St. Thomas More Catholic Church 298 BAY ST, BRIGHTON-LE -SANDS, NSW 2216,

Australia Phone: 9567 3589

Parish Priest : Fr Manuel Santiago.

Weekend Mass Times: Sat: 5.30pm, Sun: 8, 10am & 7pm

Confessions 4.30pm—5.15 pm Saturday Afternoons

16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C) 21ST JULY 2019

1st Reading : Gen 18:1-10

The Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up, and there he saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, and bowed to the ground. 'My Lord,' he said 'I beg you, if I find favour with you, kindly do not pass your servant by. A little water shall be brought; you shall wash your feet and lie down under the tree. Let me fetch a little bread and you shall refresh yourselves before going further. That is why you have come in your servant's direction.' They replied, 'Do as you say.'

Abraham hastened to the tent to find Sarah. 'Hurry,' he said 'knead three bushels of flour and make loaves.' Then running to the cattle Abraham took a fine and tender calf and gave it to the servant, who hurried to prepare it. Then taking cream, milk and the calf he had prepared, he laid all before them, and they ate while he remained standing near them under the tree. 'Where is your wife Sarah?' he asked him. 'She is in the tent' he replied. Then his guest said, 'I shall visit you again next year without fail, and your wife will then have a son.'

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Resp Psalm: Ps 14:2-5

R. The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain? He who walks without fault; he who acts with justice and speaks the truth from his heart; he who does not slander with his tongue. R.

He who does no wrong to his brother, who casts no slur on his neighbour, who holds the godless in disdain, but honours those who fear the Lord. R.

He who keeps his pledge come what may; who takes no interest on a loan and accepts no bribes against the innocent. Such a man will stand firm for ever. R.

2nd Reading Col. 1:24-28

It makes me happy to suffer for you, as I am suffering now, and in my own body to do what I can to make up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church. I became the servant of the Church when God made me responsible for delivering God's message to you, the message which was a mystery hidden for generations and centuries and has now been revealed to his saints. It was God's purpose to reveal it to them and to show all the rich glory of this mystery to pagans. The mystery is Christ among you, your hope of glory: this is the Christ we proclaim, this is the wisdom in which we thoroughly train everyone and instruct everyone, to make them all perfect in Christ. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Acclamation: cf Luke 8:15

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. Alleluia!

Gospel : Luke 10:38-42

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered: 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.'

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Saint Benedict: “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ” We should practice hospitality because by doing so we may be “entertaining angels unawares.”Heb 13:2

Lost Items - If an item is left behind, and you find it, please take it to the Sacristy .

PARISH DIRECTORY

Parish Office Hours. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 9.30am and 3.30pm. Contact Details : Phone: 9567 3589 Email: office@thomasmorebrighton.org.au Finance Chairman : Mr Patrick Bugden WEB SITE : www.thomasmorebrighton.org.au St Thomas More Primary School: Tel: 9597 5884 - Principal Mrs Jenny Frost

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney’s policy on the care, wellbeing and protection of children and young persons is available on the Back Notice Board — www.sydneycatholic.org

ALL parishioners, volunteers and parish families are asked to take the time to look at the rear notice board and make yourself, and in particular those with families—familiar with what the Archdiocese has in Place in regards to the Recent Safeguarding Response. Please be aware that the Parish has a safeguarding officer, any questions or concerns can be confidentially discussed with the Safeguarding officer . All contact details of the Parish Safeguarding Officer and those of the Archdiocese can be found on the back notice board.

Childrens’ Liturgy In RECESS! Returns in February!.

This Week ahead in the parish

4 Feb Mon

9am Communion Service– Followed by Rosary

5 Feb Tue

9am Mass—Followed by Rosary

St Agatha

6 Feb Wed

9am Mass—Followed by Rosary

St Paul Miki and Companions

7 Feb Thur

9am Mass—Followed by Rosary

8 Feb Fri

8.15 Adoration 9am Mass—Followed by Rosary

9 Feb Sat

4.30pm—Confessions— 5.30 - Vigil Mass— 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

10 Feb Sun

8 am , 10am Morning Mass

7pm Evening Mass

Prayer for Child Protection

Lord, you asked that the little children be allowed to come to you, for it is such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs. You entrust them to the care and protection of our communities of faith. Guide us as we strive to ensure that our Catholic Communities provide a safe environment for each child. We pray especially for all those who have been harmed in their childhood, give them courage in facing the past and lead them to your healing protection. Amen

7pm Sunday Evening Mass.

Last Mass in St George/Sutherland Area!

Bethany College will be holding their 2019 Open Day on 5 March from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Meet the Principal at 4.30pm

Enrolling Year 7, 2021 Enrolment packages will be available on the day

Visitor Offering Envelopes are now available at the back of the church - Visitors to the parish are encouraged to use these envelopes for your offering—please place them on either collection—Thank you

EVERY FRIDAY—8.15AM ADORATION BEFORE MASS

2019 Rosters are now available—they are located on the top of the organ

Volunteers Needed—there are spots on our Liturgy Roster for those that can help out—please call the office if you are able to help.

We remember and pray for all our family and friends.

The Sacrifice of the Holy Mass was offered this week for :

Sick and other intentions— All our Parishioners who are sick at the moment; Jesse Valenzuela, Bernice Fahey;

Recently Deceased: Ivan Soljic; June Waters; Garry Hood.

Deceased/Anniversaries— Lee Say Hun; Lee Bok Soon and Pammy; Sixto Rubio; Mary Gatt (31/1/2018); John Sultana; Evelyn Aca; Mary Cassidy; Doreen Grady (29/1/2009) John (Reg) Grady (5/2/2009), Herbert Fenech; The Holy Souls in Purgatory;

2nd Sunday of the month

9 February 5.30 PM (Sat) Vigil

10 February 8:00 AM (Sun)

10 February 10:00 AM (Sun)

C S Barakat Ave Maria Choir

L F McManus, A Beltran

S Barakat, J Meagher

M Pirotta, L Adams

E C Rees, L Manalac

T Lenzo, T Liaw

G Ataya, J Meagher

A M Tomasiello R Hung

M Raymundo P Healion

M Diel R Legaspi

Ignite Conference

The Ignite Conference is one of Australia's most powerful Catholic youth and family conferences. For the first time ever this October 3-6, Ignite Conference will be held in Sydney. The conference draws together a network of high schoolers, young adults, ministry leaders, families, teachers, priests and religious from around the country, sending them out with a passion for mission and authentic faith in Jesus.

Students from all Sydney Catholic Schools are offered a 50% discount and special packages for families are available as well. For more information, visit www.sydneycatholicyouth.org/ignite19/ or contact the team at Sydney Catholic Youth on (02) 9307 8152 or info@sydneycatholicyouth.org

Dear Parishioners, Please be aware of the closest exit doors in the church. Should a fire occur please exit the church and proceed to the Carpark behind the church—this area is the designated meeting area. Fr Manuel and the Acolytes will be your fire wardens and will give you instructions.

Lost Items - If an item is left behind, and you find it, please take it to the Sacristy .

PARISH DIRECTORY

Parish Office Hours. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 9.30am and 3.30pm. Contact Details : Phone: 9567 3589 Email: office@thomasmorebrighton.org.au Finance Chairman : Mr Patrick Bugden WEB SITE : www.thomasmorebrighton.org.au St Thomas More Primary School: Tel: 9597 5884 - Principal Mrs Jenny Frost

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney’s policy on the care, wellbeing and protection of children and young persons is available on the Back Notice Board — www.sydneycatholic.org ALL parishioners, volunteers and parish families are asked to take the time to make yourself aware and familiar with what the Archdiocese has in place in regards to the Recent Safeguarding Response. Please consult firstly with the Parish Priest or the Parish safeguarding officer any questions or concerns will be confidentially discussed. All contact details of the Parish Safeguarding Officer and those of the Archdiocese can be found on the back notice board. A message from the Archdiocese of Sydney Abuse is a crime. The appropriate people to deal with a crime are the police. If you – or anyone you know – have been abused, please contact the police. Alternatively, you can contact the Safeguarding and Ministerial Integrity Office at (02) 9390 5810 or safeguardingenquiries@sydneycatholic.org. You may also want to speak to your Parish Priest who will be able to provide support and guidance. The Archdiocese has a legal obligation to report crimes to the police.

Prayer for Child Protection Lord, you asked that the little children be allowed to come to you, for it is such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs. You entrust them to the care and protection of our communities of faith. Guide us as we strive to ensure that our Catholic Communities provide a safe environment for each child. We pray especially for all those who have been harmed in their childhood, give them courage in facing the past and lead them to your healing protection. Amen

Mass Intention Envelopes

are located at the back of the Church, It is always helpful to give at least a weeks

notice if you wish a particular intention mentioned at a certain time Mass.

Would you like to contribute to our Envelope PLAN GIVING? Forms are located at the back of the church, please place your completed form in any collection bag during Mass.

This Week ahead in the parish

22 July Mon

9am Mass —Followed by Rosary— St Mary Magdalene

23 July Tue

9am Mass—Followed by Rosary St Bridget

24 July Wed

9am Mass—Followed by Rosary

25 July Thur

9am Mass—Followed by Rosary St James the Apostle

26 July Fri

Friday Adoration 8.15am 9 am Mass Followed by Rosary Sts Joachim and Anne

27 July Sat

4.30pm—Confessions 5.30 - Vigil Mass

28 July Sun

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (c)— 8 am Mass 10am Mass 7pm Mass

Tribunal of the Catholic Church Reaching out to all who have experienced a marriage breakdown and question the validity of their first marriage as understood by the Church. Enquiries: Ph (02) 6239 9813 Email: tribunal@cg.org.au

GOT YOUR WEDDING UNDER CONTROL?

But how prepared are you for mar-riage? Engaged Encounter provides you with

deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. For further information see our

web site: www.engagedencounter.org.au

We remember and pray for

all especially….

All our Parishioners who are sick at the Moment;

Those in our family who are recently Deceased;

Those whose Anniversaries occur during this time;

For the Holy Souls in Purgatory;

For our generous benefactors;

And for those offering Prayers of Thanksgiving

PARISH NEWS/EVENTS

Rite of First Holy Communion Sunday 25th August—

DURING THE 10.00AM MASS ENROLMENTS ARE NOW OPEN

Email the parish office for an application and parent letter

With the Cold weather now upon us may our parish be one that exudes warmth, hospitality and friendliness.

Kids’ Bulletin. Each week there will be available at the back of the church a Bulletin especially for our children.

This Kids Bulletin is produced to enable both children and parents/grandparents to teach or talk about the weekly readings as well as learn about saints or other interesting catholic facts.

NEW—

ALL WELCOME!

Ages: From birth to 5 years

When: Thursdays from 9:00-10:30am (school terms only)

Where: St Thomas More's Catholic School Library

Cost: $2 per child (first session is FREE!)

For more information: Phone: (02) 9597 5884

Email: info@stmbrighton.catholic.edu.au

Not all ministries require a lot of time and effort—CAN YOU HELP? If you haven't had a chance to take part in helping the parish here are some ideas….

Once a Week Once a Month

Taking up a collection Counting money—need ASAP

Locking or opening the gates Being Part of the Church Clean team and Altar Ladies

Collect the bulletins after each Mass Taking care of a small part of the garden

Keeping the Bathrooms respectable Helping Piety stall members

Sweeping the leaves around the church. Remembrance book entries

Do you have an idea— write it below! Overheads/slides

Please Consider – Extraordinary Ministers of Holy

Communion—and Acolytes!

For those interested in this Ministry (and those wishing to attend the Acolytes Training Course as this course is a pre-requisite), a two-night training course will be held: When: Wednesday, 7th and 14th August 2019 Time: 7 to 9pm Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Jubilee hall 4 Roma Avenue Kensington (Please Note: both sessions are to be attended to receive certificate) Required: 1) Completed Registration Form (available from Fr Manuel) 2) Endorsement by the Parish Priest 3) Copy of Birth Certificate This course would also be an opportunity for current Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Acolytes to renew their understanding of their ministry, as well as to support and mentor those undertaking training.

St MARY MAGDALENE

9AM MASS - Monday the

22nd of July

St. Mary Magdalene is one of the greatest saints of the Bible and a legendary example of God's mercy and grace. She was present with Christ during his public ministry, death and resurrection. She is mentioned at least a dozen times in the Gospels. The Gospels agree that Mary was originally a great sinner. Jesus cast seven demons out of her when he met her. After this, she told several women she associated with and these women also became followers. She was certainly a sinner whom Jesus saved, giving us an example of how no person is beyond the saving grace of God. Mary likely watched the crucifixion from a distance along with the other women who followed Christ during His ministry. Mary was present when Christ rose from the dead, visiting his tomb to anoint his body only to find the stone rolled away and Christ, very much alive, sitting at the place they laid Him. She was the first witness to His resurrection. She is the patroness of converts, repentant sinners . Source: -http://www.catholic.org/saints

Friday the 26th of July 9am Mass for

Grandparents In celebration of St Joachim and St Anne, (Our Ladies' Parents) During this Mass, Grandparents will receive a special Blessing. Bring a Grandparent or

someone who is like a Grandparent towards you.

From the top of a hill the rain flows down to the valley. Just as more water collects at the bottom of the hill, so Mary, sitting in a low place at the feet of

Jesus, listening to His words, receives more than Martha, - St Augustine

Martha and Mary in our Christian Life Last Sunday’s gospel told us about the significant instruction of our Lord Jesus to go and “imitate the Good Samaritan.” This Sunday’s Gospel, our Lord Jesus visited Martha and Mary. They along with their brother Lazarus were close friends of Christ. The Lord visited their home near Jerusalem. Again, with the penmanship of St Luke, he narrated Jesus’ visit which left two beautiful lessons, that is our “hospitality with the Lord” and “which is the best part in serving God; is it more of the actions part, such us doing part or the listening part?” While preparing this reflection, I found this homily of Fr Desmond Knowles so inspiring in getting the balance of activity and contemplation in our everyday journey.

As long as the fourth century, the ‘Desert Fathers commented that it was because Martha worked that Mary could be praised. St Teresa of Avila remarked that if Martha behaved like Mary, Christ would have gone hungry. Maybe because so much emphasis is placed upon achievement and the fact that we define ourselves by our busyness, assuming that the more we do, the more worthwhile we will appear to be. After all, the heroes in every age are those who make money, carve out successful careers, become famous and build personal empires. We have a lot of sympathy for Martha and can understand the frustrations that led to her impatient outburst because we like to keep ourselves occupied and hate wasting time.*

On the hospitality side, Fr Knowles added: While Martha fussed around preparing a meal, Mary sensed what Jesus really wanted and responded to his need by sitting at his feet and silently listening. There are shades of Martha and Mary in our makeup. They are the two sides of our personality that need to be in harmony if we are to live a proper Christian life. Balancing the two—the contemplative and the active—to the best of our ability is the challenge of we all have to face because in our harried and noisy world, the Martha is inclined to smother the Mary. Busyness can so easily take the over and dominate our lives. The Gospel this Sunday invites us to step back from the hustle and bustle of our life and reflect on how to show proper hospitality to people in need. We read how Abraham’s enthusiastic and extravagant display of hospitality to the three strangers at the oak of Mamre is rewarded by the generosity of God. His wife Sarah who is now in her old age and has been barren will bear child. We can risk hospitality because God does not forget us. We can never be sure under what likeness God will come and pay us a visit. The heart of hospitality is attention to a stranger. * __________

Knowles, Desmon, Preaching God’s Word on Sunday, Homilies and Prayer of the Faithful for Year C , Columba Press 2006, pp129-130

“Blessed are they who have deserved to receive Christ into their homes!” Do not grieve or complain that you were born in a time when you can no longer see God in the flesh. He did not in fact take this privilege from you. As he says, “Whatever you have done to the least of my brothers, you did to me.” – by Saint Augustine

Quote for the week I saw a stranger yesterday,

I put food for him in the eating-place,

drink for him in the drinking place,

and music for him in the listening place,

and he blessed me and my people.

and later I heard the lark singing,

‘tis often, often, often, that Christ

comes in the guise of a stranger.

Old Irish runic verse

St Martha

During Christ’s visit to the sisters of Bethany, Martha busies herself while Mary listens to the visitor (Luke 10:38-42). Martha looks on while Christ raises her brother, Lazarus, from the dead (John 11:1-44) and is present when Mary anoints

Jesus’ feet with perfume (John 12: 1-8).

St Martha is patron saint of housewives and cooks. She incarnates the active life, while Mary stands for the contemplative. [Source The Bible and the Saints by G.Duchet-Suchaux M.Pastoureau]

Perhaps this week I can be both hospitable, like Martha, and deeply present, like Mary, to the people I meet