The Massabielle
The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s
Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW
October 18 & 19, 2014 - TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year A
Issue Number 609
UPDATE ON THE SYNOD ON THE FAMILY
Below is an extract of the preliminary 5,500 word
report released last Monday by the Vatican press
office on the Synod on the Family being held in
Rome. The first part of the Synod concludes next
Sunday. The Synod continues until October next
year.
D
uring the prayer vigil held in St
Peter’s Square on 4 October 2014 in
preparation for the Synod on the
family, Pope Francis evoked the
centrality of the experience of family in all lives,
in a simple and concrete manner: “Evening falls
on our assembly. It is the hour at which one
willingly returns home to meet at the same table,
in the depth of affection, of the good that has
been done and received, of the encounters which
warm the heart and make it grow, good wine
which hastens the unending feast in the days of
man. It is also the weightiest hour for one who
finds himself face to face with his own
loneliness, in the bitter twilight of shattered
dreams and broken
plans;
how
many
people trudge through
the day in the blind
alley of resignation, of
abandonment,
even
resentment: in how
many homes the wine
of joy has been less
plentiful, and therefore,
also the zest — the
very wisdom — for
life. Let us make our
prayer heard for one
another this evening, a prayer for all”.
In the light of the same discourse we have
gathered together the results of our reflections
and our dialogues in the following three
parts: listening, to look at the situation of the
family today, in the complexity of its light and
shade; looking, our gaze fixed on Christ, to reevaluate with renewed freshness and enthusiasm
what the revelation transmitted in the faith of the
Church tells us about the beauty and dignity of
the family; and discussion in the light of the
Lord Jesus to discern the ways in which the
Church and society can renew their commitment
to the family.
The most difficult test for families in our
time is often solitude, which destroys and gives
rise to a general sensation of impotence in
relation to the socio-economic situation that
often ends up crushing them. This is due to
growing precariousness in the workplace that is
often experienced as a nightmare, or due to
heavy taxation that certainly does not encourage
young people to marriage.
In many contexts, and not only in the West,
the practice of cohabitation before marriage, or
indeed cohabitation not orientated towards
assuming the form of an institutional bond, is
increasingly widespread.
Many children are born outside marriage,
especially in certain countries, and there are
many who subsequently grow up with just one
of their parents or in an enlarged or
reconstituted family context. The number of
divorces is growing and it is not rare to
encounter cases in which decisions are taken
solely on the basis of
economic factors.
The condition of
women still needs to be
defended
and
promoted, as situations
of violence within the
family are not rare.
Children are frequently
the object of contention
between parents, and
are the true victims of
family
breakdown.
Societies riven by
violence due to war, terrorism or the presence of
organized crime experience deteriorating family
situations. Furthermore, migration is another
sign of the times, to be faced and understood in
terms of the burden of consequences for family
life.
Realizing the need, therefore, for spiritual
discernment with regard to cohabitation, civil
marriages and divorced and remarried persons,
it is the task of the Church to recognize those
seeds of the Word that have spread beyond its
visible and sacramental boundaries. Following
the expansive gaze of Christ, whose light
illuminates every man, the Church turns
respectfully to those who participate in her life in
an incomplete and imperfect way, appreciating the
positive values they contain rather than their
limitations and shortcomings.
Imitating Jesus’ merciful gaze, the Church
must accompany her most fragile sons and
daughters, marked by wounded and lost love, with
attention and care, restoring trust and hope to
them like the light of a beacon in a port, or a torch
carried among the people to light the way for
those who are lost or find themselves in the midst
of the storm.
For this reason, what is required is
a missionary conversion: it is necessary not to
stop at an announcement that is merely theoretical
and has nothing to do with people’s real problems.
It must not be forgotten that the crisis of faith
has led to a crisis in matrimony and the family
and, as a result, the transmission of faith from
parents to children has often been interrupted.
Confronted by a strong faith, the imposition of
certain cultural perspectives that weaken the
family is of no importance.
Each damaged family first of all should be
listened to with respect and love, becoming
companions on the journey as Christ did with the
disciples on the road to Emmaus. In a particular
way the words of Pope Francis apply in these
situations: The Church will have to initiate
everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this
“art of accompaniment”, which teaches us to
remove our sandals before the sacred ground of
the other. The pace of this accompaniment must
be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness
and our compassionate gaze which also heals,
liberates and encourages growth in the Christian
life.
Such discernment is indispensable for the
separated and divorced. What needs to be
respected above all is the suffering of those who
have endured separation and divorce unjustly. The
forgiveness for the injustice endured is not easy,
but it is a journey that grace makes possible. In
the same way it needs to be always underlined
that it is indispensable to assume in a faithful and
constructive way the consequences of separation
or divorce on the children: they must not become
an “object” to be fought over and the most
suitable means need to be sought so that they can
get over the trauma of the family break-up and
grow up in the most serene way possible.
In the same way the situation of the divorced
who have remarried demands a careful
discernment and an accompaniment full of
respect, avoiding any language or behaviour that
might make them feel discriminated against. For
the Christian community looking after them is not
a weakening of its faith and its testimony to the
indissolubility of marriage, but rather it expresses
precisely its charity in its caring.
Synod’s Midterm Report [Abridged].
LITURGY CORNER
At first reading of the gospel (Matt 22:15-21), we
may be tempted to think that Jesus is separating
religious behaviour from political or economic
behaviour. While Jesus gives due weight to civic and
political duties, his instruction to “Give to God what
is God’s” reminds us that there is no aspect of
human life or activity that can be considered apart
from God. To seek and honour God, the believer
must work within the world.
The Summit
Today’s Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 45:1,4-6. The allpowerful Lord uses the pagan king
Cyrus as an instrument to bring about
his purposes.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5. Paul
greets the Church in Thessalonika and recalls how
they recognised the power of the Gospel.
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21. Jesus tells us that we
recognise God’s rule over our lives by giving back to
God all that belongs to God.
Next Week: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
Exodus 22:20-26; 1Thess1:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40
HOLY HOUR this Thursday from 8.00 to 9.00pm
including Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,
Rosary, prayers, hymns and scripture reading. All
welcome.
REPARATION PRAYER GROUP meets Tuesdays in
the Parish Office Basement from 8.00 to 9.00pm
including Rosary and a cuppa. All welcome.
CASTLE HILL CEMETERY MASS: An All Souls’
Day Mass will be celebrated at Castle Hill Cemetery
on Saturday, 1st November at 10.00am. There will be
plenty of parking in the grounds.
RETIREMENT VILLAGES SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Warrina - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Tuesday 17
July at 4pm in the chapel.
A LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY
What: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Where: The Marian Centre
When: 29 October then on the following
Wednesdays from 7.30 - 9pm.
For Whom: Anyone who is considering what it
means to be a Catholic Christian and may want to join
the Catholic faith community.
Please contact Sr Judy - Parish Office on 9634 2622.
DIOCESAN WORKS FUND APPEAL
NEXT WEEKEND
BLENDED FAMILIES SEMINAR: Wesley Uniting
Church Castle Hill invites you to a free seminar this
Wednesday, 22 October from 7.30pm to 9.15pm in the
Friendship Room, 32 Showground Road, Castle Hill.
This is an opportunity to learn more and understand
the issues for Blended Families. Guest presenters
Sharon Chapman (family counselling service), Karen
Haga (family law specialist) and Denise Lockrey
(Castle Hill Public School). Supper provided. More
information: 9894 8999.
A MESSAGE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Following the substantial repairs to the church ceiling
and roof, an Extraordinary Appeal was made to assist
the Parish in reducing the loan that had ballooned to
almost $1.2m from the costs incurred. The Finance
Committee hoped the campaign would collect
$100,000.
Once again our parishioners have not disappointed
with $56,435 collected to date. The Finance
Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank
our congregation for its kind assistance and
overwhelming generosity, and has allowed St
Bernadette's to reduce its loan to $1,058,617 from
this collection and other cost saving measures
implemented.
If you were away over the last two weeks for the
school holidays, and would still like to make a
contribution to the Extraordinary Appeal, forms are
available at the doors of the Church, or from the
Parish Office.
LAST WEEKEND’S ADDRESS
FROM FR JOHN WATKINS
Good morning/evening, I am with you today to
inform you that I will be taking time out of the priestly
ministry to further discern where God is leading me in
my life.
This decision, journeyed with the Archbishop-elect
Anthony Fisher and Vicars-General Peter Williams
and Chris de Souza, my spiritual director and my
family over a period of time, to take time out from
priestly ministry has not been made lightly. At times
the struggle of this decision has manifested itself in
my ill health. Therefore, this is my last weekend here
at St Bernadette’s. I thank Frs John and Eugene, Sr
Judy, Frances, Monica, Alice, James and Darren, as
well as Leanne and the school community, for their
support and friendship in my time here over the past
two years. I also thank you for your care,
companionship and prayers throughout my priestly
ministry.
I have enjoyed my time here in this wonderful
parish and will have fond memories that I will cherish
for a life time. I humbly ask that you keep me in your
prayers during this time as I will keep you in mine.
Thank you, farewell and God bless.
OPEN DISCUSSION ON THE CHURCH AND
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: Priests and school staff
and others have had an opportunity to discuss, at
professional meetings, the issue of child molestation,
how it happened, the role of the Royal Commission
into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse,
what the Church response is and what the future may
bring. Ordinary parishioners have not had any
opportunity for an open discussion on this matter and
there may be some interest in parishioners getting
together to discuss such matters, ask questions and
be educated. If you feel you would like to be involved
in a night to explore this topic, please ring Frances
and make a booking. For it to be a night of frank and
open discussion, the ability to express concerns and
ask questions, numbers need to be limited. I have set
aside Wednesday October 29 at 7.30pm for
parishioners to meet regarding this matter. Bookings
are essential. Please phone the parish office on
9634 2622 to make a reservation.
BEYOND 60: Cards/Mahjong this Friday, 24th
October at 7.30pm in the Marian Centre.
Leading Teens
Closer To Christ
Youth & Young Adults Ministry
Into LIFE Friday for years 6-8: The Stories
continue and so does the fun and games. Into LIFE is
the place to be. In the parish hall 7-8.30pm. Don't
forget your $2 donation!
Life NIGHT tonight: Say what? Join with us and
special guest Adam Chioatto on a thrilling night of
intrigue and mystery. Don't forget your $2 donation!
Have ideas for new works and ministries? Please
contact James Hay.
More information? Please contact James Hay on
0403 933 732, Twitter: @StBernadettesYM,
Instagram: StBernadetteYouth or
[email protected].
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMME
2014-2015: A Reminder to parish families who would
like their child to commence preparation for the
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, that you
need to contact the parish office to book an
appointment to meet with Fr John Boyle.
MAMRE FESTIVAL TODAY: Mamre is a work in the
Parramatta Diocese that offers programmes to
support refugees, the disabled and youth at risk. You
are invited to their Good Living Festival today
(Sunday) 19th October from 9.30am to 3.30pm at 181
Mamre Road, Orchard Hills. Easy parking available.
Enjoy craft and gift stalls, rock climbing for children,
plant sales, gourmet food, fresh fruit and vegetables,
Devonshire teas, and much, much more!
COLUMBAN CALENDARS ARE NOW ON SALE
FROM THE BOOKSHOP FOR $10 EACH.
THE JEWELER’S SHOP PLAY by Karol Wojtyla.
The Diocesan Family and Life Office in partnership
with Artes Christi is sponsoring a performance of The
Jeweler’s Shop: A meditation on the Sacrament of
Matrimony by St John Paul II on Sunday 26 October
at 3pm, Riverside Theatre, Parramatta. Tickets: $30
adults, $25 concession and $20 for groups of 10. For
information on how to book contact Ben Smith on
8838 3440 or [email protected].
EXHIBITION
AND
SALE
OF
INDIGENOUS ART: All are welcome
to an exhibition and sale of works by
some
of
Australia’s
prominent
Indigenous artists. The artist-in-residence during the
exhibition will be Barbara Weir from the Utopia
Community in the Central Desert, NT. All artworks are
on sale with proceeds to benefit St Patrick’s Cathedral
project and Ars Musica.
Open Friday 24 Oct, 7.30-9.30pm; Saturday 25 Oct,
10am-4pm; Sunday 26 Oct, 10am-4pm at St Patrick’s
Cathedral Hall, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta.
Have you considered leaving a gift to the parish in
your will? If you would like further information please
phone 9634 2622 for a confidential discussion.
St Bernadette’s Parish Community
Parish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154
Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: [email protected]
Web page: http://www.stbernadette.org.au
Parish Staff
Mass Times for this Week
Fr John Boyle, Parish Priest
Sunday
Sat
6.00pm
Fr Eugene Szondi, Assistant Priest
Sun 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am &
Sr Judy McLeod, rsm, Pastoral Associate
6.00pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth Mass
Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator
Weekdays Mon
6.45am
Mr James Hay, Youth Minister
Tue
6.45am
Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager
Wed
6.45am, 9.15am
Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu)
Thurs
6.45am, 9.15am
Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance
Fri
6.45am, 9.15 am
Sat
8.00 am
Reconciliation Sat 8.30am - 9.00am, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Mass on Public Holidays at 8.00am
Baptisms and Marriages: By appointment only. Contact the Parish Office. Please note the Church law: Parents
are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth or even before
it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. [Can. 867 §1]
St Bernadette’s Parish School: Mrs Leanne Nettleton (Principal) 9634 2898
Acting Parish Council Administrator: Peter Grace 9659 5350
Sacramental Programme 2016 Information Nights - 12th & 13th October, 2015
Please pray for Rhonda Baker, Joseph Finucane, Thomas John Casey, Mary McLaughlin, Engracia Corpuz
and Mary Armstrong who have died recently and for the anniversaries of Elias & Marie Remaili, Cathy Flynn,
Elizabeth Jilek and Joseph Pancras and in remembrance of Dodweil & Matilda Jones and Ebert & Doris Ragel.
Prayers for the Sick: Patrick Bowie, John Mulholland, Robert Ison, Elaine Rowe, Sr Bridie O’Connell,
Sandra Watson, Greta Meier, Robert Teoh, Dick Smith, Peter Yao, Archer Kemmis, Joe Rego, Sophie Maher,
Dorothy Barbour, Jocelyn Nice, Jan Heyworth and Avelina Ecarma.
ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 25 & 26 October, 2014
ACOLYTES/ SERVERS
LECTORS
MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
Budi Kawiadji, Roque Dias
S7
Judith Donoghue
Katrina Obeid
John Obeid
Sue Pinkerton, Carol Cividin, Esther & Frank Coleiro,
Lucille Wilson, Maureen Fearnside, Beverley Curtis,
Maria Tunchon, Warren Hiser
7.30AM
Edy Kesuma, Dennis Frketic
S8
Malcolm Clow
Joyan Fife
Jerard Heffernan
Joe Busuttil, Patricia Bright, Hilary Burton,
Margaret Elder, Jeff Davis, Peter Grace
9.00AM
John Maker, Joseph Frketic
S9
Angela Crowe
Nanette D’Arcy
Neil Bone
Karen & David Askey, Christine & Hubert Jenneke,
Cathy & Greg Piggott, Trevor & Joanne O’Shea,
O’Shea Family
10.30AM
Zeno Hong, Vince Connelly
S1
Irene Ngu
Margaret Griffin
Guy Hannan
Marion McDonald, Mabel Pereira, Michael Puckeridge,
Florina Vanderwaals, Barbara Shannon,
Tony & Wendy Smith, Joshua Abrahams, Barry Halpin
VIGIL
6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 26 October
Adult Server
Cassie Holden
Lectors
Paul Fam
Natalie Jones
Alice Bradshaw
Guitar
Projectionist
Andrew Tchang
Bass
Anthony Healey
Drums
Daniel Ang
Altar Servers
S2
Singers
Musos
Piano
Jason Irawan
Horns
Jordan Tulinsky
Jacqui Holden
Jamie Irawan
Alyssa Tchang
Adam Chioatto
Dominic Jones
Jolene Chua
Rachel Chua
Lauren Fernandez
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Sara Ghazi
Elaine Edmiston
Maria Mochnik, Kathy Habek
Adelina & Ronald Tabila
CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING
COUNTING (2nd Collection)
Edy Kesuma, Claire & Joe Lagunzad,
Elizabeth & Nina De Jesus, Mila Mina
FLOWER ROSTER
COUNTING (1st Collection)
BOOKSHOP
Beth & Nina De Jesus / Anne Parker / Jane Beard /
Coney Lau / Patricia Smith
Margaret Jones
Siew Elsdon
Remy De Leon