“It is the childlike mind that finds the kingdom”- Charles Fillmore

We have been bombarded with the news of terrorism in parts of the world recently. The safety and security of the people is at stake in the wake of such brutal and inhuman actions. The international leaders are on high alert and they are venturing the necessary measures to put an end to terrorism and guarantee a harmonious situation in every part of the world. Why is this sort of violence on the increase? No one can come up with a categorical and definitive answer. One thing is very clear: that humanity has lost its direction—direction of mutual tolerance, a right orientation towards God and religion. In the midst of such havoc, we are celebrating the Solemn Feast of Christ, as the King of the universe. Will this feast open our minds and hearts to look at the world with the eyes of Jesus? Christ’s reign is realised only in our embracing a vision of humankind as a family made in the image of God, a vision of one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, a vision of the world centred in the spirit of hope and compassion taught by Christ.

Instead of using the term ‘King’, I suppose we could call Jesus a “perfect leader”. He exercised a special kind of leadership which we want desperately in today’s messiness. In the light of the leadership of Jesus, we might look at the form of leadership as it is understood in the world today. A certain author outlines nine characteristics of the leadership of Jesus. (edited)

No self-promoting - no self-advertisement;

Dependence on God- connectedness to the Almighty;

A visionary with clarity, simplicity and directness;

Very strategic in team-building;

Builds up relationships;

Engages the crises head on;

Expresses control and authority when needed;

All about empowering others;

Brings inner and outer freedom to the people.

Jesus’ leadership (kingship) is a powerful challenge not only for the political leaders but also for the church of our time—the universal church and local church communities. Perhaps, as the leaders of the family or institutions (government or private), we can take a close look at our leadership on this day. In our choice to exercise the qualities of Jesus in our day today life, we could experience the Kingdom of God in the midst of us. Here are two scenarios where the Kingdom of God reigns: o A storm devastates a town; a fire reduces a neighbourhood to burnt timber and ashes; an act of terrorism cuts a wide

and bloody swath through a community. That’s when they go to work: skilled medical professionals, tireless construction workers, patient and gifted counsellors, compassionate volunteers. These dedicated souls work around the clock to care for the hurt and injured, rescue those in danger, help the traumatized cope, and begin the hard work of rebuilding. By their very presence, these good people transform the debris and ashes into the kingdom of Jesus.

o The tired old downtown building has seen better days but no better use. The city’s churches have worked together to turn the brick structure into a community centre, a safe place where children can come to play basketball, receive tutoring, or just hang out after school. The well-stocked pantry provides for dozens of hungry families every week; a free clinic offers basic on-site medical care and referral services to the poor and uninsured. Its meeting rooms are always busy: the elderly have a place to go for companionship and immigrants are taught how to master the language of their new homeland. In this austere brick building, Jesus reigns. (Kayala Ministries)

Shall we embrace the vision and the leadership of Jesus and transform our families and our working places, schools

and communities as places of God’s Kingdom?

Happy Feast! - Fr. Vince

Feast of Christ the King 22 November 2015

Dan 7:13-14; Apoc 1:5-8; jn 18:33-37

THIS WEEK’S MINISTERS

5:30 8am 10am 5:30pm

WELCOMERS O’Connell Rose & Ian McMichael

Helen Ross

ACOLYTE John Puleo Darren McNeil Damien Murdocca

Jhun Javier

READERS Trish Keating Colleen Dunlop

Nigel Saunders Catherine Diekman

Amira Campo Jacqui Nisbet

Trish Maidens Patrick Tuttle

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Trish Keating Tricia Spencer Frances Sanders

Ann & Mark Lee Gael Carpani Bev Hermens

MUSICIANS Joan and David Bobby Youth Group

BANKERS/ COUNTERS

(24 Nov) John Hourigan & Kay Brooks

Children’s Liturgy

Feast of Christ the King

NEXT WEEK’S MINISTERS (28/29 NOVEMBER)

5:30 8am 10am 5:30pm

WELCOMERS Maria Aiossa Rosa Carlino Teresa Capaldi Kay Brooks

ACOLYTE Peter Balnaves Phillys Hannah Sam Ursino

READERS Myra & Greg Lambert

Louise Johnston Mariciela Gregory

AnnMarie Duncan Marietta Nesci

Stephen Kinchington Simmy Cesamolo

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Berenice Hart-Gerometta Judith Gauci

Pat Lynch Eileen Sherlock

Marian Piper Sandra Tabone

MUSICIANS Pat, Bev & David Richard and Matt Merle & Doug Youth Group

BANKERS/ COUNTERS

(1 Dec) Paul Vella & Kay Brooks Children’s Liturgy

Deb Rankin

FLOWERS Linda Pellizzon Altar Linen Jessica Wright

Throughout the month of November, we pray and offer all our Masses for all

our dearly departed, especially those mentioned in the Remembrance Book. Almighty Father, source of forgiveness and

salvation, grant that our relatives and friends

who have passed from this life may, through the

intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all

the saints, come to share your Eternal happiness through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Remembrance Book

If you wish to have deceased relatives and friends remembered at all Masses

offered in November, please write their names in the Remembrance Book which is

kept on the table in the foyer. Envelopes of love offering towards the Masses are

available next to the book and can be dropped in the wooden box in the foyer.

Let us pray for healing in our community

Sarah Bilford Beattie, Giuseppi Grasso, Faye Willing, Antoinette, Annabelle, Patrick, Tony, Cheryl Everard, Ben Eberand, Callum Goracz, Patrick Griffiths, Catherine Bourke, Tina, Marie, Charles Vencyel, Joe,

Christy Sherlock, Maisie Hughes, and Christine Wilson

VISION OF OUR PARISH

Inspired and guided by the

Holy Spirit and the Gospel,

St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish,

a community of faith and service, strives

to be a witness for Christ’s love far and

wide, reflecting the humility and wisdom of

St Madeleine, the Patroness of the parish.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' (Mt 25:40)

Get the Caritas Advent app for your smartphone.

Enjoy the wonderful stories and Learn Pray Act

http://www.caritas.org.au/advent We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this country on

which we worship.

PARISH TEAM

Parish Priest:

Fr Vincent Savarimuthu

Parish Secretary:

Lisa Echevarria

Sacramental Coordinator:

Sue Martin

Music Coordinators:

Barbara Mathias

Joan Sattler

Office Hours:

Tues-Fri: 9am to 4pm

Phone: 96542260, Fax: 96542261

Email: stmads@yahoo.com.au

Website: www.stmadeleine.org.au

28 Annangrove Road,

Kenthurst 2156

St Madeleine’s Primary School

Phone: 96546751

Principal: Mrs Jeanette Black

Marian College

Phone: 96546700

Principal: Mrs Jayne Campbell

St Vincent de Paul: 1800 606 724

Parish Services:

Weekend Masses:

Saturday 5:30pm

Sunday 8am, 10am, and 5:30pm

Children’s Liturgy:

At 10am Mass during school

terms

Weekday Masses:

Tuesdays-Fridays 9:15am

Playgroup: Tues 9:30am

at St Joseph Centre

Prayer Group: Wednesdays after

the 9:15 Mass

Baptisms: Every 4th Sunday at

11:20 orduring 10am Masses

Weddings: By appointment

Reconciliation: Saturday 5:00pm

IN OUR PARISH “BENEDICTION” BEFORE SATURDAY MASS On the 28th of November, the start of the new

liturgical year, our parish will begin the practice of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 4:50pm,

before the Saturday Vigil Mass. Congratulations to Zoe Elizabeth Pupo and family on

Zoe’s Baptism day! Congratulations to Peter and Bev Balnaves who celebrated

their 50th wedding anniversary on 13 November! Congratulations to our Junior Altar Servers as they are commissioned this weekend. Let us keep them in our

prayers as they serve our community. The St Vincent de Paul team of our

parish will be having their Christmas Appeal next weekend,

with leaving collections at the end of each Mass. Proceeds go to the

needy families supported by SVDP. Advent & Christmas:

*Notes for the Hamper Mass are available in the foyer. The hampers will be

distributed to the House of Welcome and other homes in need. Thank you for your

generosity. *Majellan Christmas Cards & Calendars

The 2016 Columban Art calendars and Christmas cards are now available for purchase in the Piety Stall in our

church foyer. Cards=$7, Calendars =$9. For special orders, ring Sandra 0413272400.

*Children’s Liturgy Christmas Party! This will be held after the 10am Mass on 6 December. All children and

families are invited! *If you’d like to share your time, you may want to join

our team of volunteers when they celebrate Mass at the nursing homes in our area on 8, 9, and 10 December.

For more details, please contact the parish office. *The Friendship Group of retired parishioners will have

its annual healing Mass and Christmas luncheon on Friday, 11 December at 12noon.

All retired parishioners are invited to come. Please RSVP to the parish office by 2nd December.

*Fr Vincent will be conducting an Advent Reflection morning on 12 December, 10-11:30 at the St Joseph

Centre. If you would like to come, please sign your name on the sheet in the foyer.

*We need many helpers for our Christmas Masses. If you would like to help out, please sign your name on the

sheet in the foyer. >The next Baptism preparation session will be on 5th Dec, Sat, 3-4pm at the St Joseph Centre.

>Details of next year’s Sacramental Program can now be found on the website. Please check for updates! Last Week’s Collections:

1st Collection (for Diocese) = $1289.10 2nd Collection (for Parish)

Envelopes = $1796; Loose = 885 Credit cards/Direct Debit ave weekly = $1821

TOTAL = $4502 (target [loose + envelopes] = $5577 weekly) God’s Blessings for your continued support!

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR: 28/29 November - St Vincent de Paul Appeal 6 Dec, Sun, 10am - Hamper Mass - Children’s Liturgy Christmas party 8 Dec, Tue, 11am – Christmas Mass at Carinya House 9 Dec, Wed,10am – Christmas Mass at Lady of Grace 10 Dec, Thur,10am – Christmas Mass at Bupa Aged Care 11 Dec, Fri, -12noon – Friendship Group Christmas party -7:30pm – Youth games and fun night 12 Dec, Sat, 10-11:30am – Advent Reflection morning 17 Dec, Thur, 7pm – 2nd Rite of Reconciliation

IN OUR DIOCESE OAKHILL COLLEGE ENROLMENTS 2017

Applications for enrolment into Year 7 2017 will close on Friday 19th Feb 2016. Parents who wish to apply for

enrolment who have not yet submitted an Expression of Interest for Enrolment form or Application form are

requested to contact the Registrar before Friday 19th Feb on 98992288 or registrar@oakhill.nsw.edu.au.

POSITIONS VACANT: >Administrative Support Officer (Parental Leave Cover): This role in the Diocesan Family & Life Office is offered as a maximum term of 12 months. In this role you will be responsible for providing a range of administrative services to the Family & Life Office in Parramatta. You will assist the Director in conducting initial reviews of the quality of potential programs and resources in support of marriages and families. You will also help to manage the delivery of appropriate events, programs and resources in both print and electronic formats. >Pastoral Associate: Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes, is seeking an energetic and committed Pastoral Associate for a full-time position. The successful applicant will need to show the ability to empower and support people in a

variety of ministries as well as demonstrated experience in leadership, coordination and liturgy. A current WWCC is essential. For further information and an information pack please contact the parish office tel (02) 9631 8135, parishoffice@olqp.org.au Applications close 30 November.

“THE COMING OF MERCY” ADVENT retreat Saturday 28th November, 2015 9am-4pm

74 Rosebery Ave, Rosebery Come and experience how God wants to prepare our hearts

for Christmas. There will be guided talks, time for personal

reflection and opportunities for spiritual guidance from the

missionaries. Cost $50. Please contact Verbum Dei

Missionaries (02) 9313 7099 or email

verbumdeisydney@gmail.com if you are interested.

The Institute for Mission (1-5 Marion St Blacktown) invites you to start your Advent with a difference. Pope Francis has

called us to bring mercy to creation and this Advent reflection night will be blessed by a leader from Australia’s

Catholic Earthcare organisation to enlighten our spirits. Monday 30th Nov. Please call us on 98314911.

Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses in 2016 The Office for Worship is taking enrolments for those

interested in becoming Readers of the Word, Ministers of Holy Communion, Ministers of Communion to the Sick and Dying, Adult Servers and/or Acolytes. There is no cost for these formation courses,offered in two locations on

Mondays and Wednesdays at Blacktown (Institute for Mission Hall, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown, on Mondays from7pm-9pm, from 22 February) and Penrith (St Nicholas of Myra Parish

Meeting Room 1, 326 High St, Penrith, on Wednesdays from 7pm-9pm, from 24 February.)To obtain the enrolment form

send an email to ofw@ifm.org.au or visit www.parra.catholic.org.au and follow the links.

Servicing all makes & models! Call Joe on 9679 1097

189A Annangrove Road Annangrove NSW 2156

Vogue Real Estate 7A/249 Annangrove Rd, Annangrove

(in Regal Gardens)

Selling fee 1.5% incl GST

Leasing fee 3.75% for 12 months

Relocation agent

96792789/0419 237 044

Starr Partners Your local Real Estate Agent

For all your Real Estate needs!

Phone Darren Starr

0488 717 177

Funerals of Compassion “Compassion when you need it most” Traditional funerals, Pre Paid Funerals A family business with family values.

Call Annangrove locals Rocco & Sofia Polistina 9659-2117 – 24 hours

www.funeralsofcompassion.com.au

GLENHAVEN PRIVATE PRESCHOOL *Preschool for children 3-6 years * School Terms

9.00am – 3.00pm (closed school holidays) *

Situated in peaceful; bushland setting * All teachers highly experienced and qualified

19 BANNERMAN ROAD KENTHURST, PH:

9654 0345 t

Popular Dr Selina Leow and Dr Darren Calleia,

Stanhope Dental Centre 17 Conrad Road, Kellyville Ridge

(8 mins from Rouse Hill)

(02) 8883 1522

*Open 6 days * Female and male dentists * Medicare schemes accepted (conditions apply)

* All ages –* one appt crowns

Hills Family Funerals “A tradition of care and concern”

Funeral Planning and

Pre-Arranged Funerals For personal attention please call

Richard Spiteri or Pina Parrealla at 9659 0900

“Si, parla Italiano” www.hillsfamilyfunerals.com.au

S A W A Y A S O L I C I T O R S Solicitors and Public Notaries

Phone: 9654 2555 Conveyancing, Wills & Probate Family Law, Leases, Elder Law

For your legal needs 84A Annangrove Road Kenthurst

YOUR LOCAL CARPENTER

All aspects of carpentry, maintenance, free quotes.

Reliable and friendly service.

No job too big or small.

Fergus Macdonald

0403 658 283 Lic. #: 210872C

Local Excavation Company Our solutions for: Driveways, Dams, Land clearing,

Pools, House slabs, Detailed excavations, Fire

hazard reductions, Rock sawing 1.8 – 12 tonne bobcat, drott, tipper hire, rock saw,

rock breaker, auger.

Ph Jessey 0410 158563 fax 9654 1222 or

John 0418 277 355

www.underhouseexcavation.com.au.

PASS2GO Phill’s

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICES AND

CHARTERS

Enquiries and bookings phone Phill

(02) 9899 3559

Mobile 0487 928556

Fax (02) 9899 1652

bookings@pass2go.com.au

THIS SPACE IS FOR YOU!

THANKS TO THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES WHO SUPPORT OUR PARISH.

Sydney’s Plant Market Wholesale direct to the public

184 Annangrove Road 9679 2606

Buy direct and save!

PMCG Kitchens & Bathrooms Specialising in

*Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry Renovations *Kitchen makeovers and extensions

*Glass splashbacks, Kitchen doors changed *Benchtops – Caesar stone, granite & more

Ph Paul Ghosn 0433 999885.

Lic No: 207963C ABN 49107428660

SELL FASTER AND CELEBRATE SOONER

There are at least 9 good reasons to consider

McGrath if you’re selling your home. Everything we do is aimed at achieving the

best result possible for our valued Clients.

Elise Lau

Rural/Residential Sales Executive

M: 0414 548 130

E: eliselau@mcgrath.com.au

To advertise in the parish bulletin, please

contact the parish office at 96542260.

Thank you.

NC & J CONSTRUCTIONS

* CARPENTRY* SHOP FITTING *GLAZING Shop Fitting, Building Maintenance Timber Floors, Decking, internal Fit

Home Extensions

PHONE: Neil 0418 656 075 or Juyale 0416 923 207

AWG CONCRETE For all concrete needs,

call Andrew 0417227119 or

96792570

St Madeleine’s Parish always welcomes volunteers to help in our various ministries and in support of our

celebrations. If you were seeking ways to help, perhaps you could:

Would like to join the Welcomers roster? We always need more volunteers in this

important role. If you can commit to one Mass every month, especially

on a Sunday evening, that would be great. To find out more about this role,

please ring Michelle Eamer on 0419635137.

All young people, especially those finishing Yr 6, are invited to a GAMES and FUN night on

Fri, 11 Dec, 7:30pm at the St Joseph Centre! If you’d like more information, send your details

to Lisa 0425381520 or email stmads@yahoo.com.au

Last All-Youth Mass for the year will be on 13 December at 5:30pm.

Young people get to participate more, meet more like-minded people from the parish,

pray in a comfortable way, and share pizza!