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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)
15th March, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B
********************************************************
Choosing Rebirth Demands a Change
The gospel this weekend focuses on the content of the second
part of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus.
The evangelist has taken an incident from the life of Jesus to
develop an important pronouncement. The saying in question is
about rebirth, that is, being born again. While this incident has a
parallel in the Synoptic gospels, the elaboration in this gospel is
influenced clearly by Johanine emphasis and theology.
Jesus tells Nicodemus that rebirth is a prerequisite for entry into
the kingdom of God. In other words, rebirth is an essential
and fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship and finds
expression in the change that must take place in every person
who wants to enter more deeply into the mystery and fullness of
life. People have to be willing to leave the security of the womb.
A crucial aspect of such a choice is an awareness that it involves a risk. Jesus’ own rebirth came as a result of his
choosing to be faithful to God. It demanded that he make a deeply personal choice: to die on the cross. Because
he did this out of love, the sight of Christ lifted up on the cross brings people to faith and
repentance. The cross is a powerful symbol that reveals a God who is calling people to a better quality of life.
According to the evangelist, Jesus’ death on the cross is his moment of exultation, a lifting up which reveals his
power and pre-eminence. Though it should have been a moment of public humiliation, it became the sign of his
glory. This crucial event reinforces the Christian conviction that suffering has potential to liberate and to enable a
person to move from death to a richer experience of new life.
It is helpful to recall that the rebirth that Jesus alludes to when he was in conversation with Nicodemus is not just a
future event. It begins as soon as a person puts his or her faith in Jesus as saviour. As soon as a person believes
in Jesus, life is altered by the gift of eternal life; if a person does not believe, a person perishes. Thus, according to
John’s gospel, the presence of Jesus confronts everyone in the world with a decision. And making that decision is
the moment of judgment.
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.
St Patrick’s Day: We will be celebrating our patronal
feast, the Solemnity of St Patrick, on Tuesday, 17th
March, 2015. It is a special occasion for all those
associated with St Patrick’s and the 10.30 a.m. Mass
will be the major focus of our celebrations. We invite
you to come along and to join us as we give thanks to
God for the rich blessings bestowed on us through our
association with St Patrick’s and the ministry of the
Marists, the Pastoral Team and staff who work in our
parish. Following Mass you are invited to join us for free
coffee, tea and cake in the courtyard.
Easter Program: Copies of the program for Masses,
Reconciliation, and ceremonies for Holy Week and the
Easter Triduum at St Patrick's and St Brigid’s are
available at the rear of the church for those who wish to
take one home.
Journey of Christ: You may be interested in
information about a wonderful Harvest pilgrimage to the
Holy Land that will depart on 16th October this year. Fr
Ray, our parish priest, will be accompanying the group
as the chaplain. Brochures are available at the rear of
the church. For information - www.harvestpilgrims.com
Seniors Mass: You are invited to attend the Seniors
Mass celebrated by Fr. Geoffrey Plant with concelebrant
Fr. Paul Hilder Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral at 10.30
a.m. on 19th March, 2015. This Mass is supported by
Life Ascending Australia and concentrates on
Spirituality, Friendship and Loving Service for senior or
retired people. Everyone Welcome!
For more
information telephone: Roy Cooke 9771 3609.
Catholic Youth Services: will be running a Youth
Camp (Y-Factor) for all high school aged students in the
upcoming Easter holidays. The purpose of the camp is
to enable young people to enter into a deeper encounter
with Christ and to build up enduring friendships while
enjoying some great recreation. For more information,
go to Catholic Youth Services website or contact
[email protected]
Couples Hoping to Conceive: Married couples
(Catholic or otherwise) who are hoping for children,
struggling to conceive, or who wish to better understand
what the Church offers and promotes in regards fertility
awareness and assistance are invited to an afternoon of
information and discussion. It is also an important
opportunity for fellowship with other couples facing
similar difficulties. The afternoon will take place at the
Catholic Adult Education Centre, 3 Keating Street
Lidcombe on Saturday 28th March 2015 from 2.00 p.m.
until 5.00p.m. Please direct RSVPs and inquiries
to [email protected] or phone
9307 8403.
500th anniversary of St Teresa of Jesus: On
Saturday, 28th March 28, 2015 Our Lady of Mount
Carmel Parish, Varroville will be celebrating the 500th
anniversary of the birth of St Teresa of Jesus, foundress
of the Discalced Carmelite Order. You are invited to
come along and bring your friends: 10.00 a.m. Mass
with Bishop Peter Ingham, 12.00 p.m. Sausage sizzle
lunch, a concert from 2.00 p.m. until 4.30 p.m. and a
dinner dance at 7.00 p.m. Please contact the Parish
office on 9603 7373 for further information.
Position Vacant: The Seminary of the Good Shepherd,
Homebush is inviting applications for the position of Part
Time Cleaner. Working days are Mondays and
Tuesdays, 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Enquiries can be
addressed to Anthony Spata, REACH Human
Resources, on 0402210055. The role description is
available at www.catholicjobsonline.com.au. Closing
date for applications is Friday, 27th March 2015.
Australian Launch: You are invited to the launch of
“What Are We Doing on Earth for Christ's Sake?” by Fr
Richard Leonard, SJ on Thursday, 26th March at 7.30
p.m. at the Ron Dyer Centre (behind St Mary’s Church),
264 Miller Street, North Sydney.
RSVP to
[email protected] by Friday 21st March.
Xt3 2015 Digital Lent Calendar and App: Let social
media help your journey through Lent. The Xt3 digital
Lent Calendar and App is now available with videos,
reflections and podcasts. Visit www.xt3.com/lent or
download the free App by searching for “xt3 Lent” in the
Google Play or App store.
Smile: A Swiss man, on holiday in Dublin, needed
directions. He was standing outside Davy Byrne's pub
when he saw two youths walking by so he stops them
and asks, 'Entschuldigung, koennen Sie Deutsch
sprechen?' The two lads look at each other blankly and
stare back at him. 'Excusez-moi, parlez vous français?'
He tries. The two continue to stare. 'Parlate italiano?'
Still absolutely no response from the two lads. 'Hablan
ustedes espanol?' The Dublin lads remain totally silent.
The Swiss guy walks off extremely disappointed and
downhearted that he had not been understood. One of
the boys turns to the second and says, 'Y' know, maybe
we should learn a foreign language!' 'Why?' says the
youth, 'That guy knew four languages, and it didn't do
him any good!'
Scripture Readings for the
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B
First Reading: Second Book of Chronicles
36:14-16, 19-23
Second Reading: St Paul to the Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel: John 3:14 - 21
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,
[email protected].
PARISH DIARY THIS WEEK:
th
Mon, 16 March:
Historical Tour,
Meeting in the courtyard , 10.15 a.m.
Tues, 17th March: St Patrick, bishop
Christian Meditation
Crypt 12.15 to 2.55 p.m.
Young Adults, Crypt, 5.30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Wed, 18th March: Novena 12.30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
St Pat’s Bible Study Discussion Group
Crypt, 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Thurs, 19th March: St Joseph, Husband of Mary
Rosary, in the Crypt at 12.30 p.m.
Marist Laity Encounter Program
Crypt, 6.00 p.m.. - 8.00 p.m.
Sat, 20th March:
th
Sun, 22 March:
Legion of Mary, Crypt 8.45 a.m. - 10.15 a.m.
Fourth Sunday of Lent , Year B
The Lord is My shepherd- Psalm 23
“The ancient Psalms find the words that express our deepest and strongest emotions. They will turn your sighing into
singing and your trouble into triumph. No matter what you may be going through in your life, the Psalms have a
message for you! As you read these 150 poetic masterpieces, your heart will be stirred to worship God in greater ways. It
truly is Poetry on Fire!” So writes Brian Simmons in his book The Psalms, Poetry on Fire.
The Book of Psalms was the prayer book for the Israelites; let it be ours as well. Saint Athanasius tells us “He who
recites the Psalms is uttering (them) as his own words, and each sings them as if they were written concerning him……
(He) handles them as if he is speaking about himself. And the things spoken are such that he lifts them up to God as
himself acting and speaking them from himself”.
PRAYING THE PSALMS IS ALLOWING THE PSALM TO BECOME OUR PRAYER
The best known and most loved of the Psalms is probably Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd. This Psalm which
describes God as shepherd and as host, certainly taps in to our strongest emotions. Of course, everyone knows the role
of a host but perhaps the role of a shepherd is not so familiar in our world. King David who wrote this psalm did know all
about being a shepherd and about sheep since he himself was a shepherd. He knows the kind of relationship that exists
between sheep and their shepherd. Here he refers to himself as a sheep, completely dependent on the shepherd. He
knew that sheep do not just take care of themselves, they require endless attention and meticulous care 24/7.
Psalm 23
The Shepherd and sheep

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 David knew that the life of a sheep is totally dependent on the shepherd.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
 In David’s land grass can be found only in narrow strips separated by
long stretches of rock and dust. The shepherd has to find this for the
sheep.
 Sometimes sheep have to travel miles just for a few yards of grass or a
quick drink from still water. Remember sheep will not drink from running
water; their instinct tells them that if they fall in they will drown because
the weight of the water in the wool will drag them down.
 He leads me beside still waters. He restores
my soul.
 He leads me in paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.
 The shepherd knows where the good pasture and the water is, he has
sourced the good pasture and been there before many times.
Acknowledge your trust in Jesus. Count your Blessings
 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

are there with your crook and your staff; with
these you give me comfort.
 The shepherd walks ahead of the sheep, they follow him; wherever he
goes, they go. He is prepared to lay down his life for the sheep to protect
them.
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 The shepherd always carries a crook and staff. If the sheep are in
danger e.g. fall into running water where they will drown because of the
heavy wool getting water logged, the shepherd will use his crook to
rescue them. The rod is to prod them along so that they keep up with the
flock. A lone sheep is easy prey. So, the sheep will be fine and have
everything that they need as long as they follow the Shepherd.
God as Host
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup
overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the
house of the LORD forever
Thank God for His protection.
So, who’s care are we under?
Can we, like David in Psalm 23, say with confidence that the Lord is MY Shepherd? And I shall not want!
Individually we must learn to live the true message of Psalm 23. Listen to the voice of our Shepherd, know His voice, follow His
voice and allow Him to lead us to everlasting LIFE!!!
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B
RESPONSORIAL PSALM:
Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
God loved the world so much, he gave us his only son,
that all who believe in him might have eternal life.
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B
Entrance: Tree of Life, Lenten Verses General
+ 4th Sunday 307
Acclamation: Save us, Saviour of the World, for by your
Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
Communion: I Have Loved You, 402
Thanksgiving: Hosea, 213
Recessional: A New Heart for a New World, 438
(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 p.m. - 12.55 p.m.
Mike Cummins,9580 5928
Legion of Mary:
Each Saturday, 8.45 a.m. - 10.15 a.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
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
Bible Study Discussion Group
Each Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
St Patrick’s Social Club for
Seniors:
2nd Sunday of each month,
1.45 p.m. - 4 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.
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.