24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Year C
The art of forgiving
The younger son was so lacking in respect for his
father that he could not wait for him to die before
demanding his share of the inheritance. Then he
was off to another country where he soon wasted
his money on high living. Penniless and starving,
he decided to return home and ask his father for a
job. Hunger, not sorrow, brought him to his
senses.
Each day his father looked down the road to see if
there was any sign of his son. When he
finally saw him coming, the father
forgot his dignity and ran down the
road, threw his arms around his son and
kissed him. Without knowing whether
or not his son was really sorry, the
father restored him to his former
position in the family and organised a
welcome-home party.
Enter the older son. He had been
working in the fields all day and on
arriving home he saw and heard the
music and the dancing. A servant told him the
reason for the celebration and the son was
furious. So the father, for the second time, left
his dignity behind and begged his elder son to join
in the party. The elder brother was angry that his
younger brother was being rewarded instead of
punished for his conduct. We don’t know how
the story ends, as Jesus does not tell us.
This is where the parable makes its point. Will the
older brother go in or will he continue his
obstinate refusal? Jesus is speaking to the
11 September 2016
Pharisees, who had criticised him for eating with
sinners instead of condemning them. He is also
speaking to us. All too often, families are torn
apart by disputes. Those who are closest in
relationships become bitter enemies and these
disputes often go unresolved and only end with
someone’s death. Am I like the elder brother,
unable to forgive a grave injustice, or can I act
like that over-indulgent father who saw, not two
ungrateful employees but two beloved sons.
While it is never easy to forgive deep hurts, it is
possible.
At the beginning of WWII, the Nazis built
a concentration camp at Ravensbruck for
women only. More than 50,000 women
and children died, mainly from disease, ill
-treatment, starvation and overwork.
While medical staff were cleaning up the
barracks, they found a piece of paper on
which was scrawled what has become
known as the Ravensbruck prayer:
‘Lord, remember not only the men and women of
goodwill, but all those of ill will. Do not remember
all the sufferings which they have inflicted on us.
Remember the fruits we have brought forth—our
comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our
courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart
which has grown out of all this. And when they
come to judgement, let all those fruits which we
have borne be their forgiveness.’
Reg Ahearn CSsR
© Redemptorists 2016
OUR VISION
"Everything is to be oriented towards the praise and glory of God".
OUR MISSION
The St Agnes' Parish Community strives to make our Vision a reality
by a commitment to:
 holiness in the image of Christ
 proclaim the good news of
salvation
 minister within the faith community
 the service of all, particularly those
in need
The moment in which the Pope
declares Blessed Teresa a Saint
The canonization ceremony is relatively simple.
First, the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes
of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato, asks
the Pope to initiate the canonization of Mother
Teresa. Then, he briefly summarizes the life of the
candidate for sanctity. As the pope listens, the
Litany of the Saints starts: he asks them for help to
make the right decision. Then he reads the formula
for canonization in Latin.
"For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation
of the Catholic faith and the increase of the Christian
life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of
the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after
due deliberation and frequent prayer for divine
assistance, and having sought the counsel of many
of our brother bishops, we declare and define
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta be saint and we enroll
her among the saints, decreeing that she is to be
venerated as such by the whole Church. In the
name of the Holy Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit."
Then, the saint's relics are brought to the altar.
Prayer to Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting
love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame
within you, and so became the light of His love to all.
Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your
request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and
possess my whole being so completely that my life,
too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray
for me. Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me.
Child Protection Sunday
11 September 2016
A Prayer for Stronger Communities,
Safer Children
Gracious God you said let the children
come to me.
The hurt felt by those wounded by abuse weighs
heavily upon us. Often trust has been eroded
when institutions failed to appropriately respond to
their needs. Lord, we as your Church stand in
need of your healing and help.
We ask you god to strengthen and guide all in our
Catholic communities. Grant us wisdom in our
time to make decisions that protect children and
the vulnerable.
May our families and communities, through love,
generosity, commitment and patience build
stronger communities safe for children.
Let your grace and love fall gently upon our
children giving them the inner strength, peace and
resilience they will need for their life’s journey.
We ask you God to help our Catholic communities
to be resolute in building a community where our
children both flourish and are safe. Amen.
PLEASE JOIN US
‘Mercy On The Move’
‘A Journey into the Catholic Faith’
Mercy on the Move is a travelling resource
consisting of eight A1-size images available for
schools and parishes within the Diocese of
Lismore. Through the paintings and photographs
presented, we are given a visual meditation on
some of the parables and stories Jesus used to
portray God’s mercy ,plus examples of our
prophets of mercy today. The title ‘Mercy on the
Move’ invites each of us to move towards more
merciful actions in our day to day living.
Over the next three weeks the display will be
moving around our Parish Schools and will also be
on display over the following weekends within our
Parish at St Agnes’ Church: 10 - 11 September.
May you find some time to reflect on the images in
our Year of Mercy.
Come and join with us on Wednesday,
14 September in the parish hall at 6.00pm as we
discuss the question ... What is the Bible and How
should we read it?
The Bible is God’s word in human words written for
our salvation. God is the author of the bible
because he inspired its human authors; he acts in
them and by means of them. Interpretation of the
inspired Scripture must be attentive above all to
what God wants to reveal through the sacred
authors for our salvation. The Church has always
venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated
the body of the Lord: both nourish and govern the
whole Christian life. This topic answers the
questions: What is divine Revelation? How is it
transmitted? What is the Bible? What does it mean
to read the Scripture within the living Tradition of the
whole Church.
PARISH NEWS
St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE
First Communion
This weekend we ask you to keep the children who
are making their first Communion, and their
families in your prayers.
Wraps with Love
Thank You
The Catholic Women’s League will be hosting a
thank you morning tea for all who have
participated and contributed in any way to Wraps
with Love. The knitters, sewers, crocheters,
donators of wool or money. Morning tea will be
held on Wednesday, 14 September at 10.00am in
the Tenison Woods Centre, Lochinvar Place.
Please come and join us so we can acknowledge
your generosity in spirit. For more information
contact Monica on 6582 5770.
Volunteers Needed

Sacristy & Church Cleaning
Volunteers would be appreciated to join the
Sacristy and Church Cleaning Ministry. You would
be part of a group that meet once every six weeks
for light cleaning duties. Please contact the
Presbytery Office on 6583 1024 by Friday, 30
September.

MacKillop Gift Shop
The shop is in need of more volunteers. The shop
is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to
2.00pm. It is a relaxed atmosphere. For more
information contact Marie on 6584 9779.
MacKillop Gift Shop
MacKillop Gift Shop is fully stocked with beautiful
and affordable gifts, cards and books for the
sacrament of Communion. Opening hours are
Monday to Friday 10.00am to 2.00pm. In addition,
the shop will open on Saturday, 10 September
leading up to Communion from 10.00am to
12.30pm. The Shop is located in the lower level of
Parish Administration Centre, next to the Parish
Hall. The phone number is 6584 9779.
First Communion Dates are:
St Joseph’s Primary:
St Peter’s Primary:
St Agnes’ Primary:
State Schools:
Saturday, 10 September
Sunday, 11 September
Saturday, 17 September
Sunday, 18 September
St Francis of Assisi
Spring Morning Tea
St Francis of Assisi Chapel Spring Morning Tea
will be held after the 9.30am Mass on Sunday,
11 September. Please stay for a cuppa and a chat.
All are most welcome. Please contact
Noeline Millward on 6584 1811 for more
information.
PARISH NEWS
Recently Deceased: Kevin Gleeson,
Noreen Williams, Estelle Hogan, Maureen
O’Connor, Eileen Hodder, Joan Larsen, Yvonne
Dullaghan, Jean Chapman and Peter Cassidy.
Anniversaries: Andrew Malycha, Des Kenny,
Mary Clark, Francis Cameron, Mary Cameron,
Mary Shaw, Dennis Whitehead, Lorna & Ron
Whitehead, Lila King, Thea Crowe, Edward
Hogan, Fr Tom Hogan,
Margaret Whitney, Anne Gaul, Daphne Corrigan,
Fr William Nicol, Fr Francis Walsh, Fr Douglas
Stewart and Bishop Thomas McCabe.
Father’s Day Intentions: John Hayward,
Grandfather Farrell, Grandfather Hayward,
Patrick Cooper and Barrie Bishton.
Other Mass Intentions: Kathleen Connors, John
& Kathleen Carroll, Hilton Dodds, Beryl Thomas,
Robert & Molly Friggens, Beryl Margaret Thomas,
John Haxell, Teresa Hickey, Jack Mooney, Marija
Miller, donor intentions and Masses of
thanksgiving.
Christian Meditation &
Taizé Worship - St Francis Chapel
Christian meditation continues on Wednesday,
at St Francis of Assisi Chapel from 6.00pm to
7.00pm. For more information ring Simon on
0412 236 977. Taizé Worship will be held on
Wednesday, 28 September from 6.00 to 7.00pm at
St Francis of Assisi Chapel. Everyone is welcome!
Franciscan prayer Group
Parishioners are invited to a one hour spiritual
reflection and time of prayer centred around the
Gospels and based on Franciscan Spirituality.
This will be held on Sunday, 18 September in the
Tenison Woods Centre, Lochinvar Place from
10.30am to 11.30am. For more
information contact Charlie on
0413 848 476 or Joan on
6583 6549.
Port Macquarie Men
Port Macquarie Men meet on the third Thursday of
each month at the Westport Club. This month’s
meeting will be held on 15 September from
12 noon to 2:00pm. Join us and share a meal. If
you are interested contact Grey Fingleton on
0418 247 107.
Gift Bearer’s Roster
This roster can now be collected from the Church
entrance and at the Presbytery Office.
St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE
PARISH MASSES
Parish Priest
Father Leo Donnelly
Assistant Priest
Father Peter Wood
Assistant Priest
Father Roland Agrisola
ST AGNES’ CHURCH | Hay Street, Port Macquarie
Monday to Thursday: 5.15pm
Friday: 12.05pm
Saturday: 8.00am, 6.00pm Vigil
Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am, 5.00pm
Please note: Weekday Masses at 9.00am on Public Holidays
Reconciliation: Friday 11.30am -12 noon, Saturday 11.30am - 12.30pm
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:
1st Saturday of the month 8.30am - 9.30am.
Pastoral Assistant
Peter O’Driscoll
T (02) 6584 9970
ST FRANCIS CHAPEL | Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie
Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan
Ph 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259.
Communion Service or Mass: 9.30am Monday - Thursday
Sunday Mass: 9.30am
Presbytery Office
47 Hay Street Port Macquarie
PO Box 23
T (02) 6583 1024
E [email protected]
www.stagnesparish.org.au
CHRIST THE KING CHAPEL | Boronia St, Port Macquarie
Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan
Ph: 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259
Weekday Mass: See Notice On Chapel Door
Mass: Saturday Vigil - 4.30pm
Rosary: 1st Saturday of the month 4.00pm.
Office Hours:
8.30am - 4.30pm
ST BERNARD'S, TELEGRAPH POINT | Rollands Plain Rd, Telegraph Point
Thursday: 6.00pm.
STAR OF THE SEA, LAKE CATHIE | Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie
Sunday: 8.00am.
FEAST DAYS
Most Holy Name of Mary
Monday 12 September
St John Chysostom
Tuesday 13 September
The Exaltation of
the Holy Cross
Wednesday 14 September
Our Lady of Sorrows
Thursday 15 September
ROSTERS
READERS AND COMMENTATORS
6pm Vigil: Alan Wheatland
George Searson
Barry Johnson
7.30am:
Sandy Lushcwitz
Mary Ann Wright
Jim O’Brien
9.00am:
Josephine Mockford
Adelle Groeneveld
Judy Brady
5.00pm:
Sarah Smith
Christa Morrow
Diana Smith
MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST
Sts Cornelius & Cyprian
Friday 16 September
St Robert Bellarmine
Saturday 17 September
6pm Vigil: Vanessa Denham
Paul Jones
Des Grissell
Kym Condon
7.30am:
Greg Grace
John McQueen
Dianne Gander
David Hogan
17 - 18 September 2016
9.00am:
5.00pm:
Bryan Longhurst
Pat Daley
Michelle Baird
Cath Stevenson
Marg Gobius
Timo Gobius
Debbie Rennes
Tina Madden
GIFT BEARERS ROSTER
6pm Vigil: L English & Family
7.30am:
S Wilson & S Bale
9.00am:
First Communion
Children
THE STATUE OF OUR LADY
John & Joy Lovegrove
2 Jindabyne Place
Port Macquarie
Phone: 6583 3121
NEXT WEEK’S READINGS
25th Sunday in OT– Yr C
Amos 8:4-7;
Psalm 112;
I Timothy 2:1-8;
Luke 16:1-13.
DIOCESAN INVESTMENT FUND PAYS 2.35% AT CALL!
There are no fees or charges on your account. AGENTS: Mrs Veronica Rinkin & Mrs Mary O’Brien
DIF Office, Parish Administration Centre, Phone: (02) 6583 7439 9am – 1pm Monday - Friday