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EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (YEAR B)
4th January, 2009
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LET'S FOLLOW THE STAR
"Although the scribes could explain where the Messiah should be born, they remained quite unperturbed in Jerusalem. They did not accompany the Wise Men to seek him.
"Similarly, we may be able to explain every article of our faith, yet remain spiritually motionless. The power that moved heaven and earth leaves us completely unmoved.
"What a contrast! The three kings had only a rumour to go by. But it spurred them to set out on a long, hard journey. The scribes, meanwhile, were much better informed, much better versed. They had sat and studied the scriptures for years, like so many dons. But it didn't make any difference.
"Who had the more truth? Those who followed the rumour, or those who remained sitting, satisfied with all their knowledge?"
This meaningful reflection of Soren Kierkegaard in "Only a Rumour" could be a good guidance as we are make the New Year's resolutions.
It also reminds us that gold, frankincense and myrrh are good gifts worthy to be offered. But they must be offered. They must not become themselves objects of worship.
Fr Toan Nguyen
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| Readings of the Day
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First Reading: Isaiah 60:6 1-6;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 71
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6;
Gospel : Matthew 2:1-12
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Prayer Requests
Please keep in your prayers: All the sick of the parish,
Ellie Antonios, Marjorie Chung, Julia Dah Dah, Therese Ewing, Mary Hannon, Betty Foster, Linda Ito, Darrilyn Jones, Ellie Nehme, Kelly Nool, Adam Sheen,Veselka & Vesna, Phil Waite.
Recently Deceased: Sr Marietta Bolitho, Anita Carcallas, Assia Dagher, Ray Faddy, Sr Clare Grealy, Sr Veronica Ryan, Sheila Sweeny, Lydia Valdes.
Anniversary: Muriel Crockett, Oswald Oudin, Fabian Williams.
Others: Antonios, Fahed, Hannie, Hind, Lamya, Nehman & Rose, Leila Mardini, Faride & Youssef Mardini, Khalil & Simon Masri, Hannie, Jabour & Mantoura Tannous, members of Abboud, Badaoui, Bou-Antoun, Cerra, Khoury, Rachid, Ramia, Rizk & Tannous families, Holy Souls in Purgatory.
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We pray also for those members of our parish community who are unable to attend the Eucharist each week because of ill health and are visited on a regular basis by Fr Augustine and other Eucharistic Ministers:
Mary Anne Abella, Jean Angove, Tony Basil, Norah Carr, Claudine Castagnet, Giuseppa Grasso, Norma Hannon, Norah Hare, Doreen Hayman, Samaz Numoz, Pauline O'Grady, Anese Park, Alice Poole, Carmen & Michael Ranallo, and John Worth.
Note: If you know of someone who may wish to receive a visit or perhaps you may like to volunteer to assist us in this very worthwhile ministry, please contact either Fr Augustine at the Parish Office on 9759-1280
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PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
If you are new to the Parish or just joined the work-force or simply would like to contribute to the upkeep of the Parish please leave your name on the sheets in the Piety Stall or contact the Parish Office
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Our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Program, led by Noreen Sheedy, will continue each week at 7.30 pm in the Presbytery.
If you, or someone you know would like to participate and find out what the Catholic Faith is all about please feel free to join us without any obligation whatsoever. There is no time limit - this year - next year - whenever!
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Children’s Liturgy
We invite parents to encourage their children to take part in their own special liturgy, which is a lesson about Scripture Readings of the day, which takes place every Sunday at the 10 am Family Mass.
After the Opening Prayer of the Mass children are asked to come to the front of the Church where they then process with their Catechist from the Church and go to the Parish Hall. Here they read in more simple language, and they are explained. Because of their baptism, children have the right to know the Word of God. Through mime, story, etc. the children will be helped to really understand the Scriptures of the day, also the children will enjoy and look forward to coming to each Sunday.
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The music group meets each Wednesday, in the Church, at 7.30 pm. We invite interested singers and musicians to join us!
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New Parishioners
We extend a warm welcome to all new parishioners and invite you to introduce yourselves to Fr. Toan or Fr. Augustine after Mass.
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BULLETIN DEADLINE: Any items for the bulletin need to be in the Parish Office by Thursday.
Fr. Toan is at the Vietnamese Community three days a week. Normally he will be in the Parish Office on Fridays. Please note Fr. Toan's new mobile phone number is 0414-667-308.
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Procedure for Baptism
1. Telephone the Parish Office on Fridays, between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm and an appointment will be made with Fr Augustine.
2. Collect a Form from the Parish Office. Fill it in and return it at the interview.
3. Baptisms are carried out during the 10 am Mass on the first Sunday of the month and after the 10 am Mass on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
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Interested in Social Justice?
Keep abreast of the latest social justice issues with the FREE weekly email service "OzSpirit". This high-quality weekly email service (and website) on social justice issues and spirituality includes the latest news, features, website reviews and forums. To see this week's edition or join its growing subscriber list go to: www.ozspirit.info
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TALKING TABLES.
Are You Free for Dinner?
An Initiative for Young Adults in their 20s and 30s. A fantastic opportunity for young people to meet other young Catholics and have a meal together! People meet in groups of 8 on a monthly basis at different restaurants all around Sydney.
The conversations over dinner are great! They centre around key issues of importance and meaning to young adults.
The contact person in our area for more info is: Kim McGee, 9792-5911 or kpmcgee5@optusnet.au or Margaret Pirotta on 0415 805 158.
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CATHOLIC CHURCH INSURANCES
Parish Rebate program...you can help support our Parish if you insure your Home & its contents through CCI - CCI offers a program that returns a 10% rebate for every new policy introduced through our parish….Give them a no-obligation call next time you need to renew 1300 655 005 or visit their website: www.ccinsurances.com.au
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A site for sore eyes! www.sacredspace.ie
This site is run by the Jesuits, where busy people can spend short bursts of daily prayer, or meditation whilst in front of your computer! The site also includes a great link for students called www.Soulsearching.ie with lots of music, art, justice, prayer themes, as well as an opportunity to join in Debates and Discussion.
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We love to hear from parishioners who can contribute small articles that may be of interest, parish news, coming events, celebrations, photos, eg. baptisms, anniversaries, obituaries, etc. to the Parish Office. We also hope that our youth will look in and perhaps contribute some thoughts or advice on direction. Thank you to those who have already done so!!
This new format allows us to expand on the bulletin and include articles of interest and links to other sites. Our aim is to make it lively and interesting! As well, any suggestions or ideas for direction, or criticisms, would be appreciated, please contact the Parish Office on Fridays between 9.30am and 4.30 pm. Also, if you wish to be a recipient of our email newsletter each week, please fill in the form below the Contact Us page.
Please note: It is not necessary to have a mobile number when filling out the form. All sections need ONLY be filled in with at least a zero, ie. "O".
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