Bridgeside Bulletin

The weekly bulletin of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry

Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church 33 Lake Street, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church
Cnr Kent & Peel Streets, Tuncurry

Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts

Sunday 2nd March, 2014 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Parish
Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest) Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate) Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration) Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

Parish Information
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any of our Sunday Masses or after the 9am Mass. The next Baptismal Preparation meeting will take place in the Parish Halls meeting rooms on Monday 10th March commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website. Weddings are celebrated by arrangement and with at least three (and preferably more) months notice. Please contact Fr Andrew for more details, or visit the Parish website. Reconciliation is available on Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8:30am until the beginning of the 9am Mass, on Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:45pm until 5:15pm, or other times by contacting Fr Andrew. Holy Hour is observed each Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from 3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster church commencing at 11:15am and is followed by a cuppa in the Parish Hall. Contact Shioney (6554 9468) for more information. Evening Prayer & Benediction is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It will next be celebrated on Sunday 2nd March. All welcome.

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is staffed on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 4pm. Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin should be received by midday on Thursday. 33 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 67, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6304 F: (02) 6554 6425 E: forstertuncurryparish@gmail.com fr.andrew.doohan@bigpond.com ( Fr Andrew) W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

Ms Brooke Schumann (Acting Principal) 41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6504 F: (02) 6554 8895 E: admin@forster.catholic.edu.au W: www.forster.catholic.edu.au The Parish can be found online on: Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased. Nina Favero

Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic

Those whose anniversaries occur about now. Kevin Brown, Nathan Garth, Louise Morrell All those in our community who are sick.

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

Ordinary Time until Wednesday; then Season of Lent Today2nd March 5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction @ Tuncurry. Monday3rd March No entries Tuesday4th March 9am Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 10:30am Anointing Mass @ Beaumont Terrace Nursing Home 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry 5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 5:30pm Pancake Tuesday celebration @ Holy Name School 7pm Singing Practice @ Forster Wednesday5th March Ash Wednesday 9am Mass @ Forster 9:30am Secular Franciscans meeting @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @ Forster 12:30pm Liturgy of the Word @ Holy Name School 2pm Liturgy of the Word @ Kularoo Gardens Nursing Home 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry Thursday6th March Thursday after Ash Wednesday 9am Mass @ Forster 7.30pm Men Alive @ Forster Friday7th March Friday after Ash WednesdayNo morning Mass today 10:30am World Day of Prayer Ecumenical Liturgy @ Forster 12:30pm Mass of Welcome and Induction of School Leaders @ Holy Name School Saturday8th March Saturday after Ash Wednesday 8am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:15pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15 pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry Sunday9th March 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster

Reconciliation During Lent

During the Season of Lent, that time each year when we are called to examine our lives, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available for extended periods each Saturday:

On Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8am until the beginning of the 9am Mass; and On Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:15pm until 5:15pm. A Second Rite of Reconciliation will be organised for later during the Season of Lent, and you can also contact Fr Andrew directly to approach the Sacrament (subject to his availability).

Regular Activities in the Parish

Secular Franciscan Fraternity The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on Wednesday 5th March, coming together for Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the meeting 10am to 12pm. The menALIVE Groups Our Parish currently hosts two menALIVE groups. The morning group will next meet on Wednesday 12th March after the 9am Mass, while the evening group will next meet this Thursday 6th March at 7:30pm. Maintenance & Gardening Group The Parish is lucky to be served by a very dedicated band of volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds and gardens of our two church sites. They do a fabulous job, and are always ready to welcome new members to the group. The next date is Thursday 20th March starting at Tuncurry at 8am and then on to Forster. Contact Howard 6557 6826 for more information. Singing Practice The Singing Group will next gather in the Forster church on Tuesday 4th March for a 7pm start. All are welcome as we gather to practice hymns for our Sunday Masses. Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase On the first Sunday of each month we undertake a collection in order to support Homebase. The next collection will next take place on Sunday 2nd March.

From The Pastors Desk...

At the reception following my sisters wedding last weekend I had the chance to catch up with not only my siblings but also members of my extended family. It was, as these things often are, an interesting experience. One member of extended family in particular (who shall remain anonymous) often takes the opportunity when we catch up to pose some thorny issues to me connected with faith, religion, the Church, and the like. Its part of the game in some sense I would hasten to add that this particular member of my extended family would be described as a regular practising Catholic. The reason I mention this is because, last weekend, the said member of my extended family opened with an interesting salvo: Its about time we got rid of all those optional extras. Why cant we just focus on going to Mass and getting to heaven? I was immediately intrigued by what was meant by the term optional extras, and so asked...and almost immediately wished I hadnt! It would seem that, according to the member of my extended family, that things like being nice to nonCatholics, all that social justice mumbo-jumbo, fighting for the rights of asylum seekers, and interfering with womens rights are all optional extras for members of the Church, and should be disposed of so they can focus on whats really important. After I recovered my ability to speak, I gently reminded my extended family member that engaging with these kinds of issues (ecumenism, social justice, promoting a culture of life) are not optional extras, but are rather a natural consequence of professing the Christian faith. They are certainly not something that can be jettisoned...unless you are prepared to also jettison being a Catholic Christian as well! Being a faithful Catholic means that we are called to struggle with the whole package not just the bits we want to engage with or see as important. How we approach the struggle of living life as people of faith readily and trusting in Gods grace, or with bad humour and grumblescan be one of the most powerful signs of witness we can give to the world we live in. At least, thats what I told the member of my extended family last weekend Until next week Fr Andrew

Car Parking at Forster Church

Over the last few weekends Bridgeside Bulletin has carried a reminder about the use of the new car park layout at the Forster church. What it didnt mention was the expectation that use of the off-street parking should be prioritised along a case of need (i.e. for the less mobile members of our worshipping community) rather than arrival. Please be mindful of the less mobile members of our Parish community when using the car park at Forster so that they can continue to join us for Mass without unnecessary difficulty of having to park at great distances from the church building.

Lenten Groups in 2014

Our Lenten Groups kick off this week. A list of Lenten groups has now been placed at the rear of both churches. If you would like to join a group simply add your name to the group. If you would like host a group of your own, write your details on the board and see Greg at the office for booklets.

Bishops Pastoral Appeal for Sudan

We have been advised that our Parish contributed the amount of $22,893.20 towards the recent Pastoral Appeal in support of South Sudanese refugees living in the Diocese and their families still in South Sudan. Your generosity is truly a wonderful gift. Thank you!

Ash Wednesday5th March

The Season of Lent commences with Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on this Wednesday, 5th March. As a Parish community, we will mark the beginning of this penitential season of prayer, selfdenial and helping others with a number of celebrations:

9am Mass with the Imposition of Ashes at Holy Name Church, Forster. 12:30pm Liturgy of the Word with the Imposition of Ashes at Holy Name School, Forster. 6pm Mass with the Imposition of Ashes at St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The law of fasting binds those who have completed their eighteenth year, until the beginning of their sixtieth year; the law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. Catholics are obliged to receive holy communion at least once a year; in Australia and New Zealand, this is between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday.

Little Black Books

The Little Black Book of daily Lenten reflections are again available this year, and can be purchased from the back of the churches at a cost of $5 each.

2014 Papal Lenten Message

The 2014 Lenten Message from Pope Francis has now been released. Copies of this short but powerful message can be found on the Parish Website. If you do not have access to the Internet and would like a copy of the Popes message, please contact the Parish Office who will print a copy for you.

Drought Relief Assistance

You would be aware that large parts of NSW, QLD and SA are suffering through severe drought, and there has already been extensive stock losses and destocking. A public appeal has been launched by Rotary Clubs in Australia to raise funds to essentially get whatever surplus hay/fodder is available, anywhere, and cart it to those farmers who really need it now. There have already been some examples of this taking place in recent weeks, although they are not receiving much in the way of media coverage. If anyone is wishing to make a donation to assist this ongoing support, money can be donated via the Rotary Club of Sydney. Donations can be sent through their Commonwealth Bank account (BSB 062-438, A/c 10211156) with a reference to Drought Appeal. Any support, large or small, will help make a difference to those who are suffering, and your generosity would be very much appreciated.

Project Compassion 2014

Each year Caritas Australia invites the people of Australia to participate in the Lenten fundraising event called Project Compassion. Caritas Australia is the international aid and development organisation of our Catholic Church in Australia, working to end poverty, promote justice and uphold the dignity of people who are experiencing poverty and injustice. Project Compassion 2013 raised over $11 million, and our Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle contributed $224, 160.00 (thank you!). The theme for Project Compassion 2014 is Have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). This idea was affirmed when Pope Francis said, Men and women of all times and all places desire a full and beautiful life a life that is not threatened by death but that can mature and grow to its fullness. Dont we all wish for a life filled with certainty; a life free from the burden of poverty with equal access to food, water, education, healthcare and shelter; a life of dignity and a life of peace within our hearts and minds? Project Compassion stories for 2014 are about our desires for this full and beautiful life within the surroundings of home. Not just a house in which to live, but of truly being at home and feeling content. Your support for Caritas Australia is invaluable. Please give generously.

Pancake Tuesday
As is our Parish custom we will celebrate Pancake Tuesday on Tuesday 4th March from 5:30pm in the grounds of Holy Name School. Pancakes, fun and games, and entertainment are promised! Come along and join members of the Parish and School communities to celebrate before we enter into the Season of Lent.

World Day of Prayer

In 2014 it is our Parishs turn to host the local ecumenical celebration to mark the World Day of Prayer. This year the World Day of Prayer will take place on Friday 7th March from 10:30am in the Forster church. Everyone is warmly welcome to come along and celebrate together as Christians of the Great Lakes area.

The Diocesan launch of Project Compassion 2014 will take place in the Roger Kennedy Centre, St Marys High School, Pacific Highway, Gateshead on Tuesday 4th March commencing at 11am. Please contact Sharon Murphy on 4979 1111 or caritas@mn.catholic.org.au. Project Compassion resources will be made available in the Parish over the coming weeks in the lead up to Ash Wednesday.

Catholic Newspapers Available

Both The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and The Catholic Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at a cost of $2 each from our churches.

Parish Hall Kitchen

The Kitchen in the Parish Hall is currently being renovated (with some new stainless steel benches) and will not be accessible until this is completed. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Updated Communion Procession

International March 2014

Women's

Day

8th

International Womens Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, the present and in the future. The theme the Australian National Committee has chosen for International Womens Day on 8th March 2014 is Ending Poverty for Women and Girls through Economic Empowerment. Seventy percent of the global poor are women. Although women perform two-thirds of the world's work, they earn less than 10% of the world's wages. Women are far more likely than men to live in poverty because of discrimination and lack of access to education, employment and financial services. For more information and resources please visit: https://unwomen.org.au/iwd/theme-and-resources .

Sanctuary

Parish Social Functions for 2014

Our Parish will hold four social functions across the year. They are:

More Than a Great Education

Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle, along with the other dioceses of NSW and the ACT, will be celebrated during the week commencing 9th March. The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year is more than a great education, and encourages parishes and their schools to showcase for their local community the opportunities available to students, to raise awareness, and to celebrate the distinctiveness of Catholic education. Catholic Schools Week is about strengthening relationships between all those that have a stake in our schools students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community by showcasing what happens in our schools every day. It is important to celebrate the close relationship that exists between the parish and the parish school, and parishioners are encouraged to make contact with their local Catholic school during Catholic Schools Week and, where possible, attend one of the many events taking place. Holy Name School will be hosting a variety of events and you are invited to contact Genevieve Williamson (Phone 6554 6504) to find out more about whats happening during Catholic Schools Week, to meet the Principal and teaching staff, and to see for yourself, as schools celebrate their heritage and faith together with their wider parish communities. Further information can be found in this months Holy Name Herald, copies have been made available at the rear of the church.

PARISH DINNER to be held on Friday 16th May. INTERNATIONAL LUNCH to be held on Saturday 2nd August. BLESSING OF THE FLEET/PARISH BBQ will be held this year on Sunday 5th October. Please note these dates in your calendars now.

Aurora out next week!

Aurora hits the newsstands again next week. As always you are encouraged to support our diocesan magazine and buy a copy of your local paper to receive your March edition of Aurora. The March edition of Aurora will appear in The Newcastle Herald and The Maitland Mercury on Tuesday 4th March, in The Scone Advocate on Thursday 6th March and in The Muswellbrook Chronicle, The Manning River Times and The Singleton Argus on Friday 7th March.

Friendship Group (Seniors)

For our March outing on the 4th March, we are planning lunch at the RSL club at 12pm and attending the 2pm Seniors Concert. All welcome but seniors must collect their free tickets as soon as possible from the Club as they are fast running out. Lunch is optional. Once again please contact Lorraine on 65547056 if you need more information.

Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, says the Lord.

Opportunities Outside The Parish

International Womens Day 2014 International Womens Day 2014 will be celebrated on Sunday 9th March with Mass at 9:30am in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle West. The Council for Australian Catholic Women Contact Group in the Diocese cordially invite you to attend Mass, followed by Morning Tea in the Toohey Room next door. A panel of local Catholic women will share aspects of their lives followed by a Q&A sesson. Please RSVP to Patricia by phone 4932 5601 or email pabanister@dodo.com.au. RCIA Rite of Election & Presentation The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Presentation of Candidates for Full Communion will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Sunday 9th March 2014 at 2:30pm. Afternoon tea will be served afterwards and all are welcome. For more information about becoming a Catholic (RCIA) visit the Parish or Diocesan website (www.mn.catholic.org.au). Catholic Schools Week Mass The Catholic Schools Week Mass will be hold on Tuesday 11th March beginning at 11am at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and will be followed by a light luncheon to be served in the Cathedral Function Centre. At the conclusion of Mass, Mr Ray Collins, the Director of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Maitland -Newcastle, will launch an architectural booklet called Our Catholic Schools: A decade of growth and change. Social Justice Council Dinner The Diocesan Social Justice Council will be holding a Dinner on Friday 21st March at 6pm at the Victor Peters Suite, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West. The cost is $20 (Fish & Chips, vegetarian option available). The topic is Violence, Social Justice, The Police, The Community, and the guest speak is NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas. RSVP is essential by 7th March to Sharon Murphy on 4979 1111 or by email to sharon.murphy@mn.catholic.org.au. CatholicCare Masquerade Ball The 2014 CatholicCare Masquerade Ball will be hold on Saturday 17th May beginning at 7pm at Wests Leagues Club, New Lambton. The event is a fundraiser for CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Mannings Child & Family Services. Tickets are $140ea (plus booking fee) and are available from www.stickytickets. com.au/14972 or by phoning 4979 1120. 2014 TWEC Dinner The 2014 TWEC Dinner will be held on Wednesday 4th June 2014 at The Therry Centre, East Maitland. The special guest speaker will be Mr Tim Fischer, former

Deputy Prime Minister and more recently the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, well known train enthusiast, writer and much more! For more information email twec@ssjl.org.au. 2014 Diocesan Youth Retreat Be, Grow, Show is the title of the 2014 Diocesan Youth Retreat which will be held from Friday 27th June to Sunday 29th June at Camp Elim, The Lakes Way, Forster. Save the date! For more information email youth.ministry@mn.catholic.org.au. Chisholm Region RCIA Anniversary On Pentecost Sunday 2014 the Chisholm Region will celebrate 21 years of RCIA ministry. If you have had any experience of RCIA in the parishes of the Chisholm Region, especially in the parishes of East Maitland, Morpeth, Maitland, Rutherford or Lochinvar, we hope you will bring a picnic lunch on Sunday 8th June 2014 to the Corcoran Centre, George St, Morpeth and celebrate with us. For more information please contact Loretto Lynch on 4933 7425 or loretto.lynch@ exemail.com.au.

Combined Churches Mens Breakfast

The next Combined Churches Mens Breakfast will be held on Saturday 8th March commencing at 7:30am at the Chatham Uniting Church (across the road from Fays Twin Cinemas). The cost is $10 per person. The speaker at the Breakfast is local man Geff Bishel who will share something of his lifes story. For bookings, please contact Graeme Bingham on 0432 665 891.

Vocation View
Do not worry! Seek first the Kingdom of God and all our troubles will be cared for by God, for only in God is true rest found (Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 62). For more information regarding Vocations contact Fr Brian Mascord on 4979 1112 or by email to vocations@mn.catholic.org.au.

Journey Scripture Study Group

If there is sufficient interest for a monthly Scripture Study group we will offer the Journey Scripture Study program in the Parish. If you might be interested in participating in this program could you please let the Parish Office know of your interest (including a preferred day and time) by the end of this week.

Pastoral Team News

The Parish Pastoral Team met last Wednesday (26th February). Below is a summary of the meeting:

Pancake Tuesday

The celebration of significant Wedding Anniversaries of parishioners was discussed, and plans put in place. The arrangements for Lenten Groups in the Parish were noted. Final checks and arrangements were put in place for Pancake Tuesday on Tuesday 4th March. Arrangements for Parish Dinner (more information to come soon) and other Parish social functions were advanced. Other miscellaneous matters.

If you have any questions about the activities of the meeting, please contact the Team via the Parish Office. The next meeting of the Pastoral Team will take place on Wednesday 2nd April.

Holy Name Parish & Holy Name P&F invites all to come along and celebrate Pancake Tuesday with family and friends.

Family Ministry Committee News

The Parish Family Ministry Committee, envisaged by the Parish Pastoral Plan 2013-2015, was brought into reality at a meeting last Wednesday (26th February). The task of the Family Ministry Committee can be seen in the contents of the Parish Pastoral Plan 20132015 which is available on the Downloads page of the Parish website, or by contacting the Parish Office. The Committee will now begin its work on bringing that task to fruition. Further news and updates from the Committee will be featured in Bridgeside Bulletin over the course of the coming months. The Committee has a small initial membership and would welcome further members from the Parish community to help in its ongoing work. The Committee can be contacted via the Parish Office.

Pancake day is a chance for our parish community to get together to celebrate the commencement of Lent. It is also a good opportunity to express our welcome to newcomers to the parish.

Our Parish Collections

a) The Parish Collection, providing for the needs of the parish and its ministry, is taken up during the presentation and preparation of the gifts (the offertory). This is the envelope collection. This money stays within the Parish. b) The Diocesan Clergy Collection, providing for the remuneration and support of the clergy of the diocese, will be taken up after communion (during the Thanksgiving Hymn or a similar time). This money is pooled across the diocese to ensure all clergy have access to a suitable remuneration.

Parents Lenten Group - Holy Name School

Sharon Fowle will host a Lenten group on school grounds from 2pm until 3pm on Fridays during the 6 weeks of Lent, beginning 7th March. Please indicate your interest in attending by phoning or texting 0407 006 666. Lenten books will be provided.

Manning Pregnancy Support

We have received a thank you letter from the above for our annual donation to their cause. This organisation provides a valuable 24 hour 7 days a week service offering support to pregnant women.

Ministers this Weekend... 6pm Tuncurry 7am Tuncurry 9am Forster Ministers next Weekend... 6pm Tuncurry 7am Tuncurry 9am Forster

...of the Word A: Neil Pye B: Lou Hope A: Maria Armitage B: Chris Matuszny A: Marie Keep B: Lauranne Byrne ...of the Word A: Monica Hunt B: Maureen Stevens A: Bronwyn Morse B: Maree Gapps A: Barbara Kermode B: Greg Byrne

...of Communion Carolyn Olliffe, Frank Hayman, Jeanette Goodacre, Maureen Pye, Neil Pye Alex Matuszny, Cecile Malone, Edna Tucker, Maria Armitage, Mark Mowbray Barbara Dolahenty, Barbara Kermode, Genevieve Williamson, Greg Byrne, Trevor Turner ...of Communion Lou Hope, Margaret Smith, Ruth Pearson, Tony Stevens, Valarie Ross Edna Tucker, Graham Griffiths, Kay Griffiths, Maria Armitage, Tony Knight Alan McCarthy, Coral McCarthy, Elle Cairns-Cowan, Josi Beech, Lauranne Byrne

Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as originally published, and doesnt take account of any swaps that may have been organised between individuals.

Text: Excerpts from the English Translation of the Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL); Music: From the Mass of St Francis 2010, Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Australian AgentWord of Life International Licence no 195E.

Scripture Readings This Week

Today Isaiah 49:14-15 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Matthew 6:24-34 1 Peter 1:3-9 Mark 10:17-27 1 Peter 1:10-16 Mark 10:28-31 Joel 2:12-18; 2 Corinthians 5:206:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 9:22-25 Isaiah 58:1-9 Matthew 9:14-15 Isaiah 58:9-14 Luke 5:27-32 Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

Todays Liturgy of the Word

Responsorial Psalm Response: Rest in God alone, my soul. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! The word of God is living and active; it probes the thoughts and motives of our hearts. Alleluia!

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday

Dio Update E-Newsletter

Each Tuesday, the Diocese publishes an e-newsletter, titled Dio Update, featuring stories from across the Diocese, updating subscribers on events coming up, photos and feedback from events already held, press releases, topics of interest and dates to remember. You can subscribe to this weekly e-newsletter by visiting the Diocesan website www.mn.catholic.org. au/news-events/diocesan-events.