St. Patrick’s Parish, Church Hill
“A spiritual oasis in the midst of the city”
Under the Pastoral Care of the Marist Fathers
since 1868
St Patrick’s Church
St Brigid’s Church
“To think as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and act as Mary in all things”
(Marist Fathers’ Constitutions)
8th February, 2015
Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time, Year B
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Preaching the Kingdom of God
The gospel this weekend focuses again on Jesus’ ministry in
Galilee. While it includes a number of healing miracles, the
gospel passage once again provides an insight into how the
evangelist viewed the miracles that Jesus performed there.
As we saw last weekend, in Mark’s gospel, the miracles are
not the primary focus of Jesus’ work. Rather, Jesus’ main
objective is to preach the Kingdom (reign) of God. In other
words, the focus of his mission was to preach the good news
about the coming kingdom, inaugurated by him, and to reveal
God’s compassionate love for all his creatures.
Interestingly, the gospel passage this weekend shows that
the demons recognise the man behind the miraculous cures.
From that perspective, they understand fully the true meaning
of his mission: to overcome the forces and power of evil in
whatever form it appears and to establish God’s reign.
While the miracles presented by Mark are amazing events, they are always subordinate to the primary task of
Jesus’ mission. They confirm the power of Jesus’ words and reveal God’s desire through the paschal mystery to
change the universal human condition of misery and hopelessness to something better. In this sense they are the
preliminary acts of healing that foreshadow the greatest act of healing, namely, the resurrection. They show that
Jesus has the power to restore the true meaning to life.
It is helpful for us as we reflect upon this gospel story to think about our attitude to Jesus, miracles and prayers for
healing. Are we tempted to think of Jesus as some of his contemporaries did, as a ‘folk healer’ or a magician? Do
we approach him only because we want something? If so, maybe we are missing the true import of his message
and the true meaning of his resurrection from the dead!
Ray Chapman, SM
Parish Priest
The parish of St Patrick’s acknowledges the Cadigal tribe of the Eora people as the traditional
custodians of this place we now call Sydney.
World Day of Prayer and Action Against Human
Trafficking: This weekend we are invited to pray in a
special way for those who are the victims of trafficking.
The following prayer will be recited by all at the end of
the Prayers of the Faithful: “O God, when we hear of
children and adults deceived and taken to unknown
places for purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labour,
and organ ‘harvesting’, our hearts are saddened and our
spirits angry that their dignity and rights are ignored
through threats, lies, and force. We cry out against the
evil practice of this modern slavery, and pray with St.
Bakhita for it to end. Give us wisdom and courage to
reach out and stand with those whose bodies, hearts
and spirits have been so wounded, so that together we
may make real your promises to fill these sisters and
brothers with a love that is tender and good. Send the
exploiters away empty-handed to be converted from this
wickedness, and help us all to claim the freedom that is
your gift to your children. Amen”.
Season of Lent at St Patrick’s: Lent is just around the
corner and some of us are beginning to think about what
we can do to make this holy season special. To help,
we have produced a small flyer which lists some of the
activities in the parish that might expand you thinking.
During Lent, you may wish to participate in one or more
of the activities suggested and take a different approach
to your Lenten penance this year. Feel free to take a
copy of the flyer with you as you leave.
A Thought: God is in his creation as the voice of the
singer is in his song.
Verse 1
Feed us now, Bread of life, in this holy meal;
let us know your love anew: we hunger for you.
Feed us now, bread of life, come and live within;
let your peace be ours today, Lord Jesus, we pray.
Marist Encounter Program: Come and listen to Father
Ray Chapman, Father John Thornhill and Father Kevin
Bates and other Marists speak about how has God
touched their lives. It might help you to recognise where
you too have found joy in your life. Meet in the crypt on
Thursday 12th February from 6.00 p.m. to 7.45 p.m. The
night will start with a light dinner followed by a 20 minute
DVD presentation, discussion and prayer. Please SMS
0423 785 362 to confirm your attendance.
St Patrick's Young Adults: aged from 18 to 35 yrs are
warmly invited to this year's scripture, prayer and good
works Lenten series.
Journey prayerfully together
towards Easter, meet new friends and store up some
treasures in heaven. This is a free event, starting shrove
Tuesday 17th February and meeting every Tuesday
throughout Lent from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the crypt
(access via court yard). All are welcome.
For
information, call Luke 0403 986 655
Aquinas Academy Courses 2015: There are some
wonderfully informative and educational courses
available through the Aquinas Academy this year. For
more information go to www.aquinas-academy.com
Scripture Readings for the
5 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
First Reading: Book of Job: 7:1-4, 6-7
Second Reading: First Letter of St Paul to
the Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
Feed Us Now 2 AOV 93
Verse 2
Piece of bread, glass of wine: Lord, this food is good;
love and mercy come to us, your promise we trust.
Piece of bread, glass of wine; who can understand
how his mercy works in these? Yet, Lord, we believe.
Verse 3
God is here, O so near, nearer than our thoughts.
Stay with us where’er we go; Lord, help us to grow.
God is here, O so near, in this heaven’s meal.
May we always feed on you on the bread that is true.
Word of Life copyright licence number is 2616E
Saint Patrick’s Bible Study Discussion Hour
meets each
Wednesday in the crypt from
7.00pm to 8.00pm.
All are welcome. Please RSVP
Sr Fidelis by email.
Sunday Baptisms: The parish baptisms will take place
at St Brigid’s next Sunday (15th February). As a
consequence, the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
will take place as usual next Sunday.
Tues, 10th Feb:
You may wish to
pray
this
prayer
leading up to and on
St Valentine’s Day,
14th February: Lord,
each one of us in our
lives
has
been
touched
by
the
mystery of love and
deep affection. We have experienced the tenderness
and warmth of those who care for us deeply. Help all
of us to rejoice in your gifts to us, especially the gift
of love.
May we radiate your goodness and
compassionate care for all of our brothers and sisters.
May we continue, through the intercession of St
Valentine, to value and appreciate your love above all
else. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
PARISH DIARY THIS WEEK
St Scholastica, virgin
Christian Meditation
Crypt 12.15 to 2.55 p.m.
Legion of Mary, Level 3
141 Harrington Street, 6.15 p.m.
Wed, 11th Feb:
Novena, 12.30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
St Pats Bible Study Discussion Group
Crypt, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thurs, 12th Feb:
Anointing of the Sick, 10.30 a.m.
Rosary, in the Crypt at 12.30 p.m.
Marist Laity Encounters, for 8 weeks only
Crypt, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Sat,14th Feb:
Saint Valentine, priest
Sts Cyril, monk, and Methodius, bishop
Sun, 15th Feb:
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Social Club for Seniors Crypt, 1.45 - 4 p.m.
Parish Baptisms — St Brigid’s
Valentine’s Day Feb 14
Although not on the universal
Pope gives Valentine's blessings to
Church calendar, St Valentine is
20,000 couples
celebrated throughout the world
as the patron of romance and When asked what the keys to a successful marriage were,
married love. He was a Roman Pope Francis said there were three important things:
Thanks,
Forgiveness,
priest who was executed for “Permission,
Never end a single day without being at peace with each
marrying couples against the
other, Never, Never.”
orders of the Emperor Claudius
II. While in prison, he healed
the sight of his jailor’s young
daughter, and on the eve of his
execution, reportedly penned
her a note signing it, ‘from your
Valentine’
Couple Fun!
Why is it that when we grow
up, we forget about the joys
and benefits of having fun?
Counsellors and educators often
talk about the importance of fun in
a marriage, but for those of us
raising families; ‘couple fun’ is
usually the first casualty in the
busy family schedule. After all,
now that we are parents, we’re
supposed to be responsible, right?
Fun stimulates the brain and
regenerates us – something we all
need in a busy life loaded with
meetings and responsibilities. But
we’re not just talking about any
kind of fun. Lots of couples have
scheduled fun activities for their
individual pursuits or family activity
time, but rarely have fun together
as a couple. All marriages have
times of struggle and when they do
one of the notable absences is
couple fun; neither seem to enjoy
each other as much as they used
to. As a result, they often
seek their ‘fun-fix’ outside the
relationship. This is a set up for
mishap as the ability to have fun
together is an important bonding
experience. If all your fun is associated with someone other than
your spouse, you’ll be at risk of
further undermining the marriage.
A sense of humour
encourages laughter which
stimulates the biochemistry
associated with wellbeing. It
can turn a negative event into
a positive bonding experience
and helps us overcome
frustrations that otherwise
might leave us feeling
resentful towards each other.
A good dose of laughter is like
a healing balm.
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Curiosity is a vital ingredient in
keeping our love fresh, vibrant
and open to growth. Couples
who let themselves believe that
they already know everything
about each other, tend to lose
interest in each other. They
become stagnant and bored with
each other and begin to look for
stimulation elsewhere. Couple
fun fosters curiosity by creating
opportunities to discover new
aspects of each other.
We all love it when our beloved does
something nice for us, like a love note,
a back rub, small gift or taking us on a
date. These small gestures are so
important in communicating our love to
each other and are vital to sustaining a
vibrant relationship.
Recent research has demonstrated
that the impact in the brain of such
gestures is increased when there is an
element of unpredictability. In other
words, surprise is a great way to
amplify your couple fun! Instead of your
favourite restaurant, try a twilight picnic
or an exotic food type you’ve never
eaten before. Instead of texting a love
message, send a video message,
coded message or voice message in
an accent.
With a bit of thought, there are so many
ways to add the ‘surprise factor’!
Increase the impact of your
romantic gestures by adding a dash of
surprise and you’ll keep the
romance thriving
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Date Night. When life is busy, if it’s not in the schedule, it just doesn’t happen. Prefer to be spontaneous? Spontaneity is the domain of those
with spare time! If you don’t have spare time, you can’t afford spontaneity. Plan a time and plan an activity even if it’s as simple as walking
around the block or sitting on the floor listening to your favourite music together.
you need to limit
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Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
RESPONSORIAL PSALM:
Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:
Alleluia, alleluia!
He bore our sickness, and endured our suffering.
Alleluia!
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B
Entrance: Verses 1, 6 of Sing a New Song, 398
Acclamation: When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we
proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.
Communion: Feed Us Now, 2 AOV 93
Thanksgiving: Now Thank We all Our God, 530
Recessional: Be Your Priestly Power, 386
(Two Verses Only)
MASS PROGRAM
RECONCILIATION PROGRAM
SUNDAY:
(Vigil, Saturday 6 p.m.)
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 noon (Choir), 3, 4,
5, 6 and 8 p.m.
SUNDAY:
7.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.; 3.00 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.;
8.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
St. Brigid’s, Millers Point: 9.00 a.m.
WEEKDAYS
8 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 12.05 p.m. 1.05 p.m.
and 5.30 p.m.
SATURDAY
8 a.m., 12 noon and 6 p.m. (Vigil)
COFFEE
SHOP
is open from
Sunday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to
2.00 p.m. Closed public holidays.
Volunteers are always welcome!
PIETY STORE
is open every
Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
You will find a selection of religious
objects, books and lots more.
MONDAY, TUESDAY. THURSDAY:
7.30 - 8.00 a.m.; 10.00 a.m. - 12 noon;
12.30 - 1.00 p.m.; 5.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY:
7.30 - 8.00 a.m.; 10.00 a.m.- 6.00 p.m.
SATURDAY:
7.30 - 8.00 a.m.; 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.;
5.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Sunday First Collection:
Support of the Marist Priests at
St Patrick’s.
Sunday Second Collection:
General Parish Expenses.
NOVENA OF OUR LADY OF
PERPETUAL HELP
Wednesday: 12.30 p.m., 5.00 p.m.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Every 2nd Thursday of the month,
10.30 a.m.
Second Rite of Reconciliation
1st Friday of the month, 9.45 a.m.
PUBLIC HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Masses:
8.00 a.m., 12.00 noon, 5.30 p.m.
Reconciliation:
7.30 a.m.- 8.00 a.m., 11.30 a.m. 12.00, 4.30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Marriages: Refer to website:
http://www.stpatschurchhill.org
Baptism: 3rd Sunday of each month
at 1.15 p.m. Refer to our website:
http://www.stpatschurchhill.org
Historical Tour: Every 1st and
3rd Monday of the month. Bookings
are made via the Coffee Shop.
PASTORAL GROUPS
Sacramental Program:
Fr. Fred Kado, SM 9254 9855
Marist Laity Group:
Margaret Woods, 0417 682 822
Andrew Dumas, 0423 785 362
RCIA:
Sister Fidelis SM, 9254 9804
Young Adults:
Mr Luke Formosa, 0403 986 655
Email: [email protected]
Extraordinary Ministers of
Holy Communion & Readers:
Sister Fidelis SM, 9254 9804
Welcomers:
Sister Fidelis SM, 9254 9804
St Brigid’s Contact:
Beryl Prescott, 9667 3171
Coffee Shop Manager:
Val Fisher, 9254 9824
Christian Meditation:
Each Tuesday, 12.15 - 12.55 p.m.
Mike Cummins,9580 5928
Legion of Mary:
Each Tuesday, 6.15 p.m.
Kris Lijanto, 0413 413 672
Rosary Group:
Each Thursday, 12.30 p.m.
Rosa, 0404 700 257,
Alec, 0406 786 273,
Marinko, 0424 442 652
World Apostolate of Fatima
Prayer Group:
1st Saturday of each month
12.30 p.m.
Rosetta, 0403 578 994
St Patrick’s Social Club for
Seniors:
2nd Sunday of each month,
1.45 p.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Marion Dowd, 9953 4909
St Vincent de Paul:
Joe Fitzpatrick, 9252 4646,
Jolita Benjamin, 9692 8633
Liturgy Committee:
Sister Fidelis SM, 9254 9804
Choir Director:
Adrian Bendt
[email protected]
Principal Organist:
Godelieve Ghavalas, 0404 837 363
Sunday 12.00 noon Mass
Choir Rehearsal 11.00 a.m.
menALIVE:
Paul Quirk, 0412 216 589
PARISH OFFICE
Address:
Office hours:
141 Harrington Street, Sydney
9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.
Thur. 9.30 a.m. - 2.30 pm.
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
9254 9855 Fax: 9252 3431
[email protected]
www.stpatschurchhill.org
St Patrick’s Church:
St Brigid’s Church:
20 Grosvenor Street, Church Hill
14 - 16 Kent St., Millers Point
PARISH STAFF
Fr. Ray Chapman, SM Parish Priest
John Attneave, Parish Business Manager
Fr. Neville Byrne, SM
Andy Carter, Maintenance Coordinator
Rita Di Napoli, Parish Secretary
Br. Terry Garrett, SM
Fr. Fred Kado, SM
Fr. Bernard McFadyen, SM
Sr. Fidelis McTeigue, SM
Van Duy Nguyen, Sacristan
Mona Redito, Parish Secretary
Fr Garry Reynolds, SM
The church is fitted with an audio loop for the hearing impaired.
