A Prayer While Waiting For God

Transcription

1 A Prayer While Waiting For God Dear Father, As my Creator, you know me even better than I know myself. Patience doesn t come easy for me, as if I have to tell you that. God, I m so sorry for rushing ahead when your hand hasn t opened the door. I m sorry for complaining of boredom when being still is much more than sitting quietly. You shape my spirit through the still and you mold my heart in the quiet. Only then, am I ready to follow your will. Will you change my perspective of this season? Will you rekindle my love anew? For I know the wait is not without reason; may it draw me closer to you. Amen Thoughts of Fr Francis Jordan You should use this short time remaining before Christmas quite well to restore peace if it is disturbed or missing somewhere. A warm welcome to our parishioners and visitors who are celebrating the Eucharist with us at Sacred Heart, Mona Vale and Maria Regina, Avalon. Fr George Kolodziej SDS Parish Priest Pope Francis Prayer Intentions For December In the Service of the Transmission of Faith That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time. Please update our contact details. The Parish Telephone number is now The Catholic Parish of Pittwater 1 Keenan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103 Tel: Fax office@pittwaterparish.org website:

2 Christmas Cards are available at the Piety Stores in both Avalon and Mona Vale. There are a pack of 10 for $6. For the needy, help is available by contacting the Brookvale Centre during business hours. Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord, And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them. May they Rest in Peace. Amen. May Their Souls And The Souls Of The Faithful Departed, Through The Mercy Of God, Rest In Peace. Amen. Thursday Morning Spirituality Group: All are invited. We have begun a new book - Gaudete Et Exsultate - Rejoice and Exult Apostolic Exhortation or the Call to Holiness in today s world by Pope Francis Morning tea at am and Meeting at noon. Trish Newman Break Open the Word - Year C Lectors, please pick up your copy from the Sacristy. Children s Liturgy 5pm, Saturday at Sacred Heart is on 8th December We Pray for Deceased Anniversary Holy Souls in Purgatory Giuseppe Messina Sebastiane Messina Tony Messina Antonio Lo Castro Ida Lo Castro Aldo Lo Castro S G Dolly Gilliland Phil Ovens Pam Crowley John Fenning Jessie Fenning Recently Deceased Rick Gomez Zivana Severdija Shane Grieve Patty Croake Mary McHugh If you would like the names of your relatives or friends and offerings included, please drop the envelope in to the Parish Office by Midday on Wednesdays. Thank You. Prayers for the Sick Paulina Fabian Madeleine Reicher Natasha Britt Milka Marov Carol Brennan Annette Leary Edward Hogan Rufina Criss Tayla Riddle Warwick Carpenter Elizabeth Davis Mary Seymour Allessio Angelucci Xavier Flory Neave Mackey Kevin Begaud Rachel Weldrick Antoinetta Knapp Donald McRae Stefanie Romeo Sasha White Ann Harvey Jo Wild Rita Farrelly Lina Jeff Guerra Sue Poulton Craig Callahan Daryl Holland Veronica Ann Gracie Kerrie Gill Peter Hector Jack Burai Manpreet Kaur Therese Nouak Vera Bateman Marion Russell Marian Santa Ana Lorriane Wilson Rosalinda Singson Rodney Young David Simmons Daryl Kaufer Marjan Seifoor Rosa Lealaiauloto Anne Rees Bassam Khodr Margaret Baker Estera Cimino Angelo Micianio Mark Kelsey Melba Suazo This list will be updated every month and we would appreciate it if we are advised, if further reconsideration is required. Thank you BOOK REVIEW Led by Faith by Immaculee Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin As a result of her tragic experiences in Rwanda, her great faith has enabled Immaculee to become a public speaker and set up Left to Tell Charitable Fund to help support Rwandan orphans (read Left totell first) from Our Schools Mater Maria Catholic College This week Year 10 have been involved in a number of activities including an urban challenge and peer counselling training activities. Students in other years have spent this week receiving their examination results and were given the opportunity to recap with their teacher, any areas that they were unsure of. We hope their results reflected the hard work they have put in all year. Healing Prayer Group For those seeking healing prayers, trained prayer ministers will be available, in the hour before Mass on the First Friday of each month, 10am to 11am, at Sacred Heart, Mona Vale. This and more you will do in my name. Jesus is the healer. Enquires: Maryanne Vorlicek Did you know that if you are new to our parish you can register your details through our website or if your contact details have changed you can update them. Simply go to click on the Welcome menu item and select Parishioner Registration from the dropdown menu. If you have any problems, please contact the parish office on Save the Date Thursday 6 Celebrating Fr George s Leadership and Farewell Cocktail Party at 6pm on 6 December 2018 at the Royal Motor Yacht Club More information on page 5 Thursday 13 2nd Rite of Reconciliation 13 December pm Sacred Heart Saturday 15 PARISH CHRISTMAS PARTY Maria Regina School Hall 7pm on Saturday 15 December Adoration & Benediction 10am Sacred Heart 7 December 2018 First Friday of the month (No 9.15am Mass) Anointing of the Sick Mass 11am Sacred Heart Adoration & Benediction 8am Maria Regina 6 December 2018 First Thursday of the month (9.15am Mass follows) Congratulations Bishop Bernard 62 years of priestly ordination

3 PARISH DIRECTORY Pittwater Parish 1 Keenan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103 Tel Fax Parish Priest Fr George Kolodziej SDS Tel ext 0 pp@pittwaterparish.org Assistant Priest Fr Bronek Pietrusewicz SDS Tel ext 12 ap@pittwaterparish.org Bishop - Emeritus Bishop Bernard O Grady op Tel ext 20 Parish Secretary Suzy Caruso Tel ext 0 office@pittwaterparish.org Youth Director Andy Dingley Tel ext 14 soul@pittwaterparish.org Music Director Josh Willard Tel ext 17 music@pittwaterparish.org Media & Communication Laura Ee Tel ext 31 media@pittwaterparish.org Sacramental Program Yvonne van den Berg Tel ext 13 sacraments@pittwaterparish.org Parish Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm Sacred Heart 1 Keenan Street Mona Vale Maria Regina 7 Central Road Avalon Mona Vale Sacred Heart School Tel Principal: Mrs Suellen Garey Anointing Mass At Nursing Homes And Retirement Villages GEORGE MOCKLAR HOSTEL Tuesday 4th December at 1.30pm Anointing Mass OCEAN VIEW Tuesday 4th December at 2.30pm Anointing & Communion MONA VALE NURSING HOME Tuesday 4th December at 3.00pm Anointing & Communion MINKARA NURSING HOME SEABEACH GARDENS BAYVIEW GARDEN ESTIA HEALTH (PENINSULAR GARDEN NURSING HOME) AVALON HOUSE MARCUS LOANE FOUNDATION DAY On the 8th December 1881 in the Chapel of St Brigida in Rome, Father Jordan and two other priests took private vows as members of the Apostolic Teaching Society. It is this date which is kept as the foundation day of the Salvatorians. Join us on Saturday 8th December at 5pm Mass as we celebrate Foundation Day at Sacred Heart, Mona Vale The Christmas hampers are due back this weekend 1-2 December, They can be left in the meeting room at Sacred Heart or underneath the at Maria Regina. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed this year. Marie Bockman Let s raise a glass or two. Join us as we celebrate Fr George s 10 years of Leadership in Pittwater Parish and toast him on his new appointment as Regional Superior of Salvatorians Australia. SECOND RITE OF RECONCILIATION 13 Thursday Thursday 13 December Sacred Heart, Mona Vale 7.30pm CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 2018 Monday 24 Monday 24 December Maria Regina 6.00pm Children s Mass Carols from 8.30pm 9.00pm Mass of the Night Sacred Heart School Grounds 5.00pm Children s Mass 9.00pm Youth Mass Sacred Heart Carols from 11.30pm Midnight Mass Tuesday 25 Tuesday 25 December Maria Regina 9.00am Sacred Heart 8am and 9.30am 6.00pm Croatian Mass Avalon Maria Regina School Tel Principal: Mrs Kathy Gee Warriewood Mater Maria Catholic College Tel Principal: Mr Marc Reicher 6 December 2018 at 6pm Royal Motor Yacht Club 46 Prince Alfred Parade, Newpor NSW 2106 $35 per person includes a complimentar drink and cocktail food. Drinks available for purchase at the bar. Book for Fr George s Farewell at booking.com/ziyd Cour esy bus available from Sacred Hear, Mona Vale to Royal Motor Yacht Club at 5.30pm Our parish affirms the dignity and worth of all children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care. We have a strong commitment to the wellbeing, belonging and security of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

4 Advent is the season of new beginnings. A new liturgical year begins on the First Sunday of Advent and it beckons to us with images of transformation and hope. It is the season of the impossible becoming possible. In the scriptures we read of the dry, barren wilderness bursting into bloom; of broken hearts healing; of a barren woman and a young virgin both conceiving children. It is the season of longing and light. Week by week, candles are lit on the Advent wreath signifying our longing for the light of Christ, as the time of his birth draws near. Yet Advent heralds more than Christ s birth. It paves our way toward celebrating Christ as God-with-us, God in human flesh. This is a profound mystery at the heart of our faith, and it is the cause of our joy at Christmas. In the Catholic, Advent is a period of preparation, extending over four Sundays, before Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin advenio, "to come to," and refers to the coming of Christ. This refers, first of all, to our celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas; but second, to the coming of Christ in our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion; and finally, to His second coming at the end of time. Preparing for Christmas With the Advent Wreath The Advent wreath is a popular Catholic Advent custom that originated in Germany. An Advent wreath consists of four candles (three purple, signifying penance, and one rose, signifying joy), surrounded by evergreen branches. One purple candle is lit the first week, two the second week, two purple and one rose the third week, and finally all four are lit in the last week of Advent. The light of the candles signifies the light of Christ, Who will come into the world at Christmas. The History of the Advent Wreath While the Advent wreath is a feature in many Catholic homes and even Catholic churches during the season of Advent, it actually originated among the Lutherans of Eastern Germany in the 16th century. It was quickly adopted by both Protestants and Catholics throughout Germany, and it was brought to the United States by German immigrants, both Catholic and Protestant, in the 19th century. The Advent wreath has deeper origins as well, extending back to pre-christian customs of burning candles during the darkest months of winter. Medieval Christians retained the custom while seeing such lights as a symbol of Christ. Making Your Own Advent Wreath It's very easy to incorporate the Advent wreath into your preparations for Christmas. You will need four candles traditionally, three purple and one rose, though you can substitute white. Then, you will need some evergreen boughs (yews, mountain laurels, and holly work well) to arrange around them. They don't even have to be in a circle; you can place them in a straight line say, on the mantel over the fireplace. If you would rather buy an Advent wreath ready-made, Catholic bookstores and religious-supply shops sell reusable Advent wreath sets, and you can purchase some online. Blessing Your Advent Wreath Once you have your wreath set up, the next step is to bless it. That's usually done on the First Sunday of Advent, or the evening before; but if you didn't do it then, don't worry you can do it any time during Advent. To make the occasion even more special, why not invite your parish priest to dinner and ask him to bless the wreath and candles? If he is too busy around Advent, you could have him do it in the weeks before. Making the Advent Wreath a Daily Custom The Advent wreath helps us keep our thoughts focused on the coming of Christ at Christmas, so we should integrate it into our daily activities. The easiest way is to make it a part of our evening meal. The family gathers around the wreath and lights the appropriate candles. The father (or another leader) prays the Advent wreath prayer for that week, and the candles are left burning during the meal. After Grace After Meals, you could read the daily Scripture reading for Advent or recite the Saint Andrew Christmas novena before extinguishing the candles. Using the Advent Wreath During the Christmas Season Advent ends, of course, with Christmas Eve, but that's no reason to put the Advent wreath away. Many people add a large white candle to the center of the wreath and light it, along with the other four, starting at Christmas and going all the way through Epiphany. It's a good way to remind ourselves that Christ is the reason for the preparations we made during Advent, and it also helps us remember that Christmas doesn't end on Christmas morning after all the presents have been opened.

5 SACRED HEART CHURCH 1st & 2nd December First Sunday of Advent Year C MARIA REGINA CHURCH Sat 5.00pm Sun 8.00am Sun 9.30am Sun 6.00pm Sat 6.00pm Sun 9.00am Senior Servers Dave Traves Ray Gillis Tony Macri David Frazer Volunteer Please Miles Abrahams Rebecca Law Adora Barbacetto Bev Carmichael Anne Toohey Soul John Ayliffe Stefan Wasinski Anna Smyth Ray Gillis John Toohey Extraordinary Denise Bottero M Bomford Pauline Chipman Kathy Gray Anne Toohey Francis Kelly Ministers Graham Baker Chris Tocchini Yvonne Gibbs J A Tindall John Toohey Joanne Kelly Anna Walding Mona Vale Choir SOUL Band Sam Browne Avalon Choir Musicians C Wilkinson Mary Anne Meyer Josh Willard C Perkins Jan / Bernie Library Trish Newman Margaret Hume Computer Laura Ee Karen Gillis Margaret Cliff Laura Ee Anna Walker M Abrahams Counters Team 1 (03/12/18) Leonie Scalett Alexia Bembrick Margaret Hyland Rosary Statue: I & M Flynn 8th & 9th December Second Sunday of Advent Year C Senior Servers David Austin Matt Byrne Ray Gillis A Pienkowski Volunteer Please Matt Ahern Margo Quinlan Chris Gillis Yvonne Gibbs Zelie Reynolds John Ayliffe Liam Kenny Soul Harry McErlean Peter Drake Extra0rdinary S MacDonald M Bomford Bev Carmichael J Johnston Imelda Flynn Marion Russell Ministers Alexia Bembrick Volunteer Please Therese Keane Nicolette Cilia Robyn Tuite Judith Ratcliff Musicians Diane Lane Vicky McGahey Soul Band Sam Browne Youth Choir Josh Willard Lisa Williamson Sam Browne Library Anne Moss Computer Brian Wright Karen Gillis Putri Rosati Laura Ee Greg Elliott M Abrahams Counters: Team 2 (10/12/18) Mary Kitchen John French Jan Attwood Rosary Statue: B Peo-Duncan 15th & 16th December Third Sunday of Advent Year C Senior Servers Dave Traves Matt Byrne Tony Macri Gerry Quinn Angela Williams Adrian Harding Kerry Sullivan Sabrina Gonzalez Bev Carmichael Gabie Stojanovski Pauline Chipman Rebecca Molinaro Soul Cara Appleton Marion Russell Extraordinary Martin Kerrigan Sue Berg Graham Baker Mark Suters R Connors Paula Lancuba Ministers Phil Gough Maryanne Kelly Kath Kaufer Kevin Shanahan Uyen Le Diana Taranto Musicians Caroline Willard Mona Vale Choir Soul Band Francesca Raiti Avalon Choir Josh Willard Josh Willard Sam Browne Jan / Bernie Library Maureen Suggitt Paula Lancuba Computer Vanessa Sharkey Leonie Smyth Margaret Cliff Laura Ee Skye Nolan-Brown M Abrahams Counters: Team 3 (17/12/18) Margaret Schubert Judi Woodward Sarah Hill Rosary Statue: S & M De Landre 22nd & 23rd December Fourth Sunday of Advent Yr C Senior Servers David Austin Ray Gillis Tony Macri David Frazer Trish Newman David West Martin Kerrigan Liam Kenny Joe Crumlin Stephen Wagner Sheila Upjohn Pauline Chipman Soul Veronica Thomas David Simmons Extraordinary Suzie Randolph M Bomford Margaret Hyland V Wilson Anne Toohey Francis Kelly Ministers M Papandrea Volunteer Please Bev Carmichael H Williamson John Toohey Joanne Kelly Musicians Klara H-Watson Kerry Elizabeth Soul Band K H Watson Youth Choir Josh Willard C Perkins C Wilkinson C Perkins Sam Browne Library Marie Graham Mary Farrell Computer Margaret Cliff Leonie Smyth Putri Rosati Laura Ee Anna Walker M Abrahams Counters: 29th & 30th December The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Rosary Statue: M Lofhjelm Senior Servers Kerry Sullivan Volunteer Please Tony Macri A Pienkowski Volunteer Please Penny Kerr Rebecca Law Liam Kenny Bev Carmichael Martin Kerrigan Sheila Upjohn Yvonne Gibbs Soul Imelda Flynn Anne Gerathy Extraordinary Pauline Chipman M Bomford Margaret Hyland J A Tindall Imelda Flynn Marion Russell Ministers Stephen Wagner Volunteer Please Theresa Keane J Johnston Robyn Tuite Judith Ratcliff Musicians Kerry Elizabeth Mona Vale Choir Soul Band Sam Browne Avalon Choir Catherine Perkins Mary Anne Meyer Jan / Bernie Library Marie Graham Mary Farrell Computer Laura Ee Manuel Gonzalez Putri Rosati Nicky Chin Jane Labone M Abrahams Counters: Rosary Statue: B & M O Connor

6 The Living Word First Reading Jer 33:14-16 A reading from the prophet Jeremiah I will cause a good seed to spring forth from David. See, the days are coming it is the Lord who speaks when I am going to fulfil the promise I made to the House of Israel and the House of Judah: In those days and at that time, I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David, who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land. In those days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell in confidence. And this is the name the city will be called: The Lord-our-integrity. The word of the Lord Responsorial Psalm Ps 24: R. v.1 (R.) To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my saviour. (R) The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, he guides the humble in the right path; he teaches his way to the poor. (R) His ways are faithfulness and love for those who keep his covenant and will. The Lord s friendship is for those who revere him; to them he reveals his covenant. (R) Second Reading 1 Thes 3:12 4:2 A reading from first letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians When Christ comes may he strengthen your hearts in holiness. May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints. Finally, brothers, we urge you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus to make more and more progress in the kind of life that you are meant to live: the life that God wants, as you learnt from us, and as you are already living it. You have not forgotten the instructions we gave you on the authority of the Lord Jesus. The word of the Lord Gospel Acclamation Ps 84:8 Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia! Gospel Lk 21: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke Your redemption is near at hand. Jesus said to his disciples: There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand. Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man. The Gospel of the Lord. REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSS The readings of the First Sunday of Advent set the stages for our reflections on the entire season. They contain a number of promises, all pointing to peace and fulfilment. Each reading depicts a dimension of suffering that was often brought on by the people themselves. The promises are assurances that the end of their suffering was in sight. The promises reveal a loving and provident, a merciful and forgiving God. These are promises full of hope. The coming of the Lord is clearly a time of expectation, not of fear and trembling. Although the earlier tradition about the Day of the Lord included punishment of the wicked, the focus here is on redemption. The time of expectation may be preceded by apocalyptic signs in the heavens and dismay on earth, but this cosmic shift will bring fulfilment, not destruction. The love and providence, the mercy and forgiveness of God will be made manifest. What is expected of those who receive the promise? An Advent way of life exhorts us to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ. This way of life is both simple and profound. It does not necessarily require unusual behaviour on our part, but it calls us to live the usual unusually well. It affects the everyday events of life; it directs the way we interact with people; it informs the attitudes that colour our judgments and motivations. It is as ordinary as the birth of a child; it is as extraordinary as the revelation of God. Dianne Bergant CSS Pittwater Parish Christmas Carols and Dinner 15 December 2018 Let us take this opportunity to invite all our parishioners and to thank all our volunteers in the Parish especially Senior Servers, Junior Servers, Lectors, Communion Ministers, Counters, Wardens, Musicians, Children s Liturgy, all who contribute to our Planned Giving and those who consistently give their time and effort generously to our Parish. Let us celebrate the joy of Christmas together on Saturday 15th December at 7pm Maria Regina School Hall Bring your angelic voices and your best desserts and drinks to share.

7 MICHAEL PAUL Experienced Catholic Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer Family Law Issues Family Trusts Wills & Succession Planning Contested Estate Issues Suite 29, Level 4 Gateway Building 1 Mona Vale Road Tel: mpaul@millsoakley.com.au millsoakleyfamilylawsydney Liturgy for the Week 03/12 Monday St Francis Xavier, priest Is 2:1-5; Mt 8: /12 Tuesday of 1st week of Advent Is 11:1-10; Lk 10: /12 Wednesday of 1st week of Advent Is 25:6-10; Mt 15: /12 Thursday of 1st week of Advent Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, /12 Friday St Ambrose, bishop, doctor Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31 (Alt. Eph 3:8-12; Jn 10:11-16) 08/12 Saturday The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Gen 3:9-15, 20; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Disabled Parking Area There are 2 Disabled Parking Spaces available on the grounds. Please observe the signs and refrain from parking in the Disabled Parking Area or in the driveway, especially during the weekends when Mass is on, and reserve this for our parishioners who are in need of the space. Thank you 54 Darley Street Mona Vale

8 PITTWATER PHARMACY COMPOUNDING CHEMIST Ralph Papandrea B.PHARM (Hons) MSc. MPS Len Papandrea B.PHARM. MPS Sam Papandrea B.PHARM. MPS Andrew Snow B.PHARM. MPS 1771 Pittwater Road Mona Vale 2103 Ph: Fax: PITTWATER CELLARS Your Local Independant Store Paul Bottero 1755 Pittwater Road Mona Vale NSW 2103 Phone: Fax: PLUMBERS DRAINARES GASFITTERS LPG GAS BLOCKED DRAINS WATER JETTERS CCTV INSPECTIONS PIPE FREEZING THERMOSTATIC VALVES BACKFLOW PREVENTION brocksplumbing.com.au