January 4 & 5, 2014 - THE EPIPHANY - Year A Issue Number 569

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The Massabielle St Bernadette’s Parish Community, Castle Hill

BISHOP ANTHONY & THE BLUE MOUNTAINS BUSHFIRE APPEAL

Today’s Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6. Jerusalem is a beacon of hope, not only drawing the exiled Jews back to their home but also attracting all the nations to worship the Lord.

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6. The revelation given to Paul is that the pagans share with the Jews the same inheritance and the same promise through the Gospel.

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12. The wise men from the east follow the light of a star to find the newborn king of the Jews so that they can worship him and offer their gifts.

Next Week: The Baptism of the Lord - Year A Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17.

REPARATION PRAYER GROUP resumes 21st January 2014. All welcome.

HOLY HOUR this Thursday from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Rosary, prayers, hymns and scripture reading. All welcome.

TUESDAY PRAYER GROUP meets in the Marian Centre every Tuesday morning at 10.00am. All welcome. For information phone Pauline Camilleri on 0407 417 039.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY runs every Sunday at the 9am Mass and is open to school age children. Two groups operate: children from Kindergarten to Year Two and the older group from Years Three to Six. The work they do is too difficult for preschoolers so we ask you not to send them with your older children. If you can help with children’s liturgy we would love to have you. You would be rostered on for approximately five Sundays each year. Please ring Vicki Ford on

9872 1632 after 6pm or any time on the weekend .

Have you considered leaving a gift to the parish in your will? If you would like further information please phone 9634 2622 for a confidential discussion.

LITURGY CORNER

The word ‘epiphany’ comes from a Greek word

meaning ‘manifestation/revelation’. In Matthew’s

gospel this episode is the first public manifestation of

Jesus (the wise men were probably magi/astrologers

from Persia and they represent all those who seek

God with a sincere heart). The feast of the Epiphany

came to be celebrated about the fourth century and

has always been a very important feast, especially in

the Eastern Churches. For the early Church, one of

the biggest problems they faced was the realisation

that even those who were not Jewish were invited to

faith in Jesus as Lord. Though his roots were in

Judaism, Jesus was of significance to all people who

sought the truth. The Summit

B ishop Anthony Fisher wrote to us about last year’s bushfires and the successful Bushfire Appeal launched in the Diocese. You will remember that fire

swept through the Blue Mountains, especially the Springwood parish, destroying houses, property and livestock. The Principal of the Springwood parish primary school lost his house while he was at work looking after the school children in his care. He had to walk the children to safety, some kilometres from the school. The old convent next to the parish school was totally destroyed. Bishop Fisher wrote: My Dear People, On 18 October 2013, I wrote to you about the devastating bushfires that ravaged parts of our State. I thanked many people and organisations for their quick and inspiring response in the hour of great need. Soon after, the Diocese of Parramatta launched an appeal. Many, many people dug deep into their pockets to assist those affected by the bushfires. Many of those persons donated anonymously, or through means that made it difficult to thank them individually for their contribution. I write now to thank each and every person for their donation. This generosity does not go unnoticed. It is a true testament to Christian solidarity; a testament to Christ’s words: “By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (Jn 13:35) It has allowed CatholicCare Social Services to provide ongoing counselling and support in the Blue Mountains area for the foreseeable future. We undertake to continue to work with the Springwood Parish to support and rebuild the surrounding communities. I pray that you will have a most blessed Christmas celebrating the birth of our Saviour. Yours sincerely in the Infant Lord, Most Rev Anthony Fisher op Bishop of Parramatta.

M any thanks to those who sent cards and presents to the parish office for the priests and staff at St Bernadette’s. We were

overwhelmed by this generosity and thoughtfulness. Parishioners had already donated hampers for the needy, money for the school at Mt Druitt, and over $190,000 had come in by Christmas for the church rebuilding. On top of that, parishioners were mindful of the priests and staff who serve in many ways by remembering us, too, at Christmas. I am astounded at people’s care for us. Thank you for this kindness. You are generous and kind people. God Bless You!

NO SERVICES AT THE RETIREMENT VILLAGES THIS MONTH. Services will resume in February.

Life Nights (9-12), Into Life (Yrs 7-8) and all teenagers! We have an exciting outing planned for all

high schoolers. It’s a chance to have fun, chill out, meet new people , eat food and have some more fun.

Date: Saturday 11th January

Time: 11am - 3pm

Where: Heritage Park, Castle Hill (off Gilbert Rd)

RSVP: ap2@stbernadette.org.au

Hope to see you there!

More information? Contact Fr. JJ on 9634 2622, email ap2@stbernadette.org.au or visit us at

www.lifeteencastlehill.com.au.

PARISH CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE CHURCH TODAY. PLEASE TAKE ONE HOME WITH YOU.

PASTORAL CARE TRAINING: Southern Cross Care, which provides quality accommodation care and support for valued and valuable older people at its Nordby Apartments, West Pennant Hills is seeking committed Pastoral Care Volunteers to give spiritual, emotional and pastoral support to residents on a regular basis. Training and support is given to assist you in your role. An Information session will be held on Thursday 23 January at the Southern Cross Nordby Apartments, 15 Hill Road, West Pennant Hills at 10am. To register or for information please call Kiliti Na’ati on 0412 731 979. FREE SPORTS CLINICS & OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS AT SPRINGWOOD: St Thomas Aquinas Parish at Springwood together with CatholicCare Social Services Parramatta is hosting a series of sports clinics and outdoor movie nights in January. Free movie nights include a PG rated movie, popcorn, sausage sizzle and more: Saturday 11 January, Pat Drummond Concert 4.30-5.30pm, jumping castle 4-6pm, movie starts 8pm. Saturday 18 January, entry from 6pm, movie starts 8pm Saturday 25 January, entry from 4pm, music concert 4-5pm, jumping castle 4-6pm, movie starts 8pm. Free sports clinics: Tuesday 7 January, 1-3pm, GWS Giants will be on hand to teach AFL skills, for children in Yr 7 and above; Friday 10 January, 9-11am, Cricket NSW will be on hand to teach cricket skills, for children aged K-Year 6. Cricket NSW will provide showbags and information on local cricket. All events held on the grounds of St Thomas Aquinas Primary, 168 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood. Visit www.ccss.org.au or www.facebook.com/CCSSParramatta

Youth & Young Adults Ministry

Leading Teens Closer To Christ

A GIFT BEYOND CHRISTMAS: Thank you to all who have supported this worthy cause. So far we have received a total of $13,300 which will be sent to Loyola Senior High School, Mount Druitt to help support students from struggling families and those

who would be unable to continue their schooling if not for your generosity. It’s not too late to take an envelope from the Christmas Tree and return it to the box near the altar, drop it onto the collection plate with your donation or leave it at the parish office. Benefactors reports are available from the foyer.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMME 2013-2014: Session 1 will be held on 10 & 11 February 2014. If you have not yet finalised your enrolment please contact the Parish Office on 9634 2622 as soon as possible. GRACES OF ITALY PILGRIMAGE (with optional extension to Medjugorje) from 24th April to 8th or 17th May with Harvest Pilgrimages. You have the convenience of an experienced tour guide as well as a Chaplain (Fr Eugene). Places still available. Please book Freecall on 1800 819 156 ASAP.

ST BERNADETTE’S STATUE: Parishioners are invited to borrow the beautiful statue of Our Lady appearing to St Bernadette for any week in 2014. Book it for a special occasion or simply to encourage family prayer. Place your name, address and contact number on the roster at the back of the crypt. Enquiries: Janina Mousley on 9899 6060

FREE SUPERANNUATION WORKSHOP - 22 Jan: This half-day workshop session hosted by Australian Catholic Superannuation is designed to help you understand the tax-saving opportunities that become available at ages 55 and 60. Their presenters will explain transition-to-retirement strategies, optimising your superannuation contributions and managing market risk. Light refreshments will be served. Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm at Parramatta Leagues Club, 13-15 O’Connell St, Parramatta (plenty of parking). To register call 1300 658 776 or go to www.catholicsuper.com.au. SEEKING MENTORS: Do you want to give something back to your community? Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta’s Post School Options team provides one-on-one mentoring for secondary students. They are seeking new mentors who would like to give something back to their community and join this worthwhile program. The volunteer mentor hosts the student in the workplace for one day per week (May to September excluding school holidays) and is both a personal and professional role model for the student. All mentors are offered free TAFE mentor training and can be from any industry, an individual in any trade area: clerical and administration, hairdressing and beauty or a large company, e.g. Bunnings. For details call Leoni Jeavons-Fellows – 0424 750 583.

Check out our new website at stbernadette.org.au. We'll be adding even

more content in the coming months.

Leading Teens Closer To Christ

St Bernadette’s Parish Community

Parish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154

Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: admin@stbernadette.org.au

Web page: http://www.stbernadette.org.au

Parish Staff Mass Times for this Week Fr John Boyle, Parish Priest Sunday Sat 6.00pm Fr Eugene Szondi, Assistant Priest Sun 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am & Fr John Watkins, Assistant Priest 6pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth Mass Sr Judy McLeod, rsm, Pastoral Associate Weekdays Mon 6.45am Sr Rosie Drum, mgl, Pastoral Associate (Youth) Tue 6.45am Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator Wed 6.45am, 9.15am Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager Thurs 6.45am, 9.15am

Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu) Fri 6.45am, 9.15am Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance Sat 8.00am

Reconciliation Sat 8.30am - 9.00am, 4.30pm - 5.30pm Mass on Public Holidays at 8.00am

Baptisms and Marriages: By appointment only. Contact the Parish House. Please note the Church law: Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. [Can. 867 §1]

St Bernadette’s Parish School: Mrs Leanne Nettleton (Principal) 9634 2898

Parish Council : Peter Grace (Chairman) 9659 5350; Julie Ferry (Secretary) 9629 6808

Please pray for Mary Moloughney and Areopahito Flores who have died recently and for the anniversaries of Lorenz Eberl and Harriet Egan and in remembrance of Yick Fui Chau, Say Lin Lee and the Deceased Members of the Casey Family.

Prayers for the Sick: Denise Waudby, Robert Ison, Elaine Rowe, Michael Lopez, Alison Watkins, Ulrich Pragst, Robert Teoh, Bashir Merhi.

ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 11 & 12 January, 2014

ACOLYTES/ SERVERS LECTORS MINISTERS OF COMMUNION

VIGIL Special Roster

Douglas Carvalho Tony Calabria

Felicity Carvalho

Felciity Carvalho, Susan Concon, John Leach, Phyllis Lopez, Laura Burridge, Susan Cejka, Lynne Myers,

Joan Quinn, Mary McMahon

7.30AM Special Roster

Gerard Kearney Daryl Hill

Audrey Markowskei

Barbara Ortlepp, Alfred & Gladys Tsang, Colleen & Eric Woodhead, Jo Wickens

9.00AM Special Roster

Ann O’Brien Susan Moore

Hubert Jenneke

Brian & Jenny Blacklock, Neil Bone, Angela Crowe, Brian D’Arcy, Jeff Davis, Jocelyn Donovan, Jack Garcia,

Rosalie Sampath

10.30AM Special Roster

Anna-Maria Fitzpatrick Michael/John Fitzpatrick

Philip Golamco

Anita Christy, Pauline Camilleri, Dorothy Finucane, Narelle Cartwright, Philip Golamco, Elizabeth Fogolin,

Margaret Hawkes, Winnie & Henry Li

6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 12 January

Adult Server Nick Holden

Ministers of Communion

Musos

Lectors Josh Chaney Leanne Pak

Natalie Jones

Altar Servers Special Roster

Projectionists Josh Becker

Welcomers Darren Edwards Veronica Ward

Gift Preparation Caitlin Chaney, Dominique Boudib

Alex Medak

Ushers Serge Dogulin Michael Oxford

Jeremy Smith Chris Dogulin

Julie Ferry Jonathan Irawan

Josh Chaney Nicci Heidegger

Tina Muscat Tony Muscat

Bass Anthony Healey

Piano Alice Bradshaw

Guitar Martin Abeleda

Drums Justin Abeleda

Horns

Singers Sara Ang

Patricia Wibisono Adam Chioatto Brigit Huxley

Alyssa Tchang

Lauren Fernandez

CHILDREN’S LITURGY Jana Fizely

Pauline Andrew

FLOWER ROSTER Sandra Fernando

CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING Andrea Tomic, Krystyna Graczyk, Mary Pereira, Venessa Xiberras

COUNTING (1st Collection) Barbara Ingram Marie Sammut

COUNTING (2nd Collection) Howard Woodward, Stephen Leonardi,

Helen Wilson, John Giorgiutti, Joseph Boudib

BOOKSHOP No Bookshop this Week