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 16th February, 2014 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Parish
Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest) Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate) Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration) Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

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 10th March 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. 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 by a cuppa in the Parish Hall. Contact Shioney (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 2nd March. All welcome.

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 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 fr.andrew.doohan@bigpond.com ( Fr Andrew) W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

Ms Brooke Schumann (Acting 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 W: www.forster.catholic.edu.au The Parish can be found online on: Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased. Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic Those whose anniversaries occur about now. Andy Cross, Ronald Dowling, Peter Byrne All those in our community who are sick.

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

Ordinary Time unless noted otherwise. Fr Andrew will be away the second half of the week in order to attend his sisters wedding in Brisbane next weekend. Fr Dennis will preside over the celebration of Mass in Fr Andrews absence. Monday17th February No entries. Tuesday18th February No Mass this afternoonFr Andrew to Newcastle for Called to Serve Mass at the Cathedral 9am Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 7pm Singing Practice @ Forster Wednesday19th February 9am Mass @ Forster 9:30am menALIVE morning group @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @ Forster 5:30pm Parish Pastoral Council meeting @ Forster Thursday20th February 9am Mass @ Forster 10am Caring Group @ Forster Friday21st February 9:30am Mass @ Forster Saturday22nd February Feast of the Chair of St Peter 8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15 pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry Sunday23rd February 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster

Car Parking At Forster

A gentle reminder that parking in the Forster church parking lot is only permitted in the marked bayswith the exception of the two kiss and drop bays that are marked with diagonal lines. Please refrain from parking in any other area other than the marked bays, particularly in those areas closer to the church building. Apologies for any inconvenience caused by this requirement. Fr Andrew

Regular Activities in the Parish

Secular Franciscan Fraternity The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on Wednesday 5th March, 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 two menALIVE groups. The morning group will next meet on Wednesday 26th February 2014 after the 9am Mass, while the evening group will next meet on Thursday 27th February 2014 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 date is Thursday 20th February, starting at Tuncurry at 8am and then on to Forster. Contact Howard 6557 6826 for more information. Singing Practice The Singing Group will next gather in the Forster church on Tuesday 18th February 2014 for a 7pm start. All are welcome as we gather to practice hymns for our Sunday Masses. 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 2nd March 2014.

Friendship Group (Seniors)

For our March outing on the 4th March, we are planning lunch at the RSL club at 12pm and attending the 2pm Seniors Concert. All welcome but seniors must collect their free tickets as soon as possible from the Club as they are fast running out. Lunch is optional. Once again please contact Lorraine on 65547056 if you need more information.

Some Things Cannot Be Said

God hates the worship of the mere lips; God requires the worship of the heart. A person may bow and kneel and look religious, but he is not at all the nearer heaven, unless he tries to obey God in all things, and to do his duty. But if he does honestly strive to obey God, then his outward manner will be reverent also; decent forms will become natural to him; holy ordinances, though coming to him from the church, will at the same time come (as it were) from his heart; they will be part of himself, and he will as little think of dispensing with them as he would dispense with his ordinary apparel, nay, as he could dispense with tongue or hand in speaking or doing. This is the true way of doing devotional service; not to have feeling without acts, or acts without feelings; but both to do and to feelto see that our hearts and bodies are both sanctified together, and become one; the heart ruling our limbs, and making the whole person serve God, who has redeemed the whole person, body as well as soul. John Henry Newman

Lenten Groups in 2014

The Season of Lent is a little under a month away. Once again the Parish will be hosting Lenten Groups to assist parishioners with their Lenten reflection and preparation. This years program, entitled Encounter, is sourced from the Diocese of Wollongong, and its author, Fr Greg Homeming ocd, says: I hope that as you accompany Jesus and look into his eyes with the eyes of our soul you will see a man who is more than a great man; this man is God with us As you experience betrayal, disappointment, fear or abandonment, remember that this, amongst other things, is what you have in common with Jesus. A list of Lenten groups has now been placed at the rear of both churches. If you would like to join a group simply add your name to the group. If you would like host a group of your own, write your details on the board and see Greg at the office for booklets.

Parish Intercessory Prayer Group

Our Parish is blessed to have an Intercessory Prayer Apostolate. This group is comprised of a loose knit group of parishioners who simply pray during their normal daily prayers for people on a list updated and distributed each month. There are no meetings and no cost whatsoever and each member may remain anonymous if desired. Because there are no meetings this group is very suitable for all parishioners, especially some of our housebound or incapacitated folk to enable them to play an important role within the parish community, so allowing them to play an important and active role within the life of the parish community. If you are interested in joining this group, just ring Bob Cashman on 6555 5914 or leave your name and phone number with the Parish Office. To request prayers for someone in need of prayer please contact Bob on 6555 5914 leaving your name and contact details.

50th Wedding Anniversary Blessings

Congratulations to Jim and Ellie Cairns-Cowan who celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary this weekend.

Ash Wednesday5th March

The Season of Lent commences with Ash Wednesday, which this year falls this coming Wednesday, 5th February. As a Parish community, we will mark the beginning of this penitential season of prayer, selfdenial and helping others with a number of celebrations:

9am Mass with the Imposition of Ashes at Holy Name Church, Forster. 12:30pm Liturgy of the Word with the Imposition of Ashes at Holy Name School, Forster. 6pm Mass with the Imposition of Ashes at St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The law of fasting binds those who have completed their eighteenth year, until the beginning of their sixtieth year; the law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. Catholics are obliged to receive holy communion at least once a year; in Australia and New Zealand, this is between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Upcoming Diocesan Events

There are a number of Diocesan Events coming up that people may be interested in attending. They are:

2014 Papal Lenten Message

The 2014 Lenten Message from Pope Francis has now been released. Copies of this short but powerful message can be found on the Parish Website. If you do not have access to the Internet and would like a copy of the Popes message, please contact the Parish Office who will print a copy for you.

CSO Called To Serve Mass on Tuesday 18th February at 6:30pm in the Cathedral. All are welcome. Diocesan Mass for Catechists on Friday 21st February in the Cathedral. This Annual Mass is a great opportunity for priests, parishioners, family and friends, and prayer partners to celebrate the ministry of Special Religious Education, Sacraments of Initiation and Childrens Liturgy of the Word. Please note these dates in your diaries if you wish to attend.

Project Compassion 2014

Each year Caritas Australia invites the people of Australia to participate in the Lenten fundraising event called Project Compassion. Caritas Australia is the international aid and development organisation of our Catholic Church in Australia, working to end poverty, promote justice and uphold the dignity of people who are experiencing poverty and injustice. Project Compassion 2013 raised over $11 million, and our Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle contributed $224, 160.00 (thank you!). The theme for Project Compassion 2014 is Have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). This idea was affirmed when Pope Francis said, Men and women of all times and all places desire a full and beautiful life a life that is not threatened by death but that can mature and grow to its fullness. Dont we all wish for a life filled with certainty; a life free from the burden of poverty with equal access to food, water, education, healthcare and shelter; a life of dignity and a life of peace within our hearts and minds? Project Compassion stories for 2014 are about our desires for this full and beautiful life within the surroundings of home. Not just a house in which to live, but of truly being at home and feeling content. Your support for Caritas Australia is invaluable. Please give generously.

Advance NoticePancake Tuesday

As is our Parish custom we will celebrate Pancake Tuesday on Tuesday 4th March from 5:30pm in the grounds of Holy Name School. Pancakes, fun and games, and entertainment are promised! Come along and join members of the Parish and School communities to celebrate before we enter into the Season of Lent.

Advance NoticeWorld Day of Prayer

In 2014 it is our Parishs turn to host the local ecumenical celebration to mark the World Day of Prayer. This year the World Day of Prayer will take place on Friday 7th March from 10:30am in the Forster church. Everyone is warmly welcome to come along and celebrate together as Christians of the Great Lakes area.

Christmas Day Collections

As is our Parishs custom the money collected during our Masses on Christmas Day in 2013 have been split between three charities:

Manning Pregnancy Help St Vincent de Paul Local Conference Clergy Support Foundation

Thanks to the generosity of parishioners and visitors a total of $6,269.55 was collected and has now been distributed. Thank you for your generosity towards this collection.

The Diocesan launch of Project Compassion 2014 will take place in the Roger Kennedy Centre, St Marys High School, Pacific Highway, Gateshead on Tuesday 4th March commencing at 11am. Please contact Sharon Murphy on 4979 1111 or caritas@mn.catholic.org.au. Project Compassion resources will be made available in the Parish over the coming weeks in the lead up to Ash Wednesday.

Catholic Newspapers Available

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

They ate and had their fill, and what they craved the Lord gave them; they were not disappointed in what they craved.

Updated Communion Procession

Parish Social Functions for 2014

Our Parish will hold four social functions across the year. They are:

PANCAKE TUESDAY which falls on Tuesday 4th March. PARISH DINNER to be held on Friday 16th May. INTERNATIONAL LUNCH to be held on Saturday 2nd August. BLESSING OF THE FLEET/PARISH BBQ will be held this year on Sunday 5th October. Please note these dates in your calendars now further details will be provided closer to each event.

Sanctuary
Please note that the diagram is nor accurate to scale or layoutbut you get the idea. Thank you for the way in which you have been prepared to embrace the new arrangements.

Journey Scripture Study Group

If there is sufficient interest for a monthly Scripture Study group we will offer the Journey Scripture Study program in the Parish. If you might be interested in participating in this program could you please let the Parish Office know of your interest (including a preferred day and time).

Changes to the Liturgy of the Word

Please note the changes to the Parishs celebration of the Liturgy of the Word during Mass. RESPONSORIAL PSALM During the Seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, and on other Solemnities during the year: the Psalm will be sung in it entirety wherever possible, with a psalmist/cantor singing the verses and the assembly joining in the response. At all other times: whenever possible the response will be sung by the assembly, and a psalmist/cantor will read the verses of the Psalm. When no musicians are available: the Responsorial Psalm will be spoken in its entirety, with a reader reading the verses, and the assembly joining in the response. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Wherever possible: the Gospel Acclamation will be sung in it entirety, with a psalmist/cantor singing the verse and the assembly joining in the response, i.e. the Alleluia or Lenten equivalent. When no psalmist/cantor is available: the response of the Gospel Acclamation, i.e. the Alleluia or Lenten equivalent, will be sung, with the verse being spoken by the assembly. When the above options are not available: the entire Gospel Acclamation will be omitted. THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER (or Prayer of the Faithful) It is the practice of the Parish for the intentions of the Universal Prayer to be announced from the ambo by one of the rostered readers.

Little Black Books

The Little Black Book of daily Lenten reflections are again available this year, and can be purchased from the back of the churches at a cost of $5 each.

Family Ministry Committee

An initial public meeting for anyone interested in this furthering this work in our Parish will be held on Wednesday 26th February at 7pm in the Parish Hall. This initial meeting will have the purpose of formally establishing the Committee and discussing the broader issues that will be a focus of the Committees work going forward.

Vocation View
You have heard that it was said Jesus challenges his disciples to a deeper embrace of his teachings. Embrace his teachings with your whole heart, mind and soul (Matt 5:20-37). For more information regarding Vocations contact Fr Brian Mascord on 4979 1112 or by email to vocations@mn.catholic.org.au.

Communion to Sick & Housebound

We are in need of Ministers of Communion of the Blessed Sacrament to housebound people in our outlying areas (Pacific Palms/Hallidays Point). If you live in this area and are able to assist in this way please contact Greg Byrne at the office 6554 6304.

Opportunities Outside The Parish

Understanding Change, Loss and Grief A seminar looking at change, loss and grief will be held on Thursday 20th February from 9:30am at Paterson Parish Hall or Therry Centre, East Maitland (depending on location of majority of respondents). The cost is $12.50 (concession available on request) and you are asked to bring a plate to share for lunch. RSVP by 13th February by phone to Seasons for Growth (4979 1355 or to seasonsforgrowth@mn.catholic.org.au). Ship Visitors Training Course A Ship Visitors Training Course will be held on Tuesday 25th February at Mission to Seafarers, 96 Hannell St, Wickham. The course is internationally recognised by ICSW, and is free for Newcastle participants and $50 for others. To RSVP phone 4961 5007 or email admin@mtsnewcastle.org.au. International Womens Day 2014 International Womens Day 2014 will be celebrated on Sunday 9th March with Mass at 9:30am in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle West. The Council for Australian Catholic Women Contact Group in the Diocese cordially invite you to attend Mass, followed by Morning Tea in the Toohey Room next door. A panel of local Catholic women will share aspects of their lives followed by a Q&A sesson. Please RSVP to Patricia by phone 4932 5601 or email pabanister@dodo.com.au. RCIA Rite of Election & Presentation The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Presentation of Candidates for Full Communion will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Sunday 9th March 2014. Afternoon tea will be served afterwards and all are welcome. For more information about becoming a Catholic (RCIA) visit the Parish or Diocesan website (www.mn.catholic.org.au). Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a Marriage Enrichment experience for married couples set in peaceful, picturesque surroundings, away from the distractions of everyday life. During the weekend, couples have a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh their relationship. The next weekend will take place on 21st-23rd March at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. For bookings contact Ardell & Bill Sharpe02 4283 3435, wsharpe@bigpond.net.au, www.wwme.org.au, or www.facebook.com/WWM EasternUnit. Social Justice Council Dinner The Diocesan Social Justice Council will be holding a Dinner on Friday 21st March at 6pm at the Victor

Peters Suite, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West. The cost is $20 (Fish & Chips, vegetarian option available). The topic is Violence, Social Justice, The Police, The Community, and the guest speak is NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas. RSVP is essential by 7th March to Sharon Murphy on 4979 1111 or by email to sharon.murphy@mn.catholic.org.au. 2014 TWEC Dinner The 2014 TWEC Dinner will be held on Wednesday 4th June 2014 at The Therry Centre, East Maitland. The special guest speaker will be Mr Tim Fischer, former Deputy Prime Minister and more recently the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, well known train enthusiast, writer and much more! For more information email twec@ssjl.org.au. Chisholm Region RCIA Anniversary On Pentecost Sunday 2014 the Chisholm Region will celebrate 21 years of RCIA ministry. If you have had any experience of RCIA in the parishes of the Chisholm Region, especially in the parishes of East Maitland, Morpeth, Maitland, Rutherford or Lochinvar, we hope you will bring a picnic lunch on Sunday 8th June 2014 to the Corcoran Centre, George St, Morpeth and celebrate with us. For more information please contact Loretto Lynch on 4933 7425 or loretto.lynch@ exemail.com.au. If we attempt to put all things in a missionary key, this will also affect the way we communicate the message. In todays world of instant communication and occasionally biased media coverage, the message we preach runs a greater risk of being distorted or reduced to some of its secondary aspects. In this way certain issues which are part of the Churchs moral teaching are taken out of context which gives them their meaning. The biggest problem is when the message we preach then seems identified with those secondary aspects which, important as they are, do not in and of themselves convey the heart of Christs message. Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 34.

Dio Update E-Newsletter

Each Tuesday, the Diocese publishes an e-newsletter, entitled Dio Update, featuring stories from across the Diocese, updating subscribers on events coming up, photos and feedback from events already held, press releases, topics of interest and dates to remember. If you would like to subscribe to this weekly e newsletter, please visit the Dio Update page on the Diocesan website: www.mn.catholic.org.au/newsevents/diocesan-updates.

Receiving Communion
So that we might receive Communion in a fit and proper way, please be aware of the following:

Kids Corner

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 self-intinction (self-dipping) 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.

abolish already anything away better bill black bring causes

earth evil fool fulfill gift God great guard hair

hand heard judge kingdom let liable lose mean obeys

offer penny reconciled released Sanhedrin scribes settle sin smallest swear

teaches think throne unlawful unless white whole woman

answerable first

Jerusalem quickly

footstool kill Gehenna leave

righteousness vow

Financial Committee News

The Parish Finance Committee met for the first time in 2014 last Wednesday (12th February). Below is a summary of the meeting:

city commit

Requested that quotes be obtained for repairs to the Presbytery drive way as part of the ongoing WHS compliance project. Was updated on the progress of replacing the sink and benches in the Parish Hall kitchenthis may mean that the kitchen is unavailable for up to a month. Requested that quotes be obtained to install additional lighting above the choir area of the Tuncurry church. Was updated on the progress of negotiations for the acquisition of the Macintosh St properties. No further progress has been achieved at this point, and the possible need to move on from this possibility was raised. If you have any questions about the activities of the meeting, please contact the Committee via the Parish Office. The next meeting of the Finance Committee will take place on Wednesday 12th March.

Ministers this Weekend... 6pm Tuncurry 7am Tuncurry 9am Forster Ministers next Weekend... 6pm Tuncurry 7am Tuncurry 9am Forster

...of the Word A: Bob Cashman B: Colleen Cashman A: Anne-Marie Greene B: Chris Matuszny A: Kris Koch B: Sharon Fowle ...of the Word A: Maureen Stevens B: Tony Stevens A: Mary Greig B: Edna Tucker A: Kyla Loring B: Trevor Turner

...of Communion Maureen Pye, Maureen Stevens, Neil Pye, Tony Stevens, Valarie Ross. Alex Matuszny, Cecile Malone, Edna Tucker, Kay Griffiths, Maria Armitage. Alan McCarthy, Barbara Kermode, Coral McCarthy, Genevieve Williamson, Lauranne Byrne. ...of Communion Kathryn McCabe, Maureen Stevens, Michael Amato, Owen Carroll, Pat Hooker. Graham Griffiths, Kay Griffiths, Mark Mowbray, Mary Greig, Tony Knight. Elle Cairns-Cowan, Jose Beech, Robert Moran, Robyn Ryan, Sharon Fowle

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 AgentWord of Life International Licence no 195E.

Scripture Readings This Week

Today Sirach 15:15-20 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37 James 1:1-11 Mark 8:11-13 James 1:12-18 Mark 8:14-21 James 1:19-27 Mark 8:22-26 James 2:1-9 Mark 8:27-33 James 2:14-24, 26 Mark 8:349:1 1 Peter 5:1-4 Matthew 16:13-19 Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Matthew 5:38-48

Todays Liturgy of the Word

Responsorial Psalm Response: Happy are they who follow the law of the Lord! Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia!

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday

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.