7th March 2010

Third Sunday of Lent

Palm Sunday Youth Mass

Bishop Anthony invites the youth of the Diocese to St Patrick’s Cathedral for a Youth Mass followed by Q&A session and BBQ on Sunday 28 March. Gather in Prince Alfred Park opposite the Cathedral at 5.45pm for a blessing and procession leading into the Mass.

Country Fair May 2

We’re Going For GOLD!
We’d like to make this year’s Country Fair the biggest and the best ever! You can help. Please put your name on the attached sheet and return it to Nuri or the parish office if you can help on the day. The next stallholders meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th March at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre. Also, sponsors for the raffle and donations needed! Please phone Nuri if you can assist with that 9654 2467 or 0405 198 156 or Lorraine on 9654 2248.

Lenten Program

Join the Lenten program and stimulate your Spirit: contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 who will be leading the program.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross in Italian will be held each Friday in Lent from 7.30pm.

Young Singers for Easter

We are looking for children to join in our choir for the Easter Sunday 10am Mass. If any children are interested could you please contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 or 9659 0914. Practises will be required.

One In The Spirit

St. Madeleine’s “One in the Spirit” support group offers a welcome invitation to separated or divorced people to become involved in the Parish Community. If you would like support or to be involved in any way, please phone Maree on (02) 45 736146 or 0403 774 929.

Sacramental News

Thank you for the great response to the parent meetings this week for the restart of the sacramental program. Everyone should have received the books required for their next group meeting. If you have not collected a set of Confirmation Books please let me know. All children should have received a Missal at the Commitment Mass on the weekend of the 13/14th February. Again please let me know if your child was absent at this Mass and did not receive the Missal. The Parish Community, Fr Chris and Sr Anna have been delighted to see the children attending Mass each Sunday and taking part in the Offertory. The Sunday evening Mass seems to be very popular. As mentioned this is a very important part of the program and Fr Chris has requested that I remind you to continue to bring the children to Sunday Mass and sign the attendance book either on the way in to Mass or before you leave. Just a reminder to return the Green and Yellow sheets given out this week as soon as possible so that we can collate all the information for the Sacraments. Enjoy your time and thank you to our Group Leaders! Lorraine Ewer

Marriage Encounter

A weekend away for married couples in peaceful, picturesque surroundings – away from the distractions of everyday living.  Next weekend date is 19-21st March, 2010. Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Ph:  Margaret & David Connell (02)6379 1125.

Mount St Benedict

Mt St Benedict College Open Day on Sunday 14th March from 10am – 2pm. Phone 980 0415 for more information.

Marian College Enrolments

The enrolment period for Year 7, 2011 is from 1st March to 2010 to 23rd April, 2010. Enrolment Packs can be collected from the Marian College office or, by phone on 9654 2118 and have one posted to you. Applications should be completed and lodged at the College by 23rd April 2010. There will be an Information Evening and Open Afternoon for prospective students and their parents at the College on Monday 15th March 2010.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign which began on Ash Wednesday and runs until Easter Sunday. It is a time to reflect upon the significant issues of poverty, peace, justice and development. Your support of this appeal is needed to aid with development programs so communities can help themselves out of poverty as well as providing shelter, nutrition and healthcare to needy people. Contribution boxes are available for collection on the table in the foyer.

Solo Parents Ministry

Every second Thursday of the month the Solo Parent Ministry facilitates a bereavement group for those who are over 50 years of age who have suffered the loss of their partner or spouse through death. We meet again on Thursday 11th March at 11.00 am at 2A Villiers St (Anne Clark Centre) Parramatta. It is an “open” group and therefore welcomes old and new members each month. Ph: Eileen Quade on 9933 0205 or.

New Catechists

Our thanks to Kay Brooks and Heidi Bou-Harb who have recently joined our wonderful team of catechists. You’re doing a great job!

YCW

Want to make a difference? Want to help those in need? Parramatta Young Christian Workers are seeking young people to volunteer in their Sydney services. Please contact Vicky on 0428 862 901 or vicky.franji@ycw.org.au

Vinnies

Vinnies Piety Stall – check out the excellent range of books in our free lending library. Also, we have for sale an Italian made statue of the Holy Family cost $80.

28th February 2010

2nd Sunday of Lent

New Bishop

Bishop Anthony Fisher OP Installation Mass
On Thursday 4 March, Bishop Anthony will be installed as the 3rd Bishop of Parramatta in St Patrick’s Cathedral. The Mass will commence at 7.30pm and be streamed live over the web at www.xt3.com.

Palm Sunday Youth Mass

Bishop Anthony invites the youth of the Diocese to St Patrick’s Cathedral for a Youth Mass followed by Q&A session and BBQ on Sunday 28 March. Gather in Prince Alfred Park opposite the Cathedral at 5.45pm for a blessing and procession leading into the Mass.

World Day of Prayer

“Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God.” A service from Cameroon this Friday 5th March at 7.30pm at St Madeleine’s Church. All welcome. This is our turn to host all the churches in our area for World Day of Prayer. If you would like to bring a plate or help with setting up, kindly ring Maria Aiossa on 9654 1652 or 0402 280890.
Marriage Encounter
A weekend away for married couples in peaceful, picturesque surroundings – away from the distractions of everyday living.  Next weekend date is 19-21st March, 2010. Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Ph:  Margaret & David Connell (02)6379 1125.

YCW

Want to make a difference? Want to help those in need? Parramatta Young Christian Workers are seeking young people to volunteer in their Sydney services. Please contact Vicky on 0428 862 901 or vicky.franji@ycw.org.au

Marian College Enrolments

The enrolment period for Year 7, 2011 is from 1st March to 2010 to 23rd April, 2010. Enrolment Packs can be collected from the Marian College office or, by phone on 9654 2118 and have one posted to you. Applications should be completed and lodged at the College by 23rd April 2010. There will be an Information Evening and Open Afternoon for prospective students and their parents at the College on Monday 15th March 2010.

Oakhill College

Applications for enrolment into Yr 7, 2011 will close on Friday 5th March and enrolment for girls into Yr 11, 2011 will close on Friday, 21st May, 2010. Please contact the registrar Mrs Cordina-Maree on 9634 0802 if you would like an application form.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign which began on Ash Wednesday and runs until Easter Sunday. It is a time to reflect upon the significant issues of poverty, peace, justice and development. Your support of this appeal is needed to aid with development programs so communities can help themselves out of poverty as well as providing shelter, nutrition and healthcare to needy people. Contribution boxes are available for collection on the table in the foyer.

Country Fair May 2
We’re Going For GOLD!
We’d like to make this year’s Country Fair the biggest and the best ever! You can help. We need all the help we can get – the more the better! Also, sponsors for the raffle and donations needed! Please phone Nuri if you can assist with that 9654 2467.

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 3rd March at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre.

Vinnies

Vinnies Piety Stall – check out the excellent range of books in our free lending library. Also, we have for sale an Italian made statue of the Holy Family cost $80.

Lenten Program

Join the Lenten program and stimulate your Spirit: contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 who will be leading the program.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross in Italian will be held each Friday in Lent from 7.30pm.

Young Singers for Easter

We are looking for children to join in our choir for the Easter Sunday 10am Mass. If any children are interested could you please contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 or 9659 0914. Practises will be required.

One In The Spirit

St. Madeleine’s “One in the Spirit” support group offers a welcome invitation to separated or divorced people to become involved in the Parish Community. If you would like support or to be involved in any way, please phone Maree on (02) 45 736146 or 0403 774 929.

Sacramental News

The “Our Father” will be presented to the children preparing for the sacraments at all Masses this weekend. This is an opportunity to pass on our faith to the next generation with the prayer Our Lord gave us.

Liturgical Roster

The new Liturgical Roster will be updated in the next few weeks. If you would like to join, please take a form from the table in the foyer and hand it to the parish office. To those already on the roster, we would appreciate your email address so that updates can be emailed to you.

Work Wanted
1.      Ex-legal secretary (135wpm) seeks Office /Admin work in our area. Phone the parish office 9654 2260.
2.      Cleaning and ironing – experienced, reliable lady. Phone: 9654 0990 or 0488 776782.

First Sunday of Lent

21st February 2010

Country Fair May 2

We’re Going For GOLD!
We’d like to make this year’s Country Fair the biggest and the best ever! You can help. We need all the help we can get – the more the better! Tuesday 23rd February at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre. Please come along. Share your ideas. New people most welcome as well as last year’s stallholders and helpers. See you there!
Also, sponsors for the raffle and donations needed! Please phone Nuri if you can assist with that 9654 2467.

Lenten Program

Join the Lenten program and stimulate your Spirit: contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 who will be leading the program.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross in Italian will be held each Friday in Lent from 7.30pm.

Young Singers for Easter

We are looking for children to join in our choir for the Easter Sunday 10am Mass. If any children are interested could you please contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 or 9659 0914. Practises will be required.

Friendship Group

The next Friendship Group Mass and luncheon will be held next Friday 26th February. All retired parishioners are welcome.

Sacramental News

Parent Information on Confirmation sessions will be held this week. Tuesday 23rd Feb at 7.30pm and Wednesday 24th Feb at 11am and 7.30pm. Parents are required to attend these sessions as part of the sacramental process.

Liturgical Roster

The new Liturgical Roster will be updated in the next few weeks. If you would like to join, please take a form from the table in the foyer and hand it to the parish office. To those already on the roster, we would appreciate your email address so that updates can be emailed to you.

Catechists Needed

We are in need of catechists for the State schools in our area. Please consider joining our wonderful team! You will be needed for only ½ hour per week on a Thursday. Please ring Maureen Jones on 9651 2252 or the Parish Office.

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Thursday 4th March at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre.

New Church Focus Group

The next Focus Group meeting will be held on 25th February at 7.30pm in the parish house.
Marriage Encounter
A weekend away for married couples in peaceful, picturesque surroundings – away from the distractions of everyday living.  Next weekend date is 19-21st March, 2010. Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Ph:  Margaret & David Connell (02)6379 1125.

YCW

Want to make a difference? Want to help those in need? Parramatta Young Christian Workers are seeking young people to volunteer in their Sydney services. Help other youth in areas they need it most. For more information please contact Vicky on PH: 0428 862 901 or vicky.franji@ycw.org.au

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign which began on Ash Wednesday and runs until Easter Sunday. It is a time to reflect upon the significant issues of poverty, peace, justice and development. Your support of this appeal is needed to aid with development programs so communities can help themselves out of poverty as well as providing shelter, nutrition and healthcare to needy people. Contribution boxes are available for collection on the table in the foyer.

Marian College Enrolments

The enrolment period for Year 7, 2011 is from 1st March to 2010 to 23rd April, 2010. Enrolment Packs can be collected from the Marian College office or, by phone on 9654 2118 and have one posted to you. Applications should be completed and lodged at the College by 23rd April 2010. There will be an Information Evening and Open Afternoon for prospective students and their parents at the College on Monday 15th March 2010. There will be Tours of the School from 4pm – 6pm with Information sessions at 4.30pm – 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

World Day of Prayer

“Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God.” A service from Cameroon on 5th March at 7.30pm at St Madeleine’s Church. All welcome. This is our turn to host all the churches in our area for World Day of Prayer. If you would like to bring a plate or help with setting up, kindly ring Maria Aiossa on 9654 1652 or 0402 280890.

Oakhill College

Applications for enrolment into Yr 7, 2011 will close on Friday 5th March and enrolment for girls into Yr 11, 2011 will close on Friday, 21st May, 2010. Please contact the registrar Mrs Cordina-Maree on 9634 0802 if you would like an application form.

Car Boot Sale

Car Boot Sale at Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse Hill, on Sat 13th March from 9am – 1pm. 1 Wellgate Ave, Rouse Hill. Bargains, rides, food! Slots available - $20. Phone:
8883 4063.

Work Wanted
1.         Ex-legal secretary (135wpm) seeks Office /Admin work in our area. Phone the parish office 9654 2260.
2.         Cleaning and ironing – experienced, reliable lady. Phone: 9654 0990 or 0488 776782.
3.         Experienced gardener, lawns, hedges, maintenance. 0434 977658.

14th February 2010

6th Sunday on Ordinary Time

Country Fair 2010

We’d like to make this year’s Country Fair the biggest and the best ever! You can help. We need all the help we can get – the more the better! The first meeting will be held on Tuesday 23rd February at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre. Please come along. Share your ideas. New people most welcome as well as last year’s stallholders and helpers. See you there!

Lenten Program

If you are interested in attending a Lenten program this month, contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 who will be leading the program.

Sacramental News

The sacramental process continues with a Commitment Mass and presentation of the Missal at all Masses this weekend.

Pot Luck Dinner

Saturday 20th Feb 2010, in the St Joseph’s Centre from 7pm (after Mass). Bring a dish to share and we will have a buffet, it is pot luck with the menu! All parishioners are welcome. This is an opportunity to get to know other families in the Parish. Currently, St Madeleine’s has three family groups who can share their experiences and it is hoped a new group can be formed. Ph Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 or Sue Martin 0407 240 646.

Ash Wednesday

Mass will be held on Ash Wednesday 17th Feb at 9.15am.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross in Italian will be held each Friday in Lent from 7.30pm.

Young Singers for Easter

We are looking for children to join in our choir for the Easter Sunday 10am Mass. If any children are interested could you please contact Bernadette Huxley. on 0410 248 250 or 9659 0914. Practises will be required.

World Day of Prayer

“Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God.” A service from Cameroon on 5th March at 7.30pm at St Madeleine’s Church. All welcome. This is our turn to host all the churches in our area for World Day of Prayer. If you would like to bring a plate or help with setting up, kindly ring Maria Aiossa on 9654 1652 or 0402 280890.

St Valentine

The origin of St. Valentine, remains a mystery. One opinion is that he was a Roman martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. Other historians hold that St. Valentine was a priest jailed for defiance during the reign of Claudius. Archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honour of his martyrdom. There is little association with the modern link to courting couples. The reason for his famous patronage is that birds are supposed to pair on or about the 14th February.

Marriage Encounter
A weekend away for married couples in peaceful, picturesque surroundings – away from the distractions of everyday living.  Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset- your Marriage! Next weekend date is 19-21st March, 2010. Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. For bookings/details contact: Margaret & David Connell 6379 1125 or Ardell & Bill Sharpe 4283 3435

Canonisation Tour

Mary MacKillop Canonisation Tour – witness Church history in the making. Tour includes Pompeii, Herculaneum, Assisi and the Churches of Rome. Tour dates to be confirmed when canonization is announced this month (or real soon now). Phone 9235 0023 or visit www.academytravel.com.au

Oakhill College

Applications for enrolment into Yr 7, 2011 will close on Friday 5th March and enrolment for girls into Yr 11, 2011 will close on Friday, 21st May, 2010. Please contact the registrar Mrs Cordina-Maree on 9634 0802 if you would like an application form.

OLMC Open Day

OLMC Parramatta will hold three Open Days in 2010 as well as a number of OLMC Campus Tours throughout the year. Information Evening for Year 7, 2012 - February 22. Open Day, March 1 – open to all families interested in learning more about the College. Getting Connected Afternoon for Year 7, 2011 – June 9. Phone, Anna Davis, on 8838 1251 or visit adavis@olmc.nsw.edu.au

PALMS

Palms Australia, the Australian Catholic Church's volunteer sending agency, currently has requests for English, Science and other teachers to work in developing communities in Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Kiribati. Can you imagine yourself mentoring and training local teachers in the highlands of New Guinea, or amongst the coral atolls of Kiribati?Ph: 9518 9551, or email: christine@palms.org.au

Prayer Day

“With Augustine in Lent.” (Fr Paul Maloney OSA). The thought of what to do in Lent can be bewildering, especially as the laws of Fasting and Abstinence are no longer prescriptive. Learn a way of channelling our love towards the suffering Saviour. Tues 23rd Feb, from 9:45 am - 2:30 pm  $15 BYO lunch; refreshments provided. Augustinian Centre—2 Hewitt Ave, Greystanes. Bookings: 98966794 or osaspirit@bigpond.com

7th February, 2010

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pot Luck Dinner

Saturday 20th Feb 2010, in the St Joseph’s Centre from 7pm (after Mass). Bring a dish to share and we will have a buffet, it is pot luck with the menu! All parishioners are welcome. This is an opportunity to get to know other families in the Parish. Currently, St Madeleine’s has three family groups who can share their experiences and it is hope a new group can be formed.
If you have any questions, phone Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 or Sue Martin 0407 240 646.

Vision Youth Breakfast

The Diocesan Youth Leadership will be held on Sat 20th Feb at 8.30am at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, 1 Marist Pl, Parramatta. Have your say in the direct of youth ministry in our diocese! All youth leaders, coordinators, teachers, movements and anyone interested in youth ministry. Ph: Anna (02) 8838 2419. youth@parra.catholic.org.au

Bereavement Support

The Upper Room Gathering is a monthly gathering for those who are bereaved; this takes place at Parramatta on the second Thursday Phone Sr Eileen Quade on 9933 0205.

Catholic Outlook

February Issue out now Articles include:  Farewell to Bishop Manning.

• 6 pages on Bishop Manning’s ministry
• New Bishop of Parramatta announced
• Mother Mary MacKillop: 2nd miracle clears path to sainthood
• News from our catholic schools.

De La Salle Brothers

The De La Salle Brothers are offering guys (20 - 35yrs) an incredible volunteer opportunity for 2 weeks in Balgo Hills, Western Australia. For those interested in learning about the Brothers' life whilst helping young people in need, this ‘Challenge Program’ (15-29 May) is for you! Applications close 29 March.
For details please visit www.delasallebrothers.com

Engaged Encounter

Engaged Encounter is held in Pennant Hills. While it is spent with other engaged couples, private time is the focus allowing you to build a closer relationship. Next date: Feb 6-7, April 17-18, June 19 -20 and August 28-29. Call (02) 9990 3212. www.engagedencounter.org.au

Mary MacKillop Prayers

Prayer Mornings at Mary MacKillop Place, 7 Mount Street North Sydney. You are invited to the Lenten Series “The Cross” beginning on Ash Wednesday, 17th February and continuing each Wednesday during Lent, from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Cost $15.

Bookings and further enquiries: Sr Monica Barlow 8912 4818 or mmp.ministries@sosj.org.au

Canonisation Tour

Mary MacKillop Canonisation Tour – witness Church history in the making. Tour includes Pompeii, Herculaneum, Assisi and the Churches of Rome. Tour dates to be confirmed when canonization is confirmed this month. Phone 9235 0023 or visit www.academytravel.com.au

Pilgrimage to Turkey

‘St Paul’s World – A pilgrimage to Turkey.” Fr Wim Hoekstra, Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta has organised another Pilgrimage to Turkey commencing on Saturday, 25th September and returning on Sunday 10th October. There will be an Information Evening to discuss the tour on Tuesday, 9th March 2010 at 7.30pm in the Cathedral Hall, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. Phone 8839 8400 for more information.

Lenten Program

If you are interested in attending a Lenten program this month, contact Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 who will be leading the program.

Sacramental News

The sacramental process continues with a Commitment Mass and presentation of the Missal at all Masses next weekend.

Canon Law – Short Course

Short introductory course in Canon Law conducted by the School of Law Sydney of the University of Notre Dame. Taught by the Very Rev Robert McGuckin. Classes each Thursday from 9.30 – 12.30 for 13 weeks. No previous knowledge required. Parishioners, lawyers, law students and seminarians are welcome to enroll. Phone the university on 8204 4419 for more info.

World Day of Prayer

“Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God.” A service from Cameroon on 5th March at 7.330pm at St Madeleine’s Church.  All welcome. This is our turn to host all the churches in our area for World Day of Prayer. If you would like to bring a plate or help with setting up, kindly ring Maria Aiossa on 9654 1652 or 0402 280890.

Singers/Choristers

Invitation to singers to join in the Diocesan Choir for the new bishop’s installation on 4th March 2010, at 7.30pm. To be eligible for a place in the choir, you will be required to attend rehearsals at the flowing times: Sunday 14th Feb from 2.30 – 3.30pm, Monday 22nd Feb – 7pm -9pm, Monday 1st March 7pm – 10pm, and Choir call on Thursday 4th March at 6pm. Please phone 8839 8411 for more info – you will need to register by 8th February.

PALMS

Palms Australia, the Australian Catholic Church's volunteer sending agency, currently has requests for English, Science and other teachers to work in developing communities in Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Kiribati. Can you imagine yourself mentoring and training local teachers in the highlands of New Guinea, or amongst the coral atolls of Kiribati?Ph: 9518 9551, or email: christine@palms.org.au

31 January 2004

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Children’s Liturgy

Children’s Liturgy resumes this week after the 10am Mass.

Catalyst for Renewal Dinner

Speaker: Geraldine Doogue. Topic: Spirituality – making connections in our world. Friday 12 Feb, 7pm for 7.30pm. St Bernadette's Parish Hall, 367 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill. Cost: $45 for 2-course dinner. Ph: (02)9990 7003.

Vision Youth Breakfast

The Diocesan Youth Leadership will be held on Sat 20th Feb at 8.30am at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, 1 Marist Pl, Parramatta. Have your say in the direct of youth ministry in our diocese! All youth leaders, coordinators, teachers, movements and anyone interested in youth ministry. RSVP Anna (02) 8838 2419. youth@parra.catholic.org.au

Bereavement Support

The Upper Room Gathering is a monthly gathering for those who are bereaved; this takes place at Parramatta on the second Thursday of each month. For more info, see the flyers on the notice board or phone Sr Eileen Quade on 9933 0205.

Engaged Encounter

Engaged Encounter is held in Pennant Hills. While it is spent with other engaged couples, private time is the focus allowing you to build a closer relationship. Next date: Feb 6-7, April 17-18, June 19 -20 and August 28-29. Call (02) 9990 3212. www.engagedencounter.org.au

Solo Parents Ministry

The Diocesan Solo Parent Ministry offers regular Programs & Workshops for those who have experienced the breakdown of their marriage or long-term partnership and are wanting to pick up some threads and “begin life again” with renewed hope and love. The “Recovery” Program commences on Wed 17th Feb and runs for 7 weeks, at Blacktown. This is an excellent Program that helps you attend to your grief and loss and address issues that may need to be attended to. Stepping Beyond is a monthly Workshop with a focus on the development of skills and attitudes that will better enable you to move forward with confidence. The first one for 2010 is on Tues 23rd Feb at Blacktown. For further details and registration for these Workshops/Programs call Sr. Eileen Quade, 9933 0205 or email on eileen.quade@ccss.org.au.

Mary MacKillop Prayers

Prayer Mornings at Mary MacKillop Place, 7 Mount Street North Sydney. You are invited to the Lenten Series “The Cross” beginning on Ash Wednesday, 17th February and continuing each Wednesday during Lent, from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Cost $15 

Bookings and further enquiries: Sr Monica Barlow 8912 4818 or mmp.ministries@sosj.org.au

Pilgrimage to Turkey

‘St Paul’s World – A pilgrimage to Turkey.” Fr Wim Hoekstra, Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta has organised another Pilgrimage to Turkey commencing on Saturday, 25th September and returning on Sunday 10th October. Full details of the tour can be found at www.stpatscathedral.com.au and follow the link Please also see the flyer on the parish noticeboard. There will be an Information Evening to discuss the tour on Tuesday, 9th March 2010 at 7.30pm in the Cathedral Hall, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. For further information please contact Fr Wim on 8839 8420 or the Parish Office at 8839 8400.

Lenten Program

If anyone would like to run a Lenten Program please contact Sr Anna this week.

Pot Luck Dinner

Saturday 20th Feb 2010, in the St Joseph’s Centre from 7pm (after Mass). Bring a dish to share and we will have a buffet, it is pot luck with the menu! All parishioners are welcome. This is an opportunity to get to know other families in the Parish. Currently, St Madeleine’s has three family groups who can share their experiences and it is hope a new group can be formed.
If you have any questions, phone Bernadette Huxley on 0410 248 250 or sue Martin 0407 240 646.

Prayer after the Earthquake

Lord, at times such as this,
when we realize that the ground beneath us is not as solid as we had imagined,
we plead for your mercy.
As the things we have built crumble around us, we know too well how small we truly are on this fragile planet will call home.
Yet you have promised never to forget us. Do not forget us now.
Today, so many people are afraid.
They wait in fear for the next tremor. Comfort them, Lord, in this disaster.
Shelter them under your wings when homes no longer exist. Console the hearts of those who mourn, and ease the pain of bodies on the brink of death. Pierce too our hearts with compassion as the poorest on this side of the world find only misery upon misery. Move us to act swiftly, to give generously, to work for justice always, and to pray unceasingly for those without hope. And once the shaking has ceased, let us not forget that we are all your children, and they, our brothers and sisters. We are all the work of your hands. For the mountains leave their place and the hills be tossed to the ground, your love shall never leave us, and your promise of peace will never be shaken.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever. Amen

Positions Vacant:
Catholic girls school in Parramatta seeks an experienced Student services Administrator. Full details are on the college website – Our Lady of  Mercy College.

Mary MacKillop

This is the year of Mary MacKillop. I hope to see her canonized in the next 2 or 3 months. She was a great Catholic in that she loved God and neighbor and set out to make a better place for the poor. Besides schools, she set up orphanages, ‘Providences’ to care for homeless and destitute, and refuges for prisoners and prostitutes who wished to make a fresh start. This is a time of grace for all who seek Mary’s intercession with God.

Web Page

Check out the Parish web Site at www.stmadeleine.org.au
there are all kinds of interesting things there, including the Rosters page. Comments are appreciated.

Let your light shine

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented and fabulous?'
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
(From the inaugural speech of Nelson Mandela).

Response of Love

Father, I abandon myself into Your hands. Do with me as you will. Whatever you do, I thank You now. I am ready for all, everything I accept, if only Your will be done in me and in all your creatures. I desire nothing else, my god. Into your hands I commend my spirit; I give you my soul with all the love of my heart, for I love You, my God, and so need to give, to surrender myself into Your hands without measure, and with confidence beyond all questioning, because You are my father.

Charles de Foucauld (1858 – 1916)

(Peoplespeak is produced with ecclesiastical approval by Carmelprint)

Lasting Wealth

Here is a story from way back when I was young!

Often, after school I would go on an errand to our local shopping centre for small items Mum needed. It was an easy walking distance, and on the way there I regularly passed a woman who was coming from that direction. She was in early middle age and wore, to my way of thinking, very drab clothing and had a blank expression. To me she seemed a colourless personality.
One day, seeing her coming, I decided to give her a huge smile – for sheer devilry, and to see what the effect would be. We got close and I made eye contact and gave her the huge smile. The results were truly amazing! She smiled back, a wonderful transfiguring smile, and in smiling she was really beautiful.

After that, whenever we met we smiled a genuine welcome and exchanged brief greetings. My cheeky experiment has had lasting effects for me: to realize the power and creativity a smile can have, and the beauty it can reveal - a little revelation of the beauty of God in the face of the other person. (Francis)

Relying Totally on God.

“The longer I live the more convinced I am that the man who has just enough for the day is happiest. What little I have at my disposal I give, and to all with equal affection. At my death I shall have nothing left, and this poverty will by my greatest honour. Providence helps me, drop by drop, but the drop always comes in time. We are like little birds in the nest. We need Providence as much as they need their mother. The help always arrives at the right moment. Nothing superfluous, to be sure, but what is strictly necessary never fails us.” (Blessed John XX111 1881 – 1963)

A disciple full of joy…

From a letter from Mary MacKillop written on Ascension Day 1873:

I can never pray for a particular intention- but in God’s loved will… Whilst I desire with all my heart to pray for particular intentions I cannot help at the same time desiring that He only use my prayers for the intention that His own will most desires at this time. Thus I feel joy when things go well, for I see his will in this, and equal joy when things go wrong or against our natural desire, for there again I see His will and am satisfied that He has accepted my prayers for some object at this time nearer to his will.

Blessed Mary MacKillop (1842 – 1909)

The Power of Encouragement

I want to tell you about a couple of Sr Wendy’s regular weekly visitors at our mission at Mapuordit, Sudan. There is a blind man, and a little girl who leads him around on a stick. For years they have haunted our gates. Now they come once a week with a bundle of firewood. Sister pays them money, and also gives them some food. The change in the little girl is amazing. From being a frightened, timid, reticent child, she is now all smiles and looks a million dollars when she is “paid” for what she has earned” (OLSH Newsletter, October 2002)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

St John Chrysostom suggests that young husbands should say to their wives: I have taken you in my arms, and I love you, and I prefer you to my life itself. For the present life is nothing, and my most ardent dream is to spend it with you in such a way that we may be assured of not being separated in the life reserved for us.... I place your love above all things, and nothing would be more bitter or painful to me than to be of a different mind to you.

Catechism of the Catholic Church(2365)