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St. Patrick’s Parish, Church Hill
“A spiritual oasis in the midst of the city”
Under the Pastoral Care of the Marist Fathers
since 1868
St Patrick’s Church
St Brigid’s Church
“To think as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and act as Mary in all things”
(Marist Fathers’ Constitutions)
12th October, 2014
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
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God’s Invitation to Life Requires an RSVP
In the gospel this weekend we hear the parable concerning a king who
prepared a lavish banquet to celebrate his son’s wedding. He issued
invitations to his guests hoping they would join him in the festivities. The
banquet was going to be a time of joyful celebration with music and dancing
For a number of reasons, the invitees refused to accept the king’s invitation.
Even his persistence did not succeed. The evangelist tells us that “they
were not interested” and they went off to do other things. However, the king
would not be dissuaded. He desired desperately to share his joy with others,
especially with those who would appreciate the banquet.
It was not uncommon in Jesus' day for two invitations to be sent out prior to
a wedding. The first invitation was a general one and it heralded an
important event. The second invitation was sent just before or on the day of
the event. It was a "reminder": everything is prepared for the celebration!
We know that at the heart of all Jesus’ parables is a very important
message. In this case the message is very clear: it is about God's deeply
felt desire to have as many people as possible enjoy the joyful celebration of life at the end of time. Sometimes we
call it the “eschaton”: the point to which all creation is drawing. It is our ultimate destination.
As we reflect on the imagery used to describe this ‘future event’ to which we have been invited and how some
refuse to accept the invitation to the banquet of life, we might also consider that our response is not just about
something in the future. God invites us every day to discover the beauty of life and to celebrate it! Our RSVP to
his invitation will show itself in how sensitive we are to those many ‘reminders’. So we might ask ourselves this
weekend: how am I responding to God’s invitation to the fullness of life today? Can I identify the “reminders” that
he sends? Am I living my life fully?
Matthew's addition to the parable concerning the wedding garment is a little perplexing. Some commentators
believe the wedding garments that the guests wore at the banquet signified their repentance and their change of
heart, the conditions necessary for entrance into the kingdom. For some reason, one of the invitees tried
unsuccessfully to get into the banquet by taking the easy way! It didn’t work! It might be a helpful reminder!
Ray Chapman, SM
Parish Priest
The parish of St Patrick’s acknowledges the Cadigal tribe of the Eora people as the traditional
custodians of this place we now call Sydney.
Prayer for the Synod on the Family: In answer to the
call of Pope Francis, we continue our prayers for God’s
blessing on the Synod on the Family. May it be “a
precious treasure to enrich the Church. And may the
Church undertake a true journey of discernment and
adopt the necessary pastoral means to help families
face their present challenges with the light and strength
that comes from the Gospel.” Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.
Catholic Grandparents’ Day: Led by Bishop Terry
Brady, this is an opportunity for grandparents to draw
mutual support from one another as they pass on their
faith to their grandchildren. The day begins with Mass
and includes reflection, lunch, refreshments and rosary
walk pilgrimage. It will be held on 18th October from
10.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. at the Benedict XVI Retreat
Centre, 347 Grose Wold Road, Grose Vale. The cost is
$10 per adult. Children free. For more information:
9307 8404.
Farewell to Fr Jim Harding, SM and Fr Luke
Holohan, SM:
The Vicar Provincial of the Marist
Fathers announced recently two significant decisions
affecting St Patrick’s parish community. He advised us
that Fr Jim Harding, SM has now entered into full-time
retirement at Hunters Hill following a lengthy stay in
hospital and that the decision of Fr Luke Holohan, SM to
move to Toongabbie in order to be more available for
his work at Campion College, which he took in April this
year, has become permanent. Both Fr Harding and Fr
Holohan have made highly significant and greatly
appreciated contributions to St Patrick’s over a period
extending many years and we express our sincere
gratitude to them for all that they have done in their
ministry in the parish. We are hoping to have an
opportunity later in the year to acknowledge the debt we
owe to both priests and to formally acknowledge their
departure from the parish team.
Diocese. His installation will take place at 7.00 p.m. on
Wednesday, 12th November at St Mary’s Cathedral.
World Mission Day: Next Sunday is World Mission Day
and it will be an opportunity for us to reflect on the
privilege of being “missionaries” in our world of today.
Speakers from Catholic Mission will be here to help us
appreciate how we can support this important work.
The Next Historical Tour: of St Patrick’s heritage site
takes place Monday 20th October from 10.30 a.m. 11.45 a.m. The tour covers all the significant buildings
on the site. Please telephone the Coffee Shop 9254
9824 for bookings, which are essential.
Scripture Readings for
28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10
Second Reading: The letter of St Paul
to the Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Matthew 12:1-14
The Bible and the Cell (Mobile) Phone
Do you ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like
we treat our cell phone? What if we carried it around in our purses or
pockets? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if it
were so important to us that we turned back to go get it if we forgot
it? What if we used it, not to receive text messages, but to receive
messages from the sacred text? What if we treated it like we couldn’t
live without it? (Matthew 4:4) What if we gave it to young people as
valued gifts? What if we used it when we travelled? What if we used
it in case of emergency? What if we consulted it often to find special
guidance for each day? Have we forgotten that prayer is the greatest
wireless connection? And there are no dropped calls because "the
eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open unto
their prayers" (1 Pet. 3:12). Also the Bible never loses its charge,
because it’s power does not depend upon anything on earth. It is
living and powerful, just like its Author (Heb. 4:12). Don’t let the
electronic age rob you of these wonderful spiritual realities!
Author unknown
Welcome Back: Fr Ray Chapman SM, our parish
priest, has returned to St Patrick’s following his annual
leave during which he acted as a Spiritual Director for a
Harvest Pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes. We hope he
has enjoyed the experience and a well-deserved break.
Saint Patrick’s Bible Study
Discussion Hour has begun and
meets each Wednesday in the crypt
from 7 00pm to 8 00pm.
All are welcome. Please RSVP
Sr Fidelis by email,
srfidelissm@stpatschurchhill.org.
Marist Sisters’ Chapter: Sr Fidelis, SM, our Pastoral
Associate, will be away from the parish for the next few
weeks as of 18th October. Sr Fidelis has been elected to
be a delegate at the Marist Sisters’ Regional Chapter
which is being held in New Zealand. Even though it will
be a busy time for her, we hope she finds some time to
enjoy the sights of New Zealand.
Book Launch: You are invited to a special book launch
in the crypt of St Patrick’s on Sunday, 26th October at
1.30 p.m. Fr Peter McMurrich, SM, author and former
parish priest of St Patrick’s, will launch a book entitled
“Verguet’s Sketchbook”. The sketchbook written by Frs
Merv Duffy, SM and Alois Greiler, SM, records the
missionary experience of Fr Leopold Verguet (18171914). Fr Verguet’s ministry was short but eventful. His
life presents a interesting description of life in Oceania
last century and the book contains many records of his
experience and the sketches he drew to record those
memories for posterity. The book is being offered at a
special price of $25.95 until 30th October.
Archbishop of Sydney: We congratulate the Most
Rev Anthony Fisher, OP on becoming the Ninth
Archbishop of Sydney. We welcome him back to the
PARISH DIARY THIS WEEK:
th
Tues, 14 Oct:
Christian Meditation,
Crypt 12.15 - 12.55 p.m.
Legion of Mary, Level 3,
141 Harrington Street, 6.15 p.m.
Young Adults Branching Team Meetings
Crypt 6.30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Wed, 15th Oct:
St Teresa of Jesus, virgin, doctor
Novena, 12.30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Bible Study, Crypt 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Rosary in the Crypt at 12.30 p.m.
Fri, 17th Oct:
St Ignatius of Antioch, bishop martyr
Sat, 18th Oct:
St Luke, evangelist
th
Sun, 19 Oct:
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Australian Catholic Historical Society
Crypt, 2.30 p.m.
Gather Us In, 526
Here in this place new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away;
see in this space our fears and our dreamings
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken,
gather us in, the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are the young, our lives are a mystery,
we are the old who yearn for your face;
we have been sung throughout all of history,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty,
gather us in, the proud and the strong;
give us a heart, so meek and so lowly,
give us the courage to enter the song.
Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion,
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
Our Supper Invitation, 202
Verse 1
Take of my bread and eat, drink my new wine.
Take of my life and live, branch of my vine.
Let me befriend you now; eat take your fill.
Don’t be afraid to dream; love has its will.
Verse 2
Take up your burden now, walk ’til you find
Just what the journey means; walk while there’s
time.
Food for the journey will answer your need.
Don’t be afraid to walk; love, my love will lead.
Verse 3
Take of my bread and eat, drink my new wine.
Be a sweet nourishment to good friends of mine.
Let me befriend you now; eat, take your fill.
Share with your people, that love has its will.
Verse 4
Not in the dark of buildings confining,
not in some heaven, light years away,
but here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the kingdom, now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in, all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
Take of my bread and eat, drink my new wine.
Take of my life and live, branch of my vine.
Glory and Praise, 417
Go now you are sent forth,
To live what you proclaim;
To show the world you follow Christ
In fact, not just in name.
Glory and praise to our God
Who alone gives light to our days
Many are the blessings He bears
To those who trust in His ways
We the daughters and sons of Him
Who built the valleys and plains
Praise the wonders our God has done
In every heart that sings
In His wisdom He strengthens us
Like gold that’s tested in fire
Though the power of sin prevails
Our God is there to save
Every moment of every day
Our God is waiting to save
Always ready to seek the lost
To answer those who pray
28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
RESPONSORIAL PSALM:
I shall live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:
Alleluia, alleluia!
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see
how great is the hope to which we are called.
Alleluia!
Go Now You are Sent Forth,
CWB 690
Go now, you are sent forth
To walk the troubled earth.
To share your faith with all you meet
And prove your real worth.
Go now, you are sent forth
As God's ambassador;
By serving Christ in those we meet
We love him more and more.
Go now, you are sent forth
And Christ goes with you, too.
Today you help his kingdom come
In everything you do.
28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Entrance: Gather Us In, 526
Acclamation: We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess
your Resurrection until you come again.
Communion: Our Supper Invitation, 202
Thanksgiving: Glory and Praise To Our God, 417
Recessional: Go Now You are Sent Forth, CWB 690
(Two Verses Only)
MASS PROGRAM
RECONCILIATION PROGRAM
SUNDAY:
(Vigil, Saturday 6 p.m.)
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 noon (Choir), 3, 4,
5, 6 and 8 p.m.
SUNDAY:
7.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.; 3.00 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.;
8.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
St. Brigid’s, Millers Point: 9.00 a.m.
WEEKDAYS
8 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 12.05 p.m. 1.05 p.m.
and 5.30 p.m.
SATURDAY
8 a.m., 12 noon and 6 p.m. (Vigil)
COFFEE
SHOP
is open from
Sunday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to
2.00 p.m. Closed public holidays.
Volunteers are always welcome!
PIETY STORE
is open every
Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
You will find a selection of religious
objects, books and lots more.
MONDAY, TUESDAY. THURSDAY:
7.30 - 8.00 a.m.; 10.00 a.m. - 12 noon;
12.30 - 1.00 p.m.; 5.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY:
7.30 - 8.00 a.m.; 10.00 a.m.- 6.00 p.m.
SATURDAY:
7.30 - 8.00 a.m.; 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.;
5.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Sunday First Collection:
Support of the Marist Priests at
St Patrick’s.
Sunday Second Collection:
General Parish Expenses.
NOVENA OF OUR LADY OF
PERPETUAL HELP
Wednesday: 12.30 p.m., 5.00 p.m.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Every 2nd Thursday of the month,
10.30 a.m.
Second Rite of Reconciliation
1st Friday of the month, 9.45 a.m.
PUBLIC HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Masses:
8.00 a.m., 12.00 noon, 5.30 p.m.
Reconciliation:
7.30 a.m.- 8.00 a.m., 11.30 a.m. 12.00, 4.30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Marriages: Refer to website:
http://www.stpatschurchhill.org
Baptism: 3rd Sunday of each month
at 1.15 p.m. Refer to our website:
http://www.stpatschurchhill.org
Historical Tour: Every 1st and
3rd Monday of the month. Bookings
are made via the Coffee Shop.
PASTORAL GROUPS
Sacramental Program:
Fr. Fred Kado, SM 9254 9855
RCIA:
Sister Fidelis SM, 9254 9804
Young Adults:
Mr Tony Neylan, 9254 9855
Extraordinary Ministers of
Holy Communion & Readers:
Sister Fidelis SM, 9254 9804
Welcomers:
Sister Fidelis SM, 9254 9804
St Brigid’s Contact:
Beryl Prescott, 9667 3171
Coffee Shop Manager:
Val Fisher, 9254 9824
Marist Laity Group:
Margaret Woods, 0417 682 822
Andrew Dumas, 0423 785 362
Christian Meditation:
Each Tuesday, 12.15 - 12.55 p.m.
Mike Cummins,9580 5928
Legion of Mary:
Each Tuesday, 6.15 p.m.
Kris Lijanto, 0413 413 672
Rosary Group:
Each Thursday, 12.30 p.m.
Rosa, 0404 700 257,
Alec, 0406 786 273,
Marinko, 0424 442 652
World Apostolate of Fatima
Prayer Group:
1st Saturday of each month
12.30 p.m.
Rosetta, 0403 578 994
St Patrick’s Social Club for
Seniors:
2nd Sunday of each month,
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Marion Dowd, 9953 4909
St Vincent de Paul:
Joe Fitzpatrick, 9252 4646,
Jolita Benjamin, 9692 8633
Liturgy Committee:
Sister Fidelis SM, 9254 9804
Choir Director:
Adrian Bendt
adrianbendt@bigpond.com
Principal Organist:
Godelieve Ghavalas, 0404 837 363
Sunday 12.00 noon Mass
Choir Rehearsal 11.00 a.m.
menALIVE:
Paul Quirk, 0412 216 589
PARISH OFFICE
Address:
Office hours:
141 Harrington Street, Sydney
9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.
Thur. 9.30 a.m. - 2.30 pm.
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
9254 9855 Fax: 9252 3431
office@stpatschurchhill.org
www.stpatschurchhill.org
St Patrick’s Church:
St Brigid’s Church:
20 Grosvenor Street, Church Hill
14 - 16 Kent St., Millers Point
PARISH STAFF
Fr. Ray Chapman, SM Parish Priest
John Attneave, Parish Business Manager
Fr. Neville Byrne, SM
Andy Carter, Maintenance Coordinator
Rita Di Napoli, Parish Secretary
Br. Terry Garrett, SM
Fr. Fred Kado, SM
Fr. Bernard McFadyen, SM
Sr. Fidelis McTeigue, SM
Van Duy Nguyen, Sacristan
Mona Redito, Parish Secretary
Fr Garry Reynolds, SM
The church is fitted with an audio loop for the hearing impaired.
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