22nd June, 2009

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fun Languages for Children

Italian lessons for children aged 3 -12 years at St Madeleine’s on a Monday afternoon from 3.30pm – 4.30pm starting Term 3. Phone Simmy Cesamolo on 0417 663 564.

Youth Musical

Calling all singers, dancers, actors and musicians to audition for OLIVER! Artes Christe, a performing arts group for young Christians, is calling for people of ages ranging from 12-35 to audition for this year’s production at the Seymour Centre. To find out more, contact Emily 0403 588 826, emjholmes@gmail.com or Robert 0400 730 362, rgri6060@hotmail.com.

Centre for Spirituality

Spending Time with St Teresa of Avila.This course will seek to befriend the very human Teresa as well as the great saint and listen to her teach us about holiness and
prayer. (Presenter: Fr John McCall OSA). Thursdays, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August, 7.45 pm to 9.15 pm, Augustinian Centre, 2 Hewitt Avenue, Greystanes. Cost: $80 per course (or $20 per session) (concessions available). Supper provided. Bookings: 9896-6794 or osaspirit@bigpond.com.

Vinnies Tax Receipts

If you have not yet received a Tax Receipt for any Vinnies appeal for the tax year 08-09, phone Bill Colebrook 9654 1949 if you wish to obtain same.

Youth Evening

Sunday 5th July, 7:30pm: For young adults wanting to go further in their faith, searching for more or wanting to meet others who are keen to make a difference....All are welcome to "YUCAN Dialogue" for Young Adults (20’s and 30’s) Our guest speaker is Fr John Sullivan, retired priest of St Patrick’s Sutherland. Fr Sullivan will be talking on how each person’s different personality will influence their personal growth and spiritual journey. St Francis Xavier Parish Hall, Mackenzie St, Lavender Bay (North Sydney). Donation $5.  For more information go to yucan.org.au.

Youth Leadership Breakfast

An invitation to youth leaders, co-ordinators, youth teams and any other young people interested in youth ministry in the Diocese of Parramatta. Breakfast topic is: WYD08: 1 Year On with Bishop Kevin Manning. Saturday 11th July commencing at 8.30am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta.  Gold coin donation.  A training session will follow the breakfast for those in leadership roles. Ph Anna on 8838 3419 or email to
youth@parra.catholic.org.au.

Aquinas Academy

Aquinas conducts days of solitude and silence at its retreat on the Colo River. The next day will be: Sunday August 2, 2009. Numbers are limited for each day. Participants are picked up at Aquinas Academy at 7.30am and return about 5pm. A brief time is given at the beginning of the day to assisting the participants to gather themselves within, some guidance is then given for the hours alone.  The day concludes with a celebration of Eucharist.  Ph 9247 4651.
$50/person.

F.L.T.B.T.G. No:2

G-day again fellow parishioners! Have you seen the “Contributions Board?” IF you would like to commit a sum of money towards our new Church please contact Mike Doherty on 02 9899 9468 or mgdoh@bigpond.net.au. If you have some ideas on how we as a parish could raise funds for our new Church or any questions about donations, please send me an email or place your thoughts in the question box which is located on the table near the front door. We will respond (without names) in this section of the bulletin.

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 30th June at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre.

Parish Council

St Madeleine’s Parish is calling for nominations for parishioners who would like to be part of the Parish Council or who wish to nominate a suitable person. Nomination forms are available on the table in the foyer. Please place completed forms in the cream box in the foyer.

Liturgical Roster

The roster has been posted on the internet under “rosters” on the parish web page (www.stmadeleine.org.au). If you would like a printed copy, please collect it from the table in the foyer.

Planned Giving Receipts

Receipts for contributions to the Diocesan Works Fund, which is tax deductible, will be issued shortly. If you would like a receipt for this year’s Planned Giving contributions please phone the parish office.

Pasta Sauce

Orders have now closed for the Pasta Sauce. We would like to thank those who supported this drive and a special thank you to Lita Murdocca and Louisa Caporale for all the hard work they put into this to raise money for the new Church.

21st June 2009

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

St Paul E-Conference

A National E-Conference to mark the Year of St Paul will be held on 30th June in schools, parishes and centres across Australia. This conference will be presented by Fr Brendan Byrne and Sr Michele Connolly and Mike Bailey will be the Conference Facilitator.  The day consists of a series of online presentations and facilitated discussions. Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta will be a host venue for this event and members of our parish are invited to attend. Please Mrs Jennifer Felkin or Ms Bibby Brooks at the college on 9683 3300 to register. A copy of the program is on the notice board.

Fun Languages for Children

Italian lessons for children aged 3 -12 years at St Madeleine’s on a Monday afternoon from 3.30pm – 4.30pm starting Term 3. Phone Simmy Cesamolo on 0417 663 564.

Youth Musical

Calling all singers, dancers, actors and musicians to audition for OLIVER! Artes Christe, a performing arts group for young Christians, is calling for people of ages ranging from 12-35 to audition for this year’s production at the Seymour Centre. To find out more, contact Emily 0403 588 826, emjholmes@gmail.com or Robert 0400 730 362, rgri6060@hotmail.com. Audition dates: June 28, July 2, July 5. Come along and get involved!

Youth Leadership Breakfast

An invitation to youth leaders, co-ordinators, youth teams and any other young people interested in youth ministry in the Diocese of Parramatta. Breakfast topic is: WYD08: 1 Year On with Bishop Kevin Manning. Saturday 11th July commencing at 8.30am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta.  Gold coin donation.  A training session will follow the breakfast for those in leadership roles. Ph Anna on 8838 3419 or email to
youth@parra.catholic.org.au.

Solo Parent Ministry

The Solo Parent Ministry's next Stepping Beyond Workshop ,for those who have been separated or divorced is happening at the Diocesan Assembly Centre, 1-5 Marion St Blacktown on Wed 24th June at 6.30, for a 7.00 pm formal start. Come along, be supported and share in the discussion and input around the topic of "Difficult Emotions" such as anger and loneliness; maybe even "love" is a difficult emotion for you! The Workshop is facilitated by Oscar Modesta Ramirez (Centacare) and Eileen Quade and all are welcome! Register with Sr Eileen on 9890 2968 or equade@bigpond.com

Aquinas Academy

Aquinas conducts days of solitude and silence at its retreat on the Colo River. The next day will be: Sunday August 2, 2009. Numbers are limited for each day. Participants are picked up at Aquinas Academy at 7.30am and return about 5pm. A brief time is given at the beginning of the day to assisting the participants to gather themselves within, some guidance is then given for the hours alone.  The day concludes with a celebration of Eucharist.  Ph 9247 4651.
$50/person.

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 30th June at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre.

Parish Council

St Madeleine’s Parish will be calling for nominations in the next couple of weeks from parishioners who would like to be part of the Parish Council.

Liturgical Roster

The roster for the next 2 weeks has been posted on the internet under “rosters” on the parish web page.

Pasta Sauce

This is the last week to place your orders. There will be Italian sweets on sale also next weekend.
All proceeds from the sauce drive will be donated to help build our new Church. For more info ph Lita Murdocca 0410 341 550 or Luisa Caporale 0417 658 762.

Gidday Fellow Parishioners

G-day fellow parishioners, the Contribution Board, located in the Church foyer is currently the major part of our New Church Fundraising activities. If you would like to commit a sum of money towards our New Church, please contact Mike Doherty 02 9899 9468….and I will be at your home or place of work in a flash!
mgdoh@bigpond.net.au

Friendship Group

The next Friendship Group Mass and luncheon will be held next Friday 26th June. Mass at 12 noon then lunch will be served in the St Joseph Centre. All retired parishioners are welcome.

Talk by Naturopath

On Monday 22nd June, naturopath Sharon Trewin will give a talk in the St Joseph’s centre at 7pm. Ph Kay Brooks on 8814 7382 for more info.

Holy Trinity

7th June 2009

Flower Arranging Roster

Enthusiastic and creative people needed to help with our Church Flower Arranging – no experience necessary – just a hour of your time on a Friday afternoon or a Saturday morning. Please phone the Parish office or see Sr Anna.

Vinnies Appeal

Thank you for your generous support for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. People in need are especially vulnerable during winter months and your donation will be used both locally and inn Vinnies projects in the Parramatta Dioceses. Receipts will be issued where requested.

Diocesan Catechesis

The next Diocesan Catechesis formation afternoon for young adults will be held on Sat 13th June. The program will be on the “Theology of the Body” and Jonathan Doyle will be the guest speaker. Jonathan has a wealth of experience working with young people, educators and leaders and is a gifted communicator. St Margaret Mary’s Parish Hall, 7 Chetwynd Rd, Merrylands from 2pm – 6pm – gold coin donation. RSVP to 8838 3418 or youth@parra.catholic.org.au

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat offers a sanctuary in which to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken after abortion. This retreat offers a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment in which to begin the process of restoration and healing. For more info, phone 9440 7980 or email infor@rachelsvineyard.org.au. For professional counselling phone 1800 063 7980.

Sancta Sophia College

University Student Accommodation. Sancta Sophia College is a friendly and vibrant residential college for undergraduate women and
post-graduate men and women, set in beautiful grounds on campus at the University of Sydney.
You are invited to tour the College on our Open Days (also Sydney Uni Info Days) on Saturday, 29 August 2009 and Tuesday, 5 January 2010.For more information and details about applications and scholarships phone the College on 9577 2100 or visit www.sanctasophiacollege.edu.au

Re-Union

All Ex-Students and Teachers from Patrician Brothers, Granville, the class of year 10, 1987 are invited to register their interest for a planned reunion to be held later this year. Venue details and cost will be available once final numbers are established. Ph: Richard Zaiter 0416 139 641. Please supply your name, contact details and a mailing address to be keep up to date with progress.

Mary MacKillop Centenary

Blessed Mary MacKillop’s Centenary will be celebrated with Mass on 8th August at St Mary’s Church, North Sydney (for invited guests) and all are welcome to watch the broadcast of the Mass at North Sydney Oval where covered seating is available. For further info: www.marymackillopplace.org.au.

Veech Book Sale

Next Saturday 13th June, at the Catholic Institute of Sydney, 99 Albert Road, Strathfield. Plenty of bargains with books from $2. Ph: 9752 9534.

News Church Focus Group

The next meeting of the New Church Focus Group will take place on Thursday this week 11th June at 7.30 pm in the Parish House. All welcome.

Solo Parent Ministry

Seasons for Growth: “Seasons for Growth” is a five week program to assist people in working through their experiences of loss and grief. The Solo Parent Ministry is offering this Program for those whose partner or spouse has died. It commences on Tuesday 9th June, at 10.30 am, and will be held in the Centacare rooms at the Parish Centre, Allawah St, Blacktown. If you would like to join this small group for learning and sharing over a five week period, contact Sr Eileen Quade 9890 2968 or equade@bigpond.com.

Pasta Sauce

For all you lucky ones who got to sample the delicious pasta at the Blessing of the Block and the Country Fair – and for all who missed out – guess what!? You can now enjoy this sauce in your own homes. Cooked to perfection by our expert Italian chefs – you can purchase this freshly cooked sauce in 1 litre containers ready to use or freeze for a later date. All proceeds from the sauce drive will be donated to help build our new Church.
Pick up on Saturday 27th June after the 6pm Mass or Sunday 28th June after each Mass. Please indicate which Mass you will pick up from. For more info ph Lita Murdocca 0410 341 550 or Luisa Caporale 0417 658 762.

Pentecost

31st May 2009

Vinnies Winter Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal will be held this weekend 31st May to support the many functions of the organization. Your generous support will be greatly appreciated. A bucket collection will take place at the conclusion of Mass.

Confirmation Certificates

Confirmation and First Communion certificates will be presented to the children at all Masses this weekend. Congratulations once again to the children who received the sacraments and we welcome you to our Church community.

Parish Council

The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Wednesday 3rd June at 7.30pm in the Parish House. All welcome.

Diocesan Catechesis

The next Diocesan Catechesis formation afternoon for young adults will be held on Sat 13th June. The program will be on the “Theology of the Body” and Jonathan Doyle will be the guest speaker. Jonathan has a wealth of experience working with young people, educators and leaders and is a gifted communicator. St Margaret Mary’s Parish Hall, 7 Chetwynd Rd, Merrylands from 2pm – 6pm – gold coin donation. RSVP to 8838 3418 or youth@parra.catholic.org.au

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat offers a sanctuary in which to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken after abortion. This retreat offers a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment in which to begin the process of restoration and healing. For more info, phone 9440 7980 or email infor@rachelsvineyard.org.au. For professional counselling phone 1800 063 7980.

Social Justice

Human Rights Bill or Charter?  Which Human Rights should we be protecting and promoting? Are these Human Rights sufficiently protected and promoted? How could Australia better protect and promote Human Rights?  Come and add your voice, join the discussion, contribute to the consultation!  Monday 1st June 2009, Parish Hall Swanston St, St Mary’s 6.30—8.30 pm .Please bring some food to share.

Mary MacKillop Centenary

Blessed Mary MacKillop’s Centenary will be celebrated with Mass on 8th August at St Mary’s Church, North Sydney (for invited guests) and all are welcome to watch the broadcast of the Mass at North Sydney Oval where covered seating is available. For further info: www.marymackillopplace.org.au.

Flower Arranging Roster

We have only one person on the Church Flower Arranging Roster and we need a couple more! If you can spare some time on a Friday afternoon (or another time to suit you) for about an hour and half, please phone the parish office. No experience necessary – your help will be appreciated.

Australian Catholics

The winter edition of Australian Catholics is out now and available from the table in the foyer.

Encounter for Young Adults

Workshop followed by Mass & get-together - Sat 6th June - “My Better Self” St Anthony of Padua, 27 Aurelia St, Toongabbie. A retreat in Schoenstatt’s Spirituality for all young adults (16-35) Registration 4.00pm Talk 4.30-5.30pm1st June 2009. Cost: $10 each OR group of 5 for $40. Includes Afternoon Tea & Pizza after Mass Contact: Sr. M. Luka (coordinator) (02) 47 738338 (mob) 0409 221016 Michael King (mob) 0402350894. schoenstattyouth@y7mail.com

Family Concert

Don’t forget concert this Sunday. Should be a great show for all. Featuring internationally acclaimed artist Peter Kearney at historic “Winbourne” 1315 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa from 1.15pm and will involve your children. While you have coffee and catch up with other parents Peter will workshop your children to involve them in a few songs for the concert.

Pasta Sauce

For all you lucky ones who got to sample the delicious pasta at the Blessing of the Block and the Country Fair – and for all who missed out – guess what!? You can now enjoy this sauce in your own homes. Cooked to perfection by our expert Italian chefs – you can purchase this freshly cooked sauce in 1 litre containers ready to use or freeze for a later date. All proceeds from the sauce drive will be donated to help build our new Church.
Pick up on Saturday 27th June after the 6pm Mass or Sunday 28th June after each Mass. Please indicate which Mass you will pick up from.
Just fill in the slip below and leave it in the Italian box in the church foyer with your correct money in a clearly marked envelope. For more info ph Lita Murdocca 0410 341 550 or Luisa Caporale 0417 658 762.

The Ascension of the Lord

24th May 2009

Family Concert

A Family Concert has been organised featuring internationally acclaimed artist Peter Kearney. The concert will be held next Sunday 31st May at historic “Winbourne” 1315 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa from 1.15pm and will involve your children. While you have coffee and catch up with other parents Peter will workshop your children to involve them in a few songs for the concert. The children will be singing with Peter and also playing some simple parts on percussion and tuned percussion instruments.

Friendship Group

The next Friendship Group Mass and lunch will be held on Friday 29th May. All retired parishioners are invited. Mass at 12 noon then lunch in the St Joseph’s Centre.

Flower Arranging Roster

We have only one person on the Church Flower Arranging Roster and we need a couple more! If you can spare some time on a Friday afternoon (or another time to suit you) for about an hour and half, please phone the parish office. No experience necessary – your help will be appreciated.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal will be held on Sunday 31st May to support the many functions of the organization. Your generous support will be greatly appreciated.

Women of Faith Dinner

You are invited to the much anticipated Women of Faith Dinner 2009. Please note this is a "Women Only Event". An evening that combines the intellectual, cultural & spiritual richness of women from diverse faith & traditional backgrounds. From keynote address to traditional entertainment items, this dinner provides a unique forum to engage women across NSW in authentic experience of interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Next
Sunday, 24th May at 6.00pm at the Bosphorus Reception Lounge, 7 Station Street, Auburn. Cost: $35 per person (includes three course meal). Phone on (02) 9702 0789 (during business hours) or book online at registrations@affinity.org.au.

Encounter for Young Adults

Workshop followed by Mass & get-together - Sat 6th June - “My Better Self” St Anthony of Padua, 27 Aurelia St, Toongabbie. A retreat in Schoenstatt’s Spirituality for all young adults (16-35) Registration 4.00pm Talk 4.30-5.30pm1st June 2009. Cost: $10 each OR group of 5 for $40. Includes Afternoon Tea & Pizza after Mass Contact: Sr. M. Luka (coordinator) (02) 47 738338 (mob) 0409 221016 Michael King (mob) 0402350894. schoenstattyouth@y7mail.com

Social Justice

Human Rights Bill or Charter?  Which Human Rights should we be protecting and promoting? Are these Human Rights sufficiently protected and promoted? How could Australia better protect and promote Human Rights?  Come and add your voice, join the discussion, contribute to the consultation!  Monday 1st June 2009, Parish Hall Swanston St, St Mary’s 6.30—8.30 pm .Please bring some food to share.

Sacramental News

Congratulations to the children who completed the sacraments of Initiation last weekend. It was a wonderful day and the children displayed a great sense of maturity and understanding of what the significance of the day held. Thank you to the parents for a great job in preparation. Thank you also to ushers, acolytes, Eucharistic ministers and altar servers who made the day possible. Certificates for Confirmation and Communion are being presented to the children next weekend 31st May at all Masses. We pray that God will bless the children and may they experience a loving and close relationship Him throughout their lives.

Country Fair News

The Country Fair takings has now reached $117,000! This is a terrific result and the associated costs was kept a minimum of $30,000. Once again we thank all stallholders, all the hard workers and those who contributed financially as without your support this would not have been possible.

Marriage Encounter

Worldwide Marriage Encounter- A weekend for married couples. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset- . Your Marriage! This is a unique opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love all over again! Weekend date: 24 – 26 July 2009  Venue: Mt. Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, (nr. Penrith) NSW For bookings/details contact: 02 6379 1125 or 02 4283 3435

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)