Bridgeside Bulletin The weekly Bulletin of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Bridgeside Bulletin
The weekly Bulletin of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry
“Unity in Christ”
Holy Name of Jesus Church, 31 Lake Street, Forster 2428 NSW
Ph: 6554 6401 E: forster-tuncurry.parish@mn.catholic.org.au W:www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au
We acknowledge the Worimi people - the traditional custodians of this place
SUNDAY 31 OCTOBER 2021, THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Dear Brothers and Sisters.
With All Saints and All Souls on Monday and Tuesday of this week please note the following Mass times.
All Saints will be 9.30am on Monday Morning. All Souls will be 9.30am on Tuesday as well as the normal
4.30pm Mass Tuesday afternoon. I hope to see as many as possible at these Masses as we celebrate all
those saints in Heaven and commemorate those who have died. The 9.30am All Souls day Mass will be
live streamed via Zoom.
On the 18th and 19th as well as the 25th and the 26th of November we will remember at Masses those of
our community who have died in the last 12 months. The families to whom we ministered following the
death of a loved one have been invited back to one of these Masses. There will be more details to follow, I
ask however that we hold those who mourn in prayer at this time.
Inside this edition of the “Bridgeside Bulletin” you will see information about the Melbourne cup gather-
ing, it has also been emailed out during last week and appeared on the Facebook page. I commend this
event to your consideration and ask that you attend if able. It will be good to spend the time together.
On the 17th of November Fr Greg will return to the Parish. He will be Principal Celebrant at Mass com-
mencing at 5.30pm and will bless the Columbarium. After which there will be time to gather in the hall
for a meal and some time together. If you are able to come please contact the office to register. Tickets
will be $30 a head, to cover the cost of food. During the evening we will present Fr Greg with a gift. Please
come and show your appreciation to Fr Greg for his years of Ministry among us. This is something that
we had hoped to do earlier, however, Covid19 made that impossible.
With Christmas fast approaching and restrictions easing, I think it would be a wonderful thing for us to
come together to mark Christmas with a social event. To that end on the night of the 16th December all
parishioners are invited to Mass, which will be celebrated at 5.30pm, followed by a Christmas Party in the
hall. Please contact the office to register your attendance at this event. The Parish will provide drinks and
a few salads, I ask people to BYO meat and we can make use of the BBQs in the store room. It is im-
portant to come together to mark the big things.
Last Sunday the Parish provided an opportunity for hospitality post Mass. This was a success. People
came. It was wonderful. I would like this to continue. Therefore after each Mass this weekend there will
be hospitality, it will take the form of a simple cup of tea or coffee and few things to eat. As this ministry
grows it would be good to provide more. Indeed, if anybody wishes to bring anything to share please do.
If you would like to contribute to this with either your time to help run this after each Mass, or indeed by
making a financial contribution towards this ministry please see me after Mass.
This Sunday the Children preparing for their First Holy Communion will be having a formation session in
the hall, so the hospitality will be under the covered area between the Church and Office. Please remem-
ber these Children in your prayers as they prepare for the reception of Holy Communion.
As is normal for a Parish Bulletin we remember in our prayers those who are sick and have died recently
or the anniversary of others who have died. This is indeed a laudable thing, however, I wonder if we
should include other prayer requests? Why not pray for people on their birthday, wedding anniversary,
and baptism anniversary? Indeed anything. If you have any requests for prayers please contact the office
and we will see if we can include this in the bulletin. For example last month was police remembrance
day, we could have had a prayer for police, serving and retired. Do people think this is a good idea?
As I announced recently it has been decided that due to the lack of numbers attending the 12 midday
Mass on Sundays, it will be discontinued. The last Mass at Midday on a Sunday will be the 28th of No-
vember. During the week following, the state of New South Wales will move to the next phase of reopen-
ing and we are slated to move from the 4 square meter rule to the 2 square meter rule.
As such there will be no need for the Mass. If a 4th Sunday Mass is required during holi-
day times it will be at 5pm. But that is a decision for another time.
With love.
Fr. Peter.
Parish Timetable CATHOLICCARE COMMUNITY
KITCHENS CHRISTMAS HAMPER
WEEKDAY MASS DRIVE 2021
1 NOV—6 NOV CatholicCare Hunter-Manning is hop-
TUE: 4.30pm ing to distribute much-needed ham-
WED: 9.30am pers through our Taree and Forster-
THU: 4.30pm Catholic Mission Appeal envelopes Tuncurry Community Kitchens this
FRI: 9.30am will be available at Mass this week- year. We need your support! You can
SAT: 9.30am end. We will have guest speaker, Da- help by donating any of the food
vid McGovern come to each Mass to items listed below:
Mon 9am Counters– Team 7 talk about the appeal. Please give Tins of ham (Plumrose) • Fruit mince
1 NOV 9.30am All Saints Day generously. pies or small puddings (Aunt Bet-
Mass ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ty’s) • Fruit juice or tins of stewed
12pm Community Kitchen fruit • Jams, jars of cranberry sauce
Dear Brothers and Sisters.
Tue 9.30am All Souls Day Mass or apple sauce • Coles or Wool-
Please come and join the Parish from worths Christmas bags • Cereal •
2 NOV 12pm Community Kitchen 2pm on Tuesday the 2nd of Novem-
2pm Melbourne Cup Long life milk • Crackers such as Jatz
ber. We will gather in the hall to watch or Shapes • Tins of baby potatoes or
3.30pm Holy Hour, followed the Melbourne cup. The Parish will beetroot • Tins of corn, four bean
by Benediction provide bubbles, beer, wine, soft mix, peas or tomatoes • Tea bags,
Wed 11am Novena to Our Lady drinks and juice; please bring your small jars of coffee or hot chocolate •
2 NOV of Perpetual Help own food. This way we can remain Sugar etc.
Covid safe. We can gather as a com- Alternatively, if you would like to do-
12pm Community Kitchen
munity to build fellowship to watch the nate money towards a hamper,
Thu 12pm Community Kitchen race on the “Very Big Screen” in the please visit www.catholiccare.org.au/
4 NOV 3.30pm Holy Hour, followed hall. donate
by Benediction A bottle of bubbles will be awarded to
the best decorated face mask. There Help us help those in need
Parish Notices will be a couple of sweeps run as well. this Christmas.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
If you are interested please contact
Chairs for sale. Contact Parish Office:
Remembrance Day: Mass the office to register your attendance.
for Tuesday the 11th of No- Fr Peter Office chairs for sale for $20 ea
vember will be at 11am. It will Plastic chairs for sale for $5 ea
begin with the last post cere-
mony. Holy Hour will still go
ahead.
Readers Roster: The new
readers roster was emailed
out last week and copies are
available in the red folder in
the church.
Fu n e ra l a nn o un ce men t
emails will no longer be sent
out due to legislations unless
the family requests.
Advent Reflection Books ___________________________________________________________________________________________
are on sale in the church for Fr Greg’s Visit
$5. If you would like to join a
Fr Greg Barker will be visiting the par-
reflection group please con- 8am Mass at Holy Name of Jesus
ish on the 17th Nov. He will celebrate
tact the parish office. Church Live Stream
Mass at 5.30pm and bless the colum-
A new local GP is moving to the barium afterwards. He will then join us When: Oct 31, 2021 07:30
area next year in Feb. She is seek- for a meal in the parish hall. The meal Topic: 8am Mass 31/10/21
ing a share house with other wom- contribution is $30 per head. To regis- Please use the link below to join the
en if possible. If you know of any ter for Mass and/or the evening meal webinar:
https://mncatholic.zoom.us/
accommodation for her please con- please contact the parish office by j/65897523265
tact Agatha on 0414 570 686. phone or email.
Passcode: Mass
Saints and Feasts
1/11/19 ALL SAINTS Solemnity. This feast began in the East to commemorate
all martyrs and was progressively adopted in the West. Celebrated on this day
in the eighth century and soon widely observed. Honoured today are all holy
men and women in glory with Christ: known or unknown, mighty or lowly, all
whose lives were modelled on the Beatitudes a n d o n t h e g r e a t command-
ment of love.
2/11/19 ALL SOULS DAY. The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed. This day of
commemoration began early in the Middle Ages with annual prayers for the dead in monastic
communities. Fixed on this day, it spread more widely after the tenth century and now ranks
with the principal feast days in the liturgical calendar. Commonly known as All Souls, it ex-
presses Christian faith in the communion of saints and our need to pray for one another in the
Church, especially those souls in purgatory "who have been buried in their human imperfec-
tion".
3/11/19 ST MARTIN DE PORRES, Religious. 1579-1639 born in Lima, Peru, to parents of
mixed race. Raised primarily by his mother, a freed slave, Martin experienced the effects
of racism and poverty early in his life. He became the apprentice of a barber, learning not
only how to cut hair, but to also p e r f o r m b a s i c m e d i c a l treatments. Feeling
called to give his life to God in service of the lowly, Martin entered the Dominicans, who
accepted him as a lay helper and later as a brother. He spent his days caring for the those
who were sick and poor, as well as performing menial tasks within the monastery. His
nights were spent in prayer, penance, and adoration. Martin treated everyone with respect
and dignity, regardless of their race or social status. He was instrumental in founding an
orphanage to care for Lima’s many street children. People gave him the name: ‘Martin of
Charity.’ “Patron saint of social justice and race relations: “Compassion, my dear Brother,
is preferable to cleanliness. Reflect that with a little soap I can easily clean my bed covers, but even with a torrent of
tears I would never wash from my soul the stain that my harshness toward the unfortunate would create.”
4/11/19 ST CHARLES BORROMEO was the cardinal archbishop of Milan from 1564 to
1584. Among the great reformers of the troubled sixteenth century, Borromeo, with St. Ig-
natius of Loyola, St. Philip Neri, and others, led the movement to combat the inroads of the
Protestant Reformation. He was a leading figure during the Counter Reformation and was
responsible for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, including the founding of semi-
naries for the education of priests. He is honoured as a saint in the Catholic Church and
his feast day is 4 November.
COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
How can we speak about God?
By taking as our starting point the perfections of man and of the other creatures which are a reflection, albeit a limited
one, of the infinite perfection of God, we are able to speak about God with all people. We must, however, continually
purify our language insofar as it is image-bound and imperfect, realizing that we can never fully express the infinite
mystery of God.
What does God reveal to man?
God in his goodness and wisdom reveals himself. With deeds and words, he reveals himself and his plan of loving
goodness which he decreed from all eternity in Christ. According to this plan, all people by the grace of the Holy Spirit
are to share in the divine life as adopted “sons” in the only begotten Son of God.
© Copyright 2005 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Birthday Anniversary: Severina Magalona
We remember and pray for those who are ill at home and in hospital at this time, may they know the
healing presence of Christ:
Bishop William Wright, Connie Cachia, Joseph Barnett, Monica Hunt, Trevor Turner, Robyn Thomas.
People will remain on the prayers for the sick for 4 weeks. You can resubmit names as needed.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Father: God is our strength and our help. With confidence, then, let us turn to him with our
needs.
Reader: That those who minister in the Church will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. In your
love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That those in public life will show respect for the name and worship of Christ. In your
love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That the needy of the world will find in us generous and listening hearts. In your love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That those around the world affected by the pandemic will experience the healing love
of Christ. In your love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That William our Bishop and all the sick will gain peace in their suffering. In your love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That those preparing for the HSC and for end of year exams will experience patience
and peace at this stressful time. In your love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That Cleo Smith may be returned safely to her family, and for all those involved in the
search for her. In your love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That Holy Name Parish will be known for its love of God and for one another. In your
love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That those who have died will enjoy God’s loving presence, including all those whose
anniversaries occur at this time. In your love
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Father: Merciful God we acknowledge our dependence on you. Hear our prayers that we may
devote ourselves to serving you and living out your commandments of love through Christ our
Lord.
All: Amen.
Sunday 31 Oct 2021 Second Reading There is no commandment greater
Thirty-first Sunday in Or- Heb 7:23-28 than these.’ The scribe said to him,
dinary Time Year B A reading from the letter to the He- ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have
Entrance Antiphon brews said is true: that he is one and there is
Cf. Ps 37:22-23 There used to be a great number of no other. To love him with all your
Forsake me not, O Lord, my God; priests under the former covenant, heart, with all your understanding and
be not far from me! because death put an end to each strength, and to love your neighbour
Make haste and come to my help, one of them; but this one, Christ, be- as yourself, this is far more important
O Lord, my strong salvation!. cause he remains for ever, can never than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Je-
lose his priesthood. It follows, then, sus, seeing how wisely he had spo-
First Reading that his power to save is utterly cer- ken, said, ‘You are not far from the
Dt 6:2-6 tain, since he is living for ever to inter- kingdom of God.’ And after that no
A reading from the book of Deuteron- cede for all who come to God through one dared to question him any more.
omy him. The Gospel of the Lord
Moses said to the people: ‘If you fear To suit us, the ideal high priest would
the Lord your God all the days of your have to be holy, innocent and uncon- Communion Antiphon
life and if you keep all his laws and taminated, beyond the influence of Cf. Ps 15:11
commandments which I lay on you, sinners, and raised up above the You will show me the path of life,
you will have a long life, you and your heavens; one who would not need to the fullness of joy in your presence, O
son and your grandson. Listen then, offer sacrifices every day, as the other Lord.
Israel, keep and observe what will high priests do for their own sins and
make you prosper and give you great then for those of the people, because
increase, as the Lord God of your fa- he has done this once and for all by
thers has promised you, giving you a offering himself. The Law appoints
land where milk and honey flow. high priests who are men subject to
‘Listen, Israel: The Lord our God is weakness; but the promise on oath,
the one Lord. You shall love the Lord which came after the Law, appointed
your God with all your heart, with all the Son who is made perfect for ever.
your soul, with all your strength. Let The Word of the Lord
these words I urge on you today be
written on your heart.’ Gospel Acclamation Readings for Next Week 6/7 Nov
The Word of the Lord Jn 14:23
Alleluia, alleluia! First Reading
Responsorial Psalm All who love me will keep my words, 1 Kgs 17:10-16 Elijah and the widow
Ps 17:2-4. 47. 51. R.v.2 and my Father will love them and we at Zaraphath.
will come to them.
(R.) I love you Lord, my strength. Alleluia! Responsorial Psalm
Ps 145:7-10. R.v.2 (R.) Praise the
1. I love you, Lord, my strength, Gospel Lord, my soul!
my rock, my fortress, my saviour. Mk 12:28-34
Second Reading
My God is the rock where I take ref- A reading from the holy Gospel ac-
cording to Mark Heb 9:24-28 Christ will appear again
uge; my shield, my mighty help, my
One of the scribes came up to Jesus to bring salvation.
stronghold. The Lord is worthy of all
praise: and put a question to him, ‘Which is Gospel Acclamation
when I call I am saved from my foes. the first of all the commandments?’
Mt 5:3 Alleluia, alleluia!
(R.) Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen,
Israel, the Lord our God is the one Happy the poor in spirit; the kingdom
Lord, and you must love the Lord you of heaven is theirs.
2. Long life to the Lord, my rock!
Praised be to the God that saves me. God with all your heart, with all your Alleluia!
He has given great victories to his soul, with all your mind, and with all Gospel
king and shown love for his anointed. your strength. The second is this: You
must love your neighbour as yourself. Mk 12:38-44 The widow's mite.
(R.)
© The scriptural quotations are taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Co Inc, and
used by permission of the publishers. The English translation of the Psalm Responses, the Alleluia and Gospel Verses, and the Lenten Gospel Acclamations, and the Titles,
Summaries, and Conclusion of the Readings, from the Lectionary for Mass © 1997, 1981, 1968, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. The
prayers are from the English Translation of the Roman Missal © 2010 International Committee on English in the Liturgy Inc. (ICEL). All rights reserved.
THE ORDER OF MASS
THE INTRODUCTORY RITES P: Lord, have mercy. R: Lord, have mercy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy P: Christ, have mercy. R: Christ, have mercy.
Spirit. P: Lord, have mercy. R: Lord, have mercy.
Amen. either: or:
P: Kyrie, eleison. R: Kyrie, eleison.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, P: Christe, eleison. R: Christe, eleison.
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And P: Kyrie, eleison. R: Kyrie, eleison.
with your spirit. or:
Gloria (when said)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to
Lord Jesus Christ. And with your spirit. or: people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we
adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God,
almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten
PENITENTIAL ACT Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you
Brethren (brothers and sisters), let us acknowledge our take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;
sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred you take away the sins of the world, receive our pray-
mysteries. either: er; you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One,
I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High,
and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God
and in my words, in what I have done and in what I the Father. Amen.
have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault,
(striking the breast) through my most grievous fault; Let us pray. At the end of the Collect, the people acclaim:
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the An- Amen.
gels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to
pray for me to the Lord our God. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, At the end of the reading:
and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. or: The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
At the Gospel:
Have mercy on us, O Lord. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
For we have sinned against you. A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.
Show us, O Lord, your mercy. Glory to you, O Lord.
And grant us your salvation. At the end of the Gospel:
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus
and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. or: Christ.
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart: THE NICENE CREED
P: Lord, have mercy or: P: Kyrie, eleison. I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of
R: Lord, have mercy or: R: Kyrie, eleison. heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I
You came to call sinners: believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten
P: Christ have mercy or: P: Christe, eleison. Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God
R: Christ have mercy or: R: Christe, eleison. from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
You are seated at the right hand of the Father to inter- begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
cede for us: through him all things were made. For us men and for
P: Lord, have mercy or: P: Kyrie, eleison. our salvation he came down from heaven, (all bow)
R: Lord, have mercy or: R: Kyrie, eleison. and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified
and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was bur-
ied, and rose again on the third day in accordance
The Kyrie follows, unless it has occurred in the Penitential with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is
Act. either: seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come
again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his THE COMMUNION RITE
kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, At the Saviour’s command and formed by divine teaching,
the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Fa- we dare to say:
ther and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is Our Father, who art in heaven...
adored and glorified, who has spoken through the Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil...
prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours
Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of now and forever.
sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles...
and the life of the world to come. Amen. Who live and reign for ever and ever.
Amen.
APOSTLES’ CREED The peace of the Lord be with you always.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heav- And with your spirit.
en and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Let us offer each other the sign of peace.
Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, (all bow)
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
was crucified, died and was buried; he descended have mercy on us. (X2)
into hell; on the third day he rose again from the Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the grant us peace.
right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he
will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the
the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the com- sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper
munion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resur- of the Lamb.
rection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be
Pray, brethren ... the almighty Father. healed.
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for The Body of Christ. Amen.
the praise and glory of His name, for our good and The Blood of Christ. Amen.
the good of all His holy Church.
At the end of the prayer, the people acclaim: Let us pray. At the end of the prayer, the people acclaim:
Amen. Amen.
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER THE CONCLUDING RITES
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the † Son,
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right and and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
just. either:
After the Preface Go forth, the Mass is ended. or:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. or:
are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your Life. or:
is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in Go in peace.
the highest. Thanks be to God.
The mystery of faith. either: © 2019 design by Rev Fr Peter Street. Text from the Ro-
We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your man Missal 2011.
Resurrection until you come again. or:
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we pro-
claim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. or:
Save us, Saviour of the world,
for by your Cross and Resurrection
you have set us free.
Through him, and with him, ... for ever and ever.
Amen.
SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY
by Brendan Byrne SJ
Today’s First Reading from Deuteronomy (6:2-6) follows a long sequence where Moses reminds the Israelites of the
commandments (the Ten Commandments) which they had undertaken to observe as the covenant people of God.
Faithful observance of these commandments will be a path to life in the land they are about to enter. The actual text
for today’s reading became the ‘Shema’, the prayer that every devout Jew recites each morning on rising. The open-
ing word ‘Shema’ means ‘listen’; it also has the sense of ‘obey’. The prayer is a daily reminder not only of the cove-
nant obligations but also of the privilege from which those obligations flow. Israel is a people addressed by God,
called each day to listen and obey.
[The Pontifical Biblical Commission in its 1993 document, The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, picked up this
motif, describing the local Christian community as one ‘which knows that it is addressed by God (cf. John 6:45), a
community that listens eagerly to the Word with faith, love and docility (Deut 6:4-6)’ (III, B, 3).]
This is the wider context of the supreme commandment to love the Lord alone ‘with all your heart, and with all your
soul and all your might’. ‘Love’ has the sense of cleaving to God, to the exclusion of all other objects of worship.
‘Heart’, ‘soul’ and ‘strength’ refer not so much to separate capacities but together communicate a loving commitment
that engages the totality of a person, including – especially from ‘strength’ – one’s talents and capacity for action, per-
haps even one’s possessions.
The corresponding command to ‘love one’s neighbour as yourself’ also occurs in the Old Testament, in Leviticus
19:18. Bringing the two commandments – love of God and love of neighbour – together, as Jesus does in the episode
that forms today’s Gospel (Mark 12:28-34), seems to have been something distinctive of his teaching and ministry,
though Jewish parallels are not lacking from a later period.
Scribes are usually hostile figures in the gospels. The one who approaches Jesus in this scene seems to do so as a
genuine enquirer. The question he raises – which commandment of the Torah is the ‘first’? – was a standard item of
discussion amongst the rabbis. He is, then, seeking the opinion of this controversial teacher on the matter.
Jesus initially responds in fairly conventional terms. He points to the commandment preserved in the Shema, citing
Deuteronomy 6:5, with the additional phrase ‘with all one’s mind’. But he then goes on beyond what the scribe had
asked to offer a ‘second’ commandment – ‘to love one’s neighbour as oneself’ – bringing Leviticus 19:18 alongside
the text from Deuteronomy.
Jesus does not reduce both commandments to a single ‘greatest’ commandment. Though inextricably bound togeth-
er, they remain ‘first’ and ‘second’. This signals that God is worthy of love and worship in an absolute sense; God is to
be loved for Godself alone. Love of God, though necessarily finding expression in love of neighbour, cannot simply be
reduced to loving action on behalf of the neighbour.
Loving one’s neighbour ‘as oneself’ may not, at first sight, seem all that demanding. It does not require putting the
interests of the neighbour before oneself but simply putting them on an equal level. The commandment presupposes,
then, a healthy love and valuing of oneself. But what it also asks is, on closer inspection, quite radical, an act of imag-
ination in high degree: to ask myself, What do I really want from another person? – understanding, tolerance, respect,
loyalty, compassion? – then to ensure that all my actions in regard to that person enact, rather than run counter to
such qualities.
The friendly scribe goes on to offer a lengthy commendation, repeating virtually word for word all that Jesus had said
concerning the two commandments and adding a further comment: that all this is ‘much more important than burnt
offerings or sacrifices’. He is, then, a learned Jew who has come to accept that what God wants from the covenant
people is loving service of the neighbour rather than the sacrificial ritual, which was in any case soon to disappear
with the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 C.E. The scribe has come close, then, to that radicalisation of
the Torah associated with the onset of the Rule (‘Kingdom’) of God proclaimed by Jesus. This is why Jesus can com-
mend him for being ‘not far from the Kingdom of God’.
In this context, the otherwise disparate Second Reading, from Hebrews 7:23-28, acquires a certain relevance. It
speaks of the contrast between the eternal priesthood of Jesus in comparison with the long line of high priests contin-
ually in need of replacing under the old sacrificial system. Believers must be confident that underpinning their relation-
ship with God is the permanent and supremely efficacious intercession of Christ as High Priest.
© Brendan Byrne SJ
POPE FRANCIS prayer do we also include our own history, our wounds,
ANGELUS our humiliations, our broken dreams, our mistakes and
our regrets?
Saint Peter's Square
Sunday, 24 October 2021 “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Let us, too,
recite this prayer today. And let us ask ourselves: “What
is my prayer like?” All of us, let us ask ourselves: “What is
Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno! my prayer like?” Is it courageous, does it contain the
The Gospel of today’s Liturgy tells of Jesus who, when good insistence of Bartimaeus, does it know how to “take
leaving Jericho, restores the sight of Bartimaeus, a blind hold” of the Lord as he passes, or is it rather content with
man begging by the roadside (cf. Mk 10:46-52). It is an making a formal greeting every now and then, when I
important encounter, the last one before the Lord's entry remember? Those lukewarm prayers that do not help at
into Jerusalem for the Passover. Bartimaeus had lost his all. Furthermore, is my prayer “substantial”, does it bare
sight, but not his voice! For, when he heard that Jesus my heart before the Lord? Do I take my story and life ex-
was about to pass by, he begins to cry out: “Jesus, Son perience to him? Or is it anaemic, superficial, made up of
of David, have mercy on me!” (v. 47). And he shouts and rituals, without feeling and without heart? When faith is
shouts. The disciples and the crowd, annoyed by his alive, prayer is heartfelt: it does not beg for spare change,
shouting, rebuke him to make him be quiet. But he shouts it is not reduced to momentary needs. We must ask eve-
even louder: “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v. 48). rything of Jesus, who can do everything. Do not forget
Jesus hears, and immediately stops. God always listens this. We must ask everything of Jesus, with my insistence
to the cry of the poor and is not at all disturbed by Barti- before Him. He cannot wait to pour out his grace and joy
maeus’ voice; rather, he realises it is full of faith, a faith into our hearts; but unfortunately, it is we who keep our
that is not afraid to insist, to knock on the door of God’s distance, through timidness, laziness or unbelief.
heart, despite not being understood and being re- So many of us, when we pray, do not believe that the
proached. And here lies the root of the miracle. Indeed, Lord can work miracles. I am reminded of the story -
Jesus says to him: “Your faith has made you well” (v. 52). which I have seen - of the father who was told by the doc-
Bartimaeus’ faith is evident from his prayer. It is not a tors that his nine-year-old daughter would not spend the
timid and standard prayer. First and foremost, he calls night; she was in hospital. And he took a bus and trav-
the Lord “Son of David”: that is, he acknowledges Jesus elled seventy kilometres to the Shrine of Our Lady. It was
as the Messiah, the King who would come into the world. closed and, clinging to the gate, spent the whole night
Then he calls Him by name, confidently; “Jesus”. He is praying: “Lord, save her! Lord, give her life!” He prayed to
not afraid of Him, he does not stay at a distance. And Our Lady, all night long, crying out to God, crying from his
thus, from the heart, he shouts out his entire drama to heart. Then in the morning, when he returned to the hos-
God who is his friend: “Have mercy on me!” Just that pital, he found his wife weeping. And he thought: “She is
prayer: “Have mercy on me!” He does not ask for some dead”. And his wife said: “No-one understands, no-one
loose change as he does with passers-by. No. He asks understands, the doctors say it’s a strange thing, she
for everything from the One who can do everything. He seems to have healed”. The cry of that man who asked
asks people for loose change; he asks everything from for everything was heard by the Lord who had given him
Jesus who can do everything. “Have mercy on me, have everything. This is not a story: I saw this myself, in the
mercy on all that I am”. He does not ask for a favour, but other diocese. Do we have this courage in prayer? To the
presents himself: he asks for mercy on his person, on his One who can give us everything, let us ask everything,
life. It is not a small request, but it is so beautiful because like Bartimaeus, who was a great teacher, a great master
it is a cry for mercy, that is, compassion, God’s mercy, his of prayer. May Bartimaeus, with his genuine, insistent
tenderness. and courageous faith, be an example for us. And may
Our Lady, the prayerful Virgin, teach us to turn to God
with all our heart, confident that He listens attentively to
Bartimaeus does not use many words. He says what is every prayer.
essential and entrusts himself to God’s love which can
make his life flourish again by doing what is humanly im- __________________________________
possible. This is why he does not ask the Lord for alms, After the Angelus, the Pope continued:
but makes everything be seen – his blindness and his Dear brothers and sisters,
suffering which was far more than not being able to see. I express my closeness to the thousands of migrants,
His blindness was the tip of the iceberg; but there must refugees and others in need of protection in Libya: I nev-
have been wounds, humiliations, broken dreams, mis- er forget you; I hear your cries and I pray for you. So
takes, remorse in his heart. He prayed with his heart. And many of these men, women and children are subjected to
what about us? When we ask for God’s grace, in our
Continued: inhuman violence. Once again, I call on the sionaries - priests, men and women religious, and lay
international community to keep its promises to seek faithful - who spend their energies in the service of
common, concrete and lasting solutions for the manage- Christ’s Church, paying first hand - sometimes at great
ment of migratory flows in Libya and throughout the Medi- cost - for their witness. And they do so not to proselytise,
terranean. And how those who are turned away suffer! but to bear witness to the Gospel in their own lives in
There are real lagers there. We must put an end to the lands that do not know Jesus. Many thanks to the mis-
return of migrants to unsafe countries and give priority to sionaries! A big round of applause to them too, everyone!
saving lives at sea, with rescue devices and predictable I also greet the seminarians of the Urban College.
disembarkation, guaranteeing them decent living condi- And I greet all of you, dear Romans and pilgrims from
tions, alternatives to detention, regular migration routes various countries. In particular, I greet the Peruvian com-
and access to asylum procedures. Let us be aware of our munity – there are so many Peruvian flags here! - which
responsibility for these brothers and sisters of ours, who is celebrating the feast of the Señor de los Milagros. This
have been victims of this very serious situation for too year’s Nativity display will also be from the Peruvian com-
many years. Let us pray together for them in silence. munity. I also greet a Filipino community in Rome; I greet
Yesterday, Sister Lucia dell'Immacolata, a religious of the the Centro Academico Romano Fundación from Spain;
Handmaids of Charity, was beatified in Brescia. A gentle the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus gathered in
and hospitable woman, she died in 1954 at the age of 45, their Chapter and the group of the Emmanuel Community.
after a life spent in the service of others, even when ill- I also greet the participants in the “marathon” from Trevi-
ness had weakened her body but not her spirit. And to- so to Rome and those travelling the “Way” from the Sacra
day, the young Sandra Sabattini, a medical student who di San Michele to Monte Sant'Angelo; the cycling pilgrim-
died in a car accident at the age of 22, is being beatified age in memory of Saint Luigi Guanella; I greet the faithful
in Rimini. A joyful girl, animated by great love and daily of Palmi, Asola and San Cataldo. And I send a special
prayer, she dedicated herself with enthusiasm to the ser- greeting to the participants in the Social Week of Italian
vice of the weakest in accordance with the charism of the Catholics, gathered in Taranto, on the theme “The Planet
Servant of God Don Oreste Benzi. Let us applaud the two We Hope For”.
new Blessed. All together! I wish you all a blessed Sunday. The weather is fine. And
Today, World Mission Day, let us look upon these two please do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your meal,
new Blessed as witnesses who proclaimed the Gospel and arrivederci!
with their lives. And with gratitude I greet the many mis- Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
THE LATEST NEWS FROM OUR SAFEGUARDING PROMOTERS
The Promoters of Safeguarding continue to endorse a culture of safeguarding within the Parish. It is, however, not
just within our parish, nor our diocese, that this culture of safeguarding is being promoted. All organisations dealing
with children are examining protocols.
SURF LIFESAVING AUSTRALIA (as an example of an organisation making changes to practices):
Alerted by commencement of the Royal Commission and its own national concern for child safety, Surf Life Saving
Australia (SLSA), in 2015, undertook a whole of movement audit of its policy and practices in safeguarding children
and young people. It found, like so many other organisations, the policies to be inadequate. SLSA’s broad review of its
approach to safeguarding culminated in an on-going series of recommendations for SLSA in terms of developing and
implementing a best practice approach for safeguarding children and young people in accordance with the Royal Com-
mission’s 10 Safeguarding Standards.
ROYAL COMMISSION FINAL REPORT: The 2017 final report from the Royal Commission into Institution Re-
sponses to Child Sexual Abuse discussed what was learned during the five-year inquiry about institutional responses
to child sexual abuse in religious institutions. It examined common failures in institutional responses, and drew out fac-
tors that may have contributed to the occurrence of abuse and to inadequate responses. The report also examined a
broad range of non-religious institutions – from schools to Scouts, from the YMCA to sporting and dance clubs, from
Defence training establishments to a range of out-of-home care services. It was clear that child sexual abuse had oc-
curred in a broad range of institutional contexts across Australia, and over many decades. However, more allegations
of child sexual abuse were made in relation to institutions managed by religious organisations than any other manage-
ment type.
POPE FRANCIS: In more than eight years as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has issued numerous new
laws and guidelines for handling accusations of clerical sexual abuse and its cover-up by church officials. He also has
insisted that church leaders must take the lead as true shepherds and guardians to protect the vulnerable out of love
for the Gospel, truth and justice — not because of papal mandates or legal coercion.What’s happening in the Diocese anD surrounDs...
personal and communal. Newcastle. The Pastoral Placement Pro-
Waiting with Purpose and accompanying gram provides participants a year-long
resources will be available soon on the discernment journey, involving the see,
diocesan website: https:// judge, act philosophy, to make an in-
CaritasNews www.mn.catholic.org.au/church-mission/ formed choice about the possibility of
The latest CaritasNews, Spring 2021, is catholic-life/liturgy/liturgical-year/ their future ministry or career choices.
now available at www.caritas.org.au/ During November there are several op- For more information and to learn to how
media/3pxmj2pc/caritasnews_spring- portunities for anyone who is interested to to apply go to: https://
2021_digital_updated-rm.pdf ‘have a go’ at mystagogical reflection. www.mn.catholic.org.au/church-mission/
___________________________________________________________________________________________
During Advent there are opportunities for catholic-life/pastoral-placement-program/
"Amoris Laetitia Family Year “ 19 those who cannot gather in their local
___________________________________________________________________________________
March 2021- 26 June 2022 communities to experience Waiting with Sacred Stories – Sacred Spaces: A
The “Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) Purpose via Zoom. To register go to: Journey into Discovery, Truth and
Family Year” is an initiative of Pope Fran- Right Relations
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/diocese-
cis, which aims to reach every family of-maitland-newcastle-18080128129 Kamilaroi woman and member of the
around the world through several spiritu- ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Jennifer
al, pastoral and cultural proposals that Christian Formation Course Rumbel, extends an invitation to Aborigi-
(CFC) 2022 nal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics to
can be implemented within parishes, dio-
ceses, universities, ecclesial movements Are you wanting to know more about participate in an empowering research
and family associations. Christianity? project that seeks to address the lack of
Over the course of ten monthly episodes, Expressions of Interest are now open for Indigenous voices in our Diocese history.
hear the Holy Father talk about each of the Christian Formation Course 2022 The survey is part of a University of New-
the chapters of the Apostolic Exhortation The Christian Formation Course (CFC) is castle post graduate student research
Amoris Laetitia, along with the testimo- a face-to-face learning experience that project which is exploring the shared his-
nies of different families who will share allows participants to explore their life’s tories and stories of Aboriginal Catholics
some aspects of their daily lives. journey and their faith within the Catholic and the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.
This initiative is a joint collaboration be- Tradition. This one-year course introduc- This research seeks to provide a platform
tween the Dicastery for the Laity, Family es participants to scripture, theology, for the previously unheard voices of Abo-
and Life and Vatican News, and aims to church history, sacramental life, and litur- riginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
facilitate the reading of the Apostolic Ex- gy. The course runs across twelve in relation to their experiences both past
hortation, with the aid of downloadable months and comprises of eight units. and present with the Catholic Diocese.
material prepared for personal and com- Commencing on Tuesday February This study aims to provide culturally ap-
munity reflection. 1 2022, no prerequisite formation or qual- propriate, Sacred Spaces in which to
To access this resource: ification is required to enrol. All who com- share our Sacred Stories.
http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/ plete the Course are awarded a Diocesan This survey will allow you to register your
laityfamilylife/en/amoris-laetitia/iniziative-Certificate in Christian Formation. contact details for a one-to-one interview
e-risorse/10-video-amoris-laetitia.html Expression of Interest close December and will only take a couple of minutes to
10. For more information go to:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
complete.
Diocesan Advent Reflection: www.mn.catholic.org.au/church-mission/ You can access the survey here: https://
Waiting with Purpose catholic-life/adult-faith-formation/christian- redcap.hmri.org.au/surveys/?
As we continue our Synodal journey an formation-course/ s=RWN7FMCXXH
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Advent resource, Waiting with Purpose BTQTX
Applications are now open for
has been created for our diocese. Waiting
the 2022 Pastoral Placement
with Purpose responds to the voices
heard during Synod reflections of longing Program 9.30am Mass at Sacred
for different forms of prayer that include The Pastoral Placement Program offers Heart cathedral
faith sharing. Waiting with Purpose invites participants an experience of ministry in Live Stream
us to use Mystagogical Reflection as our the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. The Live stream Mass every Sunday at
way of encountering Christ in the Advent purpose of this program is to enable par- 9.30am at https://
gospels. It invites us to focus on the pres- ticipants the opportunity to experience www.mn.catholic.org.au/places/live-
ence of Christ in our experience and in different workplaces and ministries
stream/
the living tradition of our faith, to connect across the diocese. These ‘on the Don’t miss out on anything in your Dio-
it to life now and to be changed by it. ground’ ministry work placements help
cese! Go to mnnews.today to view the
Mystagogical reflection meets us where participants explore the opportunities that events calendar, see photos and read
we are. No preparation is needed. It’s are available to them to serve God and
stories about what is happening locally.
about being open to encountering Christ the local community of the Catholic
so we can live from Christ. It’s deeply Church in the Diocese of Maitland-COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Serving meals to the community
from the Parish Hall Mon Tue,
Wed & Thurs 12pm-1pm
PARISH GROUPS
BAPTISMS SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Celebrated most Sundays. Sat 5.00pm, Sun. 8.00am, 10.00am &
Bookings via the Parish website Christian Meditation 12.00pm
Forster Tues 9.30am Registration through the parish website
MARRIAGE Monica 02 6555 7038
Celebrated by arrangement with at is required
Hallidays Point Wed 10am
least 3 months notice. Bookings via the RECONCILIATION
John 0417 249 466
parish website 9.00am Saturday and during Holy Hour
SACRAMENTAL PROCESS Social Justice Group YOUTH MASS
Enrolment via the Parish Website Tim Prescott 6555 8517 3rd Sunday of the month, will resume
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS Gardening Group once restrictions have eased.
(RCIA) Parish Office 02 6554 6401 3rd Monday of the month, 8am AGED CARE MASSES
CATHOLIC CARE Church grounds. (Subject to change)
Phone: 02 6539 5900 for services David Olliffe 0424 369 485 GLAICA: 2nd Tues 10.30am
Estia Forster: 3rd Tues 10.00am
provided in Forster Family and Friends Group
Meets monthly, contact Carol and
Terry Pearson on 0408768729.
Singing Practice
Ken Heffernan 02 6554 6401
(see parish timetable)
Holy Hour
Tues 3.30pm & Thurs 3.30pm in
PARISH TEAM the Church
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Fr Peter Street - Parish Priest Finance Council
Peter.street@mn.catholic.org.au 3rd Wednesday of the month, 5pm
Emergency Contact: 0458 327 219 Meeting Room Holy Name Catholic School K-6
(Please only calls to this phone no texts) 41 Lake Street, Forster
Danielle Kingdom
Pastoral Council Ph: 02 6554 6504
Admin Assistant
1st Thursday of the month, 6.00pm
Meeting Room E:admin@forster.catholic.edu.au
danielle.kingdom@mn.catholic.org.au W: www.forster.catholic.edu.au
Office Hours: Novena to our Lady of Principal: Brooke Stephens
Mon-Fri 9.00am- 3.30pm Perpetual Help and Rosary
Phone: 02 6554 6401 Wed 11.00am in the Church
St Clare’s High School 7-12
Website: Shiony 0411 493 086
Novena Benediction on the 1st Davis Street, Taree
www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au
Wednesday of the month. P: 02 6552 3300
Follow us on facebook: E:Admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au
@catholicparishofforstertuncurry Secular Franciscan W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au
Feedback, complaints or concerns can be Fraternity Principal: Peter Nicholls
communicated directly to the Parish Office, 4th Sunday of the month 9.30am
through our website (Contact Us) or if the The above groups are all subject
concern is relating to the safety of a child, to Covid-19 restrictions, please
contact the Office of Safeguarding: 02 4979 enquire before attending.
1390 childprotection@mn.catholic.org.au
Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in the Bridgeside Bulletin are placed by independent third parties who have no legal relationship
with the Diocese. The activities or services of the advertisers are not supervised or controlled in any way by the Diocese. The Diocese is not in a
position to endorse the advertisers or the services provided and makes no representation about those matters. Accordingly, the Diocese cannot accept
any responsibility for the advertisers or the activities or services that are the subject of these advertisements.You can also read
