14 th September, 2014 The Exaltation of the Cross Num 21:4-9; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17

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1 14 th September, 2014 The Exaltation of the Cross Num 21:4-9; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17 PARISH TEAM Parish Priest: Rev Vincent Savarimuthu Pastoral Associate: Sr Anna Conway Parish Secretary: Maria Hodgkinson JP Office Hours: Tues - Fri 9am pm Phone: Fax: stmads@yahoo.com.au Web Site: Address Parish House: 28 Annangrove Rd Kenthurst NSW 2156 St Mads Primary School Phone: Principal: Jeanette Black Marian College Phone: Principal: Lynn Bard St Vincent de Paul Playgroup Tue 9.30am Children s Liturgy 10am Mass during Term Parish Services Weekend Masses: Saturday EST 5.30pm (DST 6.00pm) Sunday 8:00 am 10:00 am Sunday EST 5.30pm (DST 6.00pm) Weekday Masses: Tuesday 9:15 am Wednesday 9:15 am Thursday 9:15 am Friday 12 noon First Friday of the month 8.25am at Marian College for the students Prayer Group: Wednesdays after the 9.15 am Mass Baptisms & Weddings: By appointment Reconciliation: Saturday 5.00pm This Sunday, we are celebrating the solemn feast of the Exaltation of the Cross which recalls an historic event that proved to be extremely important in the life of the Christian church, and to underline the importance of the symbol and reality of the cross in the daily life of every Christian man or woman. Elie Wiesel was a survivor of the dreaded Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz. He wrote of his experiences in the book The Night. In that book he relates the harrowing story of two Jewish men and a Jewish boy hanged alongside one another. Having mounted the stairs the two adults cried, Long live liberty, but the boy was silent. Behind Wiesel someone desperately asked Where is God Where is He? The chairs the victims were standing on were kicked out from under them and the three hung there. The adults died quickly, but the boy s weight wasn t great enough to snap his neck immediately. For more than half an hour he hung there, dying in slow agony before their eyes. Again Wiesel heard the question Where is God now? And standing there Wiesel heard a voice within himself answer: Where is he? Here he is. He is hanging here on this gallows. When Wiesel said it was God hanging on the gallows he indicated the death of his faith. Faith in God died with that hanging child. But there is another interpretation, that God suffers with those who suffer, seen most visibly in the death of Christ hanging on his own gallows, the cross. (Source: Elie Wiesel, The Night (1969). Reported in Moltmann, The Crucified God and Stott, The Cross of Christ). In a world that cries with signs of destruction and defeat, we are challenged to see the great reversal that is offered in the cross. He knows in great detail the devastation caused by tragedy. He understands the pain and sorrow acquainted with grief and loss. We are not along in our suffering; sure He is there for us. He is in control of our life no matter how bad things may happen. We are never out of His reach. As someone said, We are a religion of the cross and of all that it stood for. We do not run away from suffering and death, but rather we

2 transform them into salvation and resurrection. We do not run away from humiliation, but rather we joyfully accept humiliation for the sake of the glory of God. We do not run away from the lowest of human beings, but rather we embrace them as other Christs. Food for thought: "Why is everyone here so happy except me?" "Because they have learned to see goodness and beauty everywhere," said the Master. "Why don't I see goodness and beauty everywhere?" "Because you cannot see outside of you what you fail to see inside."(- Anthony de Mello, S.J., One Minute Wisdom) Fr. Vince THIS WEEK S MINISTERS 14 th September, am 10am 5.30pm Welcomers Karen Forest Kay & Archie Brooks Firkins Family Harb Family Acolyte Vince Luca Neil John Joe Touma John Harb Stephen Catherine Diekman, Richard Romano, Jason Readers Ann & Mark Lee Kinchington Bill Dowers Hatcher Eucharistic Louise Johnston, Pat Sandra Tabone, Trish Patrick Brush, Maria Colleen Dunlop Ministers Lynch Takahashi Aiossa Kate Howlin, Arkash Arnold, Jack Naomi, Malachi & Nathan Christian Hatcher Junior Ministers Lara Sawaya McNeil Young Musicians Richard & Matt Joan & David Merle & Doug Youth Group NEXT WEEK S MINISTERS, 21 st September, pm 8am 10am 5.30pm Welcomers Judith Gauci Maria Fry Bob & Maureen Burke Margaret & Michael Foley Acolyte Len Gauci Mark Wright Jhun Javier Sam Ursino Readers Pat Waters, Robert Gerometta Berenice Hart- Gerometta Olivia and Jasmin Kenna Eileen Sherlock, Junainah Lynch Rosanna Ceroli, Sally Coppini Jason Hatcher, Gael Carpani Eucharistic Nuri Wardrop, Ministers Lorraine Ewer Meg & Greg Thomas Patrick Wright, Rosie & Maryanna Coppini Junior Ministers Tomas McNeil, Jordan Stubing Musicians Joan & David Richard and Matt Bobby and Matt Youth Group Bankers/Counter June & Terry Brennen Children s Liturgy Deb Rankin Flowers Nick Ceroli / Rita Vumbaca Altar Linen Pat Waters We remember in our prayers: Lesly Gangemi, Warren O Neil Jacinta Mifsud Pray for the sick: Antoinette, Lian, Alfio, Immaculata, Nick, Maria, Elizabeth, Kieran, Charles Vencyel, Joe, Christy Sherlock, Maisie Hughes, Christine Wilson, Grant Booth John William Tongue, Doreen Lindsay, James Lindsay, Joe Gauci, Desmond Tynan, Fred Babagallo, Norman & Chahide Hajje, Sheaddy & Chahid Hajje, Raymond Chiha, Dec d of Hajje, Baynie, Chiha and Habkouk families May they rest in peace Mass Intentions If you would like Mass to be offered for a special intention there are envelopes available at the entrance of the church. These can be placed on either collection or given to Fr Vincent. Masses were offered this week for: Francesco Corcoglioniti, Domenico Piperata

3 Parish News THIS WEEK: Tuesday 16 th September Choir Practice 7.30pm Thursday 18 th September Pizza night 7pm for all involved in various ministries of the Parish Parish dates for the diary: R.C.I.A Information Gathering 7pm, 30 th September, Parish Office HSC Mass blessing for all HSC students at the 10am Mass -12 th October Eucharistic Minister Training 3pm Saturday 18 th October Parish New Comers morning tea after 10am Mass -26 th October Baptisms The next Baptismal Preparation will take place on Saturday October 4 at 3pm. Please phone the parish office if you would like to book in for this session or you may simply come on the day with the godparents. R.C.I.A The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) is a process: designed for adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and/or are thinking about becoming Catholic. The meetings present an overview of Catholic beliefs and provide an opportunity to ask questions and explore your feelings and any concerns you might have. The RCIA exerts no pressure on people in any way; you will find yourself in a friendly and welcoming environment where you can comfortably contemplate this important decision in your life. Please collect the application forms from the foyer of the church or you could download from the parish website. The information night will be announced later. Bring this notice to your friends and let them know that they are most welcome to integrate with Madeleine s community and with the universal church. For further information, feel free to contact the parish office. HSC Student s Mass There is a book on the table in the foyer for you write the names of family and friends who are doing their HSC this year. We ask you to pray for these students at this important time in their lives; that they will do their best and achieve their goals. The children will receive a special blessing at the 10am Mass on Sunday 12 th October (day before the English exam!). Eucharistic Minister Training Eucharistic minister training will be held on Saturday 18 th October at 3pm in the Church. We will be contacting those who said they are interested, others are welcome. Contact Sue at sue@kcj.net.au Diocesan News Bereavement Support Program CatholicCare Solo Parent Services is holding another Bereavement Support Session on Wednesday 17 th September for those whose spouse or long term partner has died. The topic for this Session is Images and Frameworks for Understanding Grief. Venue: Baptist Church Hall, 313 Macquarie Rd Springwood from 10.30am 12.30pm. This is an opportunity to gain some information about the grieving process and to support each other during this most difficult and painful time. Details and Registration: soloparentservices@ccss.org.au or Ph Bishop s Father s Day Collection Thank you for your generosity in contributing to the Bishop s Collection for Retired and Sick Priests last weekend. For those who were unable to contribute, some envelopes are available in the Church or foyer. They may be sent directly to the Foundation or placed on the collection plate. If you wish you can make online contributions anytime at csfparra.org.au using you credit card. Holy Hour for Vocations Everyone is welcome to join the Holy Hour for Vocations on the 3 rd Thursday of each month for an hour of adoration, prayer, music and quiet time. To find out more about priesthood in the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta contact Fr Warren Edwards Vocations Director: tel , vocations@parra.catholic.org.au Date: Thursday 18 September, from 7pm-8pm. Venue: Blessed Sacrament Chapel, St Patrick s Cathedral, 1 Marist Plc, Parramatta. Annual Diocesan Shopping Trip Date: Saturday 15 November Departs from 2 points: 7am Burns T-Way Station (off Old Windsor Rd), Kellyville (on-site parking); 7am - Information Kiosk, Panthers Leagues Club, Penrith (on-site parking). Cost: $55 adults, $45 concession, $20 children aged Bookings close 17 October: Virginia Knight tel , knightofgin@bigpond.com Positions Vacant Family Educators, CEO Sydney Applications are invited for the position of Family Educator based in Catholic primary schools in BOSSLEY PARK, MOOREBANK, BASS HILL, GREENACRE, CENTRAL BANKSTOWN, DACEYVILLE, LANE COVE, BRIGHTON, BLAKEHURST, MAROUBRA, AUBURN, NORTH RYDE, LAKEMBA, SUMMER HILL, PUNCHBOWL, FAIRFIELD, HOXTON PARK, RANDWICK and KENSINGTON. To download the application pack. Applications close Friday, September 19, For further information contact meredith.lemos@syd.catholic.edu.au

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