offertory 443 Lord, accept the gifts we offer Jesus does not use parables simply for the sake prodigal lavishness of God should consist in inwardly as we wait for our bodies to be set free. of adopting common parlance. Yet the images he Communion 500 O bread of heaven seizing the word heard and allowing it to seize us Gospel Acclamation employs do enable us to hear the message, seize that it may bear fruit. 1S3:9,Jn6:68 Marian antiphon 597 Salve, Regina its meaning, and become involved in it. Each Alleluia, alleluia! Speak, Lord, your servant is listening: Recessional 497 Now thank we all our God evangelist explains in his own way the reason for Vienna International Religious Centre you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia!

A Parish of the R.C. Charitable Trust, a registered Scottish Charity, number SC 005122 St Mary’s Cathedral - Aberdeen AB10 1SH Please take me home Sunday 16th July, 2017 Clergy & Religious Weekly Calendar Administrator: Fr. Keith Herrera Mass Times Cathedral Cathedral 01224 640 160 Date Details Service Time Mass Intentions Mon Mother & Toddler Group Comboni Missionaries MARY'S MEALS CONCERT For parents with young children. All ages [email protected] There will be a second collection next Sunday for the Sun 16th Mass 8.00am Thanksgiving The Italian singer/guitarist, Roberto Tardito, will be welcome. Main Hall from 1pm-3 pm Comboni Missionaries, an international Catholic Assistant Priest: Fr. Janusz Wilczynski SAC 15th Sunday in Polish Mass 9.30am performing in the cathedral on Monday July 17th at Contact: Yi-pei Chou c (Polish Chaplain) [email protected] religious and missionary order founded specifically to Ordinary Time Mass 11.15am Intentions of the Diocese serve the missionary endeavour of the Catholic 7.30pm.He will present some traditional pilgrims' Credo Community Meeting Assistant Priest: Fr. Ambrose Flavell OSB Polish Mass 3.00pm Church. songs from Spain and France, plus original Polish charismatic prayer group. Main Hall at 7.30pm . 07901 36 7557 Mass 6.00pm Parish Intentions compositions. Admission £10; proceeds to support the [email protected] Teas and Coffees work of the charity Mary's Meals. Contact: Klaudiusz Mozolewski Mass 12.30pm Fr. Anil Gonsalves 10th Please be aware that there will be no teas and coffees 07928323313 Deacon: Deacon Tony Schmitz Mon 17th available after Mass this Sunday as the Main Hall is Saints Helping us Today [email protected] Anniversary to Priesthood Tue Magnificat Prayer Group being used as a polling station for an important 7.30pm in the Lower Hall after Mass. Mass 7.00pm Intentions of Patrick Agbo Venezuelan Referendum. Holy Family 07863 065 345 Contact: Stella Maria Onuoha Sisters of Needy:01224 970812 Tue 18th and family Sound Desk 0744 9951 415 [email protected] [email protected] Mass 12.30pm Margaret Mathews We are looking for people who can commit to going on St Andrew 07754 891 808 Wed 19th a rota to help on the sound desk during weekend St. Vincent de Paul Feeding the homeless Community: standrewscommunity@ Mass 7.00pm Julian Rodigues Masses. This is a vital ministry as it helps everyone to Community Safeguarding: Charlene Thu 20th Contact: Evelyn Murray hear what is going on clearly. The role isn’t technically [email protected] Mass 12.30pm Mr Titus and Mrs. demanding and instruction will be given. Contact: Fr Adult Confirmation Class & RCIA Fri 21st Bernadette Agbo RIP Staff & Administration Keith on [email protected] Cathedral House at 7.30pm Mass 10.00am Intentions of Patrick Agbo To allow for summer holidays there will be no Contact: Fr Keith Pluscarden 1230 Pilgrimage and family ‘Saints Helping us Today’ session after the Sunday Light Exercise Class for all Telephone: 01224 640 160 Feast of Saint Mary 7.00pm Parishioner Ann Ryans is participating in the sponsored Wed Sat 22nd Ebube Udeh Birthday 6.00pm Mass. Course will resume on the 23rd July Main Hall at 10:00am Magdalen pilgrimage walk from the Val des Choux in Burgundy to Contact: Laura Walker 0777 3 021 851 Manager: Robin Harding Thanksgiving [email protected] , Moray, to raise money for the [email protected] Abbey’s South Range Project. If you would like to Secretary: Cowan Watson Sun 23rd Mass 8.00am Alejandro Patroni-Sobia RIP Seniors Club sponsor Ann, please see her justgiving page at: Speakers, fun & fellowship [email protected] 16th Sunday in Polish Mass 9.30am 11.15am https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ann-ryans Deanery & Diocese Main Hall at 2 pm every 2 weeks Finance/Gift Aid: John Costello Ordinary Time Mass Intentions of the Diocese Contact: Jean on 01569 765 799 Polish Mass 3.00pm St Mary’s Cathedral Football Club (SMCFC) [email protected] Celebrate Healing of Memories Mass 6.00pm Cathedral Fiona Mitchell 07905 265194 Deceased Members of A Catholic family conference for all ages. Lively Prayer for the healing of painful memories Safeguarding: [email protected] Stonehouse Family worship, good teaching and good company in a vibrant of the past to bring peace to the present. faith-filled atmosphere; includes mime and drama and More information: Parish website or Clergy House at 2.30pm (by appointment) Sunday family Mass. Celebrate is designed for families. Contact: Deacon Tony www.scottishcatholicsafeguarding.org.uk Mass Intention Envelopes It has streams to accommodate all ages of children and Music Director: Shelagh Noden Legion of Mary These are available at the back of the Church. Cathedral itself. Recommended offering for youth to help them grow in their faith in a relevant and [email protected] Lower Hall from 6pm to 7.30pm Print details and post through Clergy House each Mass is £5. joy filled way. Contact: Nogie Osula [email protected] Shop Manager: Barbara Mearns letter box. This year’s theme is “Seek first his Kingdom”, running [email protected] Sunday 11:15 Mass is normally reserved for in St Ninian’s High School, Giffnock, East Renfrewshire African Choir Bulletin: [email protected] It may not always be possible for Mass to be the Administrator’s or Bishop’s Intentions from Saturday 2nd till Sunday 3rd September. For Africans and anyone else. celebrated on your preferred date or at the for the Parish or Diocese. Upper Hall from 6 - 8.00pm Notices to be in by Tuesday evening For more details and to book see website www.celebrateconference.org or phone Ged Contact: Patricia Malikebu 07891 714 549 Hall Bookings: [email protected] OFFERTORY: £ 2,624.96 Sea Sunday £1,276.80 Farrell on 07793 370910. An Early bird discount is Thu Cenacolo Prayer Group Call between 9am & 1pm only available if booked before 31st July. Terms & Conditions see Parish website Exposition & Rosary praying for healing of SVdP those with addictions Grube Violin Concert 2017 Church after Mass Liturgical Ministries Fair Trade tea, Income Professor Michael Grube’s Violin Polish Collection £49.40 Parish Register Update Contact: Liam Sharkey 07774 931 996 coffee, home- As from next week, we shall be updating our parish Recital on Monday 21st August Band Practice Head Sacristan: Jacqueline Armstrong Box Collection £127.55 2017 between 7.00pm to 8.15pm [email protected] made soup & Secret Donation £10.00 registers. Initially, all we shall be asking you is if you Contemporary music for Sunday 6pm Mass are still a parishioner at the Cathedral. This will be at Pluscarden Abbey. Tickets, only baking after Mass Total £186.95 available at the door, £10. Upper Hall after Mass Readers: Fiona Mitchell Food and Expenses: £266.27 done as follows: Contact: John Costaschuk [email protected] 1. Fr Keith will e-mail those for whom we have e- Thank you all for your welcome help. National Pilgrimage to Carfin 2017 Cathedral Choir practice mail addresses. 7pm in the Lower Hal Euch. Ministers: John MacKinnon 07926 628 941 In honour of our Lady of Fatima to consecrate our [email protected] Youth 2. Our volunteers will phone those for whom we do not have e-mail. country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Sunday 3rd Fri Altar Servers’ Practice September at 3.00pm. Principal Celebrant: Welcomers: Gordon Webster 01224 592 246 Faith & Fun on Saturdays Cathedral 3. A letter will be sent to those for whom we Church from 6.00 to 7.00pm Philip Tartaglia and Homilist: Bishop Brian McGee Contact: Simon [email protected] [email protected] Youth group for P2’s to P7’s have neither e-mail no phone numbers. Collectors: Diego Mejias Morffe 07960 325 046 In the Main Hall from Beloved Disciples Once we know who is still a parishioner then we shall Catholic Religious Education for Pupils of Youth Groups calls us to discover the Joy of be in touch again to update your information. For teenagers between 11 & 17 [email protected] 12.30pm to 2pm every Aberdeen City Council Secondary Schools Discipleship. Thank you for your help with this. Fr Keith. Aberdeen City Council is continuing its programme of Upper Hall 7pm to 9pm Altar Servers: George Brand 01224 630 159 Saturday afternoon. For Find out more about your faith in a supportive Catholic Religious Education for pupils of its secondary Contact: St. Andrew’s Community [email protected] more details and to register online please and friendly environment. Book Shop schools in Session 2017-2018. Church Cleaning Flowers: Pixie Mathers 07763064146 Gain the tools needed to be an effective Sat disciple. A great selection of books now in the shop. Classes will begin in the week of Monday August 28th. Church at 10.30am [email protected] The Group has gained many insights from the Benedict XVI Last Testament in his own words Classes will meet from 4pm until 5pm. Contact: Joyce Webster 01224 319 154 This year there is a choice of days and venues. various courses we have followed so far. Pope St John Paul—In God’s Hands—Spiritual Diaries Parenting Class Notices We are now about to begin studying the Classes for First and Second Year pupils will meet in At St. Mary’s Cathedral Reason to Believe—Abortion—Marriage Annulment— Clergy House after 10am Mass Gospel of Matthew (this year the Church takes Contraception and Chastity Harlaw Academy on Mondays and St Machar Academy Adoration: Monday– Saturday 6.00am-12 midnight its Gospel readings from Matthew). on Wednesdays. Classes for Third and Fourth Year K4J (Kids for Jesus) Confessions: Tuesdays 6pm Fridays 7pm to 9pm 25 tough questions on the Catholic faith Youth group for P2’s to P7’s in the Main We would love you to join us on Wednesdays 20 answers Divorce and Remarriage pupils will meet in Harlaw Academy on Tuesdays and in Saturdays 10.30am & 6pm Upper Hall in the Cathedral House after 12:30 Mass. Hall from 12.30pm to 2pm 20 answers Abortion, Divine Mercy Prayer book St Machar Academy on Thursdays. An individual pupil Morning Prayer: Monday - Friday 7.30am A youth group for teens Please come along! You will be made very will be able to choose to attend on the day and at the Saturday Club aged 11-13 Divorce Explanations Evening Prayer: Thursdays 6.30pm welcome! Kevin O'Carroll venue which suits she or he best. For further details Informal social gathering, includes prayer Contact: St. Andrew’s Community Living with Illness and Suffering Main Hall from 4pm to 7pm Night Prayer: Thursdays 8.30pm Contraception and Chastity and to register please go to www.abernet.org/rcre/ or SUNDAY PRAYER MINISTRY telephone Mr Charlie Love on 01224 522287. Contact: Rosary: Fridays (Vocations) 1.30pm Sunday Prayer Ministry after 11.15 and The Word of the Lord –Discovering Verbum Domini Saturdays (Priests) 10.30pm The Inspiration of Truth of Sacred Scripture—the Word African Choir (As above) 6pm Mass will be suspended for the Monastic Experience Weekend Upper Hall from 6 - 8.00pm Housebound? John MacKinnon (See above) for visits that comes from God and Speak An opportunity for young, Catholic men, aged 18-35, to month of July. O God for the Salvation of the World Coeliacs: Speak to clergy before Mass This will be our last Bake Sale to raise money We will resume again on Sunday 6th discover at first hand what monastic life is about. Sun Choir Rehearsal Simple Prayer Book, Theology of the Body Leading the music for 11:15 Sunday Mass Sunday Coffees: Ann Ryans 07545 615 198 for this year’s St Andrew Youth Pilgrimage to August. However, should you need Interested? Contact Fr Benedict Hardy OSB: Opening hours of shop 1 hour after every Mass [email protected] or call: Upper Hall 10.00am [email protected] Fatima. Please help us to raise the £8,000.00 urgent prayer please contact Pixie: Remember to pick up your Herald and Observer. 01343 890 257 Contact: Shelagh Noden Natural Family Margaret Hammond we still need to reach our target. [email protected]. Planning (NFP) [email protected] Alpha Main Hall after 6.00pm