CHISHOLM
Chisholm Connection
News from the Pews
Volume 6, Issue 1
JANUARY 2016
INSIDE YOU WILL FIND
2-5
Chisholm Region/Parish in
Review
6-9
Regional News; SOI;
Parishioner Profile
10-11
February Calendar
12-13
“The Eucharist”, Why We
Do,
14-15
February Saints
20-23
Parish News/ACTiv8
20
Sponsors
Ministers
All baptised members of the community
Ministry Team
Parish Priest: Fr Paul O’Neill
Asst Priest: Fr Peter Street
(Presbytery 4934 5783)
Weekend Supply:
Bishop William Wright,
Fr Maurie Cahill,
Fr Lex Levey &
Fr Paul Berezniuk
Co-ordinator, Spiritual care of
sick & aged in care or at home
Sr Maureen Rigby OP
Co-ordinator, Dying, Bereaved
& Funeral Ministry
Irene Dixon 0428 220 997
Children’s Ministry Deanery
Co-ordinator
Jennie Nolan 0408 796 252
Regional Office
Louise Gilchrist, Rita King,
Janine Sidoti
Regional Office
302-304 High St Maitland 2320
PO Box 215 Maitland 2320
Hrs: Tues to Friday : 9.00am to
4.30pm
(closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm)
Ph: 4933 8918 / Fax: 4934 1227
Email: [email protected]
Message from Fr Paul
My sisters and brothers,
A new year has begun, and thankfully at the beginning of January our parish
staff were able to move into the repaired parish offices. Once again our
thanks to our staff and our parishioners for their patience during this long
period of reconstruction. May we be preserved from further water events!
Fr Derek Garner took up his appointment as Moderator of the Gloucester and
Krambach parishes on the 8th January. We thank him for his contribution to
the parishes of the Chisholm Region over the past four years and wish him
every blessing in his new appointment.
At the end of 2015 we reviewed our parish youth ministry and Stefanie Lloyd
has completed her time in the role of ACTiv8 Youth Team Co-ordinator, and
Sam Hill has moved on from her role as Youth Group Co-ordinator and now
holds a position with the Diocese as the Family Community Faith Coordinator for the Hunter Deanery which includes the Chisholm region, upper
Hunter and Vineyards regions. We thank Stef and Sam for their wonderful
commitment to youth ministry in our region in this past year. Currently we
are advertising a new position for a Youth Co-ordinator and have called for
expressions of interest by the 25th January 2016.
This year, the season of Lent begins early with Ash Wednesday being on the
10th February. Also, we will resume the Sacraments of Initiation process
with families who wish their children to be confirmed and receive Holy
Communion in 2016. Parents who attended the information session at the
end of 2015 and feel they, and their children, are now ready to enter into this
preparation process, are invited to attend the next parent information
session. Further information on page 8.
On December 8th 2015, Pope Francis declared an Extraordinary Jubilee Year
of Mercy that will conclude on the Feast of Christ the King in November 2016.
On Saturday 20th February at the 5.00pm Mass at East Maitland, Bishop Bill
will commission Fr Richard Shortall to begin his work as a Missionary of
Mercy in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Fr Richard would have just
returned from Rome where Pope Francis met with the Missionaries of Mercy
on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday and commissioned them to go to
Dioceses throughout the world for this ministry. Fr Richard will be in the
Chisholm region for a month during the season of Lent. He will be living in a
mobile home and staying at churches
that no longer have a resident priest.
There will be four churches in the
Chisholm region, Lochinvar 21st-26th
February; Gresford 28th Feb-4th
March; Largs 6th-10th March; and,
Beresfield 13th-17th March.
We pray that this year will be a time
of growth and deepening of faith in
our parish communities.
With love, Fr Paul
Chisholm Connection
January 2016
Page 2
Chisholm Region 2015
The Diocese has produced a report “Year in Review”, and as such asked each Parish/Region to submit
relevant information : What have been the highlights within your parish this year and what do you
anticipate in the next five months? Outreach e.g. Family groups, sacramental teams, youth groups etc?
Examples and stories of good work done within and for the community? Last issue we included Regional
Teams, East Maitland & Beresfield. This issue we include what had been submitted from Maitland,
Morpeth, Rutherford and Lochinvar. The Diocesan Report is also available online
https://issuu.com/diomn/docs/diocesan_year_in_review_14-15_final
Parish in Review - Maitland
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH
CAMPBELL’S HILL – Sacred Heart
We celebrated mass on Christmas morning welcoming many parishioners from the Chisholm region and
their visiting relatives.
With the arrival of the Easter season we celebrated the
Triduum at Campbell’s Hill with the communities of
Rutherford and Lochinvar. The Vigil mass was
celebrated by Fr Peter Street and Fr Maurie Cahill
con-celebrated, this was a joyous occasion.
During the Month of May our prayer group recited the
Holy Rosary in honour of our blessed Lady.
Refugee week was
celebrated at Sacred Heart
Campbell’s Hill with a
novena called “Movement of
the Heart” prepared by the
Archdioceses of Brisbane.
Our symbol for Refugees was a boat placed on the floor in front of the Altar
to bring to mind the hardships of them as they flee their homeland where
persecution and violence are the norm.
Participation by our parishioners include RCIA, Sacramental Team, Financial Council, Pastoral Council,
Liturgy Team, Music ministry, SVDP, Spiritual care of the sick in aged care and at home and hospital
visits, Children’s liturgy – during mass, SRE and participation in Tenison Woods Education Centre
programmes
The Sacred Heart church community were very blessed on receiving a letter from Bishop Bill informing
us of a bequest from Mr & Mrs Hinman, lifelong parishioners of the Maitland parish, this bequest will be
used for the restoration and repairs of the Sacred Heart church at Campbell's Hill. During this time we
have relocated to St Paul’s church Rutherford to celebrate our weekly vigil mass and we thank the
Rutherford community for welcoming us.
LARGS – Holy Family
The focus of the Largs faith community has been on building community. The Largs faith community has
a high level of participation in the weekly liturgy with many welcomers, readers, cantors, children’s
liturgy leaders, cleaners, hospitality providers and ministers of communion during mass and to take to
the sick as well as musicians.
We have active representatives on the regional Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Sacramental and
Liturgy teams. We have members also preparing to participate as part of the bereavement team. We
actively support St Vincent De Paul with a perpetual hamper. The Rosary is prayed each week before
the 7.00pm youth mass.
The highlight of the year is a constant with many young families choosing to attend mass at Largs. The
presence of the children add another dimension to the Largs faith community that we appreciate many
other communities miss out on.
The junior youth group meets weekly and has up to 30 young people attend.
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 3
St Columba’s Mass Community, Paterson
The parishioners at St Columba’s Paterson have a common union with their God, Church and each other.
The bond is demonstrated in the worship, running and maintaining our Church; in promoting our faith
with our youth and giving hope to the poor and unfortunate in our community.
We are a welcoming, growing, small community with a congregation of about forty Mass-goers each
Sunday. Our community is blessed to have a number of families with teenagers and young children. Our
Sunday Liturgy is supported by our various ministries - Music, Ministers of the Word and extraordinary
ministers of Eucharist, altar servers, cash counters, Church cleaning and grounds helpers.
After Mass each Sunday we use our beautiful and functional Nara Meeting room for the opportunity to
have a cuppa and a chat about current happenings to strengthen our community bonds.
It is significant for our community that we have a dedicated SRE team who are present in the three Public
Schools in our district.
Each year there are a small group of candidates who are supported by our Sacramental team for their
preparation to receive of Confirmation and Eucharist.
Our community regularly celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism during Sunday Mass and we welcome the
newly-baptised and their families.
The Activ8 Youth Group meets fortnightly on a Monday
evening during the school term.
Over the years we are have supported and participated in ecumenical worship and social activities. This
year we enjoyed a wonderful brunch together on St Patrick’s Day in our Nara Meeting Room after our
Sunday liturgies.
The inspiration we receive from our active members of SVDP is evident in the generosity of the
community for the Christmas and Winter appeals and the weekly donations to the SVDP poor box at the
Church door.
We value the inspiration we receive from our weekly mass
We care for the needs of our community
We dream for justice for all man kind
We pray for peace in the world, our departed loved ones & all who are in need of spiritual guidance
We are a caring community
We imagine that one day the world will be at peace
We challenge ourselves to accept all peoples with differing views
We lead in the hope that we can follow the example of Christ
We acknowledge that we are all different however we are all on the same journey
We make a difference when we stand together as Christs’ people
Parish in Review - Lochinvar
It’s been just over 12 months since we reopened the building after 3 ½ years of closure and all is going
well, the building still looks great and attendance numbers are steadily increasing, great to see some
christenings happening and sacraments of initiation recently.
In the last few months we have carried out repairs to the garage beside the church in preparation for
Sunday children’s teachings.
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 4
We are currently just starting to refurbish the old presbytery in preparation to rent in the future and any
money collected will go towards the upkeep of the church building when required.
Thanks to a dedicated group of thirsty individuals the grounds
have been keep tidy and mown, and the ladies have done a
wonderful job of church cleaning again many thanks to all
concerned.
We have had some great positive feedback regarding the church
refurbishment and visitors are always welcome.
Our Youth Group gather weekly on Mondays. We are grateful to
Sam Hill and the ACTiv8 team who support our parish in this
ministry.
Thank you – Mick Tierney - Parishioner
Parish in Review - Rutherford
The parish has had a stable 12 months with our Sunday attendance staying fairly constant. The general
outlook of the parishioners remains optimistic although the current run of cold weather appears to be
taking some toll.
The church building is in good repair and we have discussed further upgrades to the hall. Our finances
are now in a sound position because of the hall income and rental from the presbytery.
In particular :
Parish Team We have a small Parish Team of 6 which functions well as a group and contains people with
a good range of skills from finance to building to ideas.
Music We have several music teams which provide music in turn each Sunday. They have taken the
new copyright arrangements onboard and are starting to work within the new arrangements. They
appreciate the support provided by Regional Office.
Sacramental Program Our Sacramental team prepared two groups of children for Confirmation and
First Communion which was celebrated by Bishop Bill Wright over two Sundays. This event went well.
RCIA It is always a privilege for our Parish to welcome new Catholics to our community. We have done
this for many years with Grant Francis receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist on
Easter Sunday this year. St. Paul’s works with the Chisholm Region RCIA Team.”
Church Grounds The parish is very happy with our new arrangement in which workers from Cessnock
Correctional Centre mow and maintain the lawns at the Church, Presbytery and Hall. We thank Louise
from the regional office and parishioner Adrian Banister for their work in bringing this to fruition.
Teams The parish has teams for counting, church cleaning, readers and welcomers. We also have a
Prayer Chain and trained special ministers. We have just launched a drive (or campaign) to renew these
groups as the years have taken their toll and numbers have decreased.
Lenten Program This year, with the blessing of Fr Paul O’Neill, our Parish Priest, we combined with our
neighbours, St Christopher's Anglican Church, for our Lenten Program. This was hosted by the Anglican
Church and the sessions were run by their minister, Mother Moira. We used the program with special
commentary by Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane. This was assessed by those present to be a
success and worth trying again.
Health and Safety Team member Tony Seamer has completed an inspection of the safety aspects of the
church building in which he checked for fire extinguishers and blankets, exits were opening outwards
and exit signs were lit and visible. All were as they should be. He is completing an evacuation plan which
will be presented to the congregation in the near future.
School Masses These are held on the second Tuesday of each month during school terms. They provide
a great opportunity for children to attend mass with their classmates.
St Vincent de Paul We have a very active (but small) group of Vincentians. Their appeals are always
well supported and they are active within the parish. We are very pleased to also have an active group of
Mini Vinnies at St Paul's school. We have welcomed them on several occasions with their parents when
they assisted with the launch of the Winter and Christmas appeals. They are an active group within the
school.
Ian Searston on behalf of the St Paul's Parish.
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 5
Parish in Review - Morpeth
The focus of the Morpeth Parish is to live the Gospel through a concentrated focus on building our Faith
Community, an active participation of many in Ministries of Outreach and Ecumenism in Communion
with our Anglican and Uniting Church Christians.
Community involvement has been strengthened through the establishment of a Social Calendar for the
year. Some of the highlights have been:The quarterly breakfasts held in the Corcoran Centre following our Sunday Mass.
In March, we celebrated the opening of our Parish Primary School, St. Aloysius in Chisholm.
The Parish welcomed teachers, parents and students of St. Aloysius to their first school mass in their Parish
Church after which they heard the stories of some of our longest serving parishioners.
The Parish also hosted the World Day of Prayer in March for the wider Christian community.
In May, the Chapel Jazz weekend was an ecumenical celebration which brought together members of the
three Christian Church communities in Morpeth. The weekend kicked off with the School Bands
Extravaganza held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The Anglican Church hosted the
afternoon Jazz concert and on the Sunday morning many joined the Uniting Church in a Jazz Ecumenical
Service at which our retired priest, Fr. Lex delivered the homily. The focus of the weekend is to build a
spirit of community and Ecumenism through music and song.
Rugby League followers came together in the Corcoran Centre to enjoy the State of Origin series, watched
on the big screen. Much banter was evident throughout the series.
Our initial Car Rally left from the Church and ended up with a picnic lunch in Gresford after solving all the
clues along the way.
The reception of the Sacraments of Initiation included, for the first time, students from St. Aloysius who
are residents of our Parish locality. Following mass, the Parish Community hosted a breakfast in
celebration of this special day in the lives of our young Catholics and their families.
On the Feast of St. Aloysius the Church was filled with many students and their families as they
participated joyfully in the Eucharist. Once again the community came together to enjoy a celebratory
breakfast in the Corcoran Centre.
During the next five months we will be conducting a trivia night, a community picnic jointly with the St.
Aloysius school community, breakfast to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the
Ecumenical Christmas Carols and sausage sizzle in the grounds of Closebourne Manor.
The Morpeth Community although small in numbers supports many people, within and beyond its
boundaries.
We have a vibrant Music ministry with a talented team of musicians and singers which enhances the
celebration of our Sunday Eucharist. Music and song are carefully chosen to reflect the readings of the
particular Sunday.
Our liturgy ministry is strongly supported by a group of proclaimers of the Word and Eucharistic ministers
Our Church is kept spotless and always in readiness for the celebration of mass with the ongoing support
of a very dedicated and reliable group of volunteers.
Because of its age, maintenance of the Church structure and surrounds is a constant requirement.
Fortunately, we have parishioners who, because of their particular field of work, can direct us to the
specialist’s trades etc. when obtaining quotes.
A dedicated group of women maintain a Bereavement team which is called upon, not only to arrange
funeral services but to be there to console and share the burden of loss with those who have been left to
mourn. They also visit the sick and dying in a spirit of Christian support. Additionally there are those
who are actively involved in the Ministry of Palliative Care, visiting hospitals and nursing homes within
the area.
Our outreach program extends to those who are involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Society with an
emphasis on social Justice.
We value the spirit of Ecumenism within the Morpeth Community.
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 6
What’s Happening in the Chisholm Region/Diocese
BAPTISM PROCESS: PLEASE NOTE anyone
wishing to have their child/children baptised
within our region is required to attend a Baptism
preparation session. Completed Baptism
registration forms and donation will be collected
on this night. Parents are urged to attend the
Mass as a family.
NEXT PREPARATION SESSIONS:
Sunday 7th February 2016 (After Youth Mass)
Sunday 6th March 2016 (After Youth Mass)
 Share
your thoughts, comments,
spiritual
journey
with
your
community
in
the
Chisholm
Connection! If you wish to contribute to
our monthly regional newsletter; please
contact us at the regional office on 4933
8918. Your views and suggestions are
important to us! Thank you to our contacts from
each parish who supply us with their parish news
and notices.

GET CHISHOLM CONNECTION VIA
EMAIL!!! Contact the office if you wish to be
included in our monthly distribution list.
 CHISHOLM CONNECTION IS ALSO AVAILABLE
THROUGH OUR DIOCESAN WEBSITE: it is
linked to the “Chisholm Pastoral Region” page
http://www.mn.catholic.org.au/parishes-priests/
pastoral-regions/chisholm
 DONATIONS/PAYMENTS ONLINE! To make
donations/payments to your parish electronically
follow this link http://mn.catholic.org.au/
parishes-priests/parish-payments
Useful Links:
Here are some useful links and resources that may be new
to you. (Ctrl + click on link)
Diocesan Information Directory - important contact
information for the various agencies and groups.
Liturgy Resources page – regularly updated by Sr Louise
Gannon rsj.
Liturgical Year page – as above.
mnnews.today – Diocesan News Service
Subscribe to Diocesan Update eNewsletter
Aurora Magazine articles online
Full Diocesan Calendar and Community Noticeboard
MOVIE NIGHT ON THE SAINTS
We hope to see you on Saturday 27th February, 2016,
7pm in the Caroline Chisholm Rooms (adjacent to St
Joseph’s Primary School Admin) 57 King St, East
Maitland.
QUO VADIS: Rome burns! Nero
fiddles! Christianity rises! This
film colossus which took years-inthe-making, boasts eight Oscar
nominations
(including Best
Picture)
featuring
30,000
participants and a filmed on
location panoply of legions,
magisterial pageantry and massive
spectacle
that
includes
the
martyrdom of Christians thrown to
the lions before cheering Coliseum
throngs. Robert Taylor plays the Legion commander,
whose love for a Christian slave girl (Deborah Kerr)
crosses the divide between Empire and a sect with a
higher loyalty. Presiding over all is Nero (Peter
Ustinov). He is Caesar, madman, murderer and
imperial ruler of the spectacular, and spectacularly
doomed, glory that was Rome. Spiritually
invigorating, makes one excited about the Catholic
faith. It is historical fiction clearly capturing the
depravity of man while outlining the persecution of
the early church, Quo Vadis vividly depicts first
century life in the Roman Empire for slave, centurion
and emperor. As a vision of ancient Rome and early
Christianity, it has not yet been surpassed.
Books and pious objects for sale. Refreshments provided.
Everyone welcome. Enquiries Judy Chlebowicz 4936 6349.
SRE NEWS: Annual Catechist Mass with Bishop
Bill, 5th February, 7.00pm Sacred Heart Cathedral,
Hamilton. This Mass is a great opportunity for
priests, parishioners, families and friends to
celebrate the ministry of Special Religious
Education, Sacramental and Children's Liturgy.
Awards will be presented to those who have
served as Catechists for over 10 years and to
those who have completed training programs.
Followed by supper in the Davis Courtyard.
HOLY HOUR of PRAYER and EXPOSITION every
Monday at 12noon, St Joseph’s East Maitland
A SPIRITUAL LIBRARY has been set up in the
prayer room at St Joseph’s church, East Maitland.
Any enquires: Marion Riley 49 341949
Chisholm Connection
Deadline & Distribution Dates 2016
Issue
Pope Francis now has his own weekly
newsletter. You can view the full article and
sign up to the weekly newsletter at
popefrancisgoodnews.com
February
February
Editorial Deadline Distribution Date
22nd February
21st March
28th February
27th March
For enquiries please contact 4933 8918/email
[email protected] (Be aware these dates may change)
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 7
What’s Happening in the Chisholm Region/Diocese
The Tenison Woods Education Centre and
Diocesan Liturgy Council invite you to a Holy
Triduum Formation Day on Saturday 13th February
(9.30am-3.30pm), Diocesan Offices). This day will
help parishes prepare our Easter ceremonies and
would suit those who participate in Easter
ceremonies: clergy, liturgy and RCIA teams,
liturgical ministers, RECs and Campus Ministry
Coordinators. Register by 5/2/16 49791134.
SEASONS FOR GROWTH (CHILDREN AND
YOUNG PEOPLE PROGRAM) This is a small group
(4-7 participants) loss and grief education program.
East Maitland Library. 2 hours each day on the
following dates: Tue 12th & Wed 13th January 2016
PLUS 1 hour re-connector sessions on Sat 13th
February & Sat 12th March 2016: Group 1 (11-12
yrs): 10am-11:45am; Group 2 (13-17 yrs): 1pm3.15pm.
For information visit : https://
www.goodgrief.org.au/children-and-young-people
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) To know
Jesus and to make Him known! Rite of Election
Day! On Sunday February 14th at 2.30pm at the
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton, Bishop Bill will
preside at the Rite of Election for all those wishing
to be baptised or received into full communion of
the Catholic faith at Easter this year. All
parishioners, family members, parish RCIA teams,
sponsors and godparents in the diocese are invited
to join with Bishop Bill to celebrate this step in the
RCIA journey for these people. At the conclusion of
this ceremony, afternoon tea will be served by the
Diocesan RCIA team in the Davis Courtyard. All are
welcome to join us. Please RSVP 4979 1111.
Missionary of Mercy in Maitland-Newcastle:
Fr Richard Shortall sj is called on to be the face of
God’s mercy, meeting people where they are.
There will be four churches in our region:
Lochinvar 21st-26th February; Gresford 28th
February - 4th March; Largs 6th-10th March;
and Beresfield 13th-17th March.
Enquiries 4979 1111.
TWEC also invites you to spend a day exploring the
theme of mercy with Michelle
Connolly rsj on Saturday, 27th
February at St Joseph’s Convent,
New England Hwy, Lochinvar. In this
Year of Mercy, why not take the time
to immerse yourself in the tender
mercy of God as revealed in
Scripture. Ph: 4930 9601 or email
[email protected]
Archbishop Anthony's
Road to Recovery With
Your Prayers
Catholic Communications, Sydney
Archdiocese, 13 Jan 2016
The Archbishop of
Sydney, Most Rev Anthony
Fisher OP has this week
sent a message of thanks
for the many prayers and messages of support
he has received since being struck down with
Guillain Barré Syndrome at Christmas. The
Archbishop has been released from intensive
care and is beginning his long road to recovery
with intensive rehabilitation. The onset of
Guillain Barré Syndrome, an immune-related
condition, is most often sudden and
unexpected. Symptoms include varying
degrees of muscle weakness and with the
Archbishop this also included temporary
paralysis. However Archbishop Anthony has
now started to take several steps and doctors
say he is making good progress although
rehabilitation will take some time.
The Archbishop sent this message this week:
“Dear friends, once again I thank you for all
the prayers and messages of support. I will
need your prayers for some months to come
but I am pleased to say that I have started
walking again and am making several other
improvements. This is due to the excellent care
that I am receiving here at St Vincent's and the
power of your loving prayers. Please ask God
not just for healing but also for patience,
courage and hope. I miss you all. Archbishop
Anthony.”
To leave a message of support for Archbishop
Fisher go tohttp://www.sydneycatholic.org/
people/archbishop/support.asp.
SCHOOL BUILDING FUND LEVY REBATE
Parents of children who attend a Catholic School and
contribute to their parish planned giving program are able to
obtain a partial or full exemption from paying the Diocesan
Family School Building Levy (DFSBL) at their children’s
school. Please ensure that you only claim the one type of
benefit; either a Building Fund levy rebate OR a Tax Receipt.
It is important to clarify the following matters regarding
this practice:· The payment of the DFSBL is not eligible to be claimed as
a tax deduction, as the levy is compulsory and not a
voluntary contribution
· A percentage of the parent’s contribution to the parish’s
planned giving program can be claimed as a tax
deduction if no material advantage is received by the
parents
· Material benefits to the parents would include a partial
or full exemption from paying the DFSBL
Therefore, if parents choose to contribute to their parish
planned giving program, they will continue to receive an
exemption from paying the DFSBL. However, those parents
receiving the exemption are unable to claim a tax deduction
for their contributions to the parish. If you would like to
claim this exemption please contact Louise Gilchrist from the
parish office.
Chisholm Connection
January 2016
Page 8
Sacraments of Initiation - For your diary!
If you have attended the first parent information session of the program,
and you now feel as a family that you are ready to commit to the process
you will be invited to attend the second parent only meeting to be held in
February 2016. At this meeting a more detailed explanation of the
process will be given and resources needed to support you during the
preparation process will be available.
We look forward to meeting you and providing support to you and your children in this very special
time in their journey of faith.
Yours sincerely, Father Paul O’Neill and the Sacraments of Initiation Team for the Maitland Area
FEBRUARY 2016
Session 2 – Process & Book Distribution Session
Parents/Care Givers ONLY
Details of further sessions and distribution of books on Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Tuesday
16th February 7.00pm St Paul’s Church, Rutherford
Wednesday 17th February 7.00pm OLOL Church, Beresfield
Thursday
18th February 7.00pm St Joseph’s Church, East Maitland
COMMITMENT MASSES FOR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
IN YOUR PARISH CHURCH AND PRESENTATION OF “CREED”
Saturday/Sunday
20th/21st February
At all Churches
PRESENTATION OF “BAPTISMAL FONT / CHRISM OIL”
Saturday/Sunday
27th/28th February
At all Churches
The Door of Mercy is Open! Tuesday 15/12/2015. A
large and enthusiastic crowd gathered on Sunday afternoon to
process from the Victor Peters Suite to the Sacred Heart
Cathedral, and to witness Bishop Bill Wright knock on the Holy
Door (the cathedral door) and call out, “Open the gates of
justice and mercy, we shall enter and give thanks to the Lord.”
©mn.catholic.org.au
Meme of the Week
It’s not strictly an Australia Day meme...but it
touches on one of the essential ingredients
for Australia Day celebrations: Beer!
©CathNews
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 9
Parishioner Profile
Pam and Norm Tobin are well known parishioners at the 8.30 am East Maitland Mass. They are both
involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society, and previously in RCIA.
“She’s Catholic Royalty, you know,” says Norm cheekily.
Norm is referring to Pam’s family connections. She was
born in South Australia, Pamela Tenison Woods, the great
grandniece of Father Julian Tenison Woods, co-founder
with St Mary of the Cross MacKillop of the Sisters of St
Joseph.
Father Julian was a remarkable man. His 1889 death
certificate gives the cause of death as paralysis and
exhaustion. Understandable, when you read his life story.
Father Julian’s first parish was the Penola district where
he witnessed extreme poverty and the lack of schooling for
poor children. With a young governess, Mary MacKillop, he
established the first Josephite schools. Henceforth, Mary
referred to him as “Father Founder.”
The indefatigable, highly intelligent Julian was also a scientist - a naturalist interested in geology,
palaeontology and zoology. He published 274 scientific papers, several science related books, reported
on coal and tin deposits in Northern Territory, Queensland and the Malay States. King William III of
The Netherlands awarded him a gold medal for his endeavours. As well as his scientific work, Father
Julian travelled throughout the land preaching and conducting missions, including missions at
Maitland, East Maitland, Morpeth and Paterson.
Contemporaries considered Julian a malingerer as he suffered from numerous maladies. His doctors
treated him for rheumatic gout, but modern medicine suggests a different diagnosis.
Pam suffers from an autoimmune disease as do her brothers, a sister and numerous cousins. Father
Julian’s mother and brothers died at a young age. A professor of immunology at John Hunter Hospital
is attempting to investigate the background to the Tenison Woods’ family illnesses. He is currently
using DNA technology to analyse a lock of Father Julian’s hair. It has been kept in the Lochinvar
Convent archives for over one hundred years. It appears Pam has inherited more than the family name
from her great granduncle.
Pam and Norm will be married for fifty years at Easter. They are proud of their son, two daughters and
granddaughter who are all fine citizens and supportive of the family. Norm was baptised in 2009 after
joining the RCIA program. Pam and Norm support each other in their faith journey and sustain each
other when illness causes problems. “Norm’s sense of humour can calm any situation,” says Pam.
It’s a life Pam and Norm live well – it’s “Catholic Royalty” in more ways than one.
Celebrating 150 Years
As part of the 150 year celebrations in 2016, it has been suggested that Chisholm Region
host a St Patrick’s Day celebration. This would recognise and commemorate the Irish
contribution to the history of this Diocese and this region. It would also reflect some of the
huge St Patrick’s celebrations that started in the 1820’s and continued until the 1970’s in
the Maitland region. If you are interested in being on a steering Committee please contact
Michael Belcher on 4930 1458 or [email protected]. You will not be asked to do
all the work, but we need to start planning asap.
Chisholm Connection
January 2016
Page 12
Chisholm Region Calendar
SPIRITUAL WORKS
CORPORATE WORKS
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 13
February 2016
Please note:
All care and attention is taken to ensure that times and
places of events are correct at time of publication.
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 10
The Eucharist (cont’d) by Fr Peter Street
Throughout the life of the Church many Popes have written much about the Eucharist. This
month we will turn to look at what the more recent popes and the Church herself has said
about this gift from God. In his Encyclical letter, Ecclesia de Eucharistia the
Pope St John Paul the Great said “the Eucharist is indelibly marked by the
event of the Lord’s passion and Death, of which it is not only a reminder but
sacramental re-presentation”.
the
In other words we place the gifts of bread and wine on the Altar; they become the
Body and Blood of Jesus and are our sacrifice to God. As in the sacrifices of the Temple in Jerusalem,
those who offered the sacrifice receive it back to eat and or drink, thereby we who make the offering of
the gifts at Mass; (that is the whole community, both present and the Communion of Saints in Heaven),
partake in the Body and or Blood of Jesus, and in the sacrifice offered not only on the Altar, but, also
the sacrifice offered by Jesus Christ on the Cross at Calvary. Pope St John Paul the Great goes on to say
that, the Eucharist, “is the sacrifice of the Cross perpetuated down the ages” he is quoting the
documents of the Second Vatican Council. Quoting from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he adds
further “the Church has received the Eucharist from Christ her Lord not as one gift- however precious –
among so many others, but as the gift par excellence, for it is the gift of Himself, of His person in His
sacred humanity, as well as the gift of His saving work. Nor does it remain confined to the past, since
“all that Christ is - all that He did and suffered for all men – participates in the divine eternity, and so
transcends all times”.
To understand the Eucharist we need to understand; as Pope Benedict xvi said “that the first element
of the Eucharistic faith is the mystery of God Himself, Trinitarian love”, (Sacramentum Caritatis).
Further adding, “in the bread and wine under whose appearances Christ gives Himself to us in the
paschal meal, God’s whole life encounters us and is sacramentally shared with us. God is a perfect
communion of love between Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. As Benedict xvi said “Jesus is the true paschal
lamb who freely gave Himself in sacrifice for us”, He is our Passover, we receive nourishment from Him,
our bodies and indeed our souls are nourished by Him. This sacrament is an instrument of God’s mercy;
we are nourished by it so that we might call others to it, to receive Him who in love and obedience
stretched out His arms on the Cross for all fallen humanity.
I will end with the following quote which sums up beautifully this sacrament. “The most August
sacrament is the Most Holy Eucharist in which Christ the Lord himself is contained, offered, and
received, and by which the Church continually lives and grows. The Eucharistic sacrifice, the memorial
of the death and resurrection of the Lord, in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated through the
ages is the summit and source of all worship and Christian life, which signifies and affects the unity of
the People of God and brings about the building up of the body of Christ. Indeed, the other sacraments
and all the ecclesiastical works of the apostolate are closely connected with the Most Holy Eucharist
and ordered to it.” (Code of Canon Law 897).
As we enter the period of Lent, and we are in the Year of Mercy, we will in the next edition
begin to look at the other sacrament of God’s mercy, Confession.
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 11
Why We Do The Things We Do
WHY DO WE SAY “ALLELUIA” AND WHY DO WE NOT SAY IT IN LENT?
This word “Alleluia” is from the Hebrew word which means ‘Praise God”; it appears in the Old Testament Psalms
and as the chant of the saints in Heaven in the Book of Revelation. It is used as part of Christian liturgy as the
response of those redeemed through the Salvific actions of Christ. In the Mass this acclamation announces the
coming of the Gospel and accompanies the procession to the Ambo. This acclamation, may, according to the GIRM
(63c) be omitted if it is not sung; suggesting thereby that there is a preference for it to be sung/chanted. During
Lent, this chant is replaced by other forms of the Gospel acclamation because of the penitential nature of this
Liturgical time.
WHY DO WE HAVE A HOMILY?
This is an essential part of the Sunday Mass, the homily along with the readings, the profession of Faith and the
Universal Prayers form a unity which we call the Liturgy of the Word. The homily is meant to explain the Gospel
and to illustrate its meaning and its consequence for our lives. As a result of this fact the homily is usually based on
a theme arising from the readings or from the particular feast being celebrated on a particular day, it may even be
fitting to reflect on texts from the Order of Mass or the prayers and chants of the day. To understand the homily
better think of the way that Jesus interpreted the Scriptures on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 27). It is described
by the GIRM as being “a necessity for nurturing the Christian life”. A homily is recommended on weekdays,
especially during the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
WHY DO WE RECITE THE PROFESSION OF FAITH?
Just as people who have been married for a long time choose to renew their vows and just as clergy renew their
vows every year thereby making a public declaration of their commitment to a particular relationship; so too, for
Catholics the Profession of Faith (I believe in one God) is a declaration of commitment. It is quite simply our
statement of faith; it is what we stand for. Paradoxically it is also what we stand against, if we believe what we
proclaim then of course quite naturally we do not believe in the opposite. The Creed unifies the voices of the
assembly into the common faith it professes, it also unifies posture as we stand to profess it and in accord with
ancient tradition we make a profound bow at the words of the incarnation. Congregations often recite the Creed
with little thought, though these words unite the faith of the Church around the world and across the ages. May we
put more thought into the recitation and praying of this ancient Creed.
Queens Christmas Message
This year Her Majesty gave the traditional Christmas Massage
to the people of the Commonwealth. This message as indeed
all Her Christmas messages are was written by the Queen
herself. In it she speaks of her own faith, and what the
Christmas story signifies for her personally. This year’s message
was written and broadcast in the weeks following the awful
and evil terror attacks in Paris and Beirut, and in a year when
terror and evil and darkness affected so many. Her Majesty
picked up on this theme throughout the broadcast quoting St
John’s Gospels the Queen Said, ‘It is true that the world has
had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel
of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: "The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it."’ That light is the love of God made manifest in the world by the birth of
Jesus. We who are Baptised and are disciples of Jesus are called to live in this light, are there times of darkness
in our lives? Yes. If, however we live the love of Jesus, the darkness cannot and will not overcome us. In fact
by living this love, we overcome the darkness of hate and evil. Her Majesty noted that “Christ's unchanging
message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another”. The Queen went on
to point out that “Although it is not an easy message to follow, we shouldn't be discouraged; rather, it inspires
us to try harder: to be thankful for the people who bring love and happiness into our own lives, and to look
for ways of spreading that love to others, whenever and wherever we can.” Her Majesty noted the old adage
“it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”, this is true. This, however I feel was a challenge from Her
Majesty to the people of the Commonwealth, in what ways are we lighting candles? How are we living out
our discipleship and Baptismal promises in such a way that lights candles to overcome the darkness of hate and
evilness in the world? Do we allow ourselves to become discouraged, or do we stand up as one who lives in
the light of the Risen Jesus to be a beacon which overcomes darkness.
Chisholm Connection
January 2016
Page 14
Saints and Feasts in February 2016
2/2/16. THE PRESENTATION OF THE
LORD. The event is described in the
Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22–40).
According to the gospel, Mary and
Joseph took the baby Jesus to the
Temple in Jerusalem forty days
(inclusive) after his birth to complete
Mary's ritual purification after
childbirth, and to perform the
redemption of the firstborn son, in obedience to the Law of
Moses (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:12–15, etc.). Luke explicitly
says that Joseph and Mary take the option provided for poor
people (those who could not afford a lamb) (Leviticus 12:8),
sacrificing "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."
Leviticus 12:1–4 indicates that this event should take place
forty days after birth for a male child, hence the Presentation is
celebrated forty days after Christmas.
Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered
Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised
that "he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's
Christ" (Luke 2:26). Simeon prayed the prayer that would
become known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon,
which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus:
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; according
to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou
hast prepared before the face of all people: to be a light to
lighten the gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people Israel
(Luke 2:29–32).
Simeon then prophesied to Mary: "Behold, this child is set for
the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which
is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own
soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke
2:34–35).
The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and
offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to
everyone there about Jesus and his role in the redemption of
Israel (Luke 2:36–38). Traditionally the Western term
"Candlemas" (or Candle Mass) referred to the practice
whereby a priest on 2 February blessed beeswax candles for
use throughout the year, some of which were distributed to the
faithful for use in the home.
5/2/16. ST AGATHA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
(born: 231 AD - died: 251 AD) is a Christian
saint and virgin martyress. Her memorial is
on 5 February. Agatha was born at Catania,
Sicily, and she was martyred in
approximately 251. She is one of seven
women, who, along with the Blessed Virgin
Mary, are commemorated by name in the
Canon of the Mass.
She is the patron saint of Catania, Molise,
Malta, San Marino and Zamarramala, a municipality of the
Province of Segovia in Spain. She is also the patron saint of
breast cancer patients, martyrs, wet nurses, bell-founders,
bakers, fire, earthquakes, and eruptions of Mount Etna
6/2/16. ST PAUL MIKI AND COMPANION
MARTYRS were a group of Christians who
were executed by crucifixion on
February 5, 1597, at Nagasaki. Their
martyrdom is especially significant in
the history of Roman Catholicism in
Japan. A promising beginning to
Catholic missions in Japan — perhaps
as many as 300,000 Christians by the
end of the sixteenth century — met
complications from competition
between the missionary groups, political difficulty between
Spain and Portugal, and factions within the government of
Japan. Christianity was suppressed, and it was during this time
that the 26 martyrs were executed. By 1630, Christianity had
been driven underground. 250 years later, when Christian
missionaries returned to Japan, they found a community of
"hidden Christians" that had survived underground
10/2/16. ASH WEDNESDAY a day of fasting, is the first day of
Lent in Western Christianity. It occurs 46 days (40 weekdays
plus 6 Sundays) before Easter and can fall as early as 4
February or as late as 10 March. Ash Wednesday is observed by
many Western Christians, including Catholics, Lutherans,
Methodists, Anglicans, and Presbyterians.
According to the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and
Luke, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where
he endured temptation by Satan. Lent originated as a mirroring
of this, fasting 40 days as preparation for Easter. Every Sunday
was seen as a commemoration of the Sunday of Christ's
resurrection and so as a feast day on which fasting was
inappropriate. Accordingly, Christians fasted from Monday to
Saturday (6 days) during 6 weeks and from Wednesday to
Saturday (4 days) in the preceding week, thus making up the
number of 40 days.
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing
ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year
Palm Sunday, and placing them on the heads of participants to
the accompaniment of the words "Repent, and believe in the
Gospel" or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall
return".
10/2/15. ST SCHOLASTICA, VIRGIN. (c.
480 – 10 February 542) is a saint of
the Roman Catholic Church and the
Eastern Orthodox Churches. Born in
Italy, according to a ninth century
tradition, she was the twin sister of
Benedict of Nursia. Her feast day is 10
February. Benedictine tradition holds
that Scholastica lived in a convent at
Plumbariola about five miles from
Monte Cassino and that this was the first "Benedictine"
convent. However, it has been suggested that it is more likely
that she lived in a hermitage with one or two other religious
women in a cluster of houses at the base of Mount Cassino
where there is an ancient church named after her. Ruth
Clifford Engs notes that since Dialogues indicates that
Scholastica was dedicated to God at an early age, perhaps she
lived in her father's house with other religious women until his
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 15
Saints and Feasts in February 2016
death and then moved nearer to Benedict. The most commonly
told story about her is that she would, once a year, go and visit
her brother at a place near his abbey, and they would spend
the day worshiping together and discussing sacred texts and
issues.
One day they had supper and continued their conversation.
When Benedict indicated it was time for him to leave, perhaps
sensing the time of her death was drawing near, she asked him
to stay with her for the evening so they could continue their
discussions. Not wishing to break his own Rule, Benedict
refused, insisting that he needed to return to his cell. At that
point, Scholastica closed her hands in prayer, and after a
moment, a wild storm started outside of the guest house in
which they were housed. Benedict asked, "What have you
done?", to which she replied, "I asked you and you would not
listen; so I asked my God and he did listen. So now go off, if you
can, leave me and return to your monastery." Benedict was
unable to return to his monastery, and they spent the night in
discussion.
According to Gregory's Dialogues, three days later, from his
cell, he saw his sister's soul leaving the earth and ascending
to heaven in the form of a shining white dove. Scholastica is
the foundress of the women's branch of Benedictine
Monasticism
11/2/16. OUR LADY OF LOURDES is a
venerated title of the Blessed Virgin
Mary invoked by Roman Catholics in
honour of the Marian apparitions said
to have occurred on numerous
occasions in 1858 in the vicinity of
Lourdes, France. The first of these is
the apparition of 11 February 1858,
when Bernadette Soubirous, a 14year-old peasant girl, admitted to her
mother that a "lady" spoke to her in
the cave of Massabielle (a mile from
the town) while she was gathering
firewood with her sister and a friend. Similar apparitions of the
alleged "Lady" were reported on seventeen occasions that
year, until the climax revelation of Our Lady of the Immaculate
Conception took place. Bernadette Soubirous was later
canonized as a Saint, and Roman Catholics and some
Protestants believe her apparitions have been validated by the
overwhelming popularity and testament of healings claimed to
have taken place at the Lourdes water spring.
In 1862, Pope Pius IX authorized Bishop Bertrand-Sévère
Laurence to permit the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary in
Lourdes. On 3 July 1876, Pope Pius IX formally granted a
Canonical Coronation to the image that used to be in the
courtyard of what is now part of the Rosary Basilica. This
Marian title, Our Lady of Lourdes, has been widely copied and
reproduced, often displayed in shrines and homes, most
notably in garden landscapes.
14/2/16. STS CYRIL AND METHODIUS were 9th-century
Byzantine Greek brothers
born in Thessalonica,
Macedonia, in the
Byzantine Empire. They
were the principal
Christian missionaries
among the Slavic peoples
of the Great Moravia and
Pannonia, introducing
Orthodox Christianity and
writing to the hitherto illiterate, pagan Slav migrants into parts
of Macedonia and elsewhere in the Balkans. Through their
work they influenced the cultural development of all Slavs, for
which they received the title "Apostles to the Slavs". They are
credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the first
alphabet used to transcribe Old Church Slavonic. After their
deaths, their pupils continued their missionary work among
other Slavs. Both brothers are venerated in the Orthodox
Church as saints with the title of "equal-to-apostles". In
1880, Pope Leo XIII introduced their feast into the calendar of
the Roman Catholic Church. In 1980, Pope John Paul II
declared them co-patron saints of Europe,
together with Benedict of Nursia.
22/2/16. The Chair of Saint Peter this
feast has been celebrated since about the
fourth century and it signifies the unity of
the Church with the Pope, the successor to
St Peter, the Prince of the Apostles and first
Pope.
Parish to Parish for Bed & Breakfast
in Australia and New Zealand
A wonderful way of making friendships
and sharing our Faith
For more information please contact
Marie Anderson
2 Brent Place. CHRISTCHURCH 8053. NEW ZEALAND
Ph: 001164-3-3595541
Email: [email protected]
Chisholm Connection
January 2016
Page 16
Parish News - St Joseph’s East Maitland
APOSTOLATE OF PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH OF THE ETERNAL FAMILY held at the home of Pat McPherson, 65
Brisbane St, East Maitland the first Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm. Next date: 3rd February 2016. All welcome.
Ph 4933 6635.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: First Friday of each month from after Mass at 7am till 8am Mass on
Saturday at St Joseph’s East Maitland. Next date: 5th February 2016. ALL WELCOME!
FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS – 6th February 2016 St Joseph’s Church, East Maitland & Therry Centre.
8.30am
9.00
9.30
10.30
11.00
11.30
12 Midday
12.30pm
1.15
Rosary & Confessions
Mass
Exposition/Benediction/Confessions
Morning Tea
Seminar
DVD (School Library)
Midday Prayer & Angelus
LUNCH
Cenacle Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
Everyone is
welcome to come
along for all or any
part of the devotion.
For more
information please
call Judy 4936 6349
or
Marion 4934 1949.
CENACLE & DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET PRAYER MEETINGS at the home of Pat McPherson, 65 Brisbane St,
East Maitland, 7.30pm Wednesday evenings (excl first Wed. of each month); &10.00am Thursday mornings.
EAST MAITLAND CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE The NEXT ANOINTING MASS will be 10.30am
Tuesday 16th February, 2016. All welcome.
ST JOSEPH’S CRAFT GROUP: Meet every Monday - McAuley Room 9.30am to 1.00pm. For more
information please contact 49331744 / 49335840 / 4933 4586; or just come along. ALL WELCOME!
SOCIAL GROUP - WIDOWS, SINGLES, DIVORCED - Next outing please contact Barbara 4934 3862.
PIETY STALL at St. Joseph’s East Maitland Open after Mass each Sat/Sun - Rosary beads, Statues, Holy
medals & Cards; Christian gifts & Seasonal Celebration items; Children's Mass books etc.
‘Junior Joey’s’ Playgroup relaunch: Welcome to 2016! St Joseph East Maitland
Playgroup starts Monday 8th February at the Terry Centre East Maitland, 9:30-11:30am as
Junior Joey’s. Families with children
Date / Term Week
Focus
between 0-5years from any parish in
08/02 – Week 3
Love is All Around (Valentine’s Day)
the Chisholm Region are welcome. Cost
15/02 – Week 4
Pancake Day (Lent)
is $3 per family and a piece of fruit per
22/02 - Week 5
Sensory Play Day
week. Please check out our Term One
29/02 – Week 6
Birthday Special (time to celebrate)
program. Join us when you can and contact
07/03 – Week 7
Teddy Bears Picnic
14/03 – Week 8
Saints Day (St Patrick and St Joseph)
Christine 0407536452 or [email protected] if
21/03 – Week 9
Easter
you’d like more information.
Parish News - Maitland / Largs / Paterson
SACRED HEART, CAMPBELL’S HILL: The Community of Sacred Heart give thanks to those dedicated people who
have been looking after the new turf and of course we give ‘Thanks and Praise’ to God who sent the rain at the right time.
Renovations to the Church will be continued during 2016 using the generous donation given by Doreen and Mick Hinman
and we ask God to reward them with His Blessings. We give our thanks to the ‘Work Teams’ who have been very generous
with their talents and given their ‘ALL’ to the work that has been done up to date.
Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday 10th February, anyone interested in joining a Lent group is very welcome between 78pm at the Church on Wednesday nights. This year is the ‘Year of Mercy’ maybe this prayer group could be a small act of
Mercy to pray for those less fortunate.
In conjunction with Bishop Bill’s Celebrations of 150 years in the Dioceses, a Regional “St Patrick’s Day” celebration is
being planned by Michael Belcher and Volunteers are needed to help with small tasks. Anyone who may be able to give a
little time and effort or to find out more information please contact Michael on 4930 1458 to leave a message.
CATHOLIC WEEKLY on sale before and after every Mass and only costs $2.
LARGS: Weekly YOUTH Group Wednesdays 5.30pm ending with Mass at 7.00pm. (not in school holidays).
January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 17
Parish News - Rutherford
Colleen Canny reporting for St Paul's at Rutherford.
Well we are now in 2016, and I continue to seek St Paul's stories.
This week I spoke to Deidre Watson, who is responsible for the
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC).
The ministers follow a procedure before, during and after Mass.
Father blesses the ministers and the Pyx, on their departure.
I asked Deidre how long the Ministry had been in existence, she
felt it may have commenced when Sister Gus was part of St Paul's
Parish, but was unsure on the date of commencement.
Presently, there are nine ministers commissioned to bring communion to the sick and housebound.
Depending on circumstances, there are usually thirteen to fifteen parishioners receiving
communion.
Contact for this visitation, is arranged through the Regional Office, who then make contact with
Deidre.
A visit is arranged prior to the visit, to arrange a suitable time for the visit, and to ascertain the needs
for the parishioner, visits may be weekly or fortnightly.
The Ritual Communion of the Sick, is followed from the Pastoral Care of the Sick, and a bible is also
taken to read the Scripture. The visit is always undertaken in a very reverend way.
The main objective is to ensure these parishioners remain and feel part of the parish.
I asked about the duration of the visit - sometimes these visits may take up to an hour, or less
depending on the circumstance. The church bulletins, Catholic Weekly and Chisholm Connection are
also delivered, with a chat.
The ministers all felt it was a privilege to accept this stewardship, and they felt blessed to partake in
this very special role.
June Harvey, who also participates in this very special ministry, visits the Rutherford Nursing Home,
arranging a special community service for the residents visitation twice monthly. June has continued
this wonderful service for twenty years.
I personally felt this was a wonderful service and opportunity for us not to forget these people, who
are now housebound unable to attend Mass.
These ministers continue to give much to our St Paul's Parishioners, spiritually, with kindness and
love.
A CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP will meet at St Paul’s Church, Young Street, Rutherford, on Thursdays
9.00am-10.00am and on Wednesdays 7.00pm-8.00pm. For further information contact 4932 8604 or 4032
5601. All welcome.
CALLING RUTHERFORD PARISHIONERS, or anyone in the Region who can assist. WE NEED A VOLUNTEER to
assist with SRE (SCRIPTURE) teaching at Rutherford Public School, FOR 2016. Tuesday’s 12pm-1pm. Training is
provided or you may prefer online training. Contact Jennie Nolan 0408796252.
COLUMBARIUM: Ian 4932 8501; CRAFT GROUP: Dorothy 4932 7475;
HALL BOOKINGS: Adrian 4932 5601; GARDEN VOLUNTEERS: Peter 4932 8117
Parish News - Lochinvar
LOCHINVAR JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP is WEEKLY (during school term) on Mondays commencing from
6.00pm ending with LOW at 7.30pm.
DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in this Newsletter are placed by independent third parties
who have no legal relationship with the Diocese. The activities or services of the advertisers are not supervised or controlled
in any way by the Diocese. The Diocese is not in a position to endorse the advertisers or the services provided and makes no
representation about those matters. Accordingly, the Diocese cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisers or the
activities or services that are the subject of these advertisements.
Chisholm Connection
January 2016
Page 18
Parish News - Morpeth
At our first Community meeting held on 13th January, it was unanimously agreed that a special
purpose account is to be established to raise additional funds to meet the cost of urgent restoration
works required to our Parish Church.
Temporary repairs have been made to the roof above the sacristy which suffered water damage to
the walls and power switching boards following recent storms and torrential rain. An insurance
claim has been lodged to cover the cost of these and additional damage caused by these events. An
assessor has inspected the damage and we await their report.
We are seeking input from parishioners as to avenues for fundraising and would like to see a good
roll up at our next Parish meeting scheduled for Wednesday 17th February at 7pm. Since 1897 many
past and present parishioners have contributed their talents and financial support to the upkeep of
the Church. It is now our responsibility to ensure that it be maintained for today and for generations
to come. KEEP THE 17th FEBRUARY FREE IN YOUR DIARIES and be in attendance at this important
meeting.
Planning for our 2016 Parish Community Events Calendar is well under way and should be available
early in February.
Fr. Paul has asked us to look at how we can reach out to the wider community, especially in this Year
of Mercy. Our community breakfasts are just one way in which we seek to achieve this but we need
to explore other avenues to encourage and welcome those not actively involved in the parish. Let’s
follow the practical examples of Pope Francis as he reaches out to the poor and disadvantaged.
The Catholic Education Office representatives were grateful for the enthusiastic input to the naming
of the new Catholic High School which is to be built in Chisholm. We await a decision on the naming,
hopefully sometime in February.
Unfortunately, we no longer have a representative on the Regional Pastoral Council, an important
conduit to what’s going on within the wider region. Can you spare a couple of hours monthly to
represent Morpeth on the Council? If you need to know what is involved then speak to Gerda
Endersby who has been our representative over many years.
THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the
Chisholm Connection this month, it was great to see
and read so many articles. PLEASE KEEP THIS UP!
Faith Stories; Parish News; Social Events; Social
Justice issues; Volunteers/students visiting nursing
homes; Historical News; Photos; More fun - jokes,
poetry, quizzes, competitions, recipes etc. Reviews of
relevant books and movies. Even stories of loved ones
recently deceased (with permission). Letters Page
If anyone in your parish can contribute any of the above,
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January 2016
Chisholm Connection
Page 19
Parish News - Beresfield
LITURGY OF THE HOURS Each Friday 9.30am, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Beresfield
This is the prayer of the whole People of God, and we invite you to join us on Fridays at 9.30am in
the Church, as we offer our praise to God, and pray for the needs of our world.
POLISH MASS: Polish Mass is celebrated at OLOL Church at 8.00am on the 4th Sunday of each
month.
ROSARY: The parishioners of OLOL Beresfield pray The Rosary together at the Church each
Saturday evening before Mass, commencing at 5.40pm. Everyone is invited to join us.
LADIES SOCIAL GROUP: The ladies group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from February
to November at 10.00am in the Parish meeting room. There is no meeting in January, so the next
informal get together will be on Tuesday 23rd February 2016 at 10.00am. You are warmly invited to
come along and join us. Bring a plate to share and we will all enjoy a friendly informal get together.
WORKSHOP: FORMATION: There will be a short workshop / formation session for Ministers of the
Word in January. This will be held before Mass on both Saturday 9th and Saturday 16th at 4.30pm
in OLOL church and will run for approximately one hour. If you are interested in becoming a
Minister of the Word and joining our team of Readers; or if you are already a member, please come
along to one (or both) of the workshops. The new roster begins on 13th February and will be
distributed a week or two before this date. If you wish to be included in the new roster please let us
know.
PARISH TEAM MEETING NOTES: The December meeting was held on Tuesday 8th December. The
next Parish team meeting will take place on the second Tuesday in February - Tuesday 9th February,
Parish Meeting Room at 7.00pm. Everyone is invited to join us.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FROM THE BERESFIELD PARISH PASTORAL TEAM!!!
OLOL BERESFIELD: LENTEN PROGRAM 2016
If anyone is interested a Lenten group will run for five weeks throughout Lent
on Tuesday mornings (time tba). Contact Sr Angela for more information.
ACTiv8 Chisholm - Youth Ministry 2016
Are you a young person or someone young at heart who could ‘donate’ some time each week to assist
with our Youth Ministry Programs? In 2016 we invite you to ‘put your hand up’ and say YES to
engaging with our young people across the region. Even if you can offer us just two (2) hours a week
we would love to hear from you. Long Term or Short Term; commitment timeframes are flexible and
ALL offers to assist will be welcomed. If you are interested please contact the regional office 4933 8918.
Chisholm Connection
January 2016
Page 24
Thank you to this month’s sponsors
To help us alleviate paper and printing costs, sponsorship is available at $50 per issue. If you are interested please
contact us through the Regional Office, and we will help to promote your business within our Parish communities.
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