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The Catholic Parishes of

MOUNT GAMBIER and MILLICENT Palm Sunday – Year A 9

th April, 2017

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD-

HOLY WEEK BEGINS

Holy Week begins today with Palm Sunday of the

Passion of the Lord. Our Masses begin as we remember the welcome of Jesus into Jerusalem as Messiah, Saviour and King and then read the Passion. Here we realize that he saves, not by power, might or manipulation, but by suffering and dying on the cross. We are being drawn into this apparent contradiction and mystery. Over the next week we remember the Lord’s last supper, his betrayal, suffering and death on the cross and then his glorious resurrection to new life. But we

do much more than call to mind past events. For us, just like God’s People of Israel, to remember and commemorate is to bridge the gap between the past and the present. Each year when they remembered and celebrated the Passover and called to mind their salvation from slavery in Egypt, they had the sense that the same powerful and loving God, the God of their ancestors, was still present with them and saving them still. Memory for them had the power of bringing the past into the present. It’s the same for us. God’s salvation won by the death and resurrection of Jesus, cannot be contained to one period of time and to one group of people, but is for all peoples of all time. As we remember, through Word and Sacrament, we enter into the transcendent realm of God’s faithful love. As we remember Jesus through the journey of his passion, death and resurrection, Jesus is really present amongst us now, saving us now. This is the meaning of his words at the Last Supper, “Do this in Memory of Me.” We are saved from the slavery of self centredness and sin; we are renewed in our relationship with God, with others and within ourselves. I encourage you to celebrate all our Holy Week and Easter Ceremonies so as to experience deeply the saving presence of Christ amongst us. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

I encourage the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Easter. In particular, there’s the Second Form of the Rite of Reconciliation

on Tuesday April 11 at 7pm at St Paul’s. Three priests will be present for individual confession. HOLY WEEK AND EASTER TIMETABLE

Please take home a copy of the Holy Week and Easter Timetable for our parishes and all the parishes of our Deanery. They’re available in our porches today. Thanks.

God bless, Fr Dean

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READINGS for 16th

April Easter Sunday – Year A

Acts 10:34,37-43; Psalm 117:1-2,16-17,22-23 Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10

Psalm Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory! Christ became obedient for us even to death, dying on the cross. Therefore God raised him on high and gave him a name above all other names. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!

TODAY’S GOSPEL: Matthew 21:1-11 (Gospel during Blessing of Palms)

When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, “The Lord has need of them,” and he will send them immediately’. This took place to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your king is coming to you, humble and mounted on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of an ass’. The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the ass and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ And when he entered Jerusalem all the city was stirred, saying, ‘Who is this?’ And the crowds said, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee’.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gospel Reading of the Passion of our Lord: Matthew 26:14-27:66

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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MASS TIMES THIS WEEK:

Tuesday St Paul’s, Mt Gambier 5.00 pm

Tuesday St Alphonsus’, Millicent 5.00 pm

Wednesday St Paul’s, Mt Gambier 9.00 am

Wednesday BOANDIK Crouch St, Mt G 10.30 am

**PLEASE NOTE** There will be Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion at St Paul’s, Mt Gambier, at 9.00am on Monday, 10th April.

There will be NO Morning Mass on Holy Thursday or Holy Saturday. Also there will be NO 6.00pm Vigil Mass at St Paul’s on Holy Saturday.

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HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES TIMETABLE

HOLY THURSDAY Mass of the Lord’s Supper:

St Paul’s, Mt Gambier 7.00pm

St Alphonsus’, Millicent 7.00pm

GOOD FRIDAY Stations of the Cross:

St Paul’s, Mt Gambier 11.00am

St Augustine’s, Port MacDonnell 9.30am

St Alphonsus’, Millicent 11.00am

St Brigid’s, Beachport 10.00am

St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Robe 12.00 noon

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion:

St Paul’s, Mt Gambier 3.00pm

St Alphonsus’, Millicent 3.00pm

HOLY SATURDAY The Easter Vigil:

St Paul’s, Mt Gambier 7.00pm

St Alphonsus’, Millicent 7.00pm

EASTER SUNDAY Mass of the Resurrection:

St Augustine’s, Port MacDonnell 9.00am

St Paul’s, Mt Gambier 11.00am

St Brigid’s, Beachport 10.00am

St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Robe 12.00 noon

NO morning Mass at Millicent on Easter Sunday.

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ALTAR OF REPOSE The Altar of Repose on Holy Thursday will continue until Midnight in both Millicent and Mount Gambier. Night Prayer will be prayed at 11.45pm. This tradition is in answer to Christ's invitation to his disciples, "Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?" (Matt 26:40). Please consider putting your name on the roster to spend a half hour or hour in prayer before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

--- Fr Dean and Fr Michael

FR PAUL GARDINER’S FUNERAL MASS A replay of the Funeral Mass for Fr Paul held recently at Penola can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDFz9C6iMYE The link is also available through the parish website.

GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION

The annual collection for the support of the church in the Holy Land takes place within the Liturgy on Good Friday. This collection promotes the missionary work of the Church in the Holy Land, pastoral care to those in need and also the upkeep and maintenance of 74 church and shrines associated with the life of Jesus. Thanks for your generosity. -- Fr Dean

GOOD FRIDAY: Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstinence. In current Catholic practice, fasting means having only one full meal on a day and two smaller meals. Abstinence is the practice of not eating meat. The law of fasting applies to people from 18 to 59 years old. Everyone aged 14 years and older is bound by the law of abstinence from meat. Fasting and abstinence does not apply to the sick, frail, pregnant and nursing women. Please speak to Fr Dean or Fr Michael if you have any questions.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN

MOUNT GAMBIER THANKS FOR THE PARISH PICNIC The Parish Picnic, held last Sunday afternoon after the 11.00am Family Mass, was a wonderful success. It involved many families, children and parishioners from both our Parish Community and Tenison Woods College. All money raised will go towards the Youth of the Parish who will attend the National Catholic Youth Festival later in the year in Sydney and also to the people of Timor Leste, given to them by the students and staff of Tenison Woods College on their annual Emersion Experience. I thank members of our parish Hospitality and Fundraising Committee, the Staff and Students of Tenison and all who were involved in the event. -- Fr Dean

CELEBRATION AFTER THE EASTER VIGIL After the Easter Vigil, there will be a celebration in the Parish Hall and an opportunity to congratulate our new Catholics. Please bring a plate of sweet or savoury food to share. This can be left in the hall before the beginning of the Easter Vigil. Drinks, coffee and tea will be available. - Fr Michael PARISH RAFFLE: The Raffle started at the Parish Picnic will not be drawn until after the Easter Vigil, so don’t give up hope if you have a ticket, and if you have not got a ticket yet call into the Parish Office and purchase some they are only $1.00 each and there are 3 prizes. Thanks, Carol Chislett

FLOWERS FOR EASTER: If any parishioners wish to donate towards the cost of flowers for Easter, please contact Pat at the Parish Office on 8725 6566. - Fr

Michael

SACRAMENT PREPARATION The Sacrament Preparation Group now have a short break from formal studies and lessons, but I invite you all to come to the wonderful Easter Ceremonies in the Church and remind you to make sure you get your homework up to date. The next Session is Family Session E on Thursday the 4th May. Wishing you all a Happy and safe Easter. Thanks, Carol Chislett

TENISON WOODS COLLEGE NEWS: On Thursday, students from the Middle School participated in their annual A-thon day. Year 8 students were involved in a ‘Greatest Race challenge’ using clues from the countries used in this year’s Project Compassion stories. Year 6/7 & 9 students participated in ‘bucket’ challenges, carrying buckets of water to highlight one of the many challenges that people living in some countries have in accessing clean water. Students gathered sponsorships and donations towards Project Compassion. Students and staff enjoyed participating and contributing to this important appeal. Mass at TWC Chapel – Please note the next Mass on a Thursday at the Chapel will be on 11th May at 9.15am.

Visual Aid at work in our Parish: Thanks to all who have placed goods in the basket on the Sanctuary so far, this is an ongoing initiative for our Parish which enables us all to reach out and assist the vulnerable in our midst.

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MOUNT GAMBIER PARISH VISION:

To be a welcoming faith community that celebrates

and makes alive the love of Christ, reaching out to all

with respect, tolerance and compassion.

LAST SUNDAY’S COLLECTIONS:

Planned Giving (PGP) Envelopes: $1,967.00 Loose: $ 496.50 First Collection: $1,261.50 Project Compassion to date: $1,022.40

ROSTERS: SACRISTY CLEANER FOR APRIL: Carol Chislett. ST. PAUL’S CLEANING: 2

nd to 16

th April:

J. Cesario, Zawadi Rashidi, Lawrence Cutts. VOTIVE CANDLE STAND: ALTAR BREAD MAKING: Emma Mitchell & Rayhna Stephens. THIS WEEK’S COUNTING TEAM: Barb Lees-Margiotta & Phil Guthridge.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

IN MILLICENT

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED:

The Office will be closed from the 11th April and will re-open on 27th April. For any Pastoral Issues please contact Glenise Cull on 87332978 or Gwenda Browne on 87332790. For any other emergencies please contact the Mt Gambier Catholic Parish on 87256566 Thank-you, Tania Millard, Parish Office Secretary

Easter Roster All volunteers please check roster in foyer and confirm with Gwenda or Mary Dawson your availability, Thank you. Stations of the Cross will be celebrated at Terri & Peter Scanlon’s home this afternoon at 2.00pm. Please bring a plate for afternoon tea. All welcome

Flowers for Altar of Repose

Donation of flowers is required for the Altar of Repose. If you can help please drop flowers off at St Alphonsus’ Church’ Millicent on Thursday, 13th April. DISCIPLES RENEWAL GATHERINGS

On Thursday, April 20, from 7pm til 8.30pm with Supper in the Parish Hall

LITURGY STALL: Please note the liturgy stall will be open before & after Mass each Sunday after Easter. First Communion & Confirmation gifts & cards are now available. To view at other times contact Clenise Cull Ph 8733 2978.

Last Sunday’s Collection Planned Giving: $471.00 Loose Coin: $112.00 First Collection: $178.55

Roster for Saturday, 15th

April – Easter Vigil Commentator: Glenise Cull. Readers: Amanda Parslow, Mary Dawson. Extraordinary Ministers: Terri Laucirica, Graham Loveday, Ann MacLennan. Counting Team: Sean Smyth, Anna Mullan, and Mary Dawson.

OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

A Eucharistic Community of Missionary Disciples.

Through a personal encounter with Jesus may we become a

caring community, nourished by the Eucharist, scripture and

prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit, to reach out with love,

to all.

MASS AND ROSARY: On the Wednesdays of Lent, there will be Rosary at 9.30am in St Alphonsus’ Church, after the regular 9.00am Mass.

CALENDAR

Sheoak Lodge- LWHC or Monthly Mass – 25th April

at 1.00pm

Finance Council Meeting – 23rd

May – 7pm

Meditation Group Wednesdays at 4.30pm in the Parish Meeting Room

Baptism Preparation at the office Second Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm bookings are required please ring Parish Office on 87333530

ST ANTHONY’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS:

APRIM News: During Week 11, there will be a great deal going on as we prepare for the building program to commence. This will not detract from our ability to recall the key points of Holy Week. On Monday at 2.30 p.m. 5-6 RF will lead us through the first of our Holy Week Assemblies. On Tuesday, at 2.30 p.m. 5-6 HK will lead the second Assembly. Wednesday will be a reflection day for all classes on the Stations of the Cross. Commemoration of the Passion – Thursday, 13

April: The Year 7 students will hold a Commemoration of the Passion including the Last Supper, immediately before to school closing for Term 1. A gold coin donation towards Project Compassion is requested on this day. Thank you all for your amazing support. Sacramental Program: A reminder to families that it is very important to attend the Easter Ceremonies which celebrate the very core of the Christian faith. I have met with the children again this week. It is important that you talk with your children about what they are learning, about the Church and also that they know what they are doing. A reminder too, that each candidate will need to choose both a sponsor and the name of a Saint: one whose life is one that appeals to them in such a way they would use their life as a model for their own. Websites that might interest the children and their

families are: http://www.domestic-

church.com/CONTENT.DCC/pages.dir/saints.htm

http://www.catholic.org/saints/

http://www.catholic-pages.com/dir/saints.asp

Ali Noonan, Assistant Principal [Religious Identity & Mission]

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PROJECT COMPASSION: If you have not returned you Project Compassion boxes and envelopes, please bring them along next weekend. Receipts are available on request from the Parish Office.

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PARISH INFORMATION Parish Priest: Fr Dean Marin

Assistant Priest: Fr Michael Romeo

MOUNT GAMBIER CATHOLIC PARISH

MILLICENT CATHOLIC PARISH

St Paul’s Church, Penola Road, Mount Gambier Saturday (Vigil Mass): 6pm Mass Sunday: 11am Mass 5pm Youth Mass (2nd and 4th Sundays)

Weekday Masses: Please consult parish newsletter Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 11.30am-12noon & 5.15pm-5.45pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Friday: After 12.05pm Mass and concluding with Holy Hour and Benediction from 5pm-6pm St Augustine’s Church, Jeffries Street, Port MacDonnell 1st, Sunday: 9am LWHC 2nd, 3rd Sunday: 9am Mass 4th, 5th Sunday: 9am LWHC

St Alphonsus’ Church, George Street, Millicent 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th Sunday: 9am Mass 3rd Sunday: 6pm Saturday (Vigil Mass) Weekday Masses: Please consult parish newsletter Sacrament of Reconciliation Tuesday: 4.30pm-4.55pm 3rd Saturday: 5.15pm-5.45pm St Mary Star of the Sea Church, Hagen Street, Robe 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th Sunday: 12noon Mass 4th Sunday: No Mass or LWHC St Brigid’s Church, Railway Terrace, Beachport 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday: 10am Mass 2nd, 4th Sunday: 10am LWHC

Parish Office 26 Penola Road PO Box 45, Mount Gambier, SA 5290 Phone: 08 8725 6566 Fax: 08 8725 6409 Email: mt.gambier.catholic1@bigpond.com Web Address: www.mountgambiercatholic.org.au

Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9am-3pm Wednesday: 9am-12noon Friday: 9am-5pm

Secretary: Pat Finnis Pastoral Associate: Carol Chislett PPC Chair: Jennie Sanderson Child Protection Officer: Jennie Sanderson

Parish Office George Street PO Box 49, Millicent SA 5280 Phone: 08 8733 3530 Fax: 08 8733 1593 Email: millparish@bigpond.com.au Web Address: www.millicentparish.com

Office Hours Tuesday: 10am-4.30pm Thursday: 10am-2pm

Secretary: Tania Millard PPC Chair: Liz Smyth Child Protection Officer: Tania Millard

Tenison Woods College Principal: David Mezinec Phone: 8725 5455

St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School Principal: Amanda Parslow Phone: 8733 3479

PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR: (To have names included in the list of the sick, the person or their family must give consent.

The list will commence anew on the first Sunday of the month)

Sick: Rhonda MARTIN; Nick ANNESE; Bob McIVER; Noel SKEER; Jun ZAMORA; Michael BOON; Steven BOON; Maureen BOYLE; Fr Kevin HORSELL; Adrian SMITH; Timothy John HUGHES; Henry RIDDOCH; Frank SUTO; Zoe ULI; Mary MEDHURST; Gwen ZED; Kim DEMPSEY-DOWLING; Cath MACKINTOSH; Denis KENNY; Sylvia JONES; Danny EDSON (Adelaide); Fred BRESOLIN; Trisha HEHIR; Joan TAYLOR (Reilly); Helen CLIFFORD.

Recently Deceased: Peter LEONARD; Gianna D’ANGELO (Michelina Tinari’s niece, Italy); Sr Paschall (Sally) DUIGAN OLSH; Laura DI RITO; Steven HAMILTON; Jack CAVANAGH; Bernadina (Diane) JELLESMA; Tania FERSCHL (Adelaide); Fr Paul GARDINER, S.J.

Anniversaries: Juliana D’SOUZA; Wilma WISCHKI; Jack SWIGGS; Felix & Gwenowefa HARAZIM; Dale TEAGLE; May MUNRO; Kathleen STOTT; Vernon CHISLETT; Frank SPURLING; Katie McINTYRE; Danny & Philip WATTS; Grant BATTERSBY; Bridget Anne CORY; Giulio PUIATTI.

Memorials: Evie & Zoe CUTTING; Bill McINTYRE; Anastasia ATTIWILL; Mary SANTORO.