ST MARTHA’S PARISH STRATHFIELD

‘His face shone like the sun’ … Matthew 17

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CATHOLIC PRESS.

Copies of the Catholic Weekly $2 & Catholic Leader $2.50 are available at the Church Entrances.

GLUTEN FREE HOSTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANY CELIAC PARISHIONERS. IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION PLEASE TELL THE CHURCH WARDEN OR SEE AN ACOLYTE IN THE SACRISTY PRIOR TO MASS.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THE

FOLLOWING MINISTRIES YOU ARE

REQUIRED TO SIGN IN - ACOLYTES;

READERS; EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS; CHOIR; CHILDREN’S LITURGY

(LEADERS & CHILDREN) & SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM (LEADERS &

CHILDREN). SIGN IN FOLDERS ARE KEPT IN THE SACRISTY. THANK YOU

FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION.

ALTAR SERVERS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE SACRISTY

WITHOUT A PARENT/TEACHER. THE SIGN IN FOLDER IS

LOCATED IN THE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE SACRISTY.

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

9390 5810 or safeguardingenquiies@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..

Please be aware that if you “TAG” St Martha’s in photos on your Facebook page, the images also appear on an “unofficial” St Martha’s Facebook page. This “unofficial” page was created

automatically by Facebook and is not controlled by St Martha’s. We kindly remind you to take care when uploading photos of any

children without parent consent.

SHARING OF THE WORD Our weekly meetings are held at St Martha’s

parish hall and commence from 7-8pm. Everyone would be most welcome to join our

group. Bibles are supplied.

MASS TIMES

Tuesdays: 7.30am Wednesdays: 9.10am

Thursdays: 9.10am Fridays: 9.10am

Saturdays: 9.10am, 5pm Vigil Mass

Sundays: 8.00am; 10.00am & 6.00pm

1st Saturday of every month: 8-9am Adoration, 9am Benediction,

9.10am Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick, followed by

reconciliation

RECONCILIATION: Saturday after 9.10am Mass or by appointment.

BAPTISM:

2nd & 4th Sundays of the month at 11.00am

by appointment only. (One months’ notice is required).

Contact the Parish Office.

Next Preparation Session: 5th April 2020 at 9.15am in Parish Hall

MARRIAGES: By appointment only.

(6 months’ notice is required).

ROSARY: Tuesday & Saturday after morning Mass, Wednesday, Thursday

& Friday 8.30am and 7.30pm on Fridays in conjunction with Marian Movement of Priests Cenacle and Divine Mercy Chaplet.

LIFE ASCENDING GROUP:

Resumes February 2020

PRAYER GROUP / ADORATION AT

ST MARTHA’S CHURCH: Mondays 10.30am – 11.30am

SYDNEY MALAYEALEE ROMAN CATHOLIC

COMMUNITY

Rosary, Mass & Adoration from 6.30pm to 9pm on

the 2nd Saturday of each month. Rosary & Bible Sharing 6.30pm on

the 4th Saturday of the month

ADORATION AT SISTER DISCIPLES

OF THE DIVINE MASTER: Daily from 2.30pm-6.00pm

Please continue to support the St Vincent De Paul Society

through the Church Poor Boxes.

THE PARISH OF ST MARTHA’S ACKNOWLEDGES THE WANGUL PEOPLE AS THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND ON WHICH THE CHURCH IS BUILT

Parish Priest: Fr Jacek (Jack) Cichy Priest in Residence: Fr Michael Milinga

Administration Coordinator: Nicolle Mazzaferro (Mon-Thurs) admin@stmarthas.org.au Administration Support: Larissa Argiro (Fridays 9.30am – 2.30pm) office@stmarthas.org.au

Sacramental Coordinator: Patricia Saad (Monday & Tuesday) sc@stmarthas.org.au Safeguarding Officer: Dianne Dawson safeguarding@stmarthas.org.au

Parish Ministries Coordinator: Helen Williamson Music Ministry: Marcella Ayoub & Jane Phillips Children’s Liturgy Coordinator: Rachel Suriano

Plenary Council 2020 Ambassador: Helena O’Neill Youth Ministry: Jessica Gereis youth@stmarthas.org.au

St Martha’s School: 9764 1184 Email: info@stmstrathfield.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Judy Gastin Assistant Principal: Leanne Meehan

REC: Attilia Kazacos

Vision:

Welcoming

Eucharistic

Transformed by the Word

Full of Grace

Proclaiming Good News

Mission:

Alive with the Spirit

Inspired by St Martha

We Celebrate & Witness

God’s love

Using our Gifts & Talents

70 Homebush Rd Strathfield NSW 2135 Phone: 9746 6131 Fax: 9764 3040

Email: office@stmarthas.org.au Website: www.stmarthas.org.au

Parish Office: Mon- Fri 9.00am-3.00pm

Please continue

to support the St Vincent De Paul Society

through the Church Poor Boxes.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Unfortunately, this virus is gaining momentum and the World

Health Organization has now declared a public health emergency. As a result of the advice from the NSW Department of Health, the following directives will apply in the celebration

of Mass until further notice.

1. There will be NO Sign of Peace. 2. Holy Communion will not be distributed under Both Kinds. Communion of the

Precious Blood will be for the Priest ONLY. 3. Holy Communion will PREFERRABLY be given on the hand only. 4. All Ministers of Holy Communion are to use hand sanitisers before the

distribution of Holy Communion commences.

We must undertake sensible precautionary measures within our parish community. When advice is received that the threat of the virus has receded these measures will be

reversed.

LENT 2020 Copies of the Archbishop’s Lenten Penance are available at the Church Entrances.

Project Compassion boxes and envelopes are now available to

take home from the foyer of the Church.

THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS WILL BE AT 7.00PM ON EACH

FRIDAY DURING LENT

If you are attending one of the Easter Liturgies at St Martha’s

Church and you are on the regular roster, could you please consider

volunteering. We are in need of Extraordinary Ministers of

Communion, Lectors & Altar Servers. Please write your name on the

sheets on the rear table of the church or contact Helen Williamson

on 9742 5746.

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALSO NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ‘WASHING OF THE FEET’ AT

THE 7.30PM HOLY THURSDAY MASS. PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME ON THE SIGN-UP SHEET

AT THE REAR OF THE CHURCH IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER.

Background on the Gospel Reading (Loyola Press)

2nd Sunday of Lent For the second Sunday of Lent, we move from Jesus’ retreat to the desert to his Transfiguration. Each year on the first Sunday of Lent, our Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. On the second Sunday of Lent each year, we hear the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. The story of Jesus’

Transfiguration is told in the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In each of those Gospels, the Transfiguration follows Jesus’ first prediction of his death and his teaching about the costs of discipleship. Jesus’ Transfiguration is a promise of Jesus’ glory, his Resurrection. On a mountain in today’s reading, a voice affirms that Jesus is God’s Son in words reminiscent of the voice at Jesus’ baptism. In addition, the appearance of Moses and Elijah on the mountain connects this story with God’s relationship to the people of Israel. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively. Together with Jesus, they represent God’s complete Word. The Transfiguration occurs in the presence of just three of Jesus’ disciples: Peter, James, and John. In Matthew’s Gospel, those disciples are among the first whom Jesus calls. The three men are identified as an “inner circle” among Jesus’ disciples when Jesus asks them to accompany him to the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest.

Please join Archbishop Anthony

in praying for

Kristian and members

of the Seric Family

who are a part of our

Parish and School community.

We ask Eileen O’Connor to

intercede for Kristian’s healing.

Eternal Father, You alone grant us every blessing in Heaven and on earth, through the redemptive mission of Your

Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and by the working of the Holy Spirit. If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant, Eileen

O’Connor, by granting the favour I now request through her prayerful intercession for

Kristian’s healing. I make this prayer confidently through

Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

We have a dedicated team of people who visit the sick and vulnerable in the nursing

homes within ort parish to offer spiritual support, comfort, Holy Communion or just a

chat. One of our regular ladies is taking 2020 to look after her grandchild. We would

welcome someone who would like to join our team and visit the residents in one of our

local nursing homes. The day for ministry is Wednesday after 9.10am Mass. The usual working with children

compliance applies. Please contact Helen Williamson 0408 970 120 if you would like more information.

Enrolling @ St Martha’s Primary School Kindergarten Enrolments for 2021 are now being taken. Years 1-6

anytime of the year. Please contact the School Office on 9764 1184

for an Enrolment Pack or a personalised tour. All enrolments are

welcome.

The Sacrament of Confirmation 2020

This year’s Confirmation will be held on Sunday, the 16th of August @3.30pm at St

Mary’s Cathedral. Application forms are available from the website, or the church Foyer.

Enrolments conclude on Monday the 1st of July. The details of the program are as follows:

Information session Saturday 25th July @3.00pm

Lesson 1 Saturday 25th July @3.30pm

Commitment Mass Saturday 25th July @5.00pm

Lesson 2 & 3 Saturday 1st August @3.30pm, 5.00pm mass

Lesson 4 Saturday 8th August @3.30pm, 5.00pm mass

Retreat Saturday 15th August @2.00pm, 5.00pm mass

Confirmation Ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral Sunday 16th August @ 3.30pm

Presentation of Certificates Sunday 23rd August @10am mass

REFLECTIONS FOR THE 2nd SUNDAY OF LENT by Fr. Antony Kadavil

Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is metamorphosis or transformation. The readings invite us to

cooperate with the grace of God with the assistance of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives, by renewing them during Lent

and to radiate the grace of the transfigured Lord around us by our Spirit-filled lives.

LIFE MESSAGES:

(1) The transubstantiation in the Holy Mass is the source of our strength: In each Holy Mass, the bread and wine we offer

on the altar are changed into the crucified and risen, living body and blood of Jesus. Just as Jesus' Transfiguration strengthened the apostles in their time of

trial, each holy Mass should be our source of heavenly strength against temptations, and our renewal during Lent. In addition, our holy Communion with

the living Jesus should be the source of our daily “transfiguration,” transforming our minds and hearts so that we may do more good by humble and

selfless service to others.

(2) Each time we receive one of the Sacraments, we are transformed: For example, Baptism transforms us into sons and daughters of God and heirs of

Heaven. Confirmation makes us temples of the Holy Spirit and warriors of God. By the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God brings back the sinner to the

path of holiness.

(3) A message of encouragement and hope: In moments of doubt and during our dark moments of despair and hopelessness, the thought of our

transformation in Heaven will help us to reach out to God and to listen to His consoling words: "This is my beloved son." Let us offer our Lenten

sacrifices to our Lord so that, through these practices of Lent and through the acceptance of our daily crosses, we may grow closer to him in his suffering,

may share in the carrying of his cross and may finally share the glory of his final “transfiguration,” his Resurrection.

4) We need “mountain-top experiences” in our lives: We share the “mountain-top experience” of Peter, James and John when we spend extra time in

prayer during Lent. Fasting for one day will help the body to store up spiritual energy. This spiritual energy can help us have thoughts that are far higher

and nobler than our usual mundane thinking. The hunger we experience puts us more closely in touch with God and makes us more willing to help the

hungry. The crosses of our daily lives also can lead us to the glory of transfiguration and resurrection.

5) We need transformation in our Christian lives so that we may seek reconciliation instead of revenge, love our enemies, pray for those who hate us, give

to the needy without expecting a reward, refuse to judge others and make friends with those we don’t naturally like. This transformation will also enable us

to hold back on harsh words and let love rule so that we may seek reconciliation rather than revenge, pray for those who give us a hard time, avoid bad-

mouthing those we don’t agree with, forgive those who hurt us, and love those who hate us.

Parish Nursing Homes Masses:

Wednesday 11th March 2.00pm Strathfield Gardens

Friday 13th March 10.30am Goondee Nursing Home

Wednesday 18th March 10.00am Jesmond Nursing Home

St Martha’s Senior Family Group

Tuesday 10th March 2020

Lunch at Manly

Meet at Strathfield Station, south side near the ticket office at 10.25am to

catch the train to circular quay then catch the 11.30am ferry to Manly. Have

lunch at a venue suggested by the leader or a place of your own choosing.

Return to Strathfield by ferry and train or do your own thing around Manly.

Please ring Phil Robinson who will be the leader if you are coming to this

outing on 9746 6159.

14th & 15th March

VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Special Peter McCluskey Gina Surjadinata Liz Doumit Cue Family

Ministers Marian McCluskey Andri Surjadinata Claudia Elias Cue Family

Therese Issa

VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Readers Natalie Baini Greg Glass Steve Doumit Anne Chow

Patricia Saad Maria Yu Michael Quinlan Lena Melhem

VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Altar Lincoln M. Mary Loiuse I. Kristian E. Marina B.

Servers Hayden M. Shannon D. Aiden E. Oliver B.

Therese S. Volunteer Needed Leandra C. Volunteer Needed

Sophia S. Volunteer Needed O’Rion C. Volunteer Needed

Wardens VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Phil Robinson Peter Yamin Trudie Rogers Theresa Kuk

Children’s 10AM 10AM

Liturgy Jamey Poyaoan Damian Chase

THE NEW ROSTER IS NOW AVAILABLE TO COLLECT FROM THE SIDE ENTRANCE OF THE CHURCH OR VIA THE PARISH WEBSITE.

MASS INTENTIONS

Recently Deceased:

Emma Stefani, Cheryl Morgan, Sam Patane, Marcus Byrne, Vicky Buttel, Raymond Wehbe, Anne Russo, Antony, Angelina & Siena Abdallah, Veronique Sakr, Rudy Jimenez.

Repose Of The Soul:

Fr Adrian Horgan, Fr Paul Ryan, Br Ray Dowding, Gerald Wilson, John Ferguson, Ken Fraser, Connie Wong, Aldo Amarino, Salvatore (Phillip) Puglisi, Dan Dillon, William (Bill) & Dorothy Starr, Roger O’Reilly, Stefano, Francesco & Maria Colagiuri, Estelle Thurn, Lisa Cooke, Michael & Mary Cassar, Romilda Reginato, Anne Cecilia Glass, Reginald & Agnes Glass, Gerald & Frances Gleeson, Faado & Alice Herro, John McManus, Elias Mounayer, Patrick & Janet Reynolds, Jim Reynolds, Ken Rich, Monica & Patrick Ryan, Stephen Maxwell Stewart & Christopher John Stewart, Dr Stephanie Winfield, Philip Winfield, Charlie Gullotta, Ramza & Michael Obeid, Hamid Taouk, Peter & Margaret Hetherton, Norman & Christine Coorey, Jerko Ancic, Holy Souls of the D’Angelo, Pizzirusso & Vece Families.

Anniversaries:

Frank & Mary Sorbello, Dan Dillon, Edmund Duggan, Tom O’Rourke, Mrs Raju, Joseph & Margaret McGannon, Maureen Sarks, Grace Hunt, Gwenyth Pearce, Anne Pittorino, Jim Henness, Tiarnan Rafferty, Declan & Mary Anne Dower all those whose anniversaries occur at this time.

Sick Intentions:

Luis Eladio Torres, Maria Almeida, Jaden & Livia Noronha, Rob & Val Reberger, Fr David Coffey, Fr John Langtry, Marc Kayrouz, Conny Nilson, John Georges, David Freeland, Frances Spicer, Beryl Morahan, Mildred Azares Panes, Br Jude Butcher cfc, Lucy Washburn, Peter Starr.

Special Intentions: Kristian Seric & Family, Mark & Liz Byrne, Rineesh & Wander, Matteo & Caterina Genova, Raffaela Pagano, Filomena Pagano, Antonia & Giuseppe Pagano, Antonia & Luigi Ghidella, Deceased Friends, Relatives & Benefactors of the Dominican Order & the St Vincent de Paul Society & Benefactors, Holy Souls.

Mass Intention Envelopes are available at the Church Entrances

The Bishop’s Blend Breakfast: Looking to network with other young Catholic professionals and learn how to

live your faith in the workplace? Then join Bishop Richard Umbers, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney on Tues 24

March at 7am at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney for The Bishop’s Blend Breakfast for Young

Professionals. Online booking is essential. For more information and to purchase tickets go to

https://thebishopsblendtenthedition.eventbrite.com.au or contact us at bishopsblend@sydneycatholic.org

Encounter Kiribati with Palms 18-26 May 2020 On this 12-day tour you will visit a number of islands in this small Pacific nation. Palms personnel there are

working with local communities to develop self-reliance and sustainable solutions to poverty in a part of the world

impacted by climate change. You will meet and spen d time with them and their host communities to see first-hand how

Palms Australia is working to create a better world. It might even inspire you to join Palms and work overseas yourself. We

are also offering tours to Timor-Leste in September and Thailand/Myanmar in November. For more information call Robert

at Palms on 02 9560 5333 or email robert@palms.org.au

Men’s Lenten Retreat Day – Notre Dame Broadway. On Saturday, April 4 from 9am to 4:00pm.

The day will include Mass, time for reflection and reconciliation, and will be guided by Fr

Edmond Travers msc. Lunch and morning tea included. The retreat will take place at The

University of Notre Dame Australia on Broadway campus. Event is free, registration essential:

sydney.chaplaincy@nd.edu.au or (02) 8204 4189 or Trybooking.com/BIJFM

Free Speaking Event at St Joachim's Lidcombe

In anticipation of the upcoming visit of the relics of St Therese and her parents, there will be a wonderful talk by Robert Haddad, (Author and Head of New Evangelisation of Sydney Catholic Schools) on Parents and Saints. This will then be followed by a question and answer time with a panel of parents, on the joys and challenges of raising

Catholic kids today. Please join us for an interesting night. Where; St Joachims Parish Hall 2 Mills St Lidcombe

When: Friday 13 March from 6:30pm Kids welcome and light refreshments provided.

For more information please contact marianna.sanavio@syd.catholic.edu.au

Maths, simple & easy to follow – year 7 to 12 (contact 0435 665 279)

Emphasis on concepts essential for higher learning Use of wide variety of examples and past paper questions

Explanation of full range of maths used in problem solving Challenges at all levels