The Massabielle
The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s
Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW
November 1 & 2, 2014 - ALL SOULS’ DAY - Year A
Issue Number 611
CATHOLICS PRAY FOR THE DEAD. IT’S WHAT CATHOLICS DO!
I
t was while Augustine was Bishop of
Hippo that the Vandals laid siege to the
walled episcopal city of Hippo in 430.
This was the end of an era, the beginning
of the end for the Roman Empire.
On 28 August 430, three months into the
siege, St Augustine, who was 75 by this time,
died. Rome could do nothing to give protection
to this important outpost of its vast empire.
The Vandals destroyed the city of Hippo
leaving only the cathedral and Augustine’s
library. Even though he lived a long time ago,
many of his sermons and writings still survive.
We know much about him
because he wrote his Confessions
in 397. His story is the most
complete record of any single
person from the 4th and 5th
centuries.
Saint Augustine was born in
Thagaste, now Souk Ahras,
Algeria. His mother, Monica was
a devout Christian while his
father, Patricius was a nonCatholic who converted to
Christianity on his deathbed. He
gained an insight into sin when
he and his friends stole pears
from a neighbour’s orchard. They
didn’t really want this fruit or
need it, yet under peer-pressure
Augustine joined in this antisocial and illegal behaviour.
Augustine was not yet
baptised but, as a catechumen, was considered a
Catholic. He left the Church to follow the
Manichaean religion. He got in with the ‘wrong
crowd’. They were young men who drank and
boasted of their exploits with women. He lived
de facto with a woman and, together they had a
son called Adeodatus meaning ‘a gift from
God’. Their sexual relationship lasted for
thirteen years.
When he moved to Milan, Augustine came
under the influence of the local bishop,
Ambrose. Both Augustine and his son,
Adeodatus were baptised during the Easter Vigil
in Milan cathedral in 387. In 391 Augustine was
ordained a priest in Algeria and, in 395, was
made coadjutor Bishop of Hippo, becoming the
bishop of the diocese shortly after. He remained
in Hippo until his death.
Augustine came from a mixed marriage. He
was weak and gave into peer-pressure from his
friends in the area of sexual activity. He lusted
after women. He left the Church. He had a son
out of wedlock. He broke up with his de facto.
He later became a priest. What a story! “Give
me chastity”, he prayed, “but don’t give it to me
yet”. St Augustine has much to teach us. His
teaching on praying for the dead is of interest to
us as we enter November, the month of the Holy
Souls.
St Augustine admonished his
congregation
one
Sunday
because, on the previous Sunday
afternoon, many of them had
taken a picnic lunch to the local
cemetery. Eating and relaxing
among the graves of their
relatives was not the problem.
Their sin was to overindulge in
alcohol, eat too much food and
carouse without restraint. They
had forgotten what they were
meant to be there for: genuine
prayer for the dead.
St Augustine was no wowser;
he knew about the pleasures of
the flesh in his past and he
wasn’t against drinking, but now
as bishop he taught moderation
and restraint.
The admonition tells us something about
how fourth-century Christians in North Africa
understood death. Firstly, they liked to visit the
graves, somehow sensing that life had been
transformed, not ended. Secondly, they felt at
home amongst the dead; it was a good place to
relax and share a picnic. Thirdly, their faith led
them to pray for their dead, suggesting that there
was still a connection between this world and
the next.
What lies behind these human and divine
motives is the Incarnation. It is because God
became man, the Word was made flesh, that St
Augustine’s parishioners felt comfortable
relaxing amongst the dead. The Incarnation
establishes a deep connection with God through
baptism. Our sins are washed away and we are
gifted with the divine life dwelling within our
souls. The way we relate to each other is based on
God’s love for us and our love for God and
neighbour. Thus, the dead and the living are of
equal value in the sight of God. Therefore we
remember the dead, celebrate their passing from
death to light, and keep their memory alive in our
hearts and in our prayer.
The importance of St Augustine’s admonition
to his parishioners in the late 300s is not that this
bishop was doing what bishops usually do. Its
importance lies in the fact that we have
documentary evidence from that time that
Catholics in North Africa were doing what
Catholics around the world do today, that is, pray
for the dead. This is our sacred heritage. It is our
Catholic tradition.
Throughout November the priests will pray for
the dead whose names are inscribed in the Book
of Life. This book will be on display on the
sanctuary under the Paschal Candle. You, too are
invited to leaf through the book and remember in
prayer the names of deceased relatives, friends,
parishioners and people for whom Masses will be
offered.
To have Masses said for the deceased, please
take an envelope. Envelopes are found at the
entrances to the church. Write the names of the
deceased on the envelope and place the envelope
on the collection plate, or give it to the priest, or
put it into the parish office. From there the names
will be typed up and eventually placed in the
Book of Life. Please write legibly.
O
n Wednesday night a group of
parishioners met in the parish hall to
listen to a talk by Bishop Geoffrey
Robinson, author of Confronting
Power and Sex in the Catholic
Church. At the suggestion of some parishioners I
arranged the visit of Bishop Robinson to lead us
in a discussion on the sexual abuse crises that has
engulfed the Church in Ireland, the United States,
Canada and Australia. The small group of
parishioners present enabled us to talk with an
openness about these matters. We shared stories
and asked questions. I think we left the hall
knowing more about the issue than when we
arrived.
B
ishop Anthony Fisher’s Farewell-fromthe-Diocese Mass is to be celebrated in
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta this
Wednesday night at 7.30pm. The young
people will be farewelling the new Archbishopelect with a Mass at Blacktown at 11.30am on
Saturday. Parishioners are invited to attend both
functions.
Father John
LITURGY CORNER
The last section of today’s Gospel (Matt 11:25-30):
Come to me, all you who labour and are
overburdened …, is well known and loved. Many of
us find comfort and support from knowing Jesus
invites us to come when we are in trouble (anytime
at all, really). No doubt when he spoke these words
his listeners were comforted and encouraged as they
(those who were responding to Jesus’ love) were
being ostracised by other Jews. This reading also
supports those who are mourning (and we are
celebrating All Souls Day) because Jesus goes on to
say: you will find rest for your souls.
Today’s Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9. A
consoling vision of salvation, when death
will be destroyed forever.
Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11.
God’s love for us is demonstrated in Christ’s death on
the cross.
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30. God
mysteries of the kingdom to children.
reveals
the
Next Week: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - A
Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12; 1 Cor 3:9-11,16-17; John 2:13-22.
Feast Day this Week
Tuesday 4 November - St Charles Borromeo
HOLY HOUR WITH BENEDICTION this Thursday
from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, prayers, hymns and
scripture reading. All welcome.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION this Friday following
6.45am Mass until 9.15 and following 9.15 Mass until
11.45am.
FIRST FRIDAY MASS WITH ANOINTING OF THE
SICK will take place this Friday, 7th November at
12 noon followed by a light lunch in the Marian Centre.
All welcome. If you can help with transport or by
providing sandwiches it would be greatly appreciated.
Contact Maureen Fearnside on 9634 3329.
REPARATION PRAYER GROUP meets Tuesdays in
the Parish Office Basement from 8.00 to 9.00pm
including Rosary and a cuppa. All welcome.
ASYLUM SEEKERS often come here with only
what they can carry, trusting in the generosity and
good will of Australians to help them to settle into their
new country. If Refugee Status is granted, they will
settle into life in Australia but they need help with
understanding English, accessing public transport,
shopping, and understanding Australian laws, values
and culture. You can make them feel welcome and
assist them in a practical way by becoming a
Volunteer Mentor. Full training and support will be
provided through Marist Youth Care, 36 – 38 First
Avenue (Corner Boys Ave) Blacktown on Tuesday, 18
November from 7pm to 9pm. For more information or
to book a place contact: Janice Williams on
9672 9210 or [email protected].
NOVEMBER MASSES
Parishioners are invited to write the
names of deceased relatives and
friends on an envelope which is
handed to the priest or placed on the
collection plate or given in to the
parish office.
From there the names are typed up and placed in
the “Book of Life”. Parishioners are welcome to
browse through the Book, placed on a temporary
altar (to the right of the main altar), looking at the
names, and remembering to say a prayer for those
whose names are in the Book. Masses will be offered
for these people who have gone before us during the
month of November.
DIOCESAN WORKS FUND APPEAL: Thank you to
all who gave so generously to the DWF Appeal last
weekend. For those who may have missed the
Appeal, envelopes are still available in the church
foyer. All donations are tax deductible.
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. Enrolments
will be finalised following our ‘Presentation to the
Parish’ at all masses on the weekend of 16th
November. Please ensure you have met with Fr John
before then. For more information contact Alice
Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator, on 9634 2622
(Mon & Tue) or [email protected].
PROPOSED
CATHOLIC
CEMETERY
AT
KENTHURST: St Madeleines Parish is undergoing
research to test the viability of a proposed Catholic
Cemetery to be developed alongside their new
church and are seeking the feedback from Catholic
parishioners in surrounding areas. Please take 5
minutes to complete the survey online and have your
say. If you can please complete the survey as soon
as possible at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Kenthurst
(this website differs from that in previous bulletins).
POSITION
VACANT:
Office
Administrator
St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands is seeking an
Office Administrator to join their parish team. For
further information please contact Fr. Damian
Mosakowski, osppe, Parish Administrator on 9637
2526
or
visit
the
Diocesan
website
www.parra.catholic.org.au to download the position
description. Applications close 14th November.
A LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY
What: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Where: The Marian Centre
When: Wednesday evenings 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.
COLUMBAN CALENDARS ARE NOW ON SALE
FROM THE BOOKSHOP FOR $10 EACH.
VINNIES CHRISTMAS CARDS ON SALE FOR
$7 PER PACKET
The sale of these products support the works of the
St Vincent de Paul Society
Leading Teens
Closer To Christ
Youth & Young Adults Ministry
Into LIFE Friday for years 6-8: It’s JPII is the best
guy around. Find out why at Into Life this week! In
the parish hall 7-8.30pm. Don't forget your $2
donation!
Life NIGHT tonight: Special guests galore and
Sr Rosie returns. You don't want to miss this awesome
night. 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].
ADVENT FESTIVAL OF READINGS & SONGS at
Mount St Benedict Centre Chapel, 449D Pennant Hills
Road, Pennant Hills on Sunday 30th November.
3.30pm afternoon tea, 4.30-5.30pm Advent Festival.
Bookings essential: [email protected] or
9484 6208.
ST PHILOMENA ASSOCIATION MASS at St John
Vianney Church, 17 Cameron Street, Doonside next
Saturday 8th November. Mass at noon with
Confession from 11.30am. Please bring a snack to
share. RSVP Elizabeth on 0423 154 463 or
[email protected].
RECOLLECTION AND PRAYER DAY for Nurses,
Doctors, Allied Health Workers, Carers and all who
care for the sick, at Sacred Heart Parish Westmead
on Saturday 22 November from 10 am. – 3 pm
(parish Mass at 9.00am). Suggested donation $10.
BYO Lunch. Morning Tea, tea & coffee provided.
The day will consist of a keynote address,
discussions, prayer times, quiet time, group sharing
and a closing liturgy, reconciliation available.
The aim is for those in the caring professions to have
a time of prayer and recollection and be renewed in
their professional calling. For enquiries please contact
Michelle 47343150 b/h or [email protected].
OLMC MERCY SCHOLARSHIPS: Our Lady of
Mercy College Parramatta is now accepting
applications for Mercy Scholarships for Academic
Excellence and Music Excellence. Girls entering
Years 7, 9 or 11 in 2016 are invited to apply. Visit the
College website www.olmc.nsw.edu.au for more
information.
MEN ALIVE - AN AFTERNOON EVENT FOR
FATHERS from 1.30 to 4pm on Saturday 29th
November at St Patrick’s Parish Hall, Parramatta.
Topic is The Critical Importance of Fathering and
includes a discussion on the importance of the role of
Fathers and Grandfathers. Rsvp to Ben Smith on
8838 3440 or [email protected].
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 &
Fr Michael Gathuku
6.00pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth Mass
Sr Judy McLeod, rsm, Pastoral Associate
Weekdays Mon
6.45am
Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator
Tue
6.45am
Mr James Hay, Youth Minister
Wed
6.45am, 9.15am
Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager
Thurs
6.45am, 9.15am
Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu)
First Fri
6.45am, 9.15 am, 12 noon
Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance
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 Jonathan Blacklock, Jean Atkinson and Ivan Mikulich who have died recently and for the
anniversaries of Clara Aguilar, Eileen Markham and Darryl Blazey.
Prayers for the Sick: Patrick Bowie, John Mulholland, Robert Ison, Elaine Rowe, Sr Bridie O’Connell,
Sandra Watson, Greta Meier, Robert Teoh, Victoria Gatt, Peter Yao, Archer Kemmis, Joe Rego, Sophie Maher,
Dorothy Barbour, Evelin Lockley, Jan Heyworth and Avelina Ecarma.
ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 8 & 9 November, 2014
ACOLYTES/ SERVERS
LECTORS
MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
Zeno Hong, Vince Connelly
S8
Douglas Carvalho
Tony Calabria
Felicity Carvalho
Williams Family, Annarita Mezger, Sabrina Lobo,
Maureen & Ray Scully, Connie Tierney, Helen Wintle,
Rebecca/David Cushway, Delphine Fernandes
7.30AM
Budi Kawiadji, Roque Dias
S9
Lisa/Geoffrey Kemmis
Patricia Bright
Robert Ash
Rose & Peter Huby, Gerard & Geraldine Kearney,
Sarah Markowskei, Joyan Fife
9.00AM
Edy Kesuma, Dennis Frketic
S1
Trevor O’Shea
Brian Blacklock
Joanne O’Shea
David/Bettina Green, Sally Healey, Healey Family,
John & Lois Donnelly, Aida Pereira, Lena Madry,
Brian & Katrina Fitzalan
10.30AM
John Maker, Joseph Frketic
S2
Tony Smith
Jan Crawford
John Rajkumar
Rosemary Roco, Coney Lau, Roslyn Knezevic,
Sandra Merhi, Joanna Frketic, Hilary Fong,
Elizabeth & Jiji Joseph, Dawn Wickramasinghe
VIGIL
6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 9 November
Adult Server
Nick Holden
Altar Servers
S3
Lectors
Josh Chaney
Leanne Pak
Natalie Jones
Projectionist
Andrew Tchang
Singers
Musos
Piano
Bass
Alice Bradshaw
Anthony Healey
Guitar
Drums
Horns
Jordan Tulinsky
Sara Ang,
Jamie Irawan
Alyssa Tchang
Adam Chioatto
Jason Irawan
Jolene Chu
Rachel Chua
Lauren Fernandez
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Vicki Ford
Lisa Biasucci
Bernadette Logue, Marjorie Anderson,
Robyn Morgan, Kate Cowper
CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING
COUNTING (2nd Collection)
Rex Smith, Jeff Cronan, Erika Druzine,
Siew Elsden, Tony Virgona
FLOWER ROSTER
COUNTING (1st Collection)
BOOKSHOP
Maureen Fearnside / Catherine Seddon /
Falentina Young / Crystal Good / Leah Bonifacio
Olivia Cheng
John Faehrmann
Len Goldsworthy