The weekly Bulletin of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry

Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts

Sunday 26th July, 2015 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

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REFLECTION from Fr Greg

Dear Parish Family,

JULY
27 Social Justice Group
Movie
Great Lakes Library 7pm

29 Sacramental Preparation
Eucharist
Forster Church Hall 7pm

29 & 31
No Mass
30 menALIVE
Forster 7:30pm

August
4

No Mass at Beaumont
Gardens

No Mass at Kularoo

Pastoral Team Meeting

Forster 4:30pm

10 Baptismal Preparation
Forster 7pm

11 Special Needs Mass

Forster 7pm

12 Finance Committee Meet

Forster 5pm

15 Anniversary of the
Consecration of Holy
Name of Jesus Church
Forster
16 International Lunch
Forster 10:30am

On Wednesday we celebrated the feast of Mary Magdalene. It is a significant feast

for me. The Gospel reading selected for this feast is the empty tomb event of Johns
gospel (John 20:1-18). Mary goes to the tomb and finds it empty as you know. She
has a conversation with two angels and as the event unfolds, with Jesus himself
(although in the beginning of that encounter she mistakes him for the gardener). It
is a moving moment; Mary is overwhelmed with grief at not only the loss of Jesus,
her friend, but also that someone may have stolen his body the desecration of
the grave and the physical loss of the body of Jesus is more than she can bear and
so she weeps. She presumes of course that the gardener knows more. In the
conversation with the gardener she discovers that he is the Lord.
The conversations of themselves are significant. As you read the dialogue you
might reflect that there are some significant links back to the very beginning of
Jesus public ministry: Woman, what do you want from me? or to Mary his
mother at the foot of the cross: "Woman, behold, your son!" What is significant in
part is that at these most important moments (the launch of the Son on his
ministry, the Mother of the Church moment at the Cross, the proof of the
resurrection) is the proclamation of faith through an encounter with a woman! No
small thing. Whilst we might say in at least two of those moments it is the Mother
of Jesus himself who is present and that might mitigate in some way the event for
us, at the empty tomb it is the sinner, the penitent, the humble woman who is
present.
I am particularly moved that this woman caught in the very act of committing
adultery is the one who is first to the tomb, is first to encounter the resurrected
Lord. The conversion of faith in her gives me great heart. In my unworthiness I
might be found worthy. It is also of some heart that in her conversion she plays no
small part it would seem, amongst the disciples her unworthiness again has
credibility amongst her community. It is her testimony that will bring them running.
In that small moment we know that she is a respected and trusted member of their
inner circle. Somehow her sin is forgiven by not only the Lord but by them as well
and if I could say she has had to forgive herself. How hard is it sometimes for us to
forgive the many sins of our brothers and sisters and to love them enough to the
inner circle of faith, church, and a relationship with Christ? I couldnt help but think
how hard I can be not on the stranger but on the people I love the most as they
seek to be forgiven, to sin no more, to find wholeness and healing in the Lord. And
to allow that forgiveness to my own heart as well.
In Mary Magdalene I am asked I think, to see the witness of Christs love in her life
and that I might reflect it in the relationships I share with others.
Greg

19 Pastoral Council

Page 2

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

A Social Evening with Social Justice Group

Recently Deceased

The Parish Social Justice Group will not be meeting next week on the usual
Wednesday evening at 5:30pm. Instead we invite members and friends of the
Parish to a free screening of the documentary film, Mary Meets Mohammad,
hosted by the Great Lakes Rural Australians for Refugees at the Great Lakes
Library in Breese Parade, Forster on Monday 27th July at 7pm. This event is a
great opportunity to see a free 80 minute award-finalist film, to understand
topical social issues and to promote a greater awareness of acceptance and
inclusion in multicultural Australian society.
For your diary: - the next regular meeting of the Social Justice Group will be on
Wednesday 26th August at 5:30pm in the Parish Hall Meeting Room, Forster.

Tyler West.

A (not so) Fowle Affair

A winter warming, Parish Family Day will be held at Sharon Fowles home on
nd
Saturday 22 August. If you interested in coming along, please RSVP to 0407
006 666 to receive further details.

Anniversaries
Cornelius (Con) Hogan, Ellen Hogan, Hogan
Family, Greenaway Family, John Favero.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Sick in the Parish

Lauranne has decided to retire from her position
as Pastoral Care Chaplain at Holy Name School.
She will be missed! She continues to go through
the motions of seeking help with her medical
needs. Please pray for Lauranne, Greg and family
as they endure this process.

Had time to think about International Lunch?

Well youve had a week to contemplate the wonderful options you can present
th
to the parish community for International Day on Sunday 16 August. If you
have decided, please take a minute to include details on the sheet provided at
the rear of the church. It doesnt have to be a huge offering; it could be a
starter, aperitif, finger food or a bounty; whatever suits. Detail the country you
would like to represent at the rear of the church. Get together with friends.
Bring along furnishings to theme and brighten up your stand (tables provided).
th
The event will take place in the Parish Hall on Sunday 16 August after 9am
Mass with food available from 11am. Not interested in cooking? Then come
along and join us in sampling the culinary delights available on the day.

This weekend we witness the baptism of Rose

Brassil daughter of Anthony and Natasha.
May the gift of baptism Rose receives
strengthen her for the journey of life and faith
she will share with us. Please remember the
Brassil family in your prayers.

Got an unwanted, working washing machine?

Sr Kathryn is seeking to secure a working washing machine, if you have one
which is no longer required or know of anyone who might assist, then please
contact Sr Kathryn on 6554 6470.

Parish Badges Add youre name to the list

Parish badges are available for purchase at $8 each. If you are interested in
purchasing one please include your name clearly on the list available at the rear
of the church.

Today we are reminded by St Paul that there is one body, one Lord, one faith, one
baptism. The challenge before us is to bear with one another charitably, in
complete selflessness, gentleness and patience. That is an essential part of our
vocation: to lead a life worthy of these attributes.
For more information regarding Vocations contact Fr Brian Mascord on 4979
1112.

Helen Bruce had a visit from someone very

special last week. Helen was delighted she
could share common ground over a cup of tea
with Bishop Bill.

Page 3

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

.of the Word

of Communion

6pm

A: Bob Cashman

Tuncurry

B: Colleen Cashman

Carolyn Olliffe, Frank Hayman, Kylie Hall, Pat

Hooker, Valarie Ross.

7am

A: Mary Greig

Tuncurry

B: Cecile Malone

9am

A: Natasha Brotherton

Forster

B: Judith Shand

Alan McCarthy, Coral McCarthy, Josie Beech,

Greg Byrne, Rhiannon Temesvary.

.of the Word

of Communion

6pm

A: Valarie Ross

Tuncurry

B: Michael Siddle

Kathryn McCabe, Geraldine Mullin, Carolyn

Olliffe, Maureen Pye, Owen Carroll.

7am

A: Pat Cornish

Tuncurry

B: Edna Tucker

9am

A: Anne Hartman

Forster

B: Chris Waters

Edna Tucker, Fred Liackman, Mary Greig,

Norm Chapman, Patricia Cornish.

Lorraine Clark, Cecile Malone, Genevieve

Williamson, Mark Mowbray, Peter Wicks.
Michael Amato, Natasha Brotherton, Elle
Cairns-Cowan, Barbara Dolahenty, Sharon
Fowle.

Text: Excerpts from the English

Translation of the Roman Missal
2010, International Commission on
English in the Liturgy (ICEL); Music:
From the Mass of St Francis 2010,
Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used
with permission. Australian Agent
LicenSing Online Lic No. 624844.

First Reading
2 Kings 4:42-22

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!

Elisha feeds a hundred people with

twenty loaves.

A great prophet has appeared

among us;
God has visited his people.

Alleluia!
Responsorial Psalm
Response: The hand of the Lord
feeds us; he answers all our needs.

Exodus 16:2-4. 12-15

Second Reading

Ephesians 4:17, 20-24

Gospel Reading

Gospel
John 6:1-15
Jesus feeds five thousand.

Second Reading
Ephesians 4:1-6
Live a life worthy of your
calling.

First Reading

John 6:24-35

Page 4

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Baptisms
Celebrated most Sundays.

PARISH CONTACTS
Fr Greg BarkerParish Priest
gregory.barker@mn.catholic.org.au

Emergency Contact 0417 321 209

Mr Greg ByrnePastoral Associate
greg.byrne@mn.catholic.org.au
Mrs Sharon Fowle
(Administration
Associate/Bulletin)
Bridgeside Bulletin
Items for inclusion should be
received by midday on
Thursday.

Marriage
Celebrated by arrangement
and with at least three months
notice. Fr Greg 6554 6304
Sacramental Preparation
Greg Byrne 6554 6304

Forster-tuncurry.parish@mn.catholic.org.au

Sr Kathryn McCabe
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry
Loretta Heffernan
SRE Co-Ordinator

Baptismal Preparation
on 2nd Monday of each
month @ 7pm in Forster
Church Hall. Parish Office
6555 6304

Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Parish Office 6554 6304

PARISH PASTORAL
GROUPS AND CONTACTS

Office Hours

Christian Meditation
Every Tues, 9am and 5:30pm.
Bob 6555 5914.

Tues, Wed, Thurs

9:30am to 1pm
Fri
10am to 4pm

Womens Bible Study Group

Every Thurs, 7pm to 8pm.
Natasha 0407 589 935.

Parish Office
Located at the rear of
the Parish Hall Forster:
33 Lake Street, Forster
NSW 2428
PO Box 67
P: (02) 6554 6304
F: (02) 6554 6425

menALIVE Groups
Day group meet second and
fourth Wed after 9am Mass at
Forster. Evening group meets last
Thurs of the month at 7:30pm at
Forster. Michael Amato 6554 5284
Social Justice
Last Wed, 5:30pm at Forster.
Tim Prescott 6555 8517.

CHURCH
LOCATIONS
Mary Star of the Sea
15 Peel Street, Tuncurry
Holy Name of Jesus
33 Lake Street, Forster

Singing Practice
Every Tues. Ken Heffernan
6557 6569.

SUNDAY MASS TIMES

Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry

WEEKDAY EUCHARIST (subject to change)

Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry

Sat 6pm, Sun 7am

Tues 4:30pm, Sat 9am

Holy Name of Jesus, Forster

Holy Name of Jesus, Forster

Sun 9am

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

First Wednesday of the month
after 9am Mass at Forster.
Maintenance & Gardening Group
Third Thursday of the month.
Howard 6557 6826.
Childrens Liturgy of the Word
First and third
Sunday at 9am Mass.
Natasha 0407 589 935.
Novena to Our Lady of
Perpetual Help
Every Wed, 11:14am at Forster.
Shioney 6554 9468.
Pastoral Team
First Wed, 4:30pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304
Finance Council
Second Wed, 5pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304
Pastoral Council
Third Wed, 5:30pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304
Holy Hour
Every Tues, 3:30pm at Tuncurry

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Holy Name Parish School (K-6)
Mr Chris Waters (Principal)
41 Lake St, Forster
PO Box 243
P: (02) 6554 6504
E: admin@forster.catholic.edu.au
W: www.forster.catholic.edu.au
St Clares High School
Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)
Davis Street, Taree
P: (02) 6552 3300
E: admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au
W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au

AGED CARE MASS TIMES

(subject to change)
Beaumont Gardens - 1st Tues
Kularoo Gardens 1st Wed

th
(no Mass on 4 Aug at Beaumont
Wed 9am, Thurs 9am, Fri 9:30am
th
(No Mass Wednesday 29th or Friday 31st) or 5 Aug at Kularoo)
nd

GLACIA House 2 Tues

______________________________________________________________________________________________
RECONCILIATION

Sat 8:30am - 9am

Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry

Sat 4:45pm- 5:15pm

Holy Name of Jesus, Forster