Bridgeside Bulletin

The weekly bulletin of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry

Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church 33 Lake Street, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church
Cnr Kent & Peel Streets, Tuncurry

Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts

Sunday 10th November, 2013 Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Parish
Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest) Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate) Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration) Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

Reconciliation is available on Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8:30am until the beginning of the 9am Mass, on Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:45pm until 5:15pm, or other times by contacting Fr Andrew. Holy Hour is observed each Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from 3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster church commencing at 11:15am, and is followed at 12pm by a cuppa in the Parish Hall. Contact Shiony (6554 9468) for more information. Evening Prayer & Benediction is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It will next be celebrated on Sunday 1st

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is staffed on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 4pm. Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin should be received in writing or by email by midday on Thursday. 33 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 67, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6304 F: (02) 6554 6425 E: forstertuncurryparish@gmail.com W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

Mr Mark Mowbray (Principal) 41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6504 F: (02) 6554 8895 E: admin@forster.catholic.edu.au

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Parish Information
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any of our Sunday Masses or after the 9am Mass. The next Baptismal Preparation meeting will take place in the Parish Halls meeting rooms on Monday 11th November commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website. Weddings are celebrated by arrangement and with at least three (and preferably more) months notice. Please contact Fr Andrew for more details, or visit the Parish website.

THE PARISH DIARY(for the week ahead)

Sundays & weekdays of Ordinary Time unless noted otherwise. Today10th November 10:30am Parish Pastoral Assembly @ Forster Monday11th November Memorial of St Martin of Tours & Remembrance Day 9am Morning Prayer @ Forster 7pm Baptism Preparation meeting @ Forster Tuesday12th November Memorial of St Josaphat 9am Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 11am Anointing Mass @ GLAICA House 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry 5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) Wednesday13th November 9am Mass @ Forster 9:30am menALIVE Morning Group @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @ Forster 5:30pm Finance Committee meeting @ Forster 7pm First Reconciliation Preparation Meeting @ Forster Thursday14th November Fr Andrew to Newcastle for meetings of the Bishops Council of Priests and Diocesan Liturgy Council. 9am Morning Prayer @ Forster 10am Caring Group Friday15th November 9:30am Mass @ Forster 10:30am Remembrance Day Ceremony @ Holy Name School Saturday16th November 8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15 pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry Sunday17th November 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster

INTERNATIONAL LUNCH
Our International Lunch last Saturday was an overwhelming success. Those present indulged in food from Italy, France, India, Thailand, The Philippines, Russia, Lebanon, China, Ireland and Holland. The multicultural dimension of the event is symbolic of the growing population of our great country. The Parish Team will no doubt add this to our annual social calendar.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE PARISH

Secular Franciscan Fraternity The Secular Franciscans will next meet on Wednesday 4th December, coming together for Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the meeting 10am to 12pm. The menALIVE Groups The morning group will next meet on Wednesday 13th November after the 9am Mass, while the evening group will next meet on Thursday 28th November at 7:30pm. Maintenance & Gardening Group The Parish is lucky to be served by a very dedicated band of volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds and gardens of our two church sites. They do a fabulous job, and are always ready to welcome new members to the group. The next mow will be on Thursday 14th November, starting at Tuncurry at 8am and then on to Forster, followed by a cuppa. Contact Howard 6557 6826 for more information. Singing Practice The Singing Group will gather in the Tuncurry church on Tuesday 12th November for a 7pm start. All welcome as we gather to practice and learn new hymns. Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase On the first Sunday of each month we undertake a collection in order to support Homebase. The next collection will next take place on Sunday 1st December.

IN YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Those recently deceased. Those whose anniversaries occur about now. All those in our community who are sick.

ADVANCE NOTICECHRISTMAS DAY MASSES

Our timetable of Masses for Christmas Day has now been finalised. There will be a number of opportunities to celebrate the Festival of the Nativity of our Lord: Tues 24th Dec 6:30pm Midnight 7am 9am 9am Holy Name School, Lake St, Forster Holy Name Church, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry Holy Name Church, Forster

ASSEMBLY OF CATHOLIC PROFESSIONALS

Fr Frank Brennan sj is the guest speaker at the next Assembly of Catholic Professionals Luncheon which will be held on Thursday 21st November at the Newcastle Club. Frank Brennan is a Jesuit priest, Professor of Law at Australian Catholic University, and Adjunct Professor at the Australian National University College of Law and National Centre for Indigenous Studies. Book now to attend the luncheon by contact Mark Lees on 4979 1124 or at acp@mn. catholic.org.au. Wed 25th Dec

COULD YOU BE A CATECHIST?

The Diocese is promoting Special Religious Education in Government Schools and encouraging people to consider becoming Catechists (or SRE/Scripture teachers). If you think you might be able to assist with this important and rewarding ministry, you would be supported with training and resources. For more information, please visit the Diocesan website (www.mn.catholic.org.au/sre) or speak with Fr Andrew, Loretta Heffernan, or the Parish Office.

The times of these Christmas Day celebrations have been made known early in order that appropriate plans can be made by those who need to do so (e.g. our liturgical ministers and musicians). Please remember that, as usual, we will be providing hospitality to a goodly number of visitors and holiday makers, and I would hope that we might be generous enough to make sure that all our Masses for Christmas Day (and January) have a full complement of ministers.

FROM THE PASTORS DESK

After much preparation on the part of the Parish Pastoral Council, this weekend we hold our Parish Pastoral Assembly. With the holding of this Assembly we move forward, deliberately and trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide us, as we seek to live out our mission to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom here in the Great Lakes area. My prayer has been, and will continue to be, that we can embrace his fundamental task of the Christian community, boldly and with purpose. I have to confess to being both excited and anxious about what comes next. I am excited about the possibilitiessome of which you will find in the draft Parish Pastoral Planthat are being presented to the Parish community for the coming few years, but also anxious because I am aware of the awesome responsibility that is placed on us as a result. Together, however, and placing ourselves entirely in the hands of the Lord, the road ahead is full of promise...and I invite you to join me as we prepare to place our feet along the road that leads to the Kingdom. Until next week Fr Andrew

FUNERAL FOR NEVILLE FOX

After consulting with his family, the funeral for Neville Fox will take place on Wednesday 20th November commencing at 11am in the Forster Church. Please continue to hold Neville and Nevilles family in your prayers over the coming weeks. There will be a light lunch available following the funeral in the Parish hall. Please bring a plate to share.

FRIENDSHIP GROUP (SENIORS)

Its that time of year again and we are again going to Bellevue Hotel for lunch and lots of Christmas cheer. Baked dinner and Lorraines Wonderful Christmas pudding for dessert. You must notify Lorraine so you dont miss out. See you there 12.00 at the Bellevue on Tuesday 12th November Lorraine 6554 7056 or 0409494652, Stella 65559380, Marie 65553889 or 0412040639.

PREPARATORY DOCUMENT SYNOD OF BISHOPS

FOR

THE

2014

HYMN GIVE THANKS

Text: Henry Smith

As you may be aware Pope Francis has indicated that the 2014 and 2015 Synod of Bishops to examine the Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelisation. As part of the preparations for these Synod, a Preparatory Document has been released which outlines a number of issues and poses a number of questions. All Catholics have been invited to contribute responses to these questions if they wish to do so. The Preparatory Document has been uploaded to the Parish website (under the Downloads tab) for ease of access. The Diocese has indicated that they will collated any responses and forward them to the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops. Responses are invited by Monday 2nd December, and should follow the format of the questions contained in the Preparatory Document. Responses can be emailed to Teresa Brierley, Vice Chancellor for Pastoral Ministries.

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because hes given Jesus Christ, his Son. (x 2) And now, let the weak say, I am strong, let the poor say, I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us. (x 2) (Last time) thanks. Give thanks, give thanks, give

DIOCESAN SAFE MINISTRY PROGRAM

The Safe Ministry program has been developed as an important part of the Churchs duty of care for those who work and volunteer in its name. The program consists of 2 weekend sessions on 23rd & 30th November (running from 9am to 4pm). The sessions will be held at the Therry Centre, Cnr New England Highway and King Stree, East Maitland. For more information contact Alyson on 4979 1117.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS COUNCIL VACANCIES 2013-14 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

The formation meeting for First Reconciliation will take place on Wednesday 13th November at 7pm in the Parish Hall at Forster. Parents and children are invited to come along, and join together to prepare for the celebration of Gods mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Are you interested in influencing the direction of Catholic school education into the future? In 2014 vacancies will occur on the Diocesan Catholic Schools Council and Bishop Bill is seeking expressions of interest from those who feel they would bring skills and expertise (not only in the field of education) to the Council. The Council meets five times a year and advises Bishop Bill in all matters relating to the nature and purpose of Diocesan schools. Information, including an expression of interest form, is available at mn.catholic.org.au/go/csc or by email to csc@mn.catholic.edu.au.

INVITATION TO WOMEN OF FAITH LUNCH

We would like to invite the women of your congregation to attend a Women of Faith lunch on Saturday 23rd November, at St Albans Hall, St Albans Place, Forster, at 12 noon. The speaker is Jan Clark, a well known textile artist, who will talk about her work and show samples of what she does. Jans work has been selected for many exhibitions around Australia and has been included in travelling exhibitions to the USA, Europe and the Middle East. She has had several solo exhibitions in Newcastle and in USA. In 2012 Jan was awarded First Prize for the large quilt category at the One Step Further exhibition, by Victorian Quilters Inc. Anyone wishing to attend the lunch is welcome. However, for catering purpose, it would be appreciated if you would contact Heather Dwyer (65575454), Janet Lawrence(65545981) or Margot Bilston(65576658) by Friday 22nd November.

BISHOPS AWARD
The Bishops Award acknowledges the involvement of young people in parish life and is open to any secondary student currently enrolled in Years 711 at one of our Catholic schools. There are up to six Bishops Awards available and selection will be finalised early in Term One, 2014. Those students successful in their application will have their school tuition fees paid in 2014 as well as receiving a Certificate of Recognition. Students within school and parish communities are encouraged to consider applying for a Bishops Award. Information and application packs are available from your secondary school principal.

MASS OF ST FRANCIS
Gloria

Text: Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal 2010, ICEL; Music: 2010, Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used with permission Australian Agent Word of Life International. Licence No. 195E.

So let us sing now, not in order to enjoy a life of leisure, but in order to lighten our labours. You should sing as wayfarers dosing, but continue your journey. Do not be lazy, but sing to make your journey more enjoyable. Sing, but keep going. St Augustine, 5th century

OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE PARISH

St Aloysius Girls High School Reunion Students of St Aloysius Girls High School from 1970 1973, along with family members, former teachers and especially the Sisters are invited to a reunion dinner at The Cathedral Function Centre on Saturday 16th November at 5:30pm. The dress for the evening is 1970s Casual. Cost is $42 for two course dinner and coffee. RSVP to Michelle MichelinLaw (Law) on 0401 497 382 or sandmmichelin@skymesh.com.au. Council for Australian Catholic Women Luncheon You and your friends are cordially invited to attend the annual luncheon of the Council for Australian Catholic Women, Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle Contact Group. The luncheon will be held at The Therry Centre, East Maitland on Saturday 16th November at 12:30pm and the guest speaker is Donella Johnston, Director, Office for the Participation of Women. Basic SRE Training Course This course, Introduction to the Bible, will be held at Holy Spirit School, Kurri Kurri on Tuesday 19th November between 10am and 1pm. Have you ever wondered about revelation and inspiration? Why are there so many books in the Bible? All are welcome to attend. Register now by calling 4979 1328 or emailing sre@mn.catholic.org.au. Cursillo VII World Encounter The World Body of Cursillos in Christianity (OMCC) will be hosting this event here in Australia for the first time. For more local Cursillistas, this will be a once in a lifetime event between Wednesday 20th November and Sunday 24th November at St Leos University College, Brisbane. Registration for the Encounter is essential and forms are available in this diocese from the local secretariat or John Andrews via email (john.andrews7p@bigpond.com) or phone (4945 3428). Mass for Deceased Nurses A Mass for our Nurses who died during 2013 will take place at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday 22nd November at 12pm. All are welcome to attend this very beautiful celebration of the lives of our deceased nurses. Lunch may be purchased at the Victor Peters Suite following Mass. Time For Peace Weekend Retreat Andrea Dean, through her business Future Matters, offers the Time For Peace weekend retreat for men and women who seek spiritual peace and are comfortable with quiet reflective activities in a rural setting. The retreat will be held at The Hermitage between Friday 22nd November and Sunday 24th

November. For more information visit www.future matters.net.au/programs/atimeforpeace. Mining Matthew A day of input and reflection on Matthews Gospel, in preparation for the Gospel of Year A will be held on Saturday 23rd November between 10am and 3pm at Holy Family Centre, cnr Ridge & Pell St, Merewether Beach. The cost is $20; concession is $10. Morning tea is provided; please byo lunch. For more information or to RSVP phone 4930 9601 or email twec@ssjl.org.au. Retreat Day: Birthing the Inner Christ In Us Eremos, an ecumenical association offering support for individuals and communities exploring spirituality, is holding a retreat day on Saturday 23rd November. The cost is $50 for members, and $60 for non members, and includes morning tea and lunch. Bookings are essential, and can be made online at www.eremos.org.au/contact/eventregistrations. Ten Years of Novena The 10th Anniversary of the transfer the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from the Mayfield Monastery to Sacred Heart Cathedral will be celebrated at the Cathedral on Saturday 23rd November beginning at 9am. Please invite family and friends to join with regular Novena participants for this occasion. The Church Re-Imagined You are invited to a public conversation where Dr Gerard Webster will examine the issue of sexual abuse and its implications for the Church. The talk will be held on Sunday 24th November between 1:30pm and 3pm at The Crypt of St Patricks Church, Grosvenor St, Sydney. No bookings are necessary and admittance is free. For further information call 9990 7003 or email catalystforrenewal@tpg.com.au. Maitland-Newcastle Cursillo Community A Mass of Thanksgiving and the Annual General Meeting of the MaitlandNewcastle Cursillo Community will be held on Friday 29th November start at 7:15pm to be held in the Chapel of the Stella Maris Seafarers Mission Centre. Please BYO small plate to share for supper. CSO Mackillop Day On Saturday 30th November, staff, students and the wider community of the Catholic School Office of MaitlandNewcastle are encouraged to walk or cycle along the Fernleigh Track or ride a motorcycle around Newcastle for Penola Houses 10 Lost Children Fund. Register or sponsor a participant via the website www.mackillopday.com.

Ministers this Weekend... 6pm Tuncurry

...of the Word Lou Hope Tony Stevens Geraldine Mullin Patricia Cornish Kay Griffiths Chris Matuszny Kyla Loring James Lukeman Barbara Dolahenty

...of Communion Owen Carroll, Burness Goodlet, Robyn Milligan, Carolyn Olliffe, Ruth Pearson, Monique Piscopo, Maureen Pye, Neil Pye, Maureen Stevens Cushla Drake, Graham Griffiths, Tony Knight, Alex Matuszny, Mark Mowbray, Edna Tucker Greg Byrne, Alan McCarthy, Coral McCarthy, Anne Moloney, Shioney Neal, Michael Power, Afra van Boxtel, Maureen Visser, Tony Visser

7am Tuncurry

9am Forster

Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as originally issued, and doesnt take account of any swaps that may have been organised between individuals.

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS AVAILABLE

The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and Catholic Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at the rear of the churches at a cost of $2 each.

PARISH INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP

To request prayers for someone in need of prayer please contact Bob Cashman on 6555 5914 leaving your name and contact details. Bob can also help you if youre interested in becoming part of this important ministry within the Parish.

HOSPITAL & HOME VISITS

Because of the restrictions imposed by Australias Privacy Laws, the Parish relies on family and friends to inform us about those who are unwell in our community. If you know of anyone needing a visit or Communion in hospital or at home please contact Fr Andrew or the Parish Office.

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL

Our diocese is sending a contingent of young people to this event to take place from 5th to 7th December, and invites all interested young people from year 9 to the age of 25 to share in this amazing experience. If you would like more information, please contact youthministry@mn.catholic.org.au

TRUTH JUSTICE AND HEALING COUNCIL

The Truth Justice and Healing Council (TJHC) has been established to represent the Church (Dioceses and Religious Congregations) in its response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Catholic Church will be the focus of the Commission hearing in December when the Towards Healing process will be examined. The Church is also likely to be the focus again in the early part of 2014. The TJHC has produced some brochures to provide a very clear snapshot of what the Council is doing and how, as a Church, we are approaching the Royal Commission, and are available from churches today. The TJHC has been established in recognition of the importance of the Royal Commission and the imperative for the Church to address the past openly and honestly, the good with the bad, and to contribute to shaping a safer future for all children in Australia. The TJHC website www.tjhcouncil.org.au. can be found at

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION

The Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its workers (i.e. employee, contractor or subcontractor, employee of contractor or subcontractor, employee of labour hire company, outworker, apprentice or trainee work experience student and volunteer), visitors and the public in workplaces and also the health and safety of those who may be affected by its operations. In securing workplace health and safety, the Diocese promises to pursue best practice in Work Health and Safety (WHS), fulfil its statutory duties with regard to WHS and through continual improvement strive to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. If you become aware of any hazard on parish property, or suffer an incident or injury while on parish property, you are asked to let Fr Andrew or the Parish Office know as soon as possible in order that the appropriate steps can be taken. If there is any matter concerning Work Health & Safety that you wish to raise or have considered by the Parish, please contact Fr Andrew who will bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate person.

OUR LITURGY TODAY

Responsorial Psalm Response: Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. Lord, hear a cause that is just, pay heed to my cry. Turn your ear to my prayer: no deceit is on my lips. I kept my feet firmly in your paths; there was no faltering in my steps. I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God. Turn your ear to me; hear my words. Guard me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. As for me, in my justice I shall see your face and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead; glory and kingship be his for ever and ever. Alleluia! Today

SCRIPTURE READINGS
2 Maccabees 7:12, 914 2 Thessalonians 2:163:5 Luke 20:2738 Wisdom 1:17 Luke 17:16 Wisdom 2:233:9 Luke 17:710 Wisdom 6:111 Luke 17:1119 Wisdom 7:228:1 Luke 17:2025 Wisdom 13:19 Luke 17:2637 Wisdom 18:1416, 19:69 Luke 18:18 Malachi 3:1920 2 Thessalonians 3:712 Luke 21:519

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday

RECEIVING COMMUNION
So that we might receive Communion in a fit and proper way, please be aware of the following: When we process forward to receive Communion, we have been asked by the Australian Bishops to adopt a common and unified gesture of reverence before doing so. In Australia that gesture is a bow of the head and shoulders (GIRM, 160). Any other form of reverence, including a genuflection, should therefore be avoided. Communion by selfintinction (selfdipping) is never permitted, since we receive Communion and never take Communion. Please refrain from this inappropriate action. We regret that we do not have the physical facilities to offer communion while kneeling, and respectfully ask you to refrain from kneeling to receive Communion while part of the procession, since this is contrary to the nature of the Communion procession itself. Your cooperation in honouring this request is very much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.
SILENCE IN THE LITURGY
We observe silence during our liturgy (on Sundays and weekdays) at the following times: 1. During the Penitential Act, after the Presider invites us to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries in order to recollect ourselves; 2. During the Collect, after the invitation of the Presider to Let us pray again in order to recollect ourselves; 3. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the first reading in order that we might meditate on what we have heard; 4. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the second reading in order that we might meditate on what we have heard; and 5. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the homily in order that we might meditate on what we have heard.

OUR PARISH COLLECTIONS

a) The Parish Collection, providing for the needs of the parish and its ministry, is taken up during the presentation and preparation of the gifts (the offertory). This is the envelope collection. b) The Diocesan Clergy Collection, providing for the remuneration and support of the clergy of the diocese, will be taken up after communion (during the Thanksgiving Hymn or a similar time).