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 14th December, 2014

Third Sunday of Advent, Year B
Parish
Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest)
Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate)
Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration Associate/Bulletin)
Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is

normally staffed on Monday, Thursday and Friday
from 10am to 4pm.
Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin should be
received 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
Fr Andrews email: fr.andrew.doohan@gmail.com.
Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of
Forster Tuncurry

Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic

Celebrating the Sacrament

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.
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 9th February
2015 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.
A Sacramental Preparation process runs each year in
the Parish for children wishing to complete the
celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation as part of
the Parish community. Please contact the Parish Office
for more details, or visit the Parish website.
The Parish hosts the Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults process for those adults wishing to be baptised
or be received into the communion of the Catholic
Church. Please contact the Parish Office for more
details, or visit the Parish website.

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

St Clares High School, Taree (7-12)

Ms Brooke Schumann (Acting Principal)

Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)

41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428

PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428

Davis Street, Taree NSW 2430

P:
F:
E:
W:

P: (02) 6552 3300

F: (02) 6552 3656
E: admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au
W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au

(02) 6554 6504

(02) 6554 8895
admin@forster.catholic.edu.au
www.forster.catholic.edu.au

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

more information contact Natasha on 0407 589 935.

Third Week of Advent

Christian Meditation
Our Parish hosts a number of opportunities for the
practice of Christian meditation. These opportunities
takes place on Tuesdays at two distinct times, 9am
and 5:30pm. Phone Bob on 6555 5914 for further
information.

Monday15th December
Tuesday16th December
9am
Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry
5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
5:30pm Singing Practice @ Tuncurry

Maintenance & Gardening Group

The Parish is served by a very dedicated band of
volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds
and gardens of our two sites. Unfortunately the team
are short on volunteers and are appealing to anyone
who may be available to donate some of their time
once a month to this worthy deed. Their next reunion
will be on Thursday 18th December. Contact Howard
6557 6826 for more information.

Wednesday17th December
9am
Mass @ Forster
11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @
Forster
5:30pm Parish Pastoral Council @ Forster
Thursday18th December
9am
Mass @ Forster
7pm
Womens Bible Study Group (Natasha
0407 589 935)

Singing Practice
The Singing Group will meet for the last time this year
on Tuesday 16h December at Tuncurry at 5:30pm.

Friday19th December
9:30am Mass @ Forster

Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase

The next collection of foodstuffs in support of
Homebase will be on Sunday 4th January 2015.

Saturday20th December
8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Tuncurry
4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15pm)
6pm
Mass @ Tuncurry

Holy Hour
The Parish community observes a Holy Hour each
Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from
3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm.

Sunday21st December
Fourth Sunday of Advent
7am
Mass @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Forster

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The Novena is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster
church commencing at 11:15am and is followed by a
cuppa in the Parish Hall. For more information contact
Shioney on 6554 9468.
Evening Prayer & Benediction
The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday
of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It
will celebrated on Sunday 1st February 2015. All
welcome.
Childrens Liturgy of the Word
The next Children's Liturgy of the Word for children
aged 4-12 will be on the 1st February 2015. Bring
along your children or grandchildren to the 9am Mass
at the Forster Church so they can be a part of this
great new program. We also welcome you to join us
for a cuppa after Mass.

Regular Activities in the Parish

Secular Franciscan Fraternity
The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on
Wednesday 4th February 2015, coming together for
Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then
the meeting 10am to 12pm.
The menALIVE Groups
Our Parish currently hosts a menALIVE group. They
will next meet on Wednesday 24th December after
the 9am Mass.
Womens Bible Study Group
Our Parish hosts a Womens Bible Study Group that
meets every Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm. For
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From the Pastors Desk

Witnesses Required

As I write this I am in Newcastle in preparation for the

ordination as Priest of Peter Street. By the time you
read this, that celebration will have taken place in the
Cathedral Church of our Diocese.

The Parish has produced business card fridge magnets

for distribution over the holiday period. We are calling
on parishioners to be witnesses to their faith by
presenting them to members of the congregation and
other visitors to our Church. We encourage you to
take this opportunity to introduce yourself or strike up

This ordination has been a significant event in the life

of our particular Church of Maitland-Newcastle.
Peters ordination will be the first since the middle of
2007. As the saying goes, its been a long time
between drinks!
As important as Fridays ordination was for Peter, it is
still by definition an ecclesial event, an occasion of
celebration for the entire Church, because of the
significance of what the event represents.

a conversation if possible. We hope that this will help

ensure all parishioners and visitors are welcomed by
the Forster Tuncurry community.

At the very heart of the Churchs understanding of

ordained ministry is the recognition that those who
respond to Gods invitation to ordained ministry are
committing themselves to serve God through serving
Gods People in a particular way, a way that helps to
foster the mission of evangelisation that properly
belongs to Gods People through baptism.

If you believe you could be an ambassador, please

contact the parish office for further details.

Congratulations to Fr Peter Street on reaching this

milestone on his journey of faith and formation for
ordained ministry, and our prayers for the future
years as you strive to live the joys and challenges of
ordained ministry in the Church of MaitlandNewcastle.
Ad multos annos!
Until next week
Fr Andrew

Filipino Christmas PartyTODAY!

Weekend Masses in JanuaryUpdate

Our Filipino friends will be hosting a Christmas party

today, Sunday 14th December commencing at 12pm
in the Church Hall. Plenty of entertainment to include,
cultural dancing, lucky door prize, raffles and
exchanging of gifts. Everyone welcome.

Please note that the advertised Masses in last weeks

bulletin for January scheduled for 5.30pm will be on at
5pm (as per notice below and rosters).
Please consider volunteering if you recognise a
shortfall over this busy period. Thank you.

Christmas Day Masses

Weekend Masses in January

Our timetable of Masses for Christmas Day is as

follows:

During the Christmas/January holiday period, our

weekend Masses will be celebrated as follows:

Wed 24th Dec

6:30pm

Holy Name School, Lake

St, Forster

Saturdays

6pm

St Mary, Star of the Sea

Church, Tuncurry

Thu 25th Dec

Midnight

Holy Name Church,

Forster
St Mary, Star of the Sea
Church, Tuncurry
St Mary, Star of the Sea
Church, Tuncurry

Sundays

7am

St Mary, Star of the Sea

Church, Tuncurry
Holy Name of Jesus
Church, Forster
Holy Name of Jesus
Church, Forster

7am
9am

9am
5pm
3

Christmas Day Lunches

the Christ, his mission is simply to point towards the

light; the Christ.
Our common understanding of the word witness
tends to be related to legal situations: providing a
witness statement or acting as a witness to a fact in
court. The use of witness in this gospel carries a
different connotation: to provide witness through
action and lifestyle that draws others to wonder about
and perhaps come to accept the motivating belief. It is
this understanding of witness that all Christians are
called to provide. We are called to witness to our
beliefs in the way that we live our lives, engage with
others and hold to certain truths. Of course, there are
some Christians who believe that their witness needs
to be more obvious and more clearly stated. They feel
that providing witness, or testimony, to their faith
through spoken proclamation has a greater potential
to change lives. Whether we choose to witness
through our words or through our actions it is
essential that both words and actions have integrity;
that there is no clash between what we proclaim and
the way we live.
Greg Sunter

As Christmas approached in 1986, the local Catholic

Priest, Fr. Tony Brady, became aware of some people
in our community who would be spending Christmas
Day alone. In an effort to reach out to these people,
Fr. Tony instigated a Christmas Lunch in the Catholic
Church Hall, Forster.
This event has continued each year since that time,
catering to folk who may otherwise find the
celebration of Christmas Day a rather lonely time.
Each year single people, families and friends gather in
the Hall to share the festive season with each other
and relax in each others company. The function is a
very informal gathering where everyone plays a part
in preparing and serving the meal and sharing in the
family atmosphere of the day.
Over the years we have discovered that Christmas can
be a sad time for older family members who may be
separated from their children and grandchildren by
large distances and feel detached from the love and
joy that Christmas is meant to bring. Sharing the day
with other families can ease some of that pain.
The function also gives people the opportunity to
display the true meaning of Christmas, showing love
and care and concern for our fellow human beings. It
is the chance to give to others after having received so
much ourselves.

Childrens Liturgy
It was lovely to see our parish children come together
for Childrens Liturgy last weekend. They learned a lot
and particularly enjoyed morning tea following Mass.

We have heard that Santa will not forget us and he

should arrive in time for lunch. One of our families
have also promised to lead us in singing some
Christmas Carols, adding to the joy of the occasion.

Morning tea also provided an opportunity to welcome

new parishioners to the Forster Tuncurry community.
Looks like our Church continues to grow, thank God the more the merrier! A big thanks to those who
helped organise the day.

This year the Hall will be opened from 11.30am and

lunch will be served at 1pm. Everyone is welcome to
come along and join us. For more information contact
Greg & Lauranne Byrne on 65548045 or 0427 918 568.

Next Childrens Liturgy will be held on Sunday 1st

February, 2015.

Greg Byrne

Pictured below are Edward, Alice, Halle, Nicky, Jessica,

Lauren & Lola-Rose.

REFLECTION by Greg Sunter

This weeks gospel should sound very familiar. It is the
gospel of John version of the passage used in last
weeks liturgy, which came from the gospel of Mark.
Again it recalls the ministry of John the Baptist but it is
given the particular slant of the gospel of John. Aside
from the greater focus on the conversational
interaction, it presents John as a witness. This is
perhaps more typical of the John gospel emphasis on
personal encounter with Jesus. Rather than acting as
something of a herald, as in last weeks account, here
John the Baptist is witnessing to speak for the light.
He makes a very clear distinction between himself and
4

Fr Tony Stace Scholarship

We are the Church

Fr. Tony Stace was Parish Priest of our Parish from

2002 until ill health from cancer forced him to leave
the Parish on Christmas Day 2005.

Since Vatican II we have been proudly professing that

WE ARE THE CHURCH. If we truly believe this then
we must ask ourselves, how am I contributing to the
life of the Church and is there more I could be doing?

Fr. Tony had a long-term relationship with the

Aboriginal people and played a key role in establishing
the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in our Diocese. His
advocacy for Reconciliation was acknowledged in
1999 when he received the City of Newcastle medal.

There are many ministries in our Church. In particular

we are at present in need of Sacristans to set up for
our weekend Masses and also for Funerals during the
week.

Aware of his imminent departure from the Parish,

parishioners decided to set up a Scholarship in his
honour, aimed at improving the education of
Aboriginal children. A collection at Mass and some
other donations realised a little over three thousand
dollars. Some Trustees were selected to administer
the Scholarship and they decided on distributing an
annual amount of $750 thus ensuring the fund would
survive for five years.

Interested people will receive the proper formation,

training and support. Please rush to the Parish Office
to display your willingness to be involved.

Religious Liberty Benefits Economic

and Social Outcomes
The economic and social benefits of religious liberty
were explored at a recent public lecture by Dr Brian J
Grim, President of the Religious Freedom & Business
Foundation, hosted by The University of Notre Dame
Australia's School of Law Sydney.

In July 2007 Fr. Tony passed away after his battle with
cancer. Shortly after the fund was surprised by a
bequest of $10,000 from Fr Tonys will. After final
settlement of the will the Trust received a further
$2,500. Our five year plan was shot.

With nine out of 10 people projected to be affiliated

with religion in 2030 compared with eight out of 10 in
1970, according to the World Religion Database, Dr
Grim discussed the simultaneous rise in the level of
religious restrictions and hostilities and the impact on
economic and social outcomes.

Since 2008, over one thousand dollars has been given

annually to Great Lakes College and Holy Name School
to assist in Aboriginal education. In the Christmas
holidays of 2009 the Trust was able to pay for Holy
Name Teacher, Brooke Schumann, to attend a
Professional Development Course in Accelerated
Literacy, aimed specifically at Indigenous students.
Those teaching skills have now been adopted by the
entire school and in 2014 the Trust supported the
Accelerated Literacy training of the Special Needs
teacher at Holy Name.

The lecture covered a range of research that

empirically shows that freedom of religion or belief,
when protected by governments and respected by
citizens, results not only in less conflict and violence in
a society but also in better social and economic
outcomes, including better lives for women.
" (as) religious freedom contributes to better
economic and business outcomes, advances in
religious freedom are in the self-interest of
businesses, governments and societies," Dr Grim said.
Professor Michael Quinlan, Dean of the School of Law
Sydney, believes religious liberty is a poignant topic in
today's society and welcomed Dr Grim's lecture on its
benefits.

In 2010 some Indigenous Design Students embarked

on a study tour of Vietnam and the Trust was able to
assist with some of their costs.
Although the fruits of the Trusts investments in
indigenous education may never be fully known, we
pray that Fr. Tony blesses our efforts as we strive to
continue his work.
Greg Byrne

"I have always thought that there are obvious benefits

to be gained by nations that embrace religious
freedom," Professor Quinlan said.

Carols by CandlelightTomorrow
The Family Ministry Group would
like to invite parishioners to join
them at Carols By Candlelight in
Tuncurry on Monday 15th
December from 6pm. Bring your
own picnic or purchase food at
the venue and meet us at the large purple flag.

For video of lecture and further information visit http://

www.nd.edu.au/news/media-releases/2014/403

Christmas Cards & 2015 Calendars

A second batch of St Vincent de Paul Christmas Cards
has arrived and will be available for purchase from the
parish office for $6 per pack of 10 cards.
5

Opportunities Outside The Parish

Dont Read This, Again !

Carols in the Cloister

Carols in the Cloister will be held on Sunday 14th
December at 6:30pm at St Josephs Convent Chapel,
New England Highway, Lochinvar. Enjoy Christmas
Carols, reflections on the meaning of the season, good
music, light refreshments and good company.

In the office, we get conflicting comments about the

weekly Bulletin that cover the whole spectrum of
opinion. From youre doing a great job on the
Bulletin to I never read the Bulletin, its a waste of
time.
Because we have mostly a retired community who, as
Grey Nomads, are often on the road, it is necessary
to repeat articles in the Bulletin to ensure everyone is
informed. Some people see one article that is
repeated and say same old stuff and dont read any
further. As a result they fail to see articles that may
interest them.

Voices of Echology Choir

Come and enjoy the voices of Echology, formerly The
University of Newcastle Chamber Choir at the
annual Christmas concert to be held on Tuesday 16th
December beginning at 7pm at Sacred Heart
Cathedral, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.
Directed by Dr Philip Matthias and featuring Organist
Peter Guy, Orchestra Newcastle and soloist Dr
Christopher Allan, in a varied program of popular and
new carols. Adult $25, Concession $20, Children $10
(includes GST). Discount available for group bookings
of
10
or
more.
Tickets
available
through www.stickytickets.com.au/20978 or at the
door.

For example, we often get enquiries from people

about issues that have been previously addressed in
the Bulletin.
The Bulletin follows a certain format. The front and
back page basically include the same information with
regular updates. The second page includes the Weekly
Parish Diary and details on regular events in the
Parish. The third and fourth page where possible,
include the most recent notices. There may be some
repetition following on from there. The Kids Corner
page will now be on the second last page.

WantedVolunteer Workers
The Diocese of Broome, WA, requires volunteers to
assist with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal
Missions. There are various important voluntary tasks:
administration, building maintenance, gardening,
shop staffing, cooking, cleaning, etc. Placements are
preferred for a period of 6 months plus. For further
details and an application form please contact:
Volunteer Coordinator, Anneliese Rohr on 08 9192
1060,
E
volunteers@broomdiocese.org,
W
www.bromediocese.org, M PO Box 76, Broome, WA
6725.

The Bulletin also includes notices of events outside

our parish which may be of interest to people and
articles which may assist in growing our knowledge of
the Catholic faith.
In this time of change in the Church, the aim of our
Parish Bulletin is to keep parishioners informed of
happenings in our Church and the Church in general.
To fulfil this mission and maintain readability is our
challenge.
Greg Byrne

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

St Vinnies support the
people that will be doing
it
tough
over
the
Christmas period. They
aim to provide much
needed
help
from
practical assistance to
food hampers, emotional
support, toys and gifts for
children, individuals and
families so they too can
experience the joy of
Christmas.

Little Blue Books

Spend 6 minutes a day reflecting on your faith with
the aid of the Little Blue Book. $5 each.

Prayer for Peace

Lately, we have all been made aware of the terrible
suffering and torture of
people in war torn
countries throughout the
world. We are particularly
concerned with the plight
of Christian people at the
mercy of ISIS in Iraq. We
pray for an end to this
violence and a peaceful
solution to these conflicts.

Contributions to the Christmas Appeal will continue to

be received via the weekly collections or at the Parish
Office over the coming weeks.
6

Kids Corner
1

Prepare for the Lord Jesus

4
5

6
7
8

Jn 1:19-28

Across
1:
7:
8:
10:
11:

John used this to baptise people

John shouted, Get the road _ _ _ _ _ for the Lord!
people who lead
a sandy place where not much grows
the Jewish leaders came from this city

Down
9

10

11

12

2:
3:
4:
5:
6:

a Jewish place of worship

the response to a question
kind, wholesome, nice
before all others
an important religious group at the time of Jesus who
strictly obeyed Jewish law
John was asked if he was the Messiah,
E_ _ _ _ _, or the Prophet
a large body of flowing water

9:
12:

Ministers this Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Geraldine Mullin
B: Frank Hayman

Carolyn Olliffe, Jeanette Goodacre, Margaret Smith, Pat

Hooker, Ruth Pearson.

7am Tuncurry

A: Edna Tucker
B: Lorraine Clark

Alex Matuszny, Cecile Malone, Cushla Drake, Graham

Griffiths, Mark Mowbray.

9am Forster

A: Judith Shand
B: Marie Keep

Anne Hartman, Anne Moloney, Barbara Dolahenty, Elle

Cairns-Cowan, Sharon Fowle.

Ministers next Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Neil Pye
B: Valarie Ross

Maureen Pye, Maureen Stevens, Michael Amato, Neil

Pye, Owen Carroll.

7am Tuncurry

A: Maree Gapps
B: Maria Armitage

Edna Tucker, Genevieve Williamson, Maria Armitage,

Norm Chapman, Patricia Cornish.

9am Forster

A: Sharon Fowle
B: Kris Koch

Alan McCarthy, Coral McCarthy, Genevieve Williamson,

Robyn Ryan, Shioney Neal.

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

Text: Excerpts from the English Translation of the Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL); Music: From the Mass of
St Francis 2010, Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Australian AgentLicenSing Online Lic No. 624844.

Scripture Readings This Week

Today

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Todays Liturgy of the Word

Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17
Matthew 21:23-27
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Matthew 21:28-32
Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Matthew 1:1-17
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Matthew 1:18-24
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25
Luke 1:5-25
Isaiah 7:10-14
Luke 1:26-38
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

Responsorial Psalm
Response: My soul rejoices in my God.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
he sent me to bring Good News to the poor.
Alleluia!

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now.
Giuseppe Mirarchi, Maria and Ludvik Nadoh, Peter
Gapps.
All those in our community who are sick.
8