The Massabielle
The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s
Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW
March 7 & 8, 2015 - THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT- Year B
Issue Number 629
THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
meaning the temple (Acts 6 verse 13).
The expansion of Christianity around the
Mediterranean and the destruction of the temple in
A.D. 70 confirms this new phase in its liberation
from any holy places. You can be a Christian
anywhere.
The Tablet.
Christianity has globalisation in its DNA from
the beginning. Gregory of Nysssa in the fourth
irtually every Catholic Church has the
century claimed, “a change of place does not bring
Stations of the Cross on its walls.
one closer to God, but there where you are, God
Moving from one station to the next,
will come towards you.”
we accompany Jesus on his short
Martin Luther scorned Christians who venerated
journey from the palace of Pontius Pilate in
holy places. “As for the tomb in which the Lord
Jerusalem, where he was condemned to death, to
lay, which the Saracens now possess, God values it
the Cross and then to his tomb.
like all the cow pastures in
His brief and tortuous
Switzerland.”
journey happened in a hot and
But from the beginning, this
dusty city in the Middle East
was in tension with another
2000 years ago. What sense
tradition, which tapped into the
does it make to re-enact in
universal religious desire to go
churches from Alaska to Cape
on pilgrimage. Christianity kept
Town today? What is going
alive the Jewish love for
on?
Jerusalem and the temple. “The
The ancient devotion is the
Lord loves the gates of Zion
fruit of two traditions that are
more than all the dwellings of
in fruitful tension with each
Jacob.” (Psalm 87 verse 2).
other. On the one hand, God is
It has been claimed that the
everywhere. We do not have to
Passion narrative in Mark's
go to any special place to
gospel is rooted in the earliest
encounter the divine. God is
version of the Stations of the
just as much in Johannesburg
Cross, as pilgrims followed the
Station XIII
or Jakarta as Jerusalem.
route
of Jesus in his last hours.
Jesus is taken down from the cross
On the other hand, God St Bernadette’s Church, Castle Hill The Angel says to the women at
became flesh and blood in this
the empty tomb, “Look, there is
particular human being, who lived in a remote
the place where they laid him” (Mark 16 verse 6).
outpost of the Roman Empire, which therefore
From the very beginning, people indeed come to
remains for us still today “The Holy Land”. We
see.
ignite interesting insights when contrasting
The cult of the martyrs led to pilgrimages to
traditions rub up against each other!
their tombs. From the fourth century onwards, the
The Christians of the first century believed
Holy Land became the archetypal goal of pilgrims.
strongly in God's omnipresence. We do not need
Constantine’s mother Helena, claimed to have
holy places to be in contact with God. Jesus said
found the true cross and the tomb of Jesus.
to the Samaritan woman at the well: “…believe
Pilgrims came to see the places where Jesus had
me, the hour is coming when you will worship
lived and died. St Jerome wrote to Marcella, “Each
the Father neither on this mountain nor in
time that we enter the tomb, we see the saviour
Jerusalem (John 4 verse 21). Stephen, the first
lying on his winding sheet. If we stop there for just
martyr, is arrested because: “This man never
a moment, we can still see the angel seated at his
stops saying things against this holy place”,
feet and at his head the folded shroud.”
Timothy Radcliffe OP is a former master
of the Dominican order. This article is
taken from his new book, Stations of the
Cross, published by Bloomsbury. This
selection of the book is reprinted from
V
But most Christians from Western Europe
could never make their way to Jerusalem. It was
too far, too expensive and extremely dangerous,
especially in times of conflict between
Christianity and Islam.
The Stations of the Cross evolved so that
anyone anywhere could make that pilgrimage
without leaving home. You just had to go to your
local church. It was a brilliant reconciliation of
those conflicting convictions, each of which
cherishes the truth of our faith. God is
everywhere, and it is wonderful that he shared our
lives at a particular time and place.
Anywhere in the world, from Chicago to
Tokyo, you can walk with Jesus, see him embrace
his mother and meet the daughters of Jerusalem,
be crucified and buried.
This is a beautiful expression of the core of our
faith, which is that Jesus embraced the dramas of
every human life, our trials and our failures, our
joys and sorrows. In the Stations of the Cross, we
remember how the Lord is with us, especially
when we seem to be stuck and have lost the way
forward. He walks with us, and trips with us when
we stumble, and helps us to our feet again.
It all begins with his condemnation to death.
This is when he enters into his Passion. It is not
just that he suffers: that had begun long before.
Passion literally means that things are done to
him. He is treated as an object. He is condemned;
he is made to carry a cross; he is overcome by
exhaustion; he is nailed, pierced, killed and
buried. He is with us every time that we feel that
our lives are not in our own hands, when we feel
pushed around, subjected to humiliation,
victimised and used, drifting helpless towards our
death.
Each station recalls a moment when Jesus
stopped. A station means simply a place of
stopping, as trains stop at railway stations. He
stops to talk to people in compassion; he stops
when he falls to the ground out of exhaustion,
unable to carry on; he stops at Golgotha because
that is the end of the road.
Jesus is close to us when we too are stopped in
our tracks and wonder whether we can carry on
any more. We may be halted by illness or failure,
by grief or despair. But Jesus carries on, making
his slow way to the Cross and to the Resurrection,
and brings us with him in hope.
St Bernadette’s has Stations of the Cross every
Friday in Lent, beginning at 7.30pm. On Good
Friday, in two sessions, one at 9.30am and the
other at Noon, the young people from the parish
act out the Stations of the Cross. The 12.00pm
performance is less crowded. If you have never
been to the Via Dolorosa on Good Friday it is
worth thinking about attending.
Monsignor John.
LITURGY CORNER
In Year B, Mark is the usual gospel to be read, but
for the next three it will be John’s Gospel. In John’s
Gospel, hostility exists between Jesus and the Jews
from the very beginning of his public ministry. This
is probably a reflection of the situation in which
John’s community finds itself – that of being
excluded from the practice of Judaism after the
Christians had been ousted from Synagogue
worship. In our community, and all other Catholic
communities where people are being received and
welcomed into the church at Easter time, the first
Scrutiny will be celebrated. During a scrutiny we call
on God’s healing presence to free the catechumens
from the forces of darkness and to open them more
fully to the goodness and fullness of life promised us
by Christ. They will also be presented with the
Creed.
Today’s Readings
First Reading: Exodus 20:1-17. The
Lord, who has brought his people out of
slavery.
Gives
them
his
commandments.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25. God’s
foolishness, the crucified Christ, is wiser than human
wisdom.
Gospel: John 2:13-25. Jesus replaces the Temple
with the temple of his own body.
Next Week: 4th Sunday of Lent - Year B
2 Chronicles 36:14-16,19-23; 1 Eph 2:4-10; John 3:14-21
HOLY HOUR this Thursday from 8.00 to 9.00pm
including Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,
Rosary, prayers, hymns and scripture reading. All
welcome.
PARISH COUNCIL
There will be a public meeting to which all
parishioners are welcome to attend with a view to
forming a Parish Council. The meeting will be held in
the Parish Hall on Thursday March 19 at 7.30pm. All
are welcome.
Monsignor John Boyle.
REPARATION PRAYER GROUP meets Tuesdays
in the Parish Basement from 8.00 to 9.00pm including
Rosary and a cuppa. All welcome.
ALTAR SERVERS. Anyone wishing to become an
altar server should see the priest after Mass. Classes
will be held on Saturday afternoons. Boys and girls
need to be in at least Year 5 or 6.
PARISH & SCHOOL WORKING BEE: Saturday 21
March from 9am to 1pm. Can you spare an hour or
two to join us as we work to ensure the gardens are
well maintained and safe for all parishioners. Morning
tea and refreshments will be provided. Please bring
your gloves & gardening tools.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS will be
celebrated at 7.30pm on Friday
evenings during Lent.
PROJECT COMPASSION: Please donate to
Project Compassion 2015 and help save the lives of
people living on the brink of survival, giving them
access to nutritional support and essential food for
life.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMME
2014-2015: Our next session will be held this
Tuesday 10th (4pm & 7:30pm) and Saturday 14th
March (3:30pm). This is a parent and child session.
NB the Saturday session will be held in the Marian
Centre (Tuesday sessions as normal in parish hall).
Children will have the opportunity to receive the
sacrament of reconciliation for the first time during
ceremonies held at the end of March. Please
continue to pray for all our parish families involved in
this preparation programme during this time.
Next Session: Tuesday 17th (4pm & 7:30pm) and
Saturday 21st March (3:30pm).
IRISH NIGHT - This Saturday 14th March
Céad Mile Fáilte - A hundred thousand
welcomes. St Bernadette’s Parish invites
all parishioners to our Irish Fun Night,
with Irish Singing, Dancing, Music and
Trivia in the Parish Hall, 7.00 for 7.30pm
start. Tables of 8-10, $15 per person. Groups or
individual bookings welcome! Please see the notice
and booking form in the church foyer. For bookings,
contact
John
&
Kathleen
Abernethy
on
[email protected], 9659 0373 or John 0419 607 510, Kathleen - 0418 802 771.
POSITIONS VACANT: Receptionist. St Michael’s
Parish, Baulkham Hills has a position for a
receptionist, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm.
The
job
description
can
be
found
at
http://www.seek.com.au/job/28228277. Follow the
instructions on the website to apply before March 13.
Executive Assistant to the Chief of Operations &
Finance: The Diocese of Parramatta is seeking
applications for the position of Executive Assistant to
the Chief of Operations & Finance. A copy of the
position
description
is
available
at
www.catholicjobsonline.com.au. Applications close
Monday 23 March.
BEYOND 60 Cards/ Mahjong this Friday night,
13th March at the new time of 7pm in the Marian
Centre. All welcome. For information phone Agnes:
9634 2375.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED for Chisholm Cottage,
Westmead. The Cottage is owned by the Catholic
Womens’ League and provides low cost, short term
accommodation for country people attending
hospitals and clinics at Westmead. Volunteers are
needed to assist with house duties, phone answering
and to provide a welcoming presence to residents.
For more information, please contact Maria McNuff,
Volunteer Coordinator & Educator on 8382 6437,
0404 861 523, [email protected].
TUESDAY PRAYER GROUP meets in the Marian
Centre on Tuesday mornings at 10.00am. All
welcome. Enquiries: Pauline 0407 417 039.
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.
Youth & Young Adults Ministry
Into LIFE Friday 7pm-8:30 for years 7-8: It’s
almost Easter! Come and unpack the mystery with
us! Don't forget your $2 donation!
Life NIGHT Sunday 7-8:45 for years 9-12: Know
Thyself! ! What is humility, and why do we even need
it? ? Don't forget your $2 donation!
STATIONS OF THE CROSS – PASSION PLAY: Once
again, we will be presenting the Stations of the Cross
Passion Play on Good Friday. Any high school teens or
young adults interested in being involved are welcome
to sign up after our Youth Mass, at our youth groups or
email Alice ([email protected]) or
James ([email protected]). You need to be able
to attend the rehearsal on Sunday 29th March
following the 6pm Youth Mass.
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].
SCHOOL NEWS
ST BERNADETTE’S SCHOOL OPEN DAY for 2016
Kindergarten enrolments is this Tuesday 10th March
with the presentation at 9.00am. All welcome.
CATHERINE McAULEY WESTMEAD OPEN NIGHT is
on Tuesday 17th March from 4.00 to 6.30pm with
presentations at 7pm. Phone 9849 9100 for information
and enrolment packs.
MOUNT ST BENEDICT COLLEGE PENNANT HILLS
Open Day is today, Sunday 8th March from 10am 2pm. Prospective Parent Information Evening for Year
7, 2016 is Tuesday 10th March at 7pm.
LORETO NORMANHURST Open Day is this
Saturday, 14th March from 11am till 3pm.
[email protected].
GILROY CATHOLIC COLLEGE Open Evening for
Year 7 2016 is being held this Wednesday, March 11th
at 6.15pm at which parents may collect a prospectus
and application form. Enquiries: 8853 8200.
TANGARA SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, CHERRYBROOK &
REDFIELD COLLEGE (BOYS) DURAL Term 1 Open
Day this Wednesday 11th March from 10am to 1.30pm.
www.tangara.nsw.edu.au or 9680 4844 / 9651 4066 or
www.redfield.nsw.edu.au.
WHY
YOUNG
WOMEN
ATTEND
OAKHILL
COLLEGE: You are invited to an informal evening
demonstrating how young women accomplish, develop
and excel in the College Community. Meet empowered
women and experience the many opportunities on offer
at Oakhill College, Castle Hill. Wednesday 25 March
7.30 – 9.00pm. RSVP: Monday by 23 March at
http://trybooking.comHDKG or 9899 2288.
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
Monsignor John Boyle, Parish Priest
Sunday
Sat
6.00pm
Fr Eugene Szondi, Assistant Priest
Sun 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am &
Fr Michael Gathuku, Assistant Priest
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)
Fri
6.45am, 9.15am
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
Please pray for Peter Medak and Yvonne Moussa who have died recently and for the anniversaries of
Margaret Hagerty, Paolo Battaglia, Tony Pintado and Eddy Wallace and in remembrance of Katarina Antic..
Prayers for the Sick: Elaine Rowe, Sr Bridie O’Connell, Greta Meier, Robert Teoh, Peter Yao, Patrick Chensee,
Archer Kemmis, Howard Woodward, Sophie Maher, Dorothy Barbour, Kay Taylor, Gabrielle Aliprandi, Ramon Preller,
Elaine Francis, Joyce Wrightson and Ronald Tabila.
Sacramental Programme 2016 Information Nights - 12th & 13th October, 2015
ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 14 & 15 March, 2015
ACOLYTES/ SERVERS
LECTORS
MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
VIGIL
Budi Kawiadji, Dennis Frketic
S4
Douglas Carvalho
Tony Calabria
Felicity Carvalho
Felicity Carvalho, Susan Concon, John Leach,
Phyllis Lopez, Laura Burridge, Susan Cejka,
Lynne Myers, Joan Quinn, Mary McMahon
7.30AM
Edy Kesuma, Joseph Frketic
S5
Lisa/Geoffrey Kemmis
Patricia Bright
Robert Ash
Barbara Ortlepp, Alfred & Gladys Tsang,
Colleen & Eric Woodhead, Jo Wickens
9.00AM
John Maker, Michael Lopez
S6
Trevor O’Shea
Brian Blacklock
Joanne O’Shea
Brian & Jenny Blacklock, Neil Bone, Angela Crowe,
Brian D’Arcy, Ingrid Akkari/Jana Fizely,
Jocelyn Donovan, Jack Garcia, Rosalie Sampath
10.30AM
Zeno Hong, Roque Dias
S7
Tony Smith
Jan Crawford
John Rajkumar
Anita Christy, Pauline Camilleri, Dorothy Finucane,
Narelle Cartwright, Philip Golamco, Elizabeth Fogolin,
Margaret Hawkes, Winnie & Henry Li
6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 15 March, 2015
Servers
Welcoming
Lectors
Offertory
Cassie Holden
S8
Simon Jones
Pamela Golamco
Mystique Nelis
Projectionist
James Hay
Paul Fam
Brendan Hassan
Cassie Obeid
Mini Boudib
Joseph Mathias
Communion
Michael Holden
Matt Ashton
Zara Boudib
Nat Mathias
James Hay
Adam Chioatto
Jen Tripolone
Ben Mules
Josh Becker
Piano
Alice Bradshaw
Bass
Dominic Jones
Drums
Chris Dogulin
Guitar
Sean Sahabu
Andrew Tchang
Singers
Adam Chioatto
Nic Holden
Sara Ang
Alyssa Tchang
Jamison Bonifacio
Emma Rimac
Bernice Tang
Lauren Fernandez
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Vicki Ford
Karen Grace
Margaret Griffin, Faye Goldsworthy
Joan McAuliffe
CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING
COUNTING (2nd Collection)
David Solomons, David & Kaylene Hollis,
Joe Harney, Brian Iles
FLOWER ROSTER
COUNTING (1st Collection)
BOOKSHOP
Paula Boyd / Carmel Moriarty / Jane Beard /
Prasanna Gunawardena / Beverley Tang
Lent - no flowers
John Faehrmann
Len Goldsworthy