THE BULLETIN ST THERESA’S PARISH

3 MAY 2020 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A

HEALING FOR THE SICK

Parishioners:

Francois Frichot Len Pauli

Neville Preece

Moya Schaefer

Brian Carter

Friends and Family

Kim Ireland (Kathy Sternes fr iend)

Peter Brown (Denis Brown’s Broth-er)

Kate Sturgeon (Rita Sturgeon’s

Granddaughter)

Anna Sellar (Tr ish & Terry Sheely’s daughter)

Bernadette Welch

(friend of Bette Flamsteed)

Kathleen le Gras (Sister of

Sr Una)

Shona Kraayvanger

(Gabrielle Adam’s daughter) Joe Short (Powell family group) Indiana Harman (Ray & Madeline Taylor’s Granddaughter) Louis Gandini (Lina Pervan’s brother) Robert Gandini (Lina Pervan’s brother) Connie Bamgart (Lina Pervan’s friend) Peter & Elaine Dillon (Vivienne Price’s father & mother) Patricia Jenkins (Thel J elley’s cousin) Roslyn Morton (Patr ick’s sister) Simon Riethmuller (Shir ley’s son) Max Shearer (Grandson - Judy Shearer) John Mullen (Helen McNaught’s nephew) Archie Mullen (Helen McNaught’s brother)

Rev. Brian Sparksman Fr Peter McGrath .CP John Morgan (Kathy Sternes Uncle) Molly Schmidt (Aileen Collins’ friend)

ANNIVERSARIES Peter Smith William Hutchison Arthur Schneider Lance Jelley Les Murphy Mary Reilly Thomas Ryan Peter Meiklejohn Alice Meiklejohn Denise Hodgson Peta Murphy

FROM THE PASTOR

Prayers for our Parishioners

With the arrival of the Covid-19 virus, I am mindful some parishioners are feeling the isolation more acutely that others. I ask you to especially keep in your prayers those parishioners who are experiencing suffering and hardship at this time. We especially pray for those who are recovering from operations, those waiting for surgery and all who are suffering the effects of ill-health. May Christ’s healing presence be with you. Be assured that you are in our prayers. Fr.Brian ST THERESA’S MASS GOES LIVE STREAMED Fr. Brian streamed his first mass on Wednesday 29 April. After a few hiccups, we are confident that next week we will be able to live stream. We will be streaming Wednesday mass at 9am each week at this stage. We had to change our Youtube channel from the one printed in last week’s bulletin. Below is the new link. Please subscribe to the channel when you get it. You will need to put in your email address so that you will be able to find it more easily in the future. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKTEmLMUB7sC4kfQ4V9oQ7Q If you cannot watch it live at 9am, you will be able to watch it at another time after that. The video stays on the channel. You will be able to see Wednesday 29 April’s mass on there now. You can also watch the mass on Mary of the Southern Cross Parish, Highfields Facebook page.

LETTER FROM THE POPE

This is a letter of Pope Francis to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters, The month of May is a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this “family” aspect, also from a spiritual point of view. For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow. I am also providing two prayers to Our Lady that you can recite at the end of the Rosary, and that I myself will pray in the month of May, in spiritual union with all of you. I include them with this letter so that they are available to everyone. Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial. I keep all of you in my prayers, especially those suffering most greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. I thank you, and with great affection I send you my blessing. Prayers can be found at https://zenit.org/articles/pope-urges-praying-rosary-in-marianmonth-of-may/

MISSION STATEMENT St Theresa’s Catholic Parish is a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming community committed to living and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Under our baptismal mission and inspired by the Spirit, we are bread for one another and nourished we reach out to make a difference in the world.

St Theresa’s Parish

Fourth Sunday of Easter Let us Begin All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Today is known as Good Shepherd Sunday, for the Gospel is always taken from St John, where Jesus speaks of himself as the ‘Good Shepherd’. A shepherd leads his flock and Jesus is the shepherd who leads his followers. The sheep know his voice, trust him, and will follow only him. In the same way, we also keep today as Vocations Sunday, when the Church prays for new ‘good shepherds’ to lead our Christian communities, especially at this difficult time. Gospel John 10: 1–10 Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. Jesus said: ‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers’. Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them. So Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I tell you most solemnly, I am the gate of the sheepfold. All others who have come are thieves and brigands; but the sheep took no notice of them. I am the gate. Anyone who enters through me will be safe: they will go freely in and out and be sure of finding pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full’. The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection Today, come and spend some quality time with the Lord. Slowly and deliberately, read the text. It may be familiar, but there may be a phrase which strikes anew. Stay with it and ponder. The gatekeeper protects what is most valuable to him: his sheep. Whom or what do I consider to be most valuable to me? Do I, like the Pharisees, adhere rigidly to rules and regulations to keep out those I consider to be brigands and thieves? Or do I simply trust the Lord to look after my treasures and myself, as the shepherd looks after his flock? I take time to listen to his voice speaking to me through his words. What do I hear him say to me? How do I feel? I may come to realise that in the past I have been lured by other voices which I did not recognise, yet still followed. I tell the Lord about this. I also tell him how I want to respond to his voice today. Prayers for the community All: As Jesus said, he came to offer the wor ld boundless life. Let us pray for whole of creation to share fully in

this divine gift. For Pope Francis, chief shepherd of the flock, and all who are pastors in Jesus’ name, that they will care for those

entrusted to them with life-giving love. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our prayer

For Christian communities in every land, that God will call forth dedicated men and women to serve as ministers of

gospel life. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our prayer

For world leaders, that their cooperative response to COVID-19 will bear fruit in effective common action to protect the

planet from climate change. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our prayer

For citizens everywhere, that they will emerge from the coronavirus pandemic with a new awareness of and

commitment to our shared humanity. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our prayer For family members unable to grieve together for loved ones who have died, that they will find ways of comforting and

supporting one another through this time of loss. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our prayer Make your own prayers Together we pray the Our Father Final prayer and blessing Leader: Shepherding God, we have heard the voice of Jesus, your son. May Jesus lead us into the valleys and roads of peace so that we may learn from him to call each other by name and make space for one another, so that all may live abundant lives. May God bless us and keep us safe. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PLANNED GIVING ST THERESA’S We have had a number of enquiries from parishioners asking how they can pay their

Planned Giving contributions. One way is to make a Direct Deposit if you wish. The bank details are listed below.

CBA: St Theresa’s Catholic Parish BSB:064 486 Account Number: 514331500

Please reference your envelope number if you have one.

St Theresa’s Parish

THE PLENARY COUNCIL IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Written by Mary Otto Who would have imagined nearly two years ago at the launch of the Plenary Council that we would find our-selves in such unusual circumstances? Various teams appointed, dates set, processes launched, and we were all in-vited to respond to the question “What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?” It has been more than 80 years since the last Plenary Council was held in this country, under vastly different circumstances. Not that times were any easier, with the population dealing with the aftermath of the Depression and the very real possibility of another World War. Just as it has affected our lives, COVID-19 enters plans for a Plenary Council assembly that was to be different in so many ways. In early April the announcement came that the first assembly, which was to be held in October this year, would be postponed. Our country has changed in unimaginable ways since 1937. Despite the promise of the outcome of Vatican II, nearly thirty years later, to many, our church appeared to have not kept up with reality. Its leaders’ increasing awareness of the fact that many baptised Catholics have been struggling to find meaning in the life of the church as they experienced it prompted the need, as they saw it, for another Plenary Council. For the first time in the history of Plenary Councils in Australia, the laity would play an active part in its formation and outcomes. Many of us welcomed the opportunity to respond to the initial question, sharing our thoughts and life experi-ences. A year later many actively listened and discerned the responses to that initial question, in the hope of sharing their wisdom for those preparing the papers for the Council that may shape a Church that might more deeply touch the hearts of the people. In March the Bishop’s Commission for the Plenary Council announced the names of the delegates who would be attending the two assemblies of the Council. Along with Bishop Robert McGuckin, Fr John Quinlan VG and Fr Franco Filipetto, our diocese will be ably represented by Dr Mark Copland and Mrs Patrice Riordan as our lay delegates. In May 2020 the Bishops of Australia will consider a new timeline for the Plenary Council preparation and assembly. We stand at this point in uncertain times as we are challenged to reconsider how we live our lives as in-dividuals and community. Just as many of us are communicating with loved ones using technology, during Holy Week and Easter we were provided with the opportunity to celebrate the liturgies of the season using technologies that were unheard of in 1937. Even in our church, we have realised already the need to gather in whatever way we can, to remember that we do not live as islands but in connection with each other. For the moment, the Plenary Council Facilitator, Lana Turvey Collins invites us to look to the future in new and challenging ways. We are asked to remain engaged with the process of discernment as the timeline and plans for the upcoming Plenary Council assemblies are altered to fit these uncertain times. In the meantime, we can con-

tinue to keep in our thoughts and prayers the work of those making the decisions that may ultimately contribute to making a difference to how we live as a people of faith.

(Originally written for Horizons magazine May edition)

DAILY MASSES ON LINE SUNDAY MASSES ON LINE

St Theresa’s East Toowoomba—9am mass Wednesday Available through our youtube channel—St Theresa’s East Toowoomba. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKTEmLMUB7sC4kfQ4V9oQ7Q

Toowoomba Diocese – www.twb.catholic.org.au 9am Mass each Sunday available through direct link via home page on web site OR search youtube – Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba OR Facebook- Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba

Archdiocese of Brisbane - https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/multimedia/web-cast-schedule/ 8 am Mass daily

Archdiocese of Brisbane - https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/multimedia/web-cast-schedule/ 8am and 10am Mass each Sunday

Diocese of Townsville – www.tsv.catholic.org.au or youtube.com/user/SacredHeartCathTSV 10am Mass daily

Diocese of Townsville – www.tsv.catholic.org.au or youtube.com/user/SacredHeartCathTSV 10am Mass each Sunday

Diocese of Rockhampton – www.rok.catholic.net.au or Youtube.com/user/StJosephsCathRton 12noon Mass daily

Diocese of Rockhampton – www.rok.catholic.net.au or Youtube.com/user/StJosephsCathRton 9.30am Mass each Sunday

Diocese of Cairns - www.cairns.catholic.org.au OR YouTube Channel Diocese of Cairns 5.30pm Mass daily

Diocese of Cairns - www.cairns.catholic.org.au OR YouTube Chan-nel Diocese of Cairns 10am and 5.30pm each Sunday

Archdiocese of Sydney – www.stmarycathedral.org.au 9am Mass daily – at the Cathedral. See website for other par-ish masses

Archdiocese of Sydney – www.stmarycathedral.org.au 10.30 am Mass daily - at the Cathedral. See website for other par -ish masses 5pm Liturgy of the Hours – Vespers and Benediction

Archdiocese of Melbourne – www.melbournecatholic.org.au/Mass 1pm Daily Mass Monday-Friday – any changes of times can be viewed on website. 8am Daily Mass Saturday

Archdiocese of Melbourne – www.melbournecatholic.org.au/Mass 11am Mass each Sunday

St Theresa’s Parish

CONTACTS NOTICE

Parish Priest:

Fr Brian Noonan ph:4696 7094 e-mail: brian.noonan@sttheresas.org.au brianjnoonan@bigpond.com

Pastoral Associate

Monica Brennan Ph.: 4639 4688 Fax 4639 6538 e-mail: monica@sttheresas.org.au

Parish Secretary:

Janet Weier Ph.: 4639 4688 Fax: 4639 6538 e-mail: office@sttheresas.org.au

Church: Cnr Campbell & Curzon Sts, Toowoomba

Office: 55 Curzon Street, Toowoomba

Parish Website www.sttheresas.org.au

Parish Pastoral Council

Fr Brian Noonan, Michael Murtagh, Tim Burgess, Bernadatte Zimbwa, Gailene Jurgs, Matt Boyd, David Wilson, Trish Kennedy-Lee, Lauren Newman, Monica Brennan.

Finance Committee

Fr. Brian Noonan, Pat Morton, Warren Dredge, Ray Taylor, Shane Blakeley, Brian Wilson, Pat Richardson, Alfia Ginardi.

Liturgy Team

Fr. Brian Noonan, Jan Mayo, Peter Kenny, Libby Rosentreter, Monica Brennan, Gay Jorgensen. Suzanne Cavanagh, Elizabeth Stewart.

Musicians

Norma Kenny, Kathy Sternes, Elizabeth Stewart, Libby Rosentreter.

Baptism Team:

Cath Kelly, Jenny Ryan, Tracy George, Bernadette Hede, Alison Daniel, Anne Anderson, Jan Watkins, Maureen Burke, Angela Irvine, Mary Otto, Jane Burgess, Catherine Cooper. Sacramental Team:

Monica Brennan, Angela Martlew, David Wilson, Gay Jorgensen. Consolation Team:

Fr Brian Noonan, Lyn McRae, Peter Kenny, Bette Flamsteed, Pam Merritt, Alf Mason, Moya Schaefer, Josephine Nolan, Liz Phelan, Monica Brennan

Welcome & Hospitality Team:

Paul & Kathryn Marangelli, Maureen Burke.

Family Groups: Contact Parish Office 4639 4688

Care & Concern Team

Coordinator: Pamela Merritt

RCIA Coordinator: David Wilson

OTHER RESOURCE SITES WHICH CAN BE ACCESSED DURING THIS TIME OF ISOLATION

MyParishApp Visit myparishapp.com to download our parish app. 1. Download myParish App 2. Select St Theresa’s Toowoomba after opening the

App and you will receive the bulletin, messages and other useful resources.

LiturgyHelp LiturgyHelp have created free access to individual and family prayer resources for Catholics in social isolation. 1. Go to liturgyhelp.com/aus/pray. Once you are have

gone to this site, follow the directions to create a login. 2. Liturgyhelp also have a facebook page which you can

access if you are a facebook user.

CARITAS NEWS FROM CATHERINE MCALEER Lounge Room Sessions Aria award winning Gary Pinto is bringing an all star music line-up to your lounge room on Saturday 9th May at 4pm for free. Details of artists are emerging - so far they include Gary Pinto, Diesel and Carmen Smith. More artists to come! For more details go to: https://covid19-crisis-appeal.raisely.com/loungeroomsessions To register go to: https://www.livemusic2u.com/loungeroomsessions/ In conjunction with the Lounge Room Session there is a film competition running. Create a video of yourself, your family/friends singing, playing or dancing to the Gary Pinto song for Project Compassion "Walk with Me". The winning video will be played at the Lounge Room Session. For all the details go to: https://covid19-crisis-appeal.raisely.com/loungeroomsessionscomp Project Compassion Thank you for your continued support and the remittance of funds. A reminder that if you have funds you would like to remit you can do that in the following ways.

Phone 1800 024 413 Visit https://www.caritas.org.au and clicking the donate

now option Send a cheque to GPO Box 9830 Sydney NSW 2000 Or mail or fax this Donation Form

You may also choose to wait until Masses resume and remit all funds together. COVID-19 Resources Page We continue to upload more resources on this page. They include resources for Dioceses, Parishes, families, schools and communities. The resources are designed to help navigate and engage in this time of COVID. COVID-19 Crisis Appeal The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is amplified for those who are in communities who are already vulnerable to pov-erty, disease and malnutrition. To read how Caritas is current-ly working in these communities go to: https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/covid-19-crisis-appeal Donations can be made through: https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/online-donation For further details or any questions regarding any of the infor-mation above, please contact Catherine McAleer, Diocesan Director – Toowoomba on Mondays Ph: 07 4638 7977 or caritas@twb.catholic.org.au