29th June 2008

Peter and Paul

Vinnies Winter Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal will be held today 29th June. St Vincent de Paul assists people in need, in their homes, services for people who are homeless, programs for young people , refuges for women and families and friendship programs for people with a mental illness. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 1st July at 7.30pm in the Chapel.

Craft Mornings

A reminder that the next Craft Morning will be held on Friday 1st August from 10am to 12 noon in the St Joseph’s Centre. Come along with your scrapbooking, knitting, tapestry etc and join us for morning tea. We have a group of mostly school mums (sometimes joined by their own mums), all newcomers are welcome, any ages!

Old Guitar Needed

The Aboriginal Catholic Ministry needs a couple of second hand guitars for young people who attend the Centre at Penrith. If you have an old guitar that you no longer want, please phone Pat Brush on 9654 1211.

Marian Reunion

A reunion of the Marian College class of 1998 (Year 12) and 1996 (Year 10) is to be held on Saturday 13th September 2008. If you are from that year group or know someone that is, please send a message to mewer@iinet.net.au so that we can collect details for invitations. If you have any further questions, please call 0414 225 843.

Washing Machine Needed

A mid sized washing machine is needed by a local family through St Vincent de Paul. Please phone Bill Colebrook on 9654 1949 or John Anderson 9899 9049.

Engaged Encounter

Are you a young married couple wanting to give something of yourselves to others? Catholic Engaged Encounter is a family friendly ministry that helps engaged couples prepare for a fulfilling and life giving marriage. We are looking for couples to join our group. If you are interested, please call Tracey on 9484 8080 or email engaged@engagedencounter.org.au.

Children’s Liturgy

Children’s Liturgy will not be held in the school holidays – will recommence on 27th July.

Parish Bus

The Parish Bus will now leave St Madeleine’s for Randwick Racecourse at 6am  as we have been advised to get there early to secure entry to the racecourse. There are still a few seats available if anyone is interested. We would appreciate a contribution of $10 per seat to cover some of the cost.

Mass Times 20th July

The will be 2 Masses only on the weekend of 19/20th July; Saturday 19th at 6pm and Sunday 20th 6pm. We will not be celebrating Eucharist on Sunday morning 20th July.

Australian Catholic University

warmly invites you to a Youth Festival event to be held during the week of World Youth Day at the Strathfield campus (25a Barker Rd) on July 16th from 12 noon till 10pm. Feel free to drop in anytime. Free food will also be provided. For more information go to www.acu.edu.au and click on WYD logo.

Walk of the Cross

Information from WYD regarding the 15 day walk of the Cross and Icon in the lead up to WYD is on the noticeboard in the foyer.

WYD

Most major events (except morning Catechesis) are open to everyone and are free. People of all ages are welcome to attend, however priority will be given to registered pilgrims. You will need to organise your own transport and food. Some of the events you may wish to attend are;

• The Opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell,
• The Youth Festival, the arrival and welcome of the Pope on Sydney Harbour,
• The Stations of the Cross,
• The Pilgrimage walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Randwick Racecourse for the Evening Vigil & sleep out 'under the stars' and
• The Final Mass celebrated by the Pope. (see Parish Bus above)

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 to support or to be involved in any way, please phone Maree on 45 736 146 or 0403 774 929. Leaflets available on the stand in the foyer.

Marriage Encounter

A weekend away 4th – 6th July for married couples. This is a unique opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love all over again!  Contact: 9489 4523 or 4283 3435.

21th June 2008

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 1st July at 7.30pm in the Chapel.

Old Guitar Needed

The Aboriginal Catholic Ministry needs a couple of second hand guitars for young people who attend the Centre at Penrith. If you have an old guitar that you no longer want, please phone Pat Brush on 9654 1211.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal will be held on next Sunday 29th June. St Vincent de Paul assists people in need, in their homes, services for people who are homeless, programs for young people , refuges for women and families and friendship programs for people with a mental illness. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Craft Mornings

A reminder that the next Craft Morning will be held on Friday 1st August from 10am to 12 noon in the St Joseph’s Centre. Come along with your scrapbooking, knitting, tapestry etc and join us for morning tea. We have a group of mostly school mums (sometimes joined by their own mums), all newcomers are welcome, any ages!

Marian Reunion

A reunion of the Marian College class of 1998 (Year 12) and 1996 (Year 10) is to be held on Saturday 13th September 2008. If you are from that year group or know someone that is, please send a message to mewer@iinet.net.au so that we can collect details for invitations. If you have any further questions, please call 0414 225 843.

Friendship Group

The next Friendship Group Mass and Lunch will be held on 27th June. Mass at 12 noon then lunch in the St Joseph’s Centre.

Ordination of Andrew Bass

On Friday 27 June, Bishop Manning will ordain Rev Deacon Andrew Bass as a priest of the Diocese of Parramatta. Everyone is invited to the Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral at 7.30pm. Supper to follow.

Engaged Encounter

Are you a young married couple wanting to give something of yourselves to others? Catholic Engaged Encounter is a family friendly ministry that helps engaged couples prepare for a fulfilling and life giving marriage. We are looking for couples to join our group. If you are interested, please call Tracey on 9484 8080 or email engaged@engagedencounter.org.au.

Parish Bus

We have booked a bus for travel from the church to a parking precinct in inner South Sydney for travel to the Papal Mass on Sunday 20th July. The bus will leave here at 6.30am – there will be a walk of between 2 and 4 kilometers from the bus stop to Randwick Racecourse. After the Mass, the bus will leave the parking area at 3pm for the return trip. If you would like to book a seat, please phone Maria on Tuesday. We would appreciate a contribution of $10 per seat to cover some of the cost.
Australian Catholic University warmly invites you to a Youth Festival event to be held during the week of World Youth Day at the Strathfield campus (25a Barker Rd) on July 16th from 12 noon till 10pm. Activities include graffiti art, bands, karaoke, drumming, theatre, juggling, showcase of indigenous culture, social justice stories and much more. Feel free to drop in anytime. Free food will also be provided. For more information go to www.acu.edu.au and click on WYD logo.

Mass Times 20th July

The will be 2 Masses only on the weekend of 19/20th July. Saturday 19th at 6pm and Sunday 20th 6pm.

WYD

Most major events (except morning Catechesis) are open to everyone and are free. People of all ages are welcome to attend, however priority will be given to registered pilgrims. You will need to organise your own transport and food. Some of the events you may wish to attend are;

• The Opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell,
• The Youth Festival, the arrival and welcome of the Pope on Sydney Harbour,
• The Stations of the Cross,
• The Pilgrimage walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Randwick Racecourse for the Evening Vigil & sleep out 'under the stars' and
• The Final Mass celebrated by the Pope.

WYD08 needs you!

* Host 2 pilgrims in your home during WYD and be guaranteed access to Randwick Racecourse for the Final Mass. Tel 1300 993 793,
* Liturgical roles e.g. Acolytes, Sacristans, Communion escorts. Contact Bernard Toutounji: bernard.toutounji@wyd2008.org

Marriage Encounter

A weekend away 4th – 6th July for married couples. This is a unique opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love all over again!  Contact: 9489 4523 or 4283 3435.

Prayer Day

This prayer day will take place at the Augustinian Centre for Spirituality, 2 Hewitt Avenue, Greystanes on Wednesday 25th June from 9.45 am to 3 pm. Presenter: Fr Paul Maloney OSA. BYO lunch – morning tea and refreshments provided. Phone 9896-6794 for more info.

15th June 2008

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Brother, Where Art Thou?

The De La Salle Brothers have launched an extraordinary new website. Becoming a Brother opens up a life of incredible adventure, exciting challenge, adversity and purpose, but it isn’t the first lifestyle choice most people consider. Maybe it’s right for someone you know? Or even you. To find out visit www.delasallebrothers.com

Prayer Day

Enter into your heart to see what goes on there – The focus  of this prayer day draws inspiration from St Augustine’s conviction that it is in ‘returning to the heart’ that we hope to find God. This prayer day will take place at the Augustinian Centre for Spirituality, 2 Hewitt Avenue, Greystanes on Wednesday 25th June from 9.45 am to 3 pm. Presenter: Fr Paul Maloney OSA. BYO lunch – morning tea and refreshments provided. Suggested offering for the day - $15. Phone 9896-6794 for more info.

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 10th June at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal will be held on Sunday 29th June. Our annual appeals assist us in raising funds so that our voluntary members can continue to provide assistance and offer friendship to those in need. With the help of the wider community the Society is able to help people through: Assisting people in need in their homes, services for people who are homeless, programs for young people , refuges for women and families and friendship programs for people with a mental illness. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Craft Mornings

A reminder that the next Craft Morning will be held on Friday 13th June from 10am to 12 noon in the St Joseph’s Centre. Come along with your scrapbooking, knitting, tapestry etc and join us for morning tea. We have a group of mostly school mums (sometimes joined by their own mums), all newcomers are welcome, any ages!

Positions vacant

1. Diocesan Youth Co-ordinator, based in Parramatta . Closing date: Friday 13 June.
2. Manager – Emmaus Disabled Persons Catholic Service, based in Blacktown . Closing date: Friday 20 June. For details of these positions go to: www.parra.catholic.org.au

Marian Reunion

A reunion of the Marian College class of 1998 (Year 12) and 1996 (Year 10) is to be held on Saturday 13th September 2008. If you are from that year group or know someone that is, please send a message to mewer@iinet.net.au so that we can collect details for invitations. If you have any further questions, please call 0414 225 843.

Register now for WYD08

To receive the Full Service WYD Pilgrim Pack you need to register now. WYD presents an opportunity to: engage and connect young people with the Church; provide youth with an understanding that the Catholic faith is broader than a parish/diocese/country; grow and mature in faith so as to make a greater commitment in the local Church; share, witness and evangelise belief in Jesus; show the world the richness and diversity of Catholic youth. Young people aged 18-35 can register at: www.wyd2008.org 

WYD08 needs you!

* Host 2 pilgrims in your home during WYD and be guaranteed access to Randwick Racecourse for the Final Mass. Deadline to register – 13 June: tel 1300 993 793,
* Liturgical roles e.g. Acolytes, Sacristans, Communion escorts. Contact Bernard Toutounji: bernard.toutounji@wyd2008.org General support roles: tel (02) 9390 5997, www.wyd2008.org.

WYD

Most major events (except morning Catechesis) are open to everyone and are free. People of all ages are welcome to attend, however priority will be given to registered pilgrims. You will need to organise your own transport and food. Some of the events you may wish to attend are;

• The Opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell,
• The Youth Festival, the arrival and welcome of the Pope on Sydney Harbour,
• The Stations of the Cross,
• The Pilgrimage walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Randwick Racecourse for the Evening Vigil & sleep out 'under the stars' and
• The Final Mass celebrated by the Pope.

For more information on these events go to www.wyd2008.org

Marriage Encounter

A weekend away 4th – 6th July 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!  Contact: 9489 4523 or 4283 3435.

8th June 2008

Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

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!  Contact: 9489 4523 or 4283 3435.

Brother, Where Art Thou?

The De La Salle Brothers have launched an extraordinary new website. Becoming a Brother opens up a life of incredible adventure, exciting challenge, adversity and purpose, but it isn’t the first lifestyle choice most people consider. Maybe it’s right for someone you know? Or even you. To find out visit www.delasallebrothers.com

Prayer Day

Enter into your heart to see what goes on there – The focus  of this prayer day draws inspiration from St Augustine’s conviction that it is in ‘returning to the heart’ that we hope to find God. This prayer day will take place at the Augustinian Centre for Spirituality, 2 Hewitt Avenue, Greystanes on Wednesday 25th June from 9.45 am to 3 pm. Presenter: Fr Paul Maloney OSA. BYO lunch – morning tea and refreshments provided. Suggested offering for the day - $15. Phone 9896-6794 for more info.

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 10th June at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal will be held on Sunday 22nd June. Our annual appeals assist us in raising funds so that our voluntary members can continue to provide assistance and offer friendship to those in need. With the help of the wider community the Society is able to help people through: Assisting people in need in their homes, services for people who are homeless, programs for young people , refuges for women and families and friendship programs for people with a mental illness. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Craft Mornings

A reminder that the next Craft Morning will be held on Friday 13th June from 10am to 12 noon in the St Joseph’s Centre. Come along with your scrapbooking, knitting, tapestry etc and join us for morning tea. We have a group of mostly school mums (sometimes joined by their own mums), all newcomers are welcome, any ages!

Positions vacant

1. Diocesan Youth Co-ordinator, based in Parramatta . Closing date: Friday 13 June.
2. Manager – Emmaus Disabled Persons Catholic Service, based in Blacktown . Closing date: Friday 20 June. For details of these positions go to: www.parra.catholic.org.au.

Register now for WYD08

To receive the Full Service WYD Pilgrim Pack you need to register now. WYD presents an opportunity to: engage and connect young people with the Church; provide youth with an understanding that the Catholic faith is broader than a parish/diocese/country; grow and mature in faith so as to make a greater commitment in the local Church; share, witness and evangelise belief in Jesus; show the world the richness and diversity of Catholic youth. Young people aged 18-35 can register at: www.wyd2008.org 

WYD08 needs you!

* Host 2 pilgrims in your home during WYD and be guaranteed access to Randwick Racecourse for the Final Mass. Deadline to register – 13 June: tel 1300 993 793, * Liturgical roles e.g. Acolytes, Sacristans, Communion escorts. Contact Bernard Toutounji: bernard.toutounji@wyd2008.org  General support roles: tel (02) 9390 5997, www.wyd2008.org.

WYD

Most major events (except morning Catechesis) are
open to everyone and are free. People of all ages are welcome to attend, however priority will be given to registered pilgrims. You will need to organise your own transport and food.
Some of the events you may wish to attend are;
The Opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell,
The Youth Festival, the arrival and
Welcome of the Pope on Sydney Harbour,
the Stations of the Cross,
the Pilgrimage walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Randwick Racecourse for the Evening Vigil & sleep out 'under the stars' and the Final Mass celebrated by the Pope. For more information on these events go to www.wyd2008.org

1st June 2008

9th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Vocations

Do you long to give your life to something meaningful? The Daughters of St Paul are a community of religious sisters focused on Christ. Engaging with the world through modern media and technology, we proclaim Christ in new ways to the people of each new generation. We invite you to share our mission and explore the gifts that religious life can offer. Inquiries to Sr Joanna on 0403 175 251 or vocations@pauline.com.au.

Seminar – Change, Loss, Grief

The Diocesan Ministry to Solo Parents is conducting a Seminar on Change, Loss and Grief on Thursday 5th June from 10am to 2.30pm at 1-5 Marian St Blacktown.

Catholic Outlook

June Issue out this week. Many interesting articles including –
*The Bishop’s letter;
*Catholic Mission raises $14m; *Churches take action for peace;
*WYD – great excitement among PNG Pilgrims;
*Rich heritage of our Diocese to be archived.

CaFE

Eucharist and Priesthood  sets the Apostolic Church Catholic Church apart, s central to our faith and is the big screen video topic to be presented by Fr. John Corapi for discussion next Tuesday night 27th May at St Bernadette’s 367 Old Northern Rd Castle Hill. We promise an enthralling night with good fellowship, fine wine, coffee, tea, table assortments, plus lucky door prizes and much more. All we ask is your company and a gold coin donation.  Bring your friends -share your faith. Enq. 98994727

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!  Centre, Kurrajong. For details contact: 9489 4523 or 4283 3435.

Talking Tables

Talking Tables is an opportunity for Catholic young adults in their late 20s and 30s to meet at a restaurant and share a meal to promote connection and discussion in a friendly environment. Come along to the Parramatta Talking Table on Friday 6 June 2008. Dinner will cost about $30. For more information contact Joe 9891-2763 or email joe_scicluna@hotmail.com

Prayer Day

Enter into your heart to see what goes on there – The focus  of this prayer day draws inspiration from St Augustine’s conviction that it is in ‘returning to the heart’ that we hope to find God. This prayer day will take place at the Augustinian Centre for Spirituality, 2 Hewitt Avenue, Greystanes on Wednesday 25th June from 9.45 am to 3 pm. Presenter: Fr Paul Maloney OSA. Please bring your own lunch – morning tea and refreshments  provided. Suggested offering for the day - $15. For bookings please phone the Centre on 9896-6794 or e-mail osaspirit@bigpond.com.au

Register now for WYD08

To receive the Full Service WYD Pilgrim Pack you need to register now. WYD presents an opportunity to: engage and connect young people with the Church; provide youth with an understanding that the Catholic faith is broader than a parish/diocese/country; grow and mature in faith so as to make a greater commitment in the local Church; share, witness and evangelise belief in Jesus; show the world the richness and diversity of Catholic youth. Young people aged 18-35 can register at: www.wyd2008.org 

WYD08 needs you!

* Host 2 pilgrims in your home during WYD and be guaranteed access to Randwick Racecourse for the Final Mass. Deadline to register – 13 June: tel 1300 993 793, www.wyd2008.org/homestay
* Liturgical roles e.g. Acolytes, Sacristans, Communion escorts. Contact Bernard Toutounji: bernard.toutounji@wyd2008.org  General support roles: tel (02) 9390 5997, www.wyd2008.org

Liturgy Committee

The next Liturgy Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 10th June at 7.30pm in the St Joseph’s Centre.

Craft Mornings

A reminder that the next Craft Morning will be held on Friday 13th June from 10am to 12 noon in the St Joseph’s Centre. Come along with your scrapbooking, knitting, tapestry etc and join us for morning tea. We have a group of mostly school mums (sometimes joined by their own mums), all newcomers are welcome, any ages!

Positions vacant

1. Diocesan Youth Co-ordinator, based in Parramatta . Closing date: Friday 13 June.
2. Manager – Emmaus Disabled Persons Catholic Service, based in Blacktown . Closing date: Friday 20 June. For details of these positions go to: www.parra.catholic.org.au.

Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

25th May 2008

Good Friday Appeal

We thank those who contributed to the Good Friday Appeal this year. Total raised was $1,482.75.

Friendship Group

The next Friendship Group Mass and Lunch will be held on Friday 30th May. Mass at 12 noon followed by lunch in the St Joseph’s Centre. All retired parishioners are welcome.

Craft Mornings

A reminder that the next Craft Morning will be held on Friday 13th June from 10am to 12 noon in the St Joseph’s Centre. Come along with your scrapbooking, knitting, tapestry etc and join us for morning tea. We have a group of mostly school mums (sometimes joined by their own mums), all newcomers are welcome, any ages!

Sacramental News

Congratulations to the children who completed their sacraments of Initiation on Sunday.  Thank you to the parents for doing such a great job in preparing the children to such a high standard – well done! Thank you to all who contributed to making the First Holy Communion and Confirmation day so successful.  The Ushers, were indispensable to the smooth running of the day. The Altar servers, our computer man– thank you all for your time and service to our community. Thank you to the Eucharistic ministers, acolytes and musicians. Thank you to the collectors who managed so well under difficult circumstances with such large crowds. A very big thank you to the year 2 mothers who organized the reception following each of the services, it was amazing! Thank you very much from the whole community. Thank you to the Dural Art Studio for donating the clay and the firing of the pots that the children made in their groups. Thank you to the St .Madeleine’s school staff and to Sr. Anna Conway, for without her we would not have such a wonderful process and Fr. Chris who gives us so much support and guidance. Liz Green

DWF Appeal

A collection will taken next weekend in support of the Diocesan Works Fund. The DWF assists many ministries in the Parramatta Diocese such as Centacare, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Ministry to Solo Parents, Social Justice, The RCIA, Emmaus Disabled Persons and others. Your donation is fully tax deductible.

Vocations

Do you long to give your life to something meaningful? The Daughters of St Paul are a community of religious sisters focused on Christ. Engaging with the world through modern media and technology, we proclaim Christ in new ways to the people of each new generation. We invite you to share our mission and explore the gifts that religious life can offer. Inquiries to Sr Joanna on 0403 175 251 or vocations@pauline.com.au.

Seminar – Change, Loss, Grief

The Diocesan Ministry to Solo Parents is conducting a Seminar on Change, Loss and Grief on Thursday 5th June from 10am to 2.30pm at 1-5 Marian St Blacktown.

CaFE

Eucharist and Priesthood  sets the Apostolic Church Catholic Church apart, s central to our faith and is the big screen video topic to be presented by Fr. John Corapi for discussion next Tuesday night 27th May at St Bernadette’s 367 Old Northern Rd Castle Hill. We promise an enthralling night with good fellowship, fine wine, coffee, tea, table assortments, plus lucky door prizes and much more. All we ask is your company and a gold coin donation.  Bring your friends -share your faith. Enq. 98994727

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!  Centre, Kurrajong. For details contact: 9489 4523 or 4283 3435.

Walk With Christ

This Sunday on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Catholics around the world will be celebrating with a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament "Walk with Christ". The Procession will start at St Patrick’s Church Hill, Wynyard at 2:30pm and finish in Hyde Park, opposite St Mary’s Cathedral with Solemn Benediction at around 4:00pm. You are encouraged to write your wishes and hopes in our "Book of Life", which will be carried in the Procession and blessed by Cardinal Pell at final prayers. Don’t miss it! www.sydney.catholic.org.au/events

Talking Tables

Talking Tables is an opportunity for Catholic young adults in their late 20s and 30s to meet at a restaurant and share a meal to promote connection and discussion in a friendly environment. Come along to the Parramatta Talking Table on Friday 6 June 2008. Dinner will cost about $30. For more information contact Joe 9891-2763 or email joe_scicluna@hotmail.com

Women of Faith Dinner

Reconciling inwardly, outwardly and in between - *Keynote Speaker* Coral Oomera Edwards 'Aboriginal Spirituality'. Also featuring will be Jewish, Christian & Muslim speakers. Entertainment: Cultural Music & Dancing. Saturday 31st May, 7pm at the Parra Villa Function Lounge, 42 Campbell St, Parramatta. Cost is $38 for 3 course meal. Bookings essential – phone 9702 0789 or rsvp at registrations@affinity.org.au.

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)