Vol.321/02/2021

28th February & 1st March 2021

2nd Sunday of Lent (Year B)

Served by the Discalced Carmelite Friars

-Mark 9:2-10

“This is my son, the beloved, listen to him.”

Continued on to next page...

2nd Sunday of Lent

It is good to be here In our journey towards Easter, the Second Sunday of Lent brings us to climb Mount Tabor where Jesus changed in appearance in front of Peter, James and John. The three apostles received the gift of seeing Jesus “transfigured” in the splendour of his divinity. It is good to be here, said Peter to Jesus. Hence, Lent is for us the privileged season of change, of transformation and transfiguration. It is good to be with Jesus always.

St. Pope John Paul II in Vita Consecrata comments about the Transfiguration: “Even how dark the sky of our life is, God always show us some kind of “silver lining’ in the heavens. He shows that there is always something to hope for after all these crosses in life. It was not only Jesus who was transfigured. But the apostles themselves were transformed too”.

As one of the saints said, “Prayer changes not God but the person who prays”. Yes, Prayer is an experience of heaven opening. Desmond Tutu who once said, “God places us in the world as his fellow workers-agents of transfiguration. We work with God so that injustice is transfigured into justice, so there will be more compassion and caring, that there will be more laughter and joy, that there will be more togetherness in God's world”.

Remember that vision on the Mount of Transfiguration; and let it be ours, even in the glare of earthly joys and brightness, to lift up our eyes, like those wondering three, and see no man any more, but Jesus only.

Marching in March The Autumn starts with the 1st of March. I am always looking forward to March. It is because I was born on 7th of March. This year I am completing 69 years of my earthly journey. I think, I may have a drink of “Vat 69” on that day! Take it as a joke! Kindly pray for me!

St. Joseph Being the year of St. Joseph, we are planning to have a votive mass of St. Joseph on every first Wednesday of the month. Hence, we will be celebrating this mass on 3rd of March. We are also going to start a novena to St. Joseph from 10th to 18th March in 7.30 morning mass time. We would be celebrating the solemnity of St. Joseph on Friday the 19th March.

Election in WA The 2021 Western Australian state election is scheduled for Saturday 13 March 2021 to elect members to the Parliament of Western Australia, where all 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly and all 36 seats in the Legislative Council will be up for election. Let us wish all the candidates good luck and especially Ryan Burns, a regular visitor of our parish.

World day of Prayer The world day of prayer service will be held on next Friday the 5th March at 1 pm in St. St. Damien’s Catholic church, Dawesville. I am happy to inform you that we are going to host next year’s World day of Prayer in our Church.

Prayers for Parents and their Unborn Saturday, the 6th March

at 7:30 am Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration with Prayers for Parents and their Unborn concluding with Benediction.

Friday, 5th March (the first Friday of the month) at 4:30 pm followed by Latin Mass.

Parish Sacramental Commitment Masses

The Commitment Masses for all candidates will be celebrated on the following weekends:

Sat 6pm 6th March Sun 9.30 7th March, Parish Church Sat 6pm 13th March Sun 9.30am 14th March, Parish Church Sat 6pm 20th March Sun 9.30 am 21st March, Parish Church

Please keep the students in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacraments.

Commissioning Mass The commissioning mass of the Mandurah Catholic College was held in our parish on 20th February. Around 150 staff were present for the occasion and 40 new staff have been commissioned by me. The new staff promised to diligently fulfill their roles by witnessing to the teachings of the Gospel, committing to serving the needs of the students in their care, and seeking to contribute to the well-being of all who belong to the school community. Have a beautiful long week end!

Fr. Johny Arattukulam, O.C.D.

1. “Nobody could ascend before transfigured.” ― Toba Beta

2. “Transfiguration of the self is painful since it

represents sprouting downy wings that give

flight to a battered soul.” ― Kilroy J. Oldster 3. “It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your

comfort zone that you begin to change, grow,

and transform.” ― Roy T. Bennett

4. “Success comes from the inside out. In order to change what is on the outside, you must first change what is on

the inside.” ― Idowu Koyenikan

5. “Enmity is a mental state, our task is to transform the enmity between the states into deep friendship.” ― Amit Ray

Let’s meditate on Christ the Crucified

Praise be to Jesus Christ The season of Lent provides an opportunity to introspect and examine our spiritual life. It’s a time of renewal; it’s a time of rediscovery of what has been lost; it’s a time of reconciliation. This reconciliation must take place in three levels – with God, with one’s own self and with the other. All the more it’s a journey with Christ the Crucified. We need to ask a question to ourselves. Is this journey with Christ crucified progressing? Am I really assimilating the significance of Jesus’ passion? In order to reflect further on the salvific act of Jesus, the Catholic Church gives the Transfiguration of the Lord (Mk 9, 2—10) which confirms the Jesus’ mission in Jerusalem. Here the divine aspiration of man’s redemption is clearly manifested and this passage proclaims that Jesus is the Redeemer. The presence of Moses, the greatest of law givers and Prophet Elijah, the Greatest among the prophets, who foretold the advent of the saviour, glorifies the divine plan of salvation. What led me to wonderment is the words of Peter. “Lord, let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. Does Peter need a tent? He forgot himself. Witnessing the Transfiguration of the Lord led him to self—forgetfulness. He said this, that Jesus would admit him in His Tent. We also ought to go through this experience of self-forgetfulness. Hence let us aspire to the glory of God. Have a fruitful Lent

-Fr Albin At present I am staying in our monastery at Kochi, Kerala, which is 10 km from native place. It in a way enabled me to see my parents often. Last October 5, my father celebrated his 75th birthday. My mother’s condition is same, as you all know, she is suffering from acute Parkinson’s disease. I could also see my two nephews growing smart and naught. We enjoy their innocent naughtiness.

Above all, I am extremely eager to get back to my beloved Mandurah Parish

community. I do miss you all. I know you are all praying for me. Hope I can see you

all soon. You are all in my prayers. Fr Johny gives me always an update. I am also

grateful to Fr Johny and Fr Anson for their selfless service and love. Words fail me to

express. Thank you very much indeed for everything you have been to me.

May God bless you.

Imagine you are sitting on the top of a mountain. What can you see? What do you hear? What can you smell? How do you feel?

The gospel story In today’s gospel, Jesus takes his closest friends with him and goes up a mountain where they can be alone and pray. Jesus is transformed right before their eyes, and his clothes became shining white. Moses and Elijah, who lived long before Jesus, appear from heaven beside Jesus.

A cloud passes over everyone on the mountain, and the voice of God comes from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, and I love him. Listen to what he says.”

Commentaries Just as we always hear the story of Jesus’ testing on the first Sunday of Lent, so we always hear of his transfiguration on the second. One way of interpreting this choice is to see the story of the transfiguration as a source of encouragement for us on our Lenten journey. If we were disheartened by the challenge of last Sunday’s gospel, then we might be reassured today by the vision of Jesus’ glory. The story of the transfiguration follows on from Paul’s emphatic affirmation that God is on our side, a declaration that we might well welcome after the disturbing story of Abraham and Isaac. Appealing as it is, the gospel story makes it clear that we can’t escape into an imaginary paradise as Peter was tempted to do. Jesus must come down from the mountain and continue on his way. This is the choice he makes. He faces up to the fate that awaits him in Jerusalem. What about us? Will we continue to follow him all the way to Calvary and beyond?

Reflection When we take time to pray and reflect we often gain new insights and new understandings. Think about what you know about yourself now, that you didn't know when you were younger.

First Reading

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.

I trusted, even when I said:

'I am sorely afflicted.' O precious in the eyes of the Lord

is the death of his faithful. R.

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; you have loosened my bonds.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make: I will call on the Lord's name. R.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfil

before all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord,

in your midst, O Jerusalem. R.

A reading from the book of Genesis 22:1–2, 9–13, 15–18 God put Abraham to the test. 'Abraham, Abraham' he called. 'Here I am' he replied. 'Take your son,' God said 'your only child Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him as a burnt offering, on a mountain I will point out to you.' When they arrived at the place God had pointed out to him, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood. Then he stretched out his hand and seized the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, 'Abraham, Abraham' he said. 'I am here' he replied. 'Do not raise your hand against the boy' the angel said. 'Do not harm him, for now I know you fear God. You have not refused me your son, your only son.' Then looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. Abraham took the ram and offered it as a burnt-offering in place of his son. The angel of the Lord called Abraham a second time from heaven. 'I swear by my own self - it is the Lord who speaks - because you have done this, because you have not refused me your son, your only son, I will shower blessings on you, I will make your descendants as many as the stars of heaven and the grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants shall gain possession of the gates of their enemies. All the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your descendants, as a reward for your obedience.' The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

SECOND Reading

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans 8:31–34

With God on our side who can be against us? Since God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all, we may be certain, after such a gift, that he will not refuse anything he can give. Could anyone accuse those that God has chosen? When God acquits, could anyone condemn? Could Christ Jesus? No! He not only died for us - he rose from the dead, and there at God's right hand he stands and pleads for us. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel acclamation

Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! From the shining cloud, the Father’s voice is heard:

this is my beloved Son, hear him. Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

GOSPEL

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 9:2–10 Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. 'Rabbi,' he said 'it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, 'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.' Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus. As they came down the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what 'rising from the dead' could mean. Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

ADAM ANTONY

Son of Antony & Mary

The parish community rejoices with you in this special occasion.

Congratulations to

Viv and Pam Edwards

in celebration of their golden wedding anniversary. May the Lord bless them and

keep them for many more amazing years to come.

Viv and Pam were married on 27 February 1971 in St Joseph Church in Albany by Fr Faulkner.

Mary McAleer and Dawn Chown (left photo) had a great time celebrating their 80th birthday

with the Legion of Mary.

Hi everyone!

Here are some memories from our first youth gathering for 2021! Our first official 2021 youth gathering was a very casual gathering. Our focus was trying to catch-up with the youth of the parish and discussing about our breaks and the impact of the sudden lockdown on their lives. We also discussed a lot about our personal faith journeys before and after taking part in the youth group. This youth gathering was also the very first youth gathering that we have had where we had our official logo! We explained and explored the meaning behind our logo and we personally thanked our logo’s designer, Neha Sebastian, and honoured her work and effort during this gathering. We want to thank everyone who attended our first gathering and we hope to see you guys on our next youth gathering!

-Peel Catholic Youth Core Team

Hi everyone!

We would like to invite all youth from our parish, aged between 12 and 25, to attend our youth gathering on the 7th of March. The youth gathering that will be held on that day is focused on Leadership and Faith. This is a very relevant topic to many of us, especially those who are about to take on, or have just recently taken on leadership positions in their schools, sports clubs or any other activities. We also have special guests, Robert and Christopher Kain, who will be speaking on the topic at hand. They will speak about their faith journeys as leaders in our diocese and other areas of their lives. Don’t forget to register via the link on the poster or by scanning the QR code on the bottom right before the event and we hope to see you guys there!

-Andrea Dimayuga (Peel Catholic Youth Social Media Coordinator)

On 20 March (Saturday)

we are going to celebrate St Patrick’s Day

at the Parish Centre after the 6pm Mass.

We will enjoy great music, food, song and dance.

and specially good friendship.

Bring a plate to share and your drink of choice.

Bring your families and friends.

All welcome!

If coming please write your name on the clipboard at the entrance of the Church to give us an idea of numbers. For inquiries please ring the parish office 95812061 or Jenni 0478 943 840. Thank you.

dance

Wear something green! Best dress prize!

Second Sunday of Lent

28th of February 2021

Margret is a teacher at a vocational school for deaf students in the Solomon Islands that suffered long-term water shortages and damage from Tropical Cyclone Harold. With Caritas Australia’s support, Margret’s school installed wa-ter tanks, repaired cyclone damage and implemented COVID-19 prevention measures, and is now planning to boost food security.

Please donate to Project Compassion 2021 and helppeople living with disabilities in the Solomon Islands gain access to education and clean water, empowering them with skills to protect our common home.

You can donate through Parish boxes and envelopes, by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phoning 1800 024 413.

Weekly Story & Reflection. The disciples in today’s gospel stood in the presence of God. “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him! Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus.” It was here they recognised the divinity of Jesus and hope for humanity. They saw God anew in their teacher and were transformed. We are called to see God anew. To see God’s presence in our brothers and sisters on our streets, in our nation and around the world. In seeing, we, like the disciples, are called to “listen to him.” As we listen, this Lent we are called to “aspire not to have more, but to be more”. To hear in a new way, to let go of those things that hold us back and to take up other things that allow us to live more simply, to show a deep and lasting respect for our global family and for the earth. The Project Compassion story of Margret, is also a story of transformation. Margret is a teacher at a vocational school for deaf students in the Solomon Islands. She was born deaf, so she knows the challenges it poses to education and employment. The school faced water shortages, with not enough to supply staff and students with safe water for drinking, cooking, washing and growing vegetables. Then Tropical Cyclone Harold damaged the school and its vegetable garden, amidst the threat of COVID-19. With Caritas Australia’s support, the school installed water tanks, provided cyclone-proof building materials and helped to implement COVID-19 prevention measures. The community has been transformed with enough water for its students and the capacity to cater for more and with plans to boost food security through increased agricultural production. As we continue on our Lenten journey may we welcome the opportunity to ‘be more’ open to God’s invitation to “listen to him”.

Walk to Remember The Compassionate Friends Mandurah will hold it’s 16th annual “Walk to Remember” on Sunday 14 March. Meet at 9.30 at Dalrymple Park and led by a piper, walk to MPAC and return to a sausage sizzle prepared by the Lions Club of Mandurah. To join the walk in memory of deceased children and other loved ones ring 9535 7761 or email tcfmandurah@bigpond.com

Project Compassion ‘Cry of the Poor’ Prayer, Reflection & Dialogue Sessions Each week during this Lenten season, Caritas Australia is holding online opportunities for parishes via Zoom video conferencing. These digital engagements will allow participants to focus on prayer and reflection, Catholic Social Teaching and an interview and Q&A with Caritas International Program staff. Sessions will run Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour across Australia. You can register by going to lent.caritas.org.au. Please join us.

Session Date/Time

Session 1 - Raising awareness of suicide in Australia

Thursday, 25 March 2021, 8.00am - 9.30am AWST (Perth time)

Session 2 - Understanding risk and our attitudes around Suicide

Thursday, 25 March 2021, 10.00am - 12.00pm AWST (Perth time)

Session 3 - Responding to someone at risk of suicide

Friday, 26 March 2021, 8.00am - 10.30am AWST (Perth time)

Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Online Workshop Zoom sessions The online suicide prevention workshop consists of three sessions.

For more information on Wesley Mission visit https://www.wesleymission.org.au/

Date: Friday 5th March Time: 1 pm Location: St Damien’s Catholic Church, 3 Nyabing Pass, Dawesville Contact person: Kaye Seeber 0466129730

Frank O’Driscoll, Alysha Carboni, John Gilbertson, Joan Orchard,

Joan McKay, George Tacey, Jenny Stokic, Sue Short, Sheila Pearce,

Joanne Ford, Leah Hardie, Lesley Mertens, Sean Mahoney, Jodie

Donnelly, Mikayla Wilton, Peter Young, Roy & Jan Payne, Grace

Moore, Aldine Wheldon, Daryl Winters, Merle Johnson, Trish

Mulcahy, Oliver, Norma Hales, David Naughton, Dulcie Kent, Anita

Doran, Herbert Lenard, Taylor Green, Margaret McGuiness, Les Pearson, Beryl Fitzgerald,

Louisa & Luigi Bove, Anne-Marie Fliegener, Bill Kociaruba, Johnson Joseph, Fiona Davies-

McConchie, Les Burns, Sophie, Margaret Worthington, Tessie Plamonte, Cristina King, Irene

Pini, Kate Whooley, Fr Chris Warnock, Joshua Chernoff, Ron Nichols, Barbara Padua, Marie

Aide, Raeleen Sutton, Jessica Amphlett, Raegis Farrell, Barbara, Philip Giuffre, Liz Evans, Bill

Copple, Dorothy Oliver, Chris Morris, Alan Edwards, Joseph Godridge, Christian Vimpany,

Kylie Godridge, Mark Bussanich, Amber, Elsie Medina, Markus Ruescher, Angie Mae, Greg

Lewis, Joan Marshall, Kevin Scanlon, Eunice Hope, Mia Hoppee, Greg Carter, Sue Murphy,

Michelle Stafford, Debra Keena, Joy Brokenshire, Brendan Davidson, Neil Stewart, Moyra

Naughton, John Wilcox, Lea Fajardo, Tania Ward, Jemma Hill and all those who are

recovering or sick and all those affected by Covid-19. Please advise the office if any of

the above names need to be removed.

Copies of Roster Available for the Special Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors and Commentators from March to June 2021 are now available in the church. Thank you to all volunteers for your valued commitment and time for our church ministries.

DIVINE WILL PRAYER GROUP

Now on zoom each Wednesday. For further information contact Dawn 0455 150 699 Join us at 7pm via the link below If required: personal or meeting id is 77150640515 password is Luisa https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77150640515?pwd=cW10TjFwZnBxRWplMStzeWY1YTEvdz09

FRANK BASIL NATOLI was called Home to the Lord on 21 Feb 2021. Frank loved his Sunday Mass with his grandchildren. His funeral was held on 26 February 2021. May the Lord grant the Natoli family peace and comfort in this difficult time.

Guardians ROSTER will BE Cancelled

on Monday, 1 March, due to public holiday.

Attention e-bulletin recipients: If you don’t receive the electronic copy of the bulletin by any chance, kindly notify the parish office by email and write ’Bulletin’ as subject. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

VISITATION. If you know someone seriously sick or in the hospital, please inform the office. Our Priest or a member of the Legion of Mary will be able to visit him/her and offer prayer support. Please contact 9581-2061

Saturday 27 February 2021 6:00pm— Aaron Doultan Sunday 28 February 2021 8:00am— Joy McCleay 9:30am— Therese Lazaroo 6.00pm-—Volunteers Saturday 6 March 2021 6:00pm— Mary Howie Sunday 7 March 2021 8:00am— Shirley O’Connor 9:30am— Lilibeth Masar 6.00pm-—Volunteers

Next Week’s Readings

3rd Sunday of Lent Ex 20:1-7;

1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25

Pilgrim Statue This week the Pilgrim statue will be at the home of: 28 Feb Dorothy Oliver 7 Mar Sheila Finlay 14 Mar Virginia Schou If anyone would like the Pilgrim Statue for Anniversaries, birthdays, etc. please ring Rosemary Rana on 0438 916 165.

Regular MASS, ADORATION &

RECONCILIATION TIMES

Monday 7.30am

Tuesday 7.30am, 9am

Wed 7.30am & 5.00pm

Thursday 7.30am, 9am

Friday 7.30am & 5.00pm

Saturday 7.30am, Vigil 6.00pm

Sunday 8.00am, 9.30am & 6.00pm

Continuous Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament: 8am-3pm — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Reconciliation: after Weekly Masses & before weekend Masses. Please see noticeboard and back page of the bulletin for current parish events and Mass times.

VISION STATEMENT As Disciples of Christ, we are a faith-filled, inclusive,

connected Catholic family committed to grow, worship and serve.

MISSION To be a welcoming Church using its talents in Ministries to develop our Parish focusing on our spiritual growth.

Saturday 27 February 2021 6:00pm—Helen Crosbie, Kathleen Coles Sunday 28 February 2021 8:00am—Martin Major, Jenni Srdarev 9:30am—Karmela Messineo, Loretta Turner 6.00pm—Volunteers Saturday 6 March 2021 6:00pm—Ruth Daly, Pat Connett Sunday 7 March 2021 8:00am—Nick Marshall, Liz Butson 9:30am—Karmela Messineo, Grace Lazaroo 6.00pm—Youth Group

Parish Office– 8 Stevenson St, Mandurah WA 6210 Ph-9581 2061/9581 3261

Presbytery– 6 Stevenson St, Mandurah Church– Creery St., Mandurah WA 6210

Emails-Admin & Bulletin: catholicparish@westnet.com.au

Accounts: viv.catholicparish@westnet.com.au Website: www.olaparishmh.org.au

Fr Johny Arattukulam - Parish Priest

Fr Albin Odippattil—Assistant Parish Priest

Fr Anson Antony—Assistant Parish Priest

Michael Phillips - Deacon

Ernie Carey– Retired Deacon

Vivien de Winter/Alison Caingcoy—Office Staff

Day Church Parish Centre

SUNDAY 28/2 2nd Sunday of Lent

7.30am—Rosary 8.00am—Mass 9.30am—Mass 11.30am—Baptism 6.00pm—Mass

(OFFICE CLOSED)

MONDAY 1/3

6:45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7:30am—Mass NO ADORATION

(OFFICE CLOSED)

TUESDAY 2/3

6:45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7:30am—Mass 9:00am—Mass 8:00am-3.00pm –Adoration

10am— Legion of Mary 7pm—Liturgy Committee

WEDNESDAY 3/3

6:45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7:30am—St JosephMass Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help 5:00pm– St Joseph Mass 8:00am-3.00pm –Adoration

4pm—Parish Religious Education Program

7pm—Pre-Baptism Night 7pm-Divine Will Prayer

Group via Zoom

THURSDAY 4/3

6:45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7:30am—Mass 9.00am—Mass 8:00am-3.00pm –Adoration

6.30pm—Alpha

FRIDAY 5/3

6:45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7:30am—Mass 4:30pm—First Friday Adoration 5.00pm—Latin Mass 5:45pm—Stations of the Cross

SATURDAY 6/3

6.45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am—Mass Prayer for Parents & their Unborn 6.00pm—Vigil Mass Sacraments Commitment Mass

(OFFICE CLOSED) 2-4pm—Peel Catholic Youth Meeting

SUNDAY 7/3 3rd Sunday of Lent

7.30am—Rosary 8.00am—Mass 9.30am—Mass Sacraments Commitment Mass 6.00pm—Mass

(OFFICE CLOSED) 4pm—Peel Catholic Youth Gathering