THE ARCHBISHOP S CHRISTMAS APPEAL

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1 Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe 19 th / 20 th November 2016 Vol. 34 No. 50 Who are the masters of the universe? Is it those who pull the levers of the global financial markets? Is it the heads of state who command vast military forces? Is it the media moguls who control the flow of information? in 1925 Pope Pius XI decided it was time to throw down the gauntlet to the hostile powers of the world. He established the feast of Christ the King to let the world know where ultimate authority lay. Nearly a century later the religious and secular politics of the world have changed radically, yet we still dare to claim that love conquers all, and none have loved and ever will love like Jesus Christ. This is the power that reaches deep into our hearts and extends to the farthest reaches of the universe. This is the kingdom of Christ, as the Preface declares: an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace. The Parish AGM will be held after the 10:00 am Mass this Sunday (20 th ). There will be a detailed update on the progress of the Priory & Parish centre. THE ARCHBISHOP S CHRISTMAS APPEAL FOR LIFELINK will be held throughout the Archdiocese this weekend. We urge you to give generous support to help the work of our Archdiocesan social service agencies and help people in need. Please take home a personal letter from Archbishop Costelloe which you will find on the pews. You can either mail your Gift in the Reply Paid Envelope provided or return your envelope & donation to the parish. Rosarians Mass & Afternoon Tea You are warmly invited to the Rosarians Mass and afternoon tea to be held at St Catherine s Convent on 29 th November. Mass will commence at 1:00 pm, followed by afternoon tea with the Sisters. Come along and enjoy the company of old and new friends. Please do not arrive before 12:30. _

2 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke The people stayed before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him, He saved others, they said let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One. The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer him vinegar they said, If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself. Above him there was an inscription: This is the King of the Jews. One of the criminals hanging there abused him. Are you not the Christ? he said, Save yourself and us as well. But the other spoke up and rebuked him. Have you no fear of God at all? he said. You got the same sentence as he did but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, he said remember me when you come into your kingdom. Indeed I promise you, he replied, today you will be with me in paradise. Commentary on the Gospel For the gospel reading today, the lectionary takes a passage from Luke s passion narrative that was proclaimed in full on Palm Sunday. Much of the reading is taken up with a litany of mockery before coming to an illuminating conclusion. The first to scoff are the religious authorities (Luke distinguishes the people from their leaders); the ironically identify Jesus as the Christ of God, the Chosen One. Next to come are the soldiers. Unwittingly they name Jesus as the King of the Jews. Thirdly it is one of the two criminals who derides him as the Christ. Into this gloom Luke shines a piercing ray of light. The second criminal gives no title to Jesus but affirms his regal status indirectly by referring to his kingdom. This outlaw neither mocks nor begs, but asks peacefully with trust. Jesus response is a revelation. His promise of paradise suggests a new creation in place of the original Garden of Eden. Appeal for Members Our Local Conference is urgently appealing for new members to join with them to help the needy in our communities. Full training and support is given. It is becoming increasingly difficult for members to continue to do the good work they do without the support of a few more people. Without new members our Local Conference is in danger of collapsing. If you can help, please phone Fred on and leave a message. Vinnie s Christmas Hampers Baskets will be available for Christmas Hamper donations after all masses next weekend 26 th /27 th November, to be returned weekend of 10 th /11 th December. We are grateful for all donations no matter how large or small. Thank you. Vinnie s Christmas Cards The St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas cards will be on sale after each Mass this weekend. Pack of 5 for $2.50 Pack of 8 for $4.00 CLOSING OF THE JUBILEE HOLY DOOR OF MERCY: Remain open to God s mercy, says Archbiship Timothy Costelloe. As this Holy Door closes, the sense of God s mercy in our lives does not become closed off from us. With these words of encouragement, Archbishop Costelloe closed St Mary s Cathedral Jubilee Holy Door of Mercy on Sunday 13 th November, at the end of a Mass which brought into focus the most important aspects of the Jubilee Year. [For full article go to

3 FR RICHARD LEONARD Renowned Jesuit Priest Speaking at ST BENEDICT S CHURCH, 115 Ardross Street, Ardross On Saturday, 10 December 2016 SESSION 10AM (includes Morning Tea) From Darkness into the Light How do we hold onto a God when our lives are filled with challenges, joy and sorrow? COST: $15.00 SESSION 1.00PM (includes Lunch) Making the Best Choices in my Life in the Light of Faith The ability to navigate our daily lives alert to demands of the Gospel and its practical application in our lives. COST: $15 OR BOTH SESSIONS FOR $25.00 Contact the Parish office on to book your place ROSTERS New rosters for : Acolytes & EMHCs Counters, Altar Society & Pilgrim Statue are available on the table at the back of the church. _ Inter-churches Pre-Christmas Celebration This year s annual Inter-church Celebration will be held at St Pauls Anglican Church, Brompton Road, Wembley Downs on Wednesday 7 th December at 7:30pm. The theme will be Joy at Christmas. For more information contact Margaret Lobo at the parish office. & Cake Stall Parish Christmas Morning Tea Sunday 11 th December After the 8am & 10am Mass Kids Corner Abundant Life Abundant Life has declared Saint Teresa of Calcutta Saint of the Month. Read more about St Teresa and other interesting articles in the spring volume of Abundant Life which is available on the table in foyer of the church Rosary Care Short Term Assistance (Brochure available on notice board) Phone: Doris or Catherine Columban Calendar The 2017 Columban Calendar is available for sale on the table in the church foyer - $8.50 each. For full colour images & other news go to the Parish website:

4 \ Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe Entrance Antiphon How worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honour. To him belong glory and power for ever and ever. First reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (They anointed David king of Israel.) Responsorial Psalm: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Second Reading: Colossians 1:12-20 (He has taken us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.) Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed is he who inherits the kingdom of David our father; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 23: 35-43) (Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.) Prayers for the sick Barbara Antonetti, Aiden Blechynden, Justin Boylan, Gerard Callaghan, Kit Doran, Rebecca Fry, Megan Garner, Ron Harland, Barbara Hickey, Chiing Ing &Yanni, Barry Johnston, David Kenny, Evonne Le Broy, Fr Peter Lucas OP, Ray Marinko, Joan Meade, Norm Macaulay, Fr Aquinas McComb OP, Fr. Bernie Maxwell OP, Kathleen O Reilly, Rebekah Rowe, Henry Porter, Sue Prosser, Alice Ralph, Ken Ryan, Anthony Samy, Anne Tan, Julie-Anne Taylor, Di Watts, Jenny Zorich To Be Remembered Joe Atkinson, Catena Calipo,, Fr Pat Cunningham, Sr Bernadine Hanafin OP, Peggy Haig, Michelle Johnston, Floss McMahon, Betty Meegan, Richard & Margherita Swain, Robyn Walker Deceased members of the Legion of Mary Deceased members of the St Vincent de Paul All on the November List of the Dead May they rest in peace. ROSTERS: Next Week Isaiah 2:1-5 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: 19 th / 20 th / November First Sunday of Advent 26 th / 27 th November Readers: Acolytes: EMHCs: Power Point: Music: Helen Murray Damien Giumelli & Mike Berry Anne-Laure Gunson-Bouillet & Terese Johnston Laurie Smith Brian Gotts & John Mordini Peter Gillett & Kevin Susai Libby Dimmer, Sue Walker, Tony Wong Elizabeth Re, Paul Slyth, Lina Vinci Claudette De Silva, Joan Trew, Elizabeth Susai Nicole Drinkwater Margaret Lobo Terry Lark Andy Sabuaga Giuliano Vinci Julie Prior Liz Crowe Dorothy Johnston & Miriam Peachey Marian Bishopp & Laurie Conroy Kevin Susai Gordon Kendall & Laurie Smith Brian Gotts & John Mordini Libby Dimmer, Elizabeth Susai, Sue Walker Peta Berry, Cathy Bostock, Ann Bucat Pat Cullinane, Claudette De Silva, Glenda Gotts Sr Imelda Doris Zambonetti Simon Wong Andy Sabuaga Lexi Wilkinson Julie Prior Counters: Les Norrish, Br Noel Hickey, John Astone Dan Byrne, Eddie Fernandez, John Hartigan Altar Society: Doris & Lucy Zambonetti (25 th November) Helen Murray, Trish Burns, Pat Cullinane, Julie Prior (2 nd December) Children s Liturgy: Pilgrim Statue: Carli Mary & Jim Kenny Monica Geraldine Drew

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