PARISH NEWSLETTER 17/18 December 2011 ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA Page 4

PARISH AND OTHER NOTICES

Monthly Mass in Latin according to the Novus Ordo (post Vatican II liturgy) will be celebrated on every second Saturday of the month at 10.30am beginning on Saturday January 14, 2012.

Christmas Cards available Attractive high quality cards are available for pur-

chase in the Church Foyer after the Sunday Mass. Price: 8 cards per pack (4 different images)

Cost $10 per pack Proceeds to Heathgrove Study Centre Building Fund

Christmas Timetable for

St Mary Star of the Sea

Christmas Eve Satrrday December 24 Vigil Mass— 6.30pm

Carols followed by

Midnight Mass—11.30pm

Christmas Day Sunday December 25 Mass in English—10.30am

Mass in Lithuanian—12 noon

Please pick up a detailed timetable for the whole Christmas season at the rear of the church

Evenings of Recollections, organized by Opus Dei, are held on a monthly basis at the following times and places

For Men St Gerard’s Catholic Church, North Dandenong 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning at 7.30pm St Mary Star of the Sea Church West Melbourne, Thursday after the 2nd Monday at 7.30pm For Women St Mary Star of the Sea Church, West Melb 1st Wednesday of each month beginning at 7.15pm St Gerard’s Catholic Church, North Dandenong Thursday after the 1st Wednesday at 7.15pm Heathgrove Study Centre 31 Havelock Rd East Camberwell Friday after the 1st Wednesday at 9.45am

We welcome Dr Andrew Mariotti as our new Sacred Music Centre director and music coordinator.

Andrew replaces Jeremy Fletcher, who after out-standing service to St Mary’s, including the establishing of St Mary’s Schola, has accepted a full time position as music administrator of Haileybury College. Mrs Samantha Foster will take up the role of direct-ing the Schola.

Christmas issue of KAIROS now available Cost $2 Stories include the second miracle involved in the canonization of St Mary MacKillop, an interview with American public analyst George Weigel and a tribute to the long-standing St Francis Church Choir.

O Come all ye singers! St. Mary's Schola is looking for new members to sing in the choir. If you can read music and would like to take part, either see An-drew Mariotti , our new Sacred Music

Director after the 10:30 am Mass this Sunday or ring him(0400 989 188) or email him <mariottiandrew@gmail.com>. expressing your interest. The schola sings once a month and puts on a couple of concerts a year. We practice every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm in the Sa-cred Music Centre (next to the crypt) and would welcome any new members especially in the lead up to Christmas.

ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC CHURCH

33 Howard Street, West Melbourne 3003

Telephone: 9328 3474 Fax: 9328 3203 Email: info@stmaryswestmelbourne.org

An open door to Christ through MaryAn open door to Christ through Mary www.stmaryswestmelbourne.orgwww.stmaryswestmelbourne.org

PARISH INFORMATION

Parish Priest: Fr Max Polak

Assistant Priest: Fr Joseph Pich

Catechetics Coordinator: Fr Edward Barry

Restoration Coordinator: Thomas Hazell AO

Parish Administrator: Linas Kalade

Administrative Officer: Birute Janina Kymantas

Sacred Music Centre: Andrew Mariotti

Office hours: Mon-Fri: 10am — 2pm

For urgent matters, contact Fr Max on 0438 942 043 and Fr Joseph on 0427 238 933.

MASS TIMES

Saturday Vigil: 6.30pm

Sunday: 10.30am,

12 noon (Lithuanian)

Monday-Friday: 12.30pm

CONFESSIONS

Saturday: 11am — 12 noon, 5.45 — 6.15pm

Sunday: 9.45 — 10.15am

Mon-Fri: 12 noon — 12.25pm, 1.05 — 1.30 pm

BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS,

AND FUNERALS

By appointment.

DEVOTIONS AND

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

Eucharistic Adoration: Thursdays 1 — 2pm

Saturday 11am — 12 noon

Legion of Mary: Meets on Fridays at 6:30pm in the presbytery.

Family Catechism: Each Sunday of school term, after Sunday Mass.

Other activities as posted in

church entrance.

PARISH NEWSLETTER Page 1

Forth Sunday of Advent (B)

We heard in the reading of St Paul’s letter to the Christians at Rome how he describes Jesus Christ as “the revelation of a mystery kept secret for ages, but now so clear that it must be broadcast to pagans every-where….” This was the Apos-tle’s one big passion in life, to make Jesus Christ known, not only to his own countrymen and

brothers, but to people of all races and nations. The mystery he refers too, then, is God tak-ing on flesh, assuming a human nature identical to our own in everything except sin. This act of God, part of his plan of salvation, was kept secret for ages. In the writings of some prophets and authors of biblical books, divine inspiration led them close enough to the mys-tery, without making it explicit. Certain events in ancient times foreshadowed this happen-ing. Such were the appearances in human form of the messengers of God – angels for the most part. At times, though, we are led to wonder if these were not visions of Christ. Still, no one dared, perhaps even to think, that God Himself would become man. This, neverthe-less, is exactly what happened in the miraculous, virginal conception, announced by Gabriel, an archangel, and accepted by Mary of Nazareth. In pure faith and humble respon-siveness Mary accepted that this could and should happen. “Be it done to me according to your word” (Luke 1: 38). “And the Word” – that is the eternal and perfect image of the Fa-ther, who is the Son – “became flesh” (John 1:14). In just a few days we will celebrate this unique and amazing event. We will celebrate as Christians before a still largely unbelieving, even largely unknowing world. The good news preached by Paul and the other apostles, and by men and women of faith over the course of centuries, has still not reached every corner of the world. It has still not touched the lives and hearts of millions. Christians – practicing or not practicing - represent a minority, al-beit a large one, of the world’s population. It should be our ambition to keep spreading this knowledge of God and of his Christ – to broadcast the secret and reveal the mystery. Now just as we attribute to the Holy Spirit, the third Divine Person, the “Incarnation” (the Son becoming man), so also we see the spreading of this knowledge as falling to Him. If we are more devoted to the Holy Spirit, if we often end up asking Him to help us know what to say and how to say it, we will succeed in drawing others to Christ and to His Church. The Church is missionary by nature, we have been told by an important document of the 2nd Vatican Council. That means all of us are meant to be, in some way or another, ambassa-dors of the Saviour of the world. Clergy find themselves called, like St Paul, to be “broadcasters” of the Christian message. Laity spread Christian truth and its spirit in multi-ple ways. Those who are privileged enough to be involved in education or academia, the media, the world of art, literature or entertainment can often thoughtfully and attractively weave Christian ideals and insights into their work. Any profession or occupation that is honest in itself provides opportunities for Christian witness, through acting justly and virtu-ously, working well and taking an interest in those one serves and works with. The social and family life of men and women gives occasion for meaningful conversations, good ad-vice, encouragement and care with the charity that the example and grace of Christ enable us to show. All of this is to be “on mission” , reaching out to others that they may come to love God and embrace the salvation Jesus offers.

17/18 December 2011

Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth by Blessed Fra Angelico

PARISH NEWSLETTER ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA Page 2

TEXTS FOR TODAY’S MASS

Entrance hymn:

46 Come, O Jesus, Come O Lord

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am liv-ing in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent.’ Nathan said to the king, ‘Go and do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.’ But that very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus the Lord speaks: Are you the man to build me a house to dwell in? The Lord Sabaoth says this: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader of my people Israel; I have been with you on all your expeditions; I have cut off all your enemies before you. I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth. I will provide a place for my people Israel; I will plant them there and they shall dwell in that place and never be disturbed again; nor shall the wicked continue to oppress them as they did, in the days when I appointed judges over my people Israel; I will give them rest from all their enemies. The Lord will make you great; the Lord will make you a House. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 88: 2-5, 27 & 29

Response: I will sing forever of the goodness of the Lord. I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens. R ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your dynasty for ever and set up your throne through all ages.’ R

He will say to me: ‘You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me.’ I will keep my love for him always; for him my covenant shall endure. R

Second Reading: Romans 16: 25-27 Glory to him who is able to give you the strength to live according to the Good News I preach, and in which I proclaim Jesus Christ, the revelation of a

17/18 December 2011

mystery kept secret for endless ages, but now so clear that it must be broadcast to pagans everywhere to bring them to the obedience of faith. This is only what scripture has predicted, and it is all part of the way the eternal God wants things to be. He alone is wisdom; give glory therefore to him through Jesus Christ for ever and ever.

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! I am the servant of the Lord: may his will for me be done. Al-leluia!

Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin be-trothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, her-self conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is im-possible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

Offertory hymn (Schola Choir):

Farjeon/Trad, People Look East

Memorial Acclamation: Save us, Saviour of the the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.

Communion hymn (Schola Choir):

Trad, The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

(All) 233 Soul of my saviour

Recessional hymn :

236 Star of ocean, lead us

PARISH NEWSLETTER ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA Page 3

Excerpts from the English translation of the Roman Missal © 2011, International Commission on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Scripture readings are taken from the Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday and Company Inc. Used by permission.

Mon 19th

Mass of December 19 Pg 413-14

Tue 20th

Mass of December 20 Pg 414-15

Wed 21st

Mass of December 21 (Commemoration of

St Peter Canisius) Pg 415-16

Thu 22nd

Mass of December 22 Pg 416-17

Fri 23rd

Mass of December 23 (Commemoration of St John Kanty)

Pg 417-18

Weekday Mass 19 Dec– 2 3 Dec, 2011

At St Mary’s this weekend:

Baptisms:

Pray for these newly baptised children

Luci Raine Blaszczyk

Caitlin Mary Andrews

Suzannah Jane Andrews

Jenson Christopher Rowland

Sofia Rose Bello

Weddings:

And pray for these newly married couples:

Bonnie Matorella and Michael Firrito

Toni Sarsero and Peter Lombardi

Joseph Ballota and Francesca Santoro

Holy Mary, Star of the Sea, intercede for them.

Christmas offering envelopes

Please consider making a

special offering to

St Mary’s sometime in this season to assist us in the

upkeep of this splendid place of prayer and worship. You may use the special collection

17/18 December 2011

Pre-Christmas Confessions Saturday Dec 24 English and Italian 11am—12 noon

Besides the normal arrange-ments for the sacrament of

Reconciliation, there will be two priests hearing confes-sions on Christmas Eve

morning 11am– 12noon. Fr Bill Jordan will assist

hearing in both English and Italian.

La Parocchia di West Mel-bourne vi offre il Sacramento

di Reconciliazione (Confessione)

Sabato. 24 Decembre, dale ore 11, fino a

mezzogiorno. Il P.William Jordan si trovera per Voi a St Mary’s. Il Padre

parla sia Italiano che l’inglese.

Palestinians light Christmas tree in

Bethlehem Hundreds of Pal-estinians and pil-grims attended the annual tree-lighting ceremony in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Thursday, during which Mayor Vic-tor Batarse lit a 15-meter Christmas tree, commencing

celebrations in the town thought to be the birthplace of Je-sus. "From here comes out our theme for this Christmas: Pales-tine celebrating hope, as this year we are approaching the birth of our independent Palestinian state, with serious steps. These steps are represented by gaining permanent member-ship of Palestine in the UNESCO." Victor Batarse, mayor of Bethlehem. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad expressed his hap-piness in observing the beginning of Christmas celebrations in the nation, as well as the rest of the world. Bethlehem has experienced stability as of late after many years of intense clashes, which began with the uprising for Palestinian independence, in 2000. Tourism in the West Bank town has been steadily on the rise, with some calling it a boom. While Israelis claim the calm has been the result of the barri-ers erected for security measures around the West Bank, Pal-estinians say the barriers only make their lives more diffi-

cult. Fayyad said Christmas was an opportunity to “celebrate the Palestinian identity of Jesus Christ.” CBS, Washington Post.