18thSunday in Ordinary Time (YEAR C)
INTRODUCTION:
St. Paul calls us to direct our thoughts to heavenly things, not the things of this earth. May we turn our hearts and minds towards Christ as we celebrate this Eucharist today.
FIRST READING: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2: 21-23
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: YEAR OF MERCY
Response: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You turn men back into dust
and say: ‘Go back, sons of men.’
To your eyes a thousand years
are like yesterday, come and gone,
no more than a watch in the night.
You sweep men away like a dream,
like grass which springs up in the morning.
In the morning it springs up and flowers:
by evening it withers and fades.
Make us know the shortness of our life
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?
Show pity to your servants.
In the morning, fill us with your love;
we shall exult and rejoice all our days.
Let the favour of the Lord be upon us:
give success to the work of our hands.
Response: In every age O Lord you have been our refuge.
SECOND READING: Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Happy the poor in spirit;
the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Luke 12: 13-21
REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL
In the time of Jesus, there was no distinction between various facets of the law. The Rabbi was expected to be able to provide the answers in all cases. Jesus’ refusal to play the role of the judge in this case indicates that his interest is somewhere beyond what possessions can offer...
Jesus refuses to be drawn into this question because his life, death and resurrection take place to draw us all away from placing our trust in the ‘things we own’. He has come to establish a new situation among women and men where God reigns. The beauty of this dream of Jesus is that it rings so true. Is he not right when he says that our lives are not made secure by what we own, even when we have more than we need?
The parable of the unwise rich man drives this point home. Its power comes from the truth that each one of us can readily identify with the rich man. Are not his plans to ensure a happy and comfortable future through the careful investment of his goods also our plans? In our own way, have we not dreamt of being able to say: ‘I have plenty of good things laid up for many years to come. I will take things easy, eat, drink and have a good time’?
“Fool!” exclaims Jesus both to the man in the parable… and the reader… We never seem to learn from the reality of death that surrounds us every day. …
There will eventually come a time when there will be no more ‘tomorrow’ to provide for. When our everlasting tomorrow is in God, our true riches will not depend on ‘the things we own’.
Once again a parable of Jesus … strikes at something very dear to us: our comfort and the material care of our families.
Jesus has no desire to say that we must not live by working hard and enjoying the fruits of our work. He does warn us, however, of the danger that the only thing that matters in life is the steady accumulation of wealth. The old adage remains true: you cannot take it with you!
Francis J Moloney sdb, This is the Word of the Lord.
What, in your opinion, constitutes real “treasure”? What do you have “stored up” that you can take with you? / Due to strict privacy laws, names of the sick can only be put in the Bulletin with the permission of the immediate family. Thank you.
Names for the sick or anniversary list can be added by emailing details to or by ringing 4997 1822.
WE REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS
The sick and deceased members of our families and our parish.
Sick List: Matthew Carter, John Jones, Carmel Bentley, Belinda Cale, David Houlahan, Marlene Goodall, Paul Buesel, Judi Coates, Kevin Weir, Frank Lantry, TJ Welsh, Annette Rhodes, Marion Cooper, Tony Knight, Frank Screpis, Pam Skewes, Noelene Casey, Quade Watson, Shirley Moran, Betty Dudley, Luke Spalding, Sophie Jordan, Mollie Collins, Monica and Peter Buckley, Gloria Beale, Nigel Tristram, Geoff True, Maxine Munro, Dave Jordan and Amber Wallis.
WEEKDAY TIMETABLE
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS AND DEVOTIONS
Monday: 1 August, Matthew 14:13-21
Tuesday: 2 August, Matthew 14:22-36
Tea Gardens –Anointing Mass at the Manor at 10am
Wednesday: 3 August, Matthew 15:21-28
Karuah – Mass at 9am
Thursday:4 August, Matthew 16:13-23
Friday:5 August, Matthew 16:24-28
Tea Gardens–Mass at 2pm
NEXT WEEKEND TIMETABLE First Sunday of the Month
Saturday:6 August, Karuah 5.15pm Mass
Bulahdelah 7.00pm Mass
Sunday: 7 August, Tea Gardens 8.30amMass
Reconciliation 8.00 to 8.20am
REFLECTION DAY TEA GARDENS. ALL WELCOME.
A day of reflection & prayer with Fr Brian Mascord on Friday 5 August at St Stephens, Tea Gardens, 9.30 – 3pm (Mass at 2pm) The theme is“MERCY” In The Beginning, THE WORD. Coffee, tea & juice provided, please bring lunch to share. Information & registration to Office of Life & Faith – Zoe Marr, Phone: 49791328 or Email
FEAST DAY THIS WEEK
August 6 TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
This unique event in the Gospel occurred when Jesus took his three closest companions, Peter, James and John, up a mountain and was transfigured: “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as dazzling as light”. It is recorded by Matthew, Mark and Luke.
SAVE THE DATE
Parish Dinner at St Stephens Tea Gardens on Saturday,8 October. More information to follow.
ST BRIGID’S– BULAHDELAH 6/8/16
Church Cleaning: Margaret pile & Rosie Newton; Readings: Margaret Pile; Prayers of the Faithful: Gemma Stace; Presentation of the Gifts: Mark & Gwen Smyth; Altar Server: Brendan; Eucharistic Ministers: Terry & Phil.
ST STEPHEN’S – TEA GARDENS7/8/16
Church Cleaning: Group 1; Welcome: Brian Lourey; Readers: John Beatty & Florence Beatty; Ministers of Communion: Peter McKay, Pauline Dafel & Jan Bartier; AV: Margaret Swift; Flowers: Ariadhne.
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY – KARUAH 6/8/16
Church Cleaning: Aireen & Julie-Gai; Greeters: Lorraine & Brian;Reader: Rae; Presentation of the Gifts: Marcia & Tammy; Minister of Communion: Sr Libbey.
↘WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH? ↙
Tuesday 2 Anointing Mass at the Manor at 10am
Wednesday 3 Y4M at 9am
Wednesday 3 Men’s Discussion Group Tea Gardens 4pm
Thursday 4 Bulahdelah Community Meeting & Dinner at 6pm
ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL
Last week we welcomed a beautiful new family to our school the Grills family. We warmly welcome them to our school community. Sadly we farewelled the beautiful Rajan family who have moved to Newcastle. We wish them every happiness for the future. Last Friday Monica Moore competed in the NSW State Titles for Cross Country. Monica was placed fourth in the state. We are very proud of her efforts. We are also very proud of Seren Everingham from Year Six who was awarded a distinction for the UNSW Technology Competition. Beau Barris Jones from Year Two attained a distinction in the UNSW Science competition as did Seren. I think the future is in safe hands with our budding young scientists.
WHAT’S IN A WORD: MERCY
Daily life allows us to touch, with our hands, many demands that concern the poorest and most tested of people. We are asked for that particular attention that leads us tonoticethe state of suffering and need in which so many brothers and sisters find themselves. Sometimes we pass by situations of dramatic poverty and it seems that they do not touch us; everything continues as if it were nothing, into an indifference that eventually creates hypocrites and, without our realizing it, leads to a form of spiritual lethargy that numbs the soul and renders life barren. People who pass by, who move on in life without noticing the needs of others, without seeing many spiritual and material needs, are people who pass by without living, they are people who do not need others. Remember well: those who do not live to serve, do not serve to live.
POPE FRANCISJUBILEE AUDIENCESt Peter's Square Thursday, 30 June 2016
What demands of others have you touched this week?
What or who has touched you? / Readings for next week:
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
1st Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9
2nd Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19
Gospel: Luke 12:32-48
PARISH ACTIVITIES
AUGUST
Monday 8 Sharing the Journey at 9.30am
Tuesday 9 Women’s Shed at Karuah 9.30am
Wednesday 10 Catholic Church Service at Peter Sinclair Gardens at 10am
Wednesday 10 Wrap with Love at 1pm
Thursday 11 Bulahdelah Nursing Home Mass at 10.30am
Tuesday16 St Stephens Morning Tea at 10.30am
Wednesday 17 Men’s Discussion Group Tea Gardens 4pm
Wednesday 17 Y4M at 9am
Wednesday 24 St Vincent de Paul Meeting at 3pm
Wednesday 24 Wrap with Love at 1pm
Wednesday 31 Y4M at 9am
SEPTEMBER
Tuesday 6 Anointing Mass at the Manor at 10am
Wednesday 7 Men’s Discussion Group Tea Gardens at 4pm
Wednesday 7 Wrap with Love at 1pm
Monday 12 Sharing the Journey at 9.30am
Tuesday 13 Women’s Shed at Karuah 9.30am
Wednesday 14 Catholic Church Service at Peter Sinclair Gardens at 10am
ST STEPHEN’S TONTINE
First Prize:Rhonda Babako
Second Prize:IlonkaOjurovic
SAMARITAN CHRISTMAS BOXES
Thank you for your generous donations over the past weeks. We now have enough items and will begin the packing soon. Rose Smith.
NAME BADGES
Do you have one?Parishioners who do not have a name badge can speak with Sister Libbey as an order will be placed this week. Cost $6.00
CUPPA Next Weekend at Tea Gardens
FOR THE DIARY
SEMINAR WITH PROFESSOR RICHARD LENNAN
All talks are FREE but registration is needed. Fr Richard will address the topic The Church: Continuing the Pilgrimage of Hopeat Several venues next week. The closest venues for our parish are: Monday 1st August Raymond Terrace 9am-12 noon and Hamilton 4.30-7.30pm. Registration through Sharon Murphy 4979 1134 or
THE INAUGURAL CATHEDRAL LECTURE: Celebrating 150 years of the Diocese.
Tradition: Engaging God’s Future, Our Past, and the Challenges of the Present
Wednesday 3rd August, 2016 Sacred Heart Cathedral, 6pm.Professor Richard Lennan.If you would like to attend, please let Sr Libbey know this weekend.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS DINNER – Friday 26th August
The Diocesan Social Justice Council will be holding a dinner to raise awareness about Domestic Violence, recognise the signs/and provide information on what is being done to prevent Domestic Violence. To be held at VictorPeters Suite, 841 Hunter St. Newcastle West. 5.30pm Cost $35.00 per head.Robyn Donnelly, Hon NatashaMaclaren-Jones MLC and Suellyn Moore are guest speakers. RSVP is essential by 19th August to Brooke Robinson byemail at nations from the night will support Nova Women.
SPECIAL NEEDS MASS – Tuesday 30th August, 2016
The nineteenth annual Special Needs Mass will be celebrated by Bishop William Wright on Tuesday, 30th August at 7.00pm at St James’ Catholic Church, Muswellbrook.
An invitation is extended to all parishioners and, in particular, any families who face the daily challenges of having a child/children with special needs.
The purpose of the Mass is to provide community and spiritual support for these families, to affirm the welcome that exists for all and to celebrate the gifts our children bring to our communities.
NATIONAL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE 2016
Ignite Conference is a national Catholic youth conference held in Brisbane for adults, students, kids, ministry leaders, teachers, priests and religious.The conference is being held from 22-25 September 2016 at the Mueller Performing Arts Centre, Redcliffe, Qld. The theme for 2016 is “Revelation”. For more information and costs please speak to SrLibbey.
JOKE: Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The Ceremony wasn’t much, but the reception was excellent. A jumper cable walks into a bar, the bartender says, “I’ll serve you, but don’t start anything.” Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted. A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says: “A beer please, and one for the road.” Deja Moo: The feeling that you have heard this bull before.