the ascension of the lord year a 28th may 2017 · it says that we are destined to a life beyond the...
TRANSCRIPT
“You Are Witnesses…”
We celebrate the Ascension this Sunday. The Ascension, as we can read in Break Open The Word, “is not about Jesus going up into outer space. The ascension is not an event, but a celebration of the passing of the baton from Jesus to us. The risen Lord is now present in his people, and each of today’s readings stresses the mission of the Church to carry on the work of Jesus.”
Ascension is about our destiny. It says that we are destined to a life beyond the one which we now enjoy. We are destined to be with God in a union which can not be destroyed by death. St Paul prays: “May God enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers.” (The Second Reading).
Ascension is about our present world. It calls us, as Christians, to continue the mission of Christ on earth. Christ’s mission was not just to give us hope for the future, but to change the quality of life here and now, so that we can begin to experience already now the riches of the eternal life to come. Jesus entrusted this mission to his disciples when he said, “Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.” (The Gospel) It is this mission that the angels urged the disciples to undertake, instead of “standing here looking into the sky…” (The First Reading).
Ascension is about endings and beginnings. On the day of his ascension, Christ’s personal ministry on earth ended, but the operation of the Holy Spirit in his followers to continue his ministry began. The time for preparing his apostles for their mission to build his Church was over, but the time for their participation in the expansion of that Church began. We come to Church to praise God, to hear his word and to be nourished by the body and blood of Christ. But we do not stand here all day looking up to heaven. We leave this place to spread out the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world.
We are ready for the mission Christ has entrusted to each of us as His Witnesses in the world for love, peace, joy, happiness, forgiveness, and many more, in spite of any challenges and difficulties because we know that we are never left ‘orphaned’. The Lord promised: “I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”
Let us celebrate this Feast with joy, peace and readiness to be missioners of the Kingdom of God, throughout our living.
John Hong.
WEEKEND MASS TIMES WEEKDAY MASS TIMES
Saturday Vigil Church Location Monday, 29th May - Monday of the 7th week of Easter 7.00am St Joseph’s, North Ipswich NO 7.00pm MASS at Mater Dei
Tuesday, 30th May - Tuesday of the 7th week of Easter 9.00am Immaculate Heart of Mary, Leichhardt
Wednesday, 31st May - The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9:00am St. Mary’s, Woodend 9.30am St Brigid’s, Rosewood
Thursday, 1st June - St Justin, martyr 9:00am St. Mary’s, Woodend NO 9.00am MASS at St.Joseph’s
Friday, 2nd June - Friday of the 7th week of Easter 8.00am Chapel, St. Mary’s College 9:00am OLMM, Eastern Heights (Reconciliation from 8:30am)
4:30pm Immaculate Heart Leichhardt
5:30pm OLMM Eastern Heights
6:00pm St. Mary’s Woodend
Sunday Mass Church Location
7:30am St. Joseph’s North Ipswich
8:00am St. Brigid’s Rosewood
8:30am St. Mary’s Woodend
6:00pm St. Mary’s Woodend
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Day Time Church
Saturday 5:00pm - 5:30pm St. Mary’s
OUR CHURCHES
St. Mary’s - Elizabeth Street, Woodend St. Brigid’s - Matthew Street, Rosewood
Mater Dei - Cnr Ferrett Street and Roland Tce, Sadliers Crossing St. Joseph’s - 42 Pine Mountain Road, North Ipswich
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - Robertson Rd, Eastern Heights Immaculate Heart of Mary - 22 Old Toowoomba Road, Leichhardt
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD Year A 28th May 2017
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
Administrator: Fr. Stephen Bliss ofm
Parish Minister Fr. John Hong
Pastoral Associate Bernadette McAndrew
Administration Staff
Mrs Janelle Van De Weyer
Mrs Maree Coyne
Mrs Kathy Lund
Mrs Bernadette Lenihan
Office Hours Mon - Fri 8:30am – 3:30pm
Ipswich Catholic Community Contact Information
Telephone 07 3281 2133
Email [email protected]
Fax 07 3812 3911
Post PO Box 23, Ipswich 4305.
Mass Times 07 3281 0707
New Media - Evangelisation
Website www.ipswichcatholic.com
Find us by searching for ‘ipswichcatholic’ on
Facebook YouTube Twitter iTunes
Schools and Colleges in our Community
St. Mary’s Primary School Woodend 07 3281 1998
Immaculate Heart School Leichhardt 07 3812 1077
St. Joseph’s School North Ipswich 07 3201 6188
St. Brigid’s School Rosewood 07 5464 1563
St. Mary’s College Woodend 07 3432 5444
St. Edmund's College Woodend 07 3810 4400
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAM— starts THURSDAY, 1st June (see notice for further details)
‘IPSWICH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY’ DINNER— Friday 11th August Mark your calendars now — at Brothers Leagues Club— a great night assured.
Our online events calendar is located at the following address: www.ipswichcatholic.com/event
‘Children’s Liturgy of the Word’ is where our
children leave the Sunday Liturgy and gather
elsewhere to celebrate a separate Liturgy of the
Word that is more appropriate to their level of
understanding. Children then rejoin the community
at the conclusion of the homily. We encourage all
children aged between 4 – 12 to come along.
St. Brigid’s Church - Sunday 8:00am Mass (1st week of the month)
4th June 2nd July 6th August
St. Mary’s Church - Sunday 8:30am Mass
28th May 4th June 11th June
PRAYER REQUESTS
RECENTLY DECEASED: Norma Caldwell, Mary Dampier, Annette Allery, Lucy Davis, Francis Bromley, Jerry Rozsival, Wilhelmina Smith, Sr Mary Teresa (Lyne), Lloyd & Peg Badke, Denis Crilly, Marie Slater, Keith Mackey, Paddy Landy
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Paul McKean, Craig Hannam, Michael Williams, Joan Earl, Jeff Corris, Conrad Behrendorff, Max Bishop, Marie Tonner, Shirley Budd, Paul Stoyles, Rebecca Tanusoski, Mary Hart, Vince Elmore, Pat Slattery.
St. Paul, in his Letter to the Ephesians, says, May the eyes of your heart be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that be-longs to his call.” It reminds me of the line from St. Exupery’s classic story The Little Prince: “it is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” St. Francis understood this, and in fact it was with the eyes of his heart that he looked upon all of creation, seeing in the lowliest earthworms the presence of the divine creator. Francis saw beyond the most humble appearances to the glory that dwelt within, illuminat-ed by the presence of God. As heirs of the enlightenment, we have a tendency to elevate reason and rationality over all else. St Francis reminds us that it is not so much our minds that need enlightening but our hearts. His prayer before the crucifix is a plea for an openness of spirit and a heart that can embrace others in the peace of Christ. Many of the greatest challenges in our lives call us to a greater presence to others in times of great emotion, whether joy or sorrow. We
might look to St. Francis as a model of how to let go of our own natural reserve and open our hearts to God and one another. May we be
generous in our love for others this week.
Most high, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, sure hope, and perfect charity. Lord, give me insight and wisdom, so I might always discern, your holy and true will. —St. Francis of Assisi
UPDATE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE: The Archbishop has appointed Fr Nicholas Okafor
as Associate Pastor to the Ipswich Catholic Community. Fr Nicholas will join us mid-June and we look forward to his three year appointment with
us. Fr Nicholas has been at Surfers Paradise for the last few years and is excited and happy with his new
appointment.
Pope Francis recently said: (Angelus talk, May 2017) “My Parish is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is.
It will be friendly, if I am. It will be holy, if I am.
Its pews will be filled if I help fill them.
This we pray. Amen”
—NEXT SUNDAY is ‘PENTECOST’— YOU ARE INVITED TO WEAR SOMETHING RED —
The parishioners of St. Mary’s Parish wish to express sincere thanks to KATHY OBER, a long time friend to many and fellow-parishioner who been very involved in numerous parish activities and roles over many years. Kathy has now moved to Toowoomba, and we wish her every happiness in
this new chapter of her life. Please remember her in your prayers.
ST MARY’S COLLEGE YEAR 10 -1967 JUNIOR CLASS REUNION. Ex students of St Mary’s Year 10 1967 class are invited to a 50TH YEAR CLASS REUNION to be held the weekend of 7 and 8 October 2017. The weekend will
be start on Saturday with lunch, St Mary’s College Gala Dinner on Saturday night, Mass at St Mary’s Church on Sunday morning and afterwards a tour of our old school. For all enquiries please contact Yvonne O’Brien (nee Kopelke) on 0409 056 484 or Pauline Webb (nee Kelleher) on 0423 499 035. We have also established a facebook page attached to St Mary’s College if you belong to this class and wish to join the page.
40TH CLASS REUNION SENIOR 1977 – ST MARYS & ST EDMUNDS COMBINED: A reunion is being held for all past students who attended St Marys College and St Edmunds College who completed Senior in 1977. The reunion will be held on Saturday 8th July at Brothers Leagues Club. This invitation is also extend to any students who attended both Colleges from year 8 (1973) through to year 11 (1976) who wish to attend. A sit down, two-course buffet dinner provided with ticket purchase. More information can be obtained from Bronwyn Holmes M: 0412 786 434 or E: [email protected] or John O’Leary M: 0408 263 129 or E: [email protected]
Parishioners of St. Mary’s Parish are cordially invited to the
SOLEMN PROFESSION MASS of SR MARY MAGDALENE OF JESUS (Michelle King)
on Sunday, 16th July 2017 at 10.00am at the Carmelite Monastery, 591 Ballina Rd, Goonellabah NSW 2480.
RSVP by 1st June to above address / [email protected] / 02 6624 1240. Refreshments will be provided after the Mass.
Even if you cannot attend, please remember her in your prayers. A CARD FOR MICHELLE IS AVAILABLE NEAR THE FRONT DOORS
OF ST.MARY’S CHURCH THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT, FOR PARISHIONERS TO SIGN.
LOURDES HILL COLLEGE PAST PUPILS ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL SENIORS PAST PUPILS MORNING TEA : Venue: Duhig Hall, Lourdes Hill College; Date: Tuesday 20 June 2017; Time: 10am; Cost $25; Bookings essential by 15 June 2017 Enq: Marilyn Loth 0422854737, E: [email protected]; or Loreto Lotz 0412769708 or E: [email protected]
2017 CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION (Sunday 18th June). Corpus Christi Flower Girls. We are looking for girls aged 10 to 18 to take part in the Corpus Christi procession as flower girls. Girls will need to wear a white dress or a black skirt and white blouse. Limited places. If interested please contact Catherine on 0431117139 or at [email protected] by 15 June
PARISH NAME BADGES: All parishioners who visit people in Nursing Homes, Hospitals, or in their homes, as a parish representative of either Ipswich, Leichhardt, North Ipswich or Rosewood Parishes - we NEED to provide you with a special “NAME BADGE”. Please call the Parish Office (3281 2133) and give us you name (correct spelling is important !!) by Friday 9th June. Parish will pay! Thanks!
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION:
The Parish would like to invite children who have
celebrated their Confirmation in 2016 or earlier, to enrol in our preparation program for reception of their First Holy Communion. The First Session FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN will be held on Thursday, 1st June in St Mary’s Church— at either 3.30pm
OR 6.30pm (whichever one suits you). Enquiries - phone Parish Office 3281 2133. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You are invited to the Teams Oceania Conference on 1st & 2nd July 2017 at Marist College, Ashgrove, entitled
MARRIAGE BEYOND THE WEDDING–You‘re not alone on this journey Come along and hear some great speakers who will enrich your marriage: (1) Fr Adrian Farrelly - “Contemporary marriage in the context of Amoris Laetitia” (2) Dr Ryan Messmore - “Marriage - The Larger Story” & “Forgiveness” (3) Shayne & Shanelle Bennett - “Courage to swim against the tide: mission, growth and joy” & many more! For the full program, flyer & prices go to Teams Oceania website: www.teamsoceania.com.au and click on upcoming events. OR visit www.trybooking.com/256672 to book. Early Bird price for 2 day conference is only $75/person! (Ends 31st May) Everyone is welcome!
Teams is a lay Movement in the Catholic Church that encourages
married spirituality.
LEICHHARDT & NTH IPSWICH PARISH PICNIC: SUNDAY 30th JULY — Theme: Christmas in July Anyone interested in helping to plan this day is asked
to contact Maree. More info closer to the date.
The HISTORICAL SOCIETY has arranged a new presentation in the display case regarding the symbols in the round stained glass panels above the main
windows.
MINISTRY ROSTERS: (June, July, August) ST. MARY’S: When the current roster finishes at the end of May we ask you to refer back to the March roster and use it for the month of June. A new roster will be completed later. OLMM: The June Roster has been prepared, and has either been emailed to you, or is available for collection today. LCHT & NTH IPSWICH & ROSEWOOD: Rosters have been prepared and emailed/or available at the church today.
WOMEN’S WEEKEND SILENT RETREAT - “Dancing with the Divine” Hosted by Dragonfly Ministries. Facilitated by Sue Thomas. Venue: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Ormiston – single, ensuited rooms. All resources, meals and linen provided. 6.00pm Friday 16th June - 3.00pm Sunday 18th June 2017 Cost: $350 ($320 conc) Enquiries: [email protected]
The Australian Christian Meditation Community Qld invites you to a morning of meditation, information and discussion on “BEING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT” When: Saturday, 10th June 2017; Time: 9.30am Where: Uniting Church, Warner Hall, 52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm. Time 10am—12.30pm. Cost $10-15. More info contact Gabby – [email protected]; 3711-4227
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED CHRISTIAN BROTHERS, TEACHERS, AND OLD BOYS OF ST EDMUND'S COLLEGE
will be held at CWL house, 35 Waghorn Street, Ipswich on Tuesday 27 June 2017 at 7.00 pm. All are invited. If you wish to remember a deceased Old Boy, please ph Andrew 3389 6858.
The Leichhardt Parish Community is excited to be welcoming other parishioners from within the Ipswich Catholic Community to the new 4.30pm Mass. So we can get to know each other better, we encourage you to use the name tags provided at the door of the church. If your name is not there, please make a note on the sheet provided and we will make one for you. You are also invited to stay for a cuppa and a chat after Mass.
What’s happening in our Parishes ...
NEWS FROM AROUND OUR COMMUNITY
NOTE CHANGE OF MASS TIMES FOR MONTH OF JUNE: Due to parish circumstances at present, NO MASS at Mater Dei on Monday evening, and NO MASS at St Joseph’s on Thursday morning during the month of June.
Ipswich Orpheus Chorale, and Ipswich Orpheus Orchestra together with Toowoomba Choral Society proudly present “TOGETHER IN SONG” a beautiful collection of sacred choral music (2 shows only). The Ipswich Concert is SUNDAY JUNE 25TH at 2.00pm at St Mary’s Catholic Church. Bookings: please go to ipswichorpheuschorale.org.au or buy at the door. Adults $25 Concession $20 Child $15
St Mary’s and St Edmund’s Colleges have a long
tradition of producing excellent Combined Colleges’ Musicals over the past 20 years. This year
St.Mary’s College is producing “Hairspray – The Broadway Musical”, an American musical based on
the 1988 John Waters film of the same name.
Set in early 1960s Baltimore where the 50s are out and change is in the air, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a pleasantly plump heroine with a
passion for dancing and the local TV dance program, The Corny Collins Show. Can a larger-
than-life adolescent manage to vanquish the program's reigning princess, integrate the television show, and find true love (singing and dancing all the
while, of course!) without mussing her hair?
Hairspray will be performed at the Ipswich Civic Centre 7pm on July 13th &14th, and 2pm and 7pm on July 15th. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $15 for students and are available from the Ipswich Civic
Centre box office or website from 15th May.
LIVING FAITH BOOKS: Leichhardt &North Ipswich Parishioners are ad-vised that your ordered books (April-June) have finally arrived!!! and are awaiting collection from church today. (Apologies from the distributor in Sydney.)
THE CATHOLIC LEADER: Keeping faith with you * Caritas Australia CEO pleads for help for starving Africans after witnessing the suffering of children first-hand; * Mother keeps vigil in Brisbane beside
the bed of her daughter struck with brain injury; * Vinnies official condemns Government’s ultimatum to thousands of asylum seekers over applications Centacare funded to operate mobile support service for women fleeing do-
mestic violence on Gold Coast; * Brisbane to host Oceania conference for
movement aimed at strengthening marriages; * Singer Matt Maher joins line-
up for Australian Catholic Youth Festival; * Archbishop invites youth to com-
plete survey for 2018 synod; * Vinnies launches Winter Appeal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I would like to assure you that – despite what you may have seen reported in the media – there will be no major increase in school fees in our Bris-
bane Catholic Education schools for 2018. Earlier this month, the Federal Government released figures outlining its planned funding allocation for schools in 2018 and beyond. These figures are not an accurate reflection of the money actually received by each school. This is because – as the government’s web-site itself notes – the amounts listed do not take into account the impact of the Catholic Education system’s “group funding” arrangements. Thus, the raw federal funding figures listed on the website are not reflective of the actual amounts received by each Catholic school, now or in the future. (See full letter on the notice board)
Pam Betts, Executive Director of Brisbane Catholic Education.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: There once was a little boy who had a very bad temper. His father decided to hand him a bag of nails and said that every time the
boy lost his temper, he had to hammer a nail into the fence. On the first day, the boy hammered 37 nails into that fence. The boy gradually began to control his temper over the next few weeks,
and number of nails he was hammering into the fence slowly decreased. He discovered it was easier to control his temper than to ham-mer those nails into the fence.
Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father the news and the father suggested that the boy should now pull out a nail every day he kept his temper under control.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.
“You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. If you can strike a man and it won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound will always be there. Moral of the story: Don’t say things to people in the heat of the moment, that you may later regret. Some things in life, you are unable to be taken back. Words can harm or they can heal. Be the vessel of God’s love to all you meet this week.