The Ascension of the Lord

Transcription

1 27 th / 28 th May 2017 Vol. 35 No. 25 Only one verse in the entire New Testament makes chronological reference to the ascension. In Acts 1:3, Luke states that Jesus continued to appear to the disciples for forty days after his resurrection. He goes on to present his account of Jesus being taken up into heaven. In the early church, as the liturgical calendar developed, the feast of the Ascension was celebrated on the Sunday morning of the eighth Sunday after Easter. The evening was dedicated to the feast of Pentecost. Under the growing influence of the chronology set out in the Acts reading we have for today, the Ascension was moved to the 40 th day after Easter, and the commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit was given its full due with the establishment of Pentecost Sunday. This little snippet of history serves a greater purpose than to inform us of the vagaries of the liturgical calendar. Rather it is a reminder that the theology and deep spirituality around this feast is not on the surface of the readings but underneath. Sacrament of Confirmation The candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation must go to Reconciliation before they are confirmed! Wednesday 31 st May This feast celebrates the Virgin Mary s visit to her cousin Elizabeth as told in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:39-56), and her example of faith in God s word and sensitivity to the Spirit. The Mass of today salutes her who in her womb bore the King of heaven and earth, the Creator of the world, the Son of the Eternal Father, the Sun of Justice. It narrates the cleansing of John from original sin in his mother's womb. Hearing herself addressed by the most-lofty title of "Mother of the Lord" and realizing what grace her visit had conferred on John, Mary broke out in that sublime canticle of praise proclaiming prophetically that henceforth she would be venerated down through the centuries: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me, and holy is His name" (Lk. 1:46). [excerpt from ww.catholiculture.com]

2 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. Commentary on the Gospel The gospel text consists of the last five verses of Matthew s gospel. It does not contain a description of the ascension, though the commission Jesus gives the Eleven implies his imminent departure. This is the paradox: Jesus is to become absent even as he promises his disciples to be with you always; yes, to the end of time. As is true of many of the stories of Jesus appearances after his resurrection, there is a tantalizing degree of obscurity and ambiguity. Why did Jesus direct them to Galilee (28:10)? On what mountain are they meeting and what significance might this have? Why were some overcome with awe while others hesitated? For all this uncertainty, Jesus commission to the Eleven is crystal clear. They are sent on a universal mission, with a mandate to teach and to baptize. The Trinitarian formula is exceptional in the New Testament; its inclusion here may reflect baptismal practice in Matthew s own community. The whole gospel concludes as it began: with the absolute assurance of the enduring presence of Emmanuel, God with us. Rosary Care Short Term Assistance (Brochure available on notice board) Phone: Doris or Catherine The Helpers of God's Precious Infants The Helpers of God's Precious Infants are celebrating twenty years of continuous prayerful presence at abortion clinics in Perth. All who have attended these prayer vigils are warmly invited to join in thanksgiving for the abundant blessings received: Saturday 17th June 2017 St Bernadette's Church, 49 Jugan Street Glendalough 10.30am Holy Rosary led by our Chaplain Fr Paul Carey 11.00am Holy Mass - Principal Celebrant Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey 12noon Lunch in the hall - provided RSVP: emiller@hotlinks.net.au or txt/phone Sharon Part-time Gardener Scarborough/Doubleview We require experienced gardeners who can work without supervision maintaining existing gardens at a number of locations. 1. These are courtyard gardens located in two small complexes which are in close proximity to one another. It is envisaged that approximately 8 hours per week spread over 2 or 3 days will be required to provide this service, as well as some small maintenance tasks. 2. This position will involve maintaining a large garden and will require around 12 hours per week spread over 2 or 3 days. References and a current police clearance certificate are required in both positions. Please telephone Rod on or to arrange an interview. Free Board Offer FREE BOARD is offered for a genuine female to live in the home of an 86 year old woman in Wembley Downs, close to public transport. You will be required to offer some care and assistance with meals. Car garage available for your use. Please contact Ros Brodie

3 2017 Sacramental Program This Parish family based program covers the sacraments of Confirmation, First Eucharist and Reconciliation. The relevant dates are: Confirmation: Reflection Day at the school: Friday 2 nd June at 8.30am Confirmation Masses: Saturday 10 th June at 6 p.m. or Sunday 11 th June at 10a.m. First Eucharist: Commitment Masses: Saturday 19 th August at 6 pm or Sunday 20 th August at 10 am Parent/Student Workshop (in the library) Wednesday 23 rd August at 5 pm or 6.30pm Reflection Day (at the school): Friday 1 st September at 8.30am Eucharist Masses: Saturday 9 th September at 6.00pm or Sunday 10 th September at 10 am DISCERNMENT RETREAT DAY FOR MEN Saturday 24 June The Vocations Office will be hosting a Discernment Retreat Day for men who are considering the priesthood/religious life or who would simply like a chance to pray about their life s vocation. It will take place on Saturday 24 June, 10-4pm at St Catherine s House of Hospitality, 113 Tyler Street, Tuart Hill. The day will include guest speakers, prayer, adoration and Mass. This is a free event, and is open to Catholic men aged Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Wednesday 21 June to vocations@perthcatholic.org.au. Veritas Youth Festival 30th June 2nd July University of Notre Dame The Veritas Youth Festival is a local festival which aims to provide young people in Western Australia with an opportunity to deepen their faith and their relationship with Jesus. $50.00 for a 3-day pass includes workshops, food & festival pack Youth & young adults from y.o. Reconciliation: Commitment Mass: Saturday 16 th September at 6 pm or Sunday 17 th at 10 am Parent/Student Workshop (in the library) Wednesday 11 th October at 5 pm or 6.30pm Reflection Day (at the school): Friday 13 th October at 8.30 am Reconciliation: Saturday 21 st October at 5 pm or Saturday 28 th October at 5 pm For further information contact Kaye Shervington on Rosters New rosters for the Altar Society and Counters are available for collection at the back of the church. For full colour images & other news go to the Parish website:

4 \ Entrance Antiphon You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God: praise the Lord, who ascends above the highest heavens; his majesty and might are in the skies, alleluia. First reading: Acts 1:1-11 (Why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven.) Responsorial Psalm: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 (He made Jesus to sit at his right hand in heaven.) Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Go and teach all people my gospel. I am with you always, until the end of the world. Alleluia! Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 (All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.) Next Week Acts 2: Cor. 12:3-7, John 20:19-23 Prayers for the sick Barbara Antonetti, Aiden Blechynden, Justin & Roslyn Boylan, Kerry Capelli, Kit Doran, Karel Ganadhi, Megan Garner, Judith Graham, Ron Harland, Barbara Hickey, Barry Johnston, David Kenny, Evonne Le Broy, Ray Marinko, Sophie Martin, Joan Meade, Norm Macaulay, Fr Aquinas McComb OP, Fr. Bernie Maxwell OP, Kathleen O Reilly, Henry Porter, Alice Ralph, Anthony Samy, Pam Smith, Anne Tan, Julie-Anne Taylor, Di Watts, Jenny Zorich To Be Remembered Jim Bailey, Ernest Hannigan, Charles & Amelia Horne, Syria Pancras, Victor Ross, Giuseppe Scolari, Karen Shervington, Trixie Williams May they rest in peace. What s on June 2 Parkland Villas Mass 3 pm 10/11 Sacrament of Confirmation either 6pm or 10 am ROSTERS: 27 th / 28 th May Pentecost Sunday 3 rd / 4 th June Readers: Acolytes: EMHCs: Power Point: Music: Helen Murray Miriam Peachy & Mike Berry Marian Bishopp & Laurie Conroy Kevin Susai Michael Gillooly Pat Kirwan, John Mordini Elizabeth Susai, Libby Dimmer, Sue Walker Peta Berry, Anne Taylor, Lina Vinci John Hayes, Joan Trew Sr Imelda Doris Zambonetti Simon Wong Andy Sambuaga Lexi Wilkinson Julie Prior Sonia Thomas Miranda & Steve Hickey Sr Myrtle & Terese Johnston Gordon Kendall Kevin Susai Michael Gillooly & Brian Gotts Teresa & Bern Willett, Tony Wong Peta Berry, Elizabeth Re, Anne Taylor Glenda Gotts, Cathy Bostock, K.Shervington Nicole Drinkwater Margaret Lobo Susanne Whyte Carmel Charlton Lexi Wilkinson Julie Prior Counters: [3] Bob Stidwell, Terry Lark, Joan Toole [4] Les Norrish, Br Noel Hickey, John Astone Altar Society: [1] Laraine Penberthy, Teresa Willett, Susan Feletti (2 nd June) [2] Doris & Lucy Zambonetti (9 th June) Pilgrim Statue: Maureen & Dan Byrne Miriam & Brian Peachey Children s Liturgy: Carli Jayne

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