THE BULLETIN ST THERESA’S PARISH

22 OCTOBER 2017 TWENTY NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

HEALING FOR THE SICK Bernice Herbert Patricia (Pat) Mulhall

Parishioners: Stephen Watchman Carol Spence

Rosemary Carter Len Pauli

Neville Preece John Robinson

Chris McNally John Thompson

Patricia Cantwell (Kathy Sternes fr iend)

Thelma & Doug Wall

(Lillian Ashcroft’s sister & brother in law)

Robert & Donna Ashcroft

(Lillian Ashcroft’s sister & brother in law)

Freda Coorey (Kathy Sternes Fr iend) Shona Kraayvanger

(Gabrielle Adam’s daughter) Joe Short (Powell family group) Enrico Marsili (Raul Ruffini’s nephew)

Indiana Harman

(Ray & Madeline Taylor’s Granddaughter)

Louis Gandini (Lina Pervan’s brother)

Connie Bamgart (Lina Pervan’s friend)

Elaine Dillon (Vivienne Pr ice’s mother)

Pamela Dyson (Sandra Madden’s sister)

Patricia Jenkins (Thel Jelley’s cousin)

Roslyn Morton (Patr ick’s sister)

Simon Riethmuller (Shir ley’s son)

Max Shearer

(Grandson - Tom & Judy Shearer)

John Mullen (Helen McNaught’s nephew)

Archie Mullen (Helen McNaught’s

brother)

Reet Hughes (ex Par ishioner and close

friend of Bette Flamsteed)

Br Ed Collins OH

ANNIVERSARIES

Nancy Murphy Terry O’Brien Estelle Stein

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.

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29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The Scriptures proclaimed to us today contain a fascinating reality. Listen to the opening words of our first reading from the prophet Isaiah: “Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him.” Allow me to put things in perspective. Cyrus was the king of Persia during the Babylonian exile when the Jewish people were conquered and taken off into captivity. During the exile, King Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and set the Jewish people free, rebuilding their holy temple out of his royal treasury. In our first reading this foreign king, a pagan, is called God’s “anointed,” that is “Messiah” or “Christ,” the only non-Jew ever to be called so. This reading proclaims in no uncertain terms that God is in control. The universe belongs to the Lord, who can use even those who are outside the dispensation of faith to bring about his salvation.

This reading is paralleled by today’s Gospel, which mentions Cae-sar, the emperor of the Roman Empire. In a certain sense the Romans can-not be compared to the Persians, since the Romans actually conquered and oppressed the Jewish people and eventually sacked Jerusalem, destroying her holy temple. They also oppressed Christianity and at times used the Christian Church as a political device. Yet in another sense, it cannot be denied that through the Roman Empire, salvation was brought to the ends of the earth. That is not to say God made the Romans oppress and destroy, but that God always has the power to make the best out of the worst possible situation. Death can lead to resurrection. For while Ro-man rule and oppression made all seem hopeless to both Jews and Chris-tians alike, God was indeed working, and over time the network of the Empire became the medium by which the faith spread throughout the en-tire world. So because of God’s light shining in a dark place, though at times it may have seemed dim, Europe became Christian, and as a result we here in Australia are able to know Christ.

This brings me to a question I have. What belongs to God, and what belongs to Caesar? Of course Jesus was right that the denarius belongs to Caesar, but our readings together show us a bigger picture. Ultimately the denarius belongs to God, for everything, including Caesar, belongs to the Lord from whom all things proceed and to whom all things will return. I believe this leaves us with at least two important messages: Firstly, since we belong to the Lord, let’s act like it! Let us fulfil Jesus’ command and give ourselves daily to our Lord, which is what true freedom consists of. Secondly, let us not be tempted to despair. God is constantly working, and if God can use the Roman Empire to spread salvation, he can make good out of any situation. Let’s look carefully with the eyes of faith for the traces of God, for that light which shines in the darkness, though it may at times seem dim. By: Thomas Duncan

MASSES

St Theresa’s Parish

READINGS BAPTISMS

MON NO MASS

TUE NO MASS

WED 9AM MASS

THU NO MASS

FRI 9AM MASS

SAT 6PM MASS

SUN 9.30AM MASS

RECONCILITATION IS

AVAILABLE BEFORE MASS

OR BY APPOINTMENT

First Reading: Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6

I have taken the hand of Cyrus to subdue nations before his countenance.

Responsorial Psalm: 95: 1, 3-5, 7-10

Give the Lord glory and honour.

Second Reading: Thessalonians 1: 1-5 We are mindful of your faith, hope, and love. Gospel Acclamation: Philippians 2: 15-16

Alleluia, alleluia! Shine on the world like bright stars; you are offering it the word of life. Alleluia!

Gospel: M atthew 22: 15-21

Give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and to God the things that are God’s. Next week’s readings. Exodus 22: 20-26 Thessalonians 1: 5-10 Matthew 22: 34-40

Baptisms are celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday

of the month either during Mass at 9.30am

or after Mass at 11am.

SPRED VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT OCTOBER 2017

You are invited to support this initiative by talking about the work of SPRED to friends, family and colleagues. Please see the details below regarding an information session for anyone interested in finding out more about how to become involved. WHEN: Monday, 30th October, 10-00am-10-45am OR 5-15pm - 6pm WHERE: SPRED Centre, 34 Hume St, Tmba. NB: There is an immediate need for volunteers in the following groups. Monday or Thursday: 6.30-8.30pm at the SPRED centre. Wednesday: 6.30-8.30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Tuesday or Wednesday: 10.00am-12.00 Spred Centre.

MATER DEI CENTENARY MASS CELEBRATION

Please join us as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Mater Dei School

at St Theresa’s Parish Centre

55 Curzon St, East Toowoomba on Saturday 28th October 2017

with the Centenary Mass at 11.00am presided by Fr Brian Noonan

Following mass, light refreshments will be served at the school with the Time Capsule Opening &

Cutting of the Centenary Cake. The School Fair will begin at 1pm

Have your Say: Diocesan Consultation Survey

Over the next few weeks, the diocese is conducting a consultation survey. The information that you are able to provide as members of the diocese will be used to discern diocesan priorities and strategies to form a Diocesan Pastoral Plan for the next five years. A Consultation Survey has been designed to provide an avenue for as many people and groups as possible to be heard, whether active or not as Catholics. You are encouraged to participate in this survey and to invite other family members and friends to share their perspectives on how we can “Create welcoming com-munities from the Range to the Borders where God’s love and the joy of the Gospel is experienced and shared. Survey forms to by completed by 3 November 2017.

Consolation Quote

When someone you love

becomes a memory,

the memory becomes a

treasure.

MATER DEI CENTENARY BOOK

The Centenary Yearbook Committee needs your

Help! We’d love some extra hands to help us create an outstanding commemorative yearbook and an archive of our history. Do you have memorabilia, photos, artefacts and anecdotes to share from your time at Mater Dei? We’re looking for stories from

families and friends of the school and parish. With thanks from Lauren Wright -

laurenwright77@gmail.com

St Theresa’s Parish

CARE AND CONCERN HEALING MASS Invitations to the Anointing and Healing Mass on 16 November are available in the foyer for you to collect. If you have been overlooked, please contact the parish office 4639 4688. Mulidraw raffles tickets available in the foyer. Still only $1-00 per ticket.

PRIESTS RETIREMENT FOUNDATION

This weekend brings us to the annual appeal for the Priest’s Retirement Fund. This appeal has been part of our Diocesan life since 1998. Currently we support 17

retired priests. Envelopes are available in the foyer. Your generous support will be greatly appreciated.

ST VINCENT de PAUL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We will assist all people in need by providing a hand up where possible and not just a hand out. We are always looking for new volunteers. If you would like to involve yourself in SVDP work, then in terms of a time commitment, you would be probably looking at a minimum of about an hour a week but like all volunteering, your time commitment can be what you allow it to be. If you are interested please contact Pat Morton (07) 4638 7586

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A MEMBER OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL FOR ST THERESA’S?

There are a number of current committee members who will finish their term at the end of this year. Nomination forms are available from the parish office. Nominations close 30 October. RENEWAL OF MINISTRY ROSTERS FOR WEEKEND LITURGIES All parishioners are asked to complete Ministry sign on sheets available in the foyer, even if you are currently involved in Ministries for Eucharistic celebrations. If you are unable to be a part of Ministry at this time, please complete personal details so we can keep our parish data base up to date. THINK PINK AT TWILIGHT

St Ursula’s Pink Ladies Group invite you to an evening on the lawn in support of Breast Cancer Awareness being held on Friday 27 October. Where: St Ursula’s College, 38 Taylor St, Toowoomba Time: 4.30 to 6.00pm. Tickets: $25-00 each Contact: Ms Heidi Rose 4631 0856

NOTICES

YEAR OF YOUTH 2018

Australian Catholic Youth Festival. When: 7-9 December 2017 Where: Sydney Who: Year 9 students to 30 year olds. Cost: $220-00 Join the group from the Toowoomba Diocese along with Sarah de Byl, (Youth Ministry Diocesan Co-ord) and Tom Duncan. For further information, see flyer in the foyer or email: youngcatholic@twb.catholic.org.au

This first webinar will focus on gathering Year of Youth Contacts and Ambassadors from local faith communities across Australia. Malcolm Hart, Director of the ACBC Office for Youth will be our key speaker breaking open the vision and goals for the Year of Youth. Date: Tuesday 24th October , 2017 Time: 3.30pm AEDST: QLD 2.30pm or 7.00pm AEDST: QLD 6pm

RARE AND BEAUTIFUL SALE

The Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver are holding their Rare and Beautiful sale which will also include everyday items, jams, relish, cakes, Christmas gifts and more. When: 7am-12noon Saturday 28 October Where: 71 Margaret St Toowoomba. There will also be a multidraw raffle - $2 per ticket. For further information contact 4632 1818

FIRST RECONCILIATION Preparation for First Reconciliation

in family groups has commenced. . This Sacrament will be celebrated on the 9th November at 6.00pm. Our prayers are with you as you travel this journey.

Cash payment for the program can be made at the parish office, 55 Curzon St Twmba.

MELBOURNE CUP FUNDRAISER The Social Justice Commission are

holding their annual Melbourne Cup fundraiser.

When: 5 November 2017 Time: 6.00pm - 9.00pm Venue: St Anthony’s Parish Centre, 3 Memory St Toowoomba. Includes music, food, phantom call of the Melbourne

Cup. To register contact 4613 0895 or justice@twb.catholic.org.au RSVP by 27/10/2017

St Theresa’s Parish

CONTACTS

ST VINCENTS CARE SERVICES Parishioners may wish to contribute some of their time as a volunteer with residents at Lourdes Home in Spring St, Toowoomba. Communion Ministry, Rosary Groups, also Craft, Singing, Sewing, Bingo, Indoor Bowls, Gardening are available. If you have other gifts or talents that you with to share, please contact us at SVCS Lourdes Home on 4592 6900 or paul.howard@svha.org.au “Serve God with a great heart and a willing mind.” Mary Aikenhead

LIBRARY

Closing date for Secondary School students 27/10/2017

Parish Priest:

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

Pastoral Associate

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

Parish Secretary:

Janet Weier 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; Francis Njoroge, Danny Carter; Kathy Sternes; Paul Apel; Gerry Ryan; Tim Burgess; Rhianna Conaghan; Gay Jorgensen; Jenny Ryan; Vanessa Horton; Tom Duncan; Monica Brennan.

Finance Committee

Fr. Brian Noonan; Pat Morton; Warren Dredge; Ray Taylor: Shane Blakeley; Brian Wilson, Pat Richardson.

Liturgy Team

Fr. Brian Noonan; Jan Mayo; Peter Kenny; Carole Rogan; Libby Rosentreter ; Kay Gleeson; Monica Brennan.

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 and Catherine Cooper.

Consolation Team:

Fr Brian Noonan; Mary Otto; Lyn McRae; Peter Kenny; Bette Flamsteed; Pam Merritt; Alf Mason; Moya Schaefer, Josephine Nolan, Veronica Littleton osu; Kay McGrath rgs; Liz Phelan.

Welcome & Hospitality Team:

Paul & Kathryn Marangelli; Carole Rogan; Mary Otto; Maureen Burke.

Family Groups:

Coordinator: Brian Wilson.

Care & Concern Team

Coordinator: Moya Schaefer.

DIARY OCTOBER

Every Tuesday

St Vincent de Paul St Theresa’s Conference, 4pm Contact 4636 4371

First Tuesday

Care and Concern Meeting, 9.30am Parish Office.

First Wednesday

Parish morning tea at 9.45am, Cobb & Co Museum

Second Sunday

Mad Toowoomba Group from 7.00pm at St Anthony’s. Parish Centre. (Grade 7-12 people) PH: 4636 0461