S T . M A RG ARE T M ARY ’ S P A RISH
M E RRYL AN DS
Our Parish is under the Pastoral Care of the Order of St Paul the First Hermit
(known as the Pauline Fathers) who for more than 630 years are renowned
Custodians of the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Jasna Gora, Poland.
Parish Priest
Fr Janusz Pawlicha
Assistant Priest
Fr Peter James Strohmayer
PARISH INFORMATION
fifth sunday
in ordinary time
PARISH OFFICE:
1-5 Chetwynd Rd,
MERRYLANDS NSW 2160
Postal Address: PO Box 757, Merrylands.
Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 3.30pm
Phone: 9637 2526 9637 2014
Fax 9637 2442
Email: par [email protected] g.au
PARISH GROUPS CO-ORDINATORS:
5
Sunday:
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Phone: 9636 6357– Mob:0419 266 479
LESSONS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY
Lic No: 11661106
Saturday: 6:00pm Vigil
7.30am,
Sunday: 7:30am
9am,10.30am,
6pm
9:00am
10:30am
6:00pm
Monday: 9:15am
Monday
9am
Tuesday:
9:00am & 7:00pm
Tuesday
9am
9:00am & 7:00pm
WednesdayWednesday:9am
Thursday Thursday:9am
9:00am
Friday
9am
Friday: 9:00am & 7:00pm
Saturday
8.30am
Saturday: 8:30am
Prayer: Holy Father-Pope Francis’ monthly intention:
FEBRUARY
Music : Kerry van der Linden
Comfort for the Afflicted
That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees, and marginalized, may find welcome and comfort in our communities.
Sacraments: Christopher Barnes
First Friday:
Catechists: Sonia Abi-Rached
MCS MOBILITY
february 2017
Weekend
Masses: MASSES: WeekdayWEEKDAY
Masses: MASSES:
WEEKEND
Saturday: Vigil: 6pm
During January –until 30th
Office Administrator/Secretary:
Patricia Aviet
Finance Committee: Reuben Dias
Parish Council:
Chair: Fr J anusz Pawlicha, OSPPE
Secretary: Cher yl For tini
Fundraising :
Samantha Tawil - 0424 755 311
Christyna Tawil
th
Acolytes: Peter Car r oll
11am: Maltese Mass
7.00pm: Holy Mass, Stations of the Cr oss followed by Exposition
Youth group :
Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:
Readers: Gwen D’Silva
Pauline S.W.A.T.: Fr . Peter J ames
Legion of Mary: Peter Car r oll
Playgroup: Mar yanne – 0416 116 707
St Vincent de Paul: 1800 606 724
Bus to Berrima –Giovanna– ph 9682 1008
THIS WEEK: 5 Feb 2017 - 11 Feb 2017
Counting: Group B
Altar Cleaning: Group 2
Church Cleaning: Group B
NEXT WEEK: 12 Feb 2017 - 18 Feb 2017
Counting: Group C
Altar Cleaning: Group 3
Church Cleaning: Group C
Thursdays-Eucharistic Adoration: 9.30 am-2.30pm
4th Sunday of the month: 1.00pm - 1.30pm– Divine Mercy Devotions
1st Friday of the month: appr ox. 8.30pm– midnight
Vespers– Sunday Evenings
5.15 pm - 5.45pm
Devotions:
Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
Tuesday: after mor ning Mass
Wednesday: 6.30pm
Veneration of the Holy Face of Jesus:
Tuesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm
Divine Mercy Devotions
4th Sunday of the month: 1.00pm - 3.00pm, 3.00pm - Holy Mass
Baptisms: 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month
Reconciliation:
Tues - Fri 8.30 - 9.00am
Sat - 9am - 9.30am and 4.30pm-5.30pm (or by appointment)
Marriages: By appointment only (6 months required)
Sick Calls: 9637 2526– option 3 or 0412 625 187 - any time
Please remember to
switch off your mobile phone
GOSPEL
Mt 5:13-16
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
O come, let us worship God and bow low before the God who made
us, for he is the Lord our God.
FIRST READING
Is 58:7-10
A reading from the prophet Isaiah
Thus says the Lord:
Share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor,
clothe the man you see to be naked and turn not from your own kin.
Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly
healed over. Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the
Lord behind you. Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say,
‘I am here.’ If you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist, the wicked word, if you give your bread to the hungry, and relief to the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt
becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp
-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way
your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good
works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled. Blessed
are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall have
their fill.
PRAYER REQUESTS
If you wish for anyone to be included in our bulletin, please obtain their
permission for their names to be included in our bulletin. Thank you.
Sam Hasham
Charly Hasham
Samira Hasham
Cecil Rebeiro
Alain Mario Desfosses
Reshna Jordan
Tony Ralph
Therese Nicolas
Joshua Dehan
Najan Moroun
Kartia Grace Russell
Michael Falzon
Doris Falzon
Katrina Smith
Tony Ostojic
Lucita De Los Reyes
Hanna & Adam Kmita
Frank Grapa
Marie Smith
Mary Casey
Joe Digiaro
Ludivina Green
John & Victoria Pjetraj
Mario & Christian Pjetraj
Alice Said
Willie & Jease Cutajar
Terry & Norma Dickie
Maryanne Pickering
The scriptural quotations are taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton Longman and Todd Ltd and
Doubleday & Co Inc, and used by permission of the publishers. The English translation of the Psalm Responses, the Alleluia and Gospel Verses, and the
Lenten Gospel Acclamations, and the Titles, Summaries, and Conclusion of the Readings, from the Lectionary for Mass © 1997, 1 981, 1968, International
Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
MEDITATION:
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
(R.) A light rises in the darkness for the upright.
1. He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
he is generous, merciful and just.
The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honour. (R.)
2. The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.
He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord. (R.)
3. With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory. (R.)
SECOND READING
1 Cor 2:1-5
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians
When I came to you, brothers, it was not with any show of oratory or
philosophy, but simply to tell you what God had guaranteed. During
my stay with you, the only knowledge I claimed to have was about
Jesus, and only about him as the crucified Christ. Far from relying on
any power of my own, I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’
and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of
the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the
power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend
on human philosophy but on the power of God.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light, to convey extraordinary
truths that transform our minds, hearts, and lives.
What does salt and light have to teach us about God and the transforming
power of his kingdom? Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world.
People traded with it, like we trade with valuable goods, such as gold and
stock. Salt also served a very useful purpose, especially in warmer climates
before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave rich
flavour to food, it also preserved food from going bad and being spoiled.
Jesus used the image of salt to describe the transforming effect of God's
work in our lives - and how the Holy Spirit wants to work through us to
bring the power and blessing of God's kingdom to others. As salt pur ifies, preserves, and produces rich flavour for our daily food, we, too, as
disciples of Jesus, are "salt" for the world of human society. The Lord wants
to work in and through us to purify, preserve, and spread the rich flavour of
God's kingdom everywhere - his "kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy
in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). Salt in the ancient world was often put
into ovens to intensify the heat. When the salt was burned off and no longer
useful it was thrown out on the ground where it would easily get stepped on
and swept away (Matthew 5:13).
How can we lose our "saltiness"? When we allow the world, sin, and Satan
to corrupt us. The Lord wants us to preserve our "saltiness" - through virtuous living and rejection of sin - not only for our own sake but also for the
sake of others.
Jesus used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration of God's
transforming work in and through us. Lamps in the ancient world served a
vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work
in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as
symbol or expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his
light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps
(Psalm 119:105). God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives,
but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. J esus used the
image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his
truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to
see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom.
Our mission is to be light-bearers of Jesus Christ so that others may see the
truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Prayer:
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart
and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin
Alleluia, alleluia!
and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the man who follows me will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and
have the light of life.
deed".
Alleluia!
BUS TO OUR LADY OF MERCY SHRINE
“Penrose Park” Berrima
Next Week - 12h February 2017
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sirach 15:15-20; 1 Cor 2:6-10; Mt 5:17-37
Meditation exert from: www.dailyscripture.net– Servants of the Word
13 FEBRUARY 2017
All are welcome to join parishioners, their families & friends travelling by bus to Berrima.
For any further details regarding booking, departure dates,
tickets & costs please call Giovanna on 9682 1008.
ST MARGARET MARY’S LITTLE ANGELS
PLAYGROUP
Every Tuesday at 9.45am (after 9am mass)
in the Pastoral Centre.
Bring your child (pre-school age) along with their morning tea for
some Parish fun! They will enjoy singing songs, craft, story time,
structured play and meeting new friends.
For any enquiries please call Maryanne on 0416116707.
CATHECHISTS/SREs NOTICE
Term 1 2017 Meeting: 17th February 2017 at 10am in the
Pastoral centre
Catechists Sunday 19th February 2017:
9am Commissioning Mass– St Margaret Mary’s church
Parish morning tea hosted by Catechists– Pastoral centre
For any further information or any inquiries regarding volunteering to become a catechist please call Sonia on 0451 191 700 or
the parish office during opening hours.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
2017
INFORMATION NIGHT
13 February 2017– 7pm
Our program for 2017 will begin with a Parents Inquiry Evening on Monday 13th
February at 7pm in the Parish hall to provide information
regarding the program this year.
PARISH PRAYER
Father, pour out Your Spirit upon the people of this parish so that inspired by Your word, nourished at Your table and
graced by Your empowering love, our lives may be devoted to
the service of our brothers and sisters and the building up of
Your Kingdom. May our parish community truly be, for this place
and time, the Body of Christ Your Son, through whom we make
this prayer. Amen.
PARISH MORNING TEA
Resumes this Sunday 5 February
Where : Pastoral Centre
Time : following 10.30am Mass
This week’s morning tea is hosted by our
Legion of Mary group
ALL WELCOME
NEXT WEEK: St Vincent De Paul
ST MARGARET MARY’S
PRIMARY SCHOOL
OPENING SCHOOL MASS
Thursday 9th February –9am
St Margaret Mary’s Primary school will be celebrating their
opening school Mass on Thursday 9th February at 9am. The
commissioning ceremony and Blessing will be held during the
Mass for all the school leaders for 2017.
Everyone is welcome to join our school community on this special celebration.
Please be aware that parking spaces will be limited on the day
and to avoid any car parking issues, we suggest parking along
the neighbouring streets.
Thank you.
DWF APPEAL -
WEEKENDS:
12 FEBRUARY/19FEBRUARY
The Diocesan Works Fund (DWF) supports the ministries and
agency services of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta as they carry out their mission and works which benefit
thousands of members of our local community. Some examples
of beneficiaries are CCSS (Catholic Care Services), CCD, RCIA
and vocations in the Diocese.
We ask for your generosity as we have had a large
shortfall in the last appeals.
Please help us to reach our quota of $10,956.00.
Please note that donations over $2 are tax deductible. Simply
give your details and tick the box on the envelope and a receipt
will be forwarded to you by DWF.
Thank you.
CHURCH NOTICES:
Enrolment masses for Reconciliation and Holy Communion
19th & 26th Mar at 10.30am Mass
RECONCILIATION PROGRAM:
All preparation sessions held on SUNDAYS
after 10.30am Mass
Session 1: 12 March 2017
Session 2: 19 March 2017
Session 3: 26 March 2017
Session 4: 4 April 2017
Session 5 : 30 April 2017( following Easter School holidays)
Session 6: 7 May 2017
RECONCILIATION LITURGY– WEDNESDAY 10 MAY 2017
Any queries, please contact Chris on Mondays 2-4pm
at the Parish office–ph 96372526.
Weekly Mass schedule & all devotions
Please note that all weekday morning and evening Masses
have resumed for 2017 as well as all devotions.
GENERAL NOTICES:
A reminder to please respect our church: The House of the
Lord by assisting in taking all rubbish with you and tidying up
especially when using the children’s room at the back of
the church.
We ask you please, to supervise children whilst they are in
the church, as well as when using our toilet facilities and
ensure that they respect all decorations around the church
and on the Sanctuary area.
Thank you