THE BULLETIN ST THERESA’S PARISH

7 MAY 2017 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A

HEALING FOR THE SICK: Br Luke Quinn (Christian Brother) Trish Marshall

Parishioners:

Stephen Watchman

Rosemary Carter Len Pauli

Neville Preece Mike Green

Chris McNally John Robinson

Raymond Saad

John Thompson

Philomena Fry (Peter Conaghan’s Aunt) Shona Kraayvanger

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

John Gagen (Peter Kenny’s brother-in-law)

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)

Br Tom Hickey (former Marist Brother in the Diocese)

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

Thomas Ryan Peta Murphy Alice Meiklejohn Eileen Cartwright Bryan Rafter May Meiklejohn Fred Heenan Joseph Mullenbro Peg O’Brien Caitlin Ryan Pat Doyle George Hooyer

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.

REFLECTION BY:

THOMAS DUNCAN 4th Sunday of Easter Year A

One of the things that has struck me most since commencing my pastoral year here in Toowoomba, is the great suffering that people live with each day. It’s true that we have it pretty good here in Australia, it’s no Syria or Iraq, yet each of us is touched by suffering in very real ways, to various degrees, and at various stages in our lives. From the loss of a loved one, to tragedy and illness, to abuse and violence, to the burden of caring for someone, to loneliness, marital problems, addiction, existential anguish… The list could go on. And the question I’m confronted with over and over again is why? Why me? Why has God let this happen to me, a good person? I don’t have an answer to the question of why. However, today’s readings do speak to the universal reality of human suffering and death in a way that touches the very core of Christianity and of our current Easter season. “Anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand… I tell you most solemnly, I am the gate of the sheepfold… Anyone who enters through me will be safe… I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.” Brothers and sisters, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that there is no other way to pasture, to salvation, to the fullness of life, except through him. That is, by embracing the pattern of his crucified and risen life. The one who tries to attain the joy of resurrection and bypass the cross is a thief and brigand, because to do so is to reject one’s humanity and to fail to live in truth. In a sense, to go through Jesus is to face and embrace our own reality, because that’s exactly what he did. God entered fully into human nature, facing and embracing the worst suffering that was on offer. Christ’s suffering, wounded, crucified body is our own, and vice versa. Yet Jesus was not just a man. United to and inseparable from his suffering humanity was the glory of the divine life. There’s something to say for us then, in our suffering humanity. Amongst it all, clinging to the person of Jesus who suffered, and continues to suffer with us and in us, and living in and from that communion with him turns our suffering on its head. Somehow, if we are willing to daily invite Jesus in through the cracks of our lives, his light will come streaming in. Suddenly all the darkness in the world is bearable, and life is so much deeper and fuller. I think our second reading sums it up well: “Christ suffered for you and left you an example for you to follow the way he took… By his wounds you have been healed.”

PARISH 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: Acts 2: 14, 36-41

God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm22: 1-6

The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

Second Reading: Peter 2: 20-25

You had gone astray but now you have come back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, Alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me. Alleluia!

Gospel: John 10: 1-10

I am the gate of the sheepfold. Next week’s readings. Acts 6: 1-7 Peter 2: 4-9 John 14: 1-12

Baptisms are celebrated on the

second and fourth Sunday of the

month either during Mass at

(9.30am) or after Mass at

(11.00am).

THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL Pope 134 - 135

Universities are outstanding environments for articulating and developing this evangelising commitment in an interdisciplinary and integrated way. Catholic schools, which always strive to join their work of education with the explicit proclamation of the Gospel, are a most valuable resource for the evangelisation of culture, even in those countries and cities where hostile situations challenge us to greater creativity in our search for suitable methods. THE HOMILY Let us now look at preaching within the liturgy, which calls for serious consideration by pastors. I will dwell in particular, and even somewhat meticulously, on the homily and its preparation, since so many concerns have been expressed about this important ministry and we simply cannot ignore them. The homily is the touchstone for judging a pastor’s closeness and ability to communicate to his people. We know that the faithful attach great importance to it, and that both they and their ordained ministers suffer because of homilies: the laity from having to listen to them and the clergy from having to preach them! It is sad that this is the case. The homily can actually be an intense and happy experience of the Spirit, a consoling encounter with God’s word, a constant source of renewal and growth.

When looking after ourselves

use compassion,

when looking after others

use compassion.

54th WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Today the Church asks each of us to pray for, or to consider a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life. Each person in the community has a role to play in encouraging vocations - whether by prayer, encouragement or personal suggestion. The Pope, in his Letter for today, tells “There is no room for fear!” May each one of us be fearless in praying for, and promoting more vocations.

St Theresa’s Parish

MISSING ITEMS

These items are missing from the parish kitchen - 2 storage boxes (one with pink lid and one with a

clear lid), 2 large blue bins and one stainless steel coffee pot. If you have borrowed any of these items, could you please return them as soon as possible. SPRED FUNDRAISING EVENING AT THE REPERTORY

The SPRED Community invite you to our Fundraising Evening at the Repertory Theatre to be held on Thursday, 11th May 2017. Enjoy a night at the theatre featuring the play ‘The One Day of the Year’, by Alan Seymour. Undoubtedly one of Australia’s favourite plays, The One Day of the Year explores the universal theme of father - son conflict against the background of the beery haze and the heady, nostalgic sentimentality of Anzac Day. Cost $20.00 which includes wine on arrival and supper. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Raffles with great prizes! Tickets available from the SPRED Office. For further information or to purchase tickets. Contact SPRED Office 4632 8427 or spred@twb.catholic.org.au BUS TRIP: MARIAN VALLEY

To honour the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians. Saturday 20th May. Bus departs Neil St. outside Cathedral at 7:30 am. Cost $25/30. per person. For bookings contact Theresa on 4654 9805 mob. 0434 528 904. ST SAVIOUR’S COLLEGE OPEN EVENING

Catholic Day and Boarding School for Girls in Years 7 - 12 Tuesday 23rd May 2017 from 3.00pm – 6.00pm P&F BBQ operating from 3.30pm Enquires: welcomestsav@twb.catholic.edu.au ST URSULA’S COLLEGE OPEN DAY

Will be held on Sunday 28th May from 10am-2pm 38 Taylor St Toowoomba. Contact 4632 7611 Email: enrolments@st-ursula.qld.au

NOTICES

CARE AND CONCERN HEALING MASS

Invitations to the Care and Concern Healing Mass on 18th May at 10-00am have been issued. If you have been accidentally overlooked, please contact Moya Schaefer on 0429 400 290 or the parish office 4639 4688. Multidraw Raffle tickets are for sale in the foyer. Still only $1-00 each. ST THERESA’S CONFIRMATION/ FIRST EUCHARIST PROGRAM 2017 DATES Tues 6 June Practice for Confirmation 5.30pm Wed 7 June Confirmation evening 6.30pm or or Thur 8 June Confirmation evening 6.30pm Fri 28 July First Eucharist Practice 3.30PM Sat 29 July First Eucharist Celebration or at 6pm Mass Sun 30 July First Eucharist Celebration at 9.30am Mass There are a number of information leaflets in the foyer if you were unable to attend the information session on Tuesday 14th March. Please direct any further enquiries to Mrs Claire Howden at Mater Dei Primary School (07) 4637 6100 or St Theresa’s Parish Office on (07) 4639 4688. TRAMS TOOWOOMBA

(Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Support) offers a variety of programs as a way of supporting families who are settling into our community. At the moment they are in particular need of: People to help in homework clubs (especially 3-5pm Wednesday afternoon). Extra child minders to watch young children while their mothers are in English class. (Monday 10am-12pm) Please contact 1300 477 433 or RSmith@catholiccare.services.

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OPEN DAY

St Mary’s College Open Day will be held on Sunday 28th May, from 10.00am - 1pm. Enrolments are being taken for 2018-2019. Address: 129 West St Toowoomba. For further information there is a poster in the foyer or visit www.stmaryscollege.com

St Theresa’s Parish

CONTACTS

Consolation Message.

Those we love who pass away

live on in us through our memories

and our character

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MAY Consolation Team Meeting

Tuesday 16th May, 9.30am in the parish office meeting room.

First & Third Tuesday of the Month

St Vincent de Paul St Theresa’s Conference, 4pm 4636 0461

DEVELOPING AN AUSTRALIAN THEOLOGY

Our distinctive, if not always unique, Australian experience, and the rich insights of our religious traditions, continue to shape the development of an Australian theology at the dawning of the millennium. Drawing on the insights of prominent Australian Christians writers, this ecumenical anthology explores:

Aboriginal conciliation and social justice Multiculturalism Ethical and ecological dilemmas Ways of imaging God and Communicating the

Gospel Unresolved issues, emerging questions and

hopes that are challenging Australian churches and society.

Parish Priest:

Fr Brian Noonan 4696 7094 e-mail: brian.noonan@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, Christine Harpham; Danny Carter; Kathy Sternes; Paul Apel; Gerry Ryan; Tim Burgess; Rhianna Conaghan; Gay Jorgensen; Jenny Ryan; Claire Howden. Tom Duncan; 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 & Norma Kenny; Anne Thomas; Carole Rogan; Kathy Sternes; Libby Rosentreter ; Kay Gleeson; Elizabeth Stewart, Loretta Coman.

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; Loretta Male; Peter Kenny; Bette Flamsteed; Pam Merritt; Alf Mason; Moya Schaefer, Josephine Nolan, Veronica Littleton osu; Kay McGrath rgs; Liz Phelan; Margie Sullivan; Anne Downs.

Welcome & Hospitality Team:

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

Family Groups:

Coordinator: Brian Wilson.

Care & Concern Team

Coordinator: Moya Schaefer.

First Tuesday

Care and Concern Meeting, 9.30am Parish Office.

First Wednesday

Parish morning tea at 9.45am, Park House Café.

Second Sunday

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