The Power of His Grace

Transcription

1 Second Sunday of Lent 16th & 17th March 2019 The Power of His Grace Haven t you heard? It s over! The reign of terror, guilt and shame has come crashing down. There is only one God. And through his ony Son. You have been set free. You are no longer condemned. Rejoice! But there s more, much more. You are also free from having to condemn. You don t have to. You can t. You have been forgiven of much. So begin to forgive. You can still set limits and boundaries. Don t expose yourself to pointless harm, but don t harden your heart. Before God we are all equal and all guilty. Before God we can stand with confidence when washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. The power of His grace makes your heart strong. Instead of condemnation bring patience, compassion and mercy. Love until it hurts. Show your wounds to Christ and He will heal you with His. Be Christ on the earth, may His Kingdom reign forever! Pope Francis Prayer Intentions For March Christian Communities That Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected. Thoughts of Fr Francis Jordan Hope comes from faith! We must have great faith, and without great faith we cannot have hope or confidence in God, or hope in the Lord! A warm welcome to our parishioners and visitors who are celebrating the Eucharist with us at Pittwater Parish - Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale and Maria Regina Church, Avalon 1 Keenan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103 Tel: Fax office@pittwaterparish.org website:

2 There are Poor Boxes in both Churches. Your donations will help us help our local Vinnies clients. A client of Vinnies Avalon Conference is looking for a room or a granny flat for lease, preferably in Avalon as she has a 6 year old at our local school. She receives NSW Community Housing, expiring in May. For more information, please call Sue Bowra on For the needy, help is available by contacting the Brookvale Centre during business hours. BOOK REVIEW The Road back to God by Thomas Merton This little booklet with its readings for every day of Lent is so inspiring and easy to read. Each reading is short and to the point and really helps us to understand Lent and contemplate the Season. LIBRARY The books which are reviewed here each week are from our Parish Library situated at Maria Regina Church, Avalon. The Library is opened at Maria Regina Church, Avalon before and after the weekend Masses, Saturday 6 pm and Sunday 9 am, and on week day Masses, except Tuesdays, at 9.15 am. If these hours don't suit you and you would like to borrow or have an inquiry you may phone me on (Home) (mobile). Trish Newman Disabled Parking Area We Pray for Deceased Anniversary Kuzma Bacic Jaka Bacic Marija Bacic Holy Souls in Purgatory 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. Recently Deceased Peter Tosi Maria Calvi Fr Lauro Rufo Jim Nunn 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. THURSDAY MORNING SPIRITUALITY GROUP We recommenced on Thursday 7th February with a new book, Beyond the Edge by Andrew Mayes. Mayes will take us on a journey through the Holy Land visiting places where Jesus talked to the people and worked his miracles. We gain new and deeper insights into Jesus' way of life with the help of making it our own. Morning tea at 10 am Sharing from am to 12 noon. All are welcome. Contact Trish Newman on There are 2 Disabled Parking Spaces available on the Church 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 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 Vera Bateman Marion Russell Marian Santa Ana Lorriane Wilson Rosalinda Singson Rodney Young Daryl Kaufer Marjan Seifoor Rosa Lealaiauloto Anne Rees Bassam Khodr Margaret Baker Estera Cimino Angelo Micianio Mark Kelsey Marea Trevaskis Sean Martin Carol Duffy Greg Kolts John Gordan David Traves Gaetan Delerue Ikhlas Khoshaba Rosie Rajak Luke Horton Josephina Caruso Philip Lambert Robyn Sheather Terry Ysip Mary-Kate Dennis Adriana Pavlinca Marie Hill Melanie MacFarlane Rhonda Grant Trina Hughes Christina Leite Marques Michael Power Paul Hancock Leone Hancock Valda Morgan This list will be updated every month and we would appreciate it if we are advised, if further reconsideration is required. Thank you Daylight saving will end at 3am on Sunday, 7 April 2019 when clocks go back one hour. MOVIE NIGHT When a high school teacher is asked a question in class about Jesus, her response lands her in deep trouble. 7 pm 26 March Sacred Heart Church Parish Centre Gold Coin Donation Appreciated from Our Schools Mater Maria Catholic College On Monday our Year 12 students participated in their Annual Twilight Retreat. Once again, Year 12 had the great pleasure of being addressed by Sam Clear, a Catholic missionary. Following on from their retreat last year in November, Sam shared with the students the amazing story of his experiences walking the face of the earth between 2006 and 2008 all for the sake of Christian unity. On Monday, Sam further developed his thinking on what he learned during that long walk and raised with the students the importance of being open to dialogue with other people and indeed with God, without placing conditions and obstacles when building those important relationships. We are now enrolling students in Years 5 for Year 7, Please visit the College website for a prospectus or Application for Enrolment. Applications for Year 7, 2021 close on April 4, 2019.

3 Parish Pastoral Council Veronica Thomas - Chairperson veronicathomas2009@gmail.com Pittwater Parish Ministries Catechists Co-Directors Maureen Wooldridge Yvonne van den Berg ext 13 Evangelisation Ministry Erich Ott (Coordinator RCIA) Sr Margaret Collis Sue Berg (Coordinators Adult Faith Education/Formation) Hospitality Ministry Nicole Ovens IT Ministry David Kerr dpkerr@kerr.net.au Legion of Mary Connie Robinson - Director Little Hearts Playgroup Co-Directors-Marie Bockman - mbockman@hotmail.com Maureen Wooldridge Marriage Ministry TBA Media & Communication Ministry Laura Ee - Director media@pittwaterparish.org Music Ministry Josh Willard - Director ext 17 Pastoral Care and Communion to the Sick Ministry Co-Directors Denise Bottero Marie Bockman - mbockman@hotmail.com Parish Library Trish Newman - Director Sacramental Program Ministry Yvonne van den Berg ext 13 Social Justice Ministry Tamara Harding - Director Youth Ministry TBA soul@pittwaterparish.org All our Ministries comply with Working With Children Check requirements ADULT FAITH EDUCATION FORMATION. Dear Fellow Parishioners, You are invited to a talk in Lent by Xavier Symons. The Topic: The Inner Sanctuary: an Introduction to Conscience and its Role in the Moral Life." Where:- The Sacred Heart Church Parish Centre. When:- Tuesday 19th March. Time:- 7.30pm until 9pm. Please join us at 7pm for a tea or a coffee. All are welcome. The Adult Faith Education Formation Co ordinators. Xavier Symons (BA Adv. (Hons), MA (Res.) (USyd)) is a Research Associate in the Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia. He is also PhD candidate with the Centre for Moral Philosophy and Applied Ethics at the Australian Catholic University. Xavier's research interests range from ethical issues at the beginning and end of life, to conscientious objection in medicine and the role of religion in medical practice. He also has an interest in Catholic social teaching and the ethics of healthcare resource allocation. He will shortly submit his PhD thesis, which focuses on the allocation of lifesaving healthcare resources.

4 Anointing Mass At Nursing Homes And Retirement Villages MINKARA NURSING HOME Tuesday 19th March at 10.30am Anointing Mass SEABEACH GARDENS NURSING HOME Tuesday 19th March at 11.30am Anointing & Communion BAYVIEW GARDEN NURSING HOME Tuesday 19th March at 1.30pm Anointing Mass ESTIA HEALTH (PENINSULAR GARDEN NURSING HOME) Tuesday 19th March at 2.30pm Anointing & Communion AVALON HOUSE NURSING HOME Wednesday 27thMarch at 10.45am Anointing & Communion MARCUS LOANE NURSING HOME Wednesday 27th March at 2.00pm Anointing Mass We welcome to Pittwater Parish for the Sacrament of Baptism Bailey Costello Amelia Meppem Henry Jahn Louie Fletcher on 17 March 2019 Maria Regina Church, Avalon. Tati lives in the remote forest of Indonesia with her husband and children. Earning an income working in a local rubber plantation, her Dayak culture has relied on the rainforest for generations. However, due to land clearing, many indigenous people are losing their land and livelihoods. Through eco-tourism training supported by Caritas Australia, Tati can now afford to send her children to school. With new hope and commitment Tati aspires to a future free from poverty for her family. Please donate to Project Compassion 2019 and help lift communities in Indonesia out of poverty, and give them hope to protect our common home. Lives change when we all give 100%. You can donate through Parish boxes and envelopes, by visiting compassion or phoning Lectio Divina The Diocese of Broken Bay Lenten resource for 2019, Discerning the Way of Jesus will take you on a six-week journey through Lent using the lectio divina practice of reading scripture, which is both prayerful and transformative. The Discerning the Way of Jesus booklet includes reflections by: Fr David Callaghan MGL Sr Elizabeth Brennan SGS Deacon Adrian Gomez Very Rev Dr David Ranson offers reflections for Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday Introduction and step by step guide to lectio divina Weekly reflection questions Discern and rediscover your calling to be a disciple of Jesus as you walk with him through this desert Lenten time LENTEN PROGRAM You are invited to join our Lenten program led by Penny Kerr commencing on 13 March 2019, after the 9.15am mass at Maria Regina Church, Avalon. Please contact the Parish Office 0n if you are interested in being a group leader or if you would like to join a group. All books and materials will be provided. Year of Love at Pittwater DATES for your DIARY STATIONS OF THE CROSS Every Friday in Lent after morning mass. EXPOSITION AND RECONCILIATION Every Friday in Lent from 7pm to 8pm at Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale 8, 22 and 29 March, 5 April. Maria Regina Church 15, 29 March and 12 April. 24 HOURS WITH THE LORD On Friday 29 March at Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale from 7pm to Midnight SAVE the DATE You are invited to a Family Mass, led by students from Sacred Heart Primary School and Maria Regina Primary School, on Sunday 24 March at 6pm, Sacred Heart Church. Candles handmade with love, will be on sale for $10 each available at all Masses in March, while stocks last. All money raised will support the youth in our Parish travelling to Perth for ACYF in December. A Youth Event commencing Sunday, 7 April 2019, after 6pm Soul Mass. More details next week.

5 by Majella Dennis, March 2015 Giving Up Chocolate: thoughts on living Lent life s awfulness does not often seem to inspire great happiness! And yet, as I have thought more about what he meant, I have come to realise the incredible wisdom behind it. If at any minute my life could be reduced to nothing, everything I have right now is a blessing, and cause for great thankfulness. In the end, what I would like my children to know about Lent is this: it is an opportunity to strip back the complexity, to give away the excess, to reduce the noise and to live, breathe and love as though it could all be gone tomorrow. I want to tell them that Lent reminds us to live simply, thoughtfully and consciously so we can fully participate in the great and wonderful mysteries that life offers us. And I will gently advise them that if giving up chocolate doesn t help them to connect with what matters most, then perhaps they need to rethink their Lenten Promise. When I was in primary school, I hated Lent. My little Catholic school tended to make a big deal of the whole season. We had Caritas Project Compassion boxes with weekly fundraising goals, lots of liturgies and Masses, Religion lessons highlighting the importance of doing penance and worst of all: the Lenten Promise. This Promise (fasting, by any other name) was the subject of a great many conversations amongst my classmates in the lead-up to Ash Wednesday - who was going to give up what in order to become holy, pure and the recipient of the most chocolate eggs on Easter morning (we may have misunderstood the end goal). Each year, I remember feeling incredibly burdened by my Lenten Promise. I suspect it was because I always fell into the trap of Competitive Promising - the act of ensuring that your Lenten fast is more sacrificial, penitential and austere than everyone else s. If my friend gave up chocolate I needed to give up all junk food. My classmate promised to abstain from computer games well, no riding bikes, climbing trees or anything remotely resembling fun for me! Consequently, the forty days of Lent always stretched dreary and dark before me, my faithfulness to God tested constantly by my sin-filled little sisters who ate Caramello Koalas right in front of me in flagrant disregard of my Lenten Promise. Naturally, I am hoping to impart a different experience of Lent to my own children. When I was small, I understood the how-to of penance and fasting in preparation for the Easter celebration. I could have told you that the practice of fasting is an imitation of Jesus retreat to the wilderness for forty days and nights in preparation for his ministry (although the direct link between this and giving up chocolate was less clear to me). I even knew that the act of doing penance was to help us turn back to God and to deepen our relationship with Jesus. What my little self missed was the connection between my knowledge about Lent and the practice of giving up things I enjoyed. This was not because I was uninformed or because I was afraid to ask questions, but perhaps because there is a depth and breadth to Lenten spirituality that can be hard to capture in words. As Catholics, we live Lent in preparation for the Easter Triduum, the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes it seems to me that we like to skip over the was brutally nailed to a cross in front of his friends and family part of the story to get to the but don t worry everyone, he overcame death and rose again happy ending. Obviously we cannot have one without the other, but I do think there is a bias in Western culture towards focusing only on positive, happy, nice parts of life. We are almost afraid to confront the darkness, the pain, the death that exists all around us, presumably because it forces us to face our own vulnerability, sin, wrongdoing. But what we miss when we skip the crucifixion part of the story is the call to ask ourselves the hard questions, the opportunity to examine how we are living, the impetus to ask ourselves what really matters. Because when all is stripped away (as death is wont to do), what is left? In an interview I read recently with Br David Steindl-Rast, a hermitic Benedictine monk, he said that in order to practise gratitude, we must always keep death before our eyes. When I first read this, I found it hard to digest. In my experience, focusing on Majella Dennis is a parishioner of St James at Muswellbrook and a practising psychologist. She is married to Matt and they have a two-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter. Majella says, I really enjoy hanging around at the intersection between spirituality and psychology. Jelly Bean Prayer Red is for the blood He gave Green is for the grass He made Yellow is for the sun so bright Orange is for the edge of night Black is for the sins we made White is for the grace He gave Purple is for the house of sorrow Pink is for the new tomorrow An activity for your children that will help them to appreciate the virtues of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, set out a glass jar for each child with a small copy of the jellybean prayer taped to it. Determine a behavior to go with each jellybean colour (corresponding with the prayer). Each day the kids could earn a jellybean of any color they followed through on. They can t eat the jellybeans until Easter. They cannot earn white jellybeans because these represent the Grace of Christ, which is a gift not earned ourselves. On Easter morning, the kids wake to find their jars filled up where they were still empty (lacking) with white jellybeans (Christ's grace). This is how you could interpret each color or make your own ideas based on ages and needs of your children: Red is for the blood Christ gave (each morning choose something to sacrifice that day to earn the red jellybean, something they would have the opportunity to have or do on that day) Green is for the palm's cool shade (earned for good deeds, as it was a good deed to provide shade for Jesus with the palm) Yellow is for God's light so bright (earned for sharing God's light through kindness to others) Orange is for prayers at twilight (earned for attentive behavior during bedtime prayer time or night time bible story, etc.) Black is for sweet rest at night (earned for going to bed well, or you could use blue since some kids are not fans of black jellybeans) White is for the Grace of Christ (these cannot be earned as mentioned above) Purple is for His days of sorrow (earned these through apologising to anyone you hurt with your words or deeds that day) Pink is for each new tomorrow (earned when you forgave those who apologised to us for hurtful behavior)

6 The Living Word First Reading Gen 15: A reading from the book of Genesis God made a covenant with Abraham, his faithful servant. Taking Abram outside the Lord said, Look up to heaven and count the stars if you can. Such will be your descendants he told him. Abram put his faith in the Lord, who counted this as making him justified. I am the Lord he said to him who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldaeans to make you heir to this land. My Lord, the Lord Abram replied, how am I to know that I shall inherit it? He said to him, Get me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove and a young pigeon. He brought him all these, cut them in half and put half on one side and half facing it on the other; but the birds he did not cut in half. Birds of prey came down on the carcasses but Abram drove them off. Now as the sun was setting Abram fell into a deep sleep, and terror seized him. When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, there appeared a smoking furnace and a firebrand that went between the halves. That day the Lord made a Covenant with Abram in these terms: To your descendants I give this land, from the wadi of Egypt to the Great River. The word of the Lord Responsorial Psalm Ps 26: R. v.1 (R.) The Lord is my light and my salvation. The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life before whom shall I shrink? (R) O Lord, hear my voice when I call; have mercy and answer. Of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face. (R) It is your face, O Lord, that I seek, hide not your face. Dismiss not your servant in anger; you have been my help. (R) I am sure I shall see the Lord s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord! (R) Second Reading Phil 3:17 4:1 A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians Christ will transfigure these bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. My brothers, be united in following my rule of life. Take as your models everybody who is already doing this and study them as you used to study us. I have told you often, and I repeat it today with tears, there are many who are behaving as the enemies of the cross of Christ. They are destined to be lost. They make foods into their god and they are proudest of something they ought to think shameful; the things they think important are earthly things. For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the saviour we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. He will do that by the same power with which he can subdue the whole universe. So then, my brothers and dear friends, do not give way but remain faithful in the Lord. I miss you very much, dear friends; you are my joy and my crown. The word of the Lord Gospel Acclamation Mt 17:5 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 Lk 9:28-36 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke As Jesus prayed, the aspect of his face was changed, and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, 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 he was saying. As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud saying, This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him. And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one what they had seen. The Gospel of the Lord Reflection The Second Sunday of Lent celebrates the epiphanies of God, the ways in which God's divine presence is revealed. The first divine epiphany is the manifestation of God as one who initiates a covenant, an intimate relationship with human beings. Not only does God initiate this agreement, but God also seals it with blood, making it official. Although we ritualise our relationship with God in a religious setting, the call to enter into the covenant can come in the ordinary events of life. The important thing to remember about this covenant is that God enters into our lives and initiates the relationship. No life is too simple; no life is too busy. Human history in all of its contours is the setting for the encounter with God. The glory of God is revealed in the transfigured Jesus, the one who discussed his suffering and death with Moses and Elijah. Lent is a time for us to enter into this suffering, not merely though reflection, prayer and penance, but concretely, by sharing in the suffering of the body of Christ. We see this suffering all around us. God is revealed through women and men who live lives of Christian commitment. In those whose integrity strengthens us, in those whose religious sentiments inspire us, in those whose endurance gives us confidence. God is revealed in those who get involved in bettering the lives of others. God is revealed in very ordinary ways, if we but open our eyes to see. Diane Bergant CSA Catholic Youth Broken Bay invites all young people to our first PRAISEFEST of the year and celebrate together our World Youth Day Panama Reunion! After a fruitful and exciting journey through Mexico and Panama for WYD, the night will be a chance to come together, share stories and catch up with old friends. The night includes our Festival with food and activities, leading into a night of vibrant praise and honest worship, and inspirational relevant Word, and time for reflection and intimacy with Jesus. Date: Friday 29 March 2019 Time: 6.00pm pm Venue: The Light of Christ Centre, Yardley Ave, Waitara RSVP: youth@bbcatholic.org.au If anyone wants to be on the Our Lady Statue Roster, please contact Suzanne De Landre You have the Statue for a week and then pass onto next person or family on the Roster.

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 18/03 Monday - St Patrick, Bishop Jer 1:4-9; Acts 13:46-49; Lk 10:1-12, /03 Tuesday - St Joseph, Husband of Mary 2 Sam 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24 or Lk 2 2: /03 Wednesday - Second Week of Lent Jer 18:18-20; Mt 20: /03 Thursday - Second Week of Lent Jer 17:5-10; Lk 16: /03 Friday - Second Week of Lent Gen 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Mt 21:33-43, /03 Saturday -Second Week of Lent Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Lk 15:1-3, 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 The Catholic Parish of Pittwater 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