Catholic Parishes Of North Mackay and Farleigh

ST BRIGID’S PARISH 961 Bruce Highway, Farleigh, QLD 4741

Bruce Highway Farleigh, CMB Farleigh, QLD 4741

Phone: ............................................. 49598 213 Email: ............. stbrigid.farleigh@bigpond.com Parish Secretary: ......................... Veronica Tolcher Office Assistant: ................................... Maria Axiak

Office Hours: Wednesday &Friday: 9am - 12:00pm

ST JOSEPH’S PARISH 21 Grendon Street North Mackay

P O Box 3388 North Mackay, QLD 4740

Phone: .................. 4957 4855 Fax: 4957 4208 Email: ......................... stjomky@bigpond.com Parish Manager: ....................................... Ken Kelly Parish Secretary: ................................. Chris Haines Secretary Assistant: ......................... Sr Lila Galvin Finance Secretary: ......................... Kerry Dempsey

Office Hours:...Monday to Friday: 9am - 12:00pm

MASS TIMES

St Joseph’s Church North Mackay

Monday: .. 6:30m Celebration Word/Holy Communion Tuesday: ............................................... 6:30am Mass Tuesday:St Joseph’s School Graduation 6:00pm Mass Wednesday: .......................................... 5:30pm Mass Thursday : .. Emmanuel School Closing 9:30am Mass Friday: ................................................... 6:30am Mass Friday: ....... MacKillop School Closing Liturgy 9:00am Held at MacKillop School Saturday: .............................................. 6:00pm Mass Sunday: ................................................ 9:00am Mass

Reconciliation: St Joseph’s: ................ Saturday 5:00pm—5:30pm

St Brendan’s Church Bucasia

Thursday: St Brendan’s School Closing Mass 9:00am Sunday: ............................................... 7:30am Mass

St Brigid’s Church Farleigh Monday: .................................. Farleigh 7:00pm Mass Wednesday: ........................... Farleigh 9:30am Mass Thursday: ................................ Farleigh 7:00pm Mass

Saturday: ................................ Farleigh 6:00pm Mass

Sunday: ................................ Seaforth, 7:00am Mass Sunday: ......................................Calen 9:00am Mass Sunday: .......................................Midge Point 9:15am Celebration Word/Holy Communion

Reconciliation: St Brigid’s ......................... Saturday 5:00pm—5:40pm Seaforth ........................ ½ hour before Sunday Mass Midge Point ................... ½ hour before Sunday Mass Calen ............................ ½ hour before Sunday Mass

Mater Hospital Chapel Wednesday: ........ Celebration of Word/Communion 9:30am

Parish Priest and Administrator Associate Pastor Retired Priest Retired Priest Fr Stephen Hanly Fr Shaiju Lookose Fr Roy O'Neill Fr William Busuttin

S e r v i n g T h e C h u r c h C o m m u n i t i e s O f

St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay St Brigid’s Church, Farleigh St Brendan’s Church, Bucasia St Helen’s Church, Calen

St Peter’s Church, Midge Point Star of the Sea Church, Seaforth

E M E R G E N C Y C O N T A C T : f o r a n o i n t i n g t h e s i c k 0 4 0 0 8 7 4 8 0 7

P A R I S H O F F I C E S A N D S T A F F

The readings of the First Sunday of Advent set the stages for our

reflections on the entire season. They contain a number of promises, all pointing to peace and fulfilment. Each reading depicts a dimension of suffering that was often brought on by the people themselves. The promises are assurances that the end of their suffering was in sight. The promises reveal a loving and provident, a merciful and forgiving God. These are promises full of hope.

The coming of the Lord is clearly a time of expectation, not of fear and trembling. Although the earlier tradition about the Day of the Lord included punishment of the wicked, the focus here is on redemption. The time of expectation may be preceded by apocalyptic signs in the heavens and dismay on earth, but this cosmic shift will bring fulfilment, not destruction. The love and providence, the mercy and forgiveness of God will be made manifest.

What is expected of those who receive the promise? An Advent way of life exhorts us to ‘wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ’. This way of life is both simple and profound. It does not necessarily require unusual behaviour on our part, but it calls us to live the usual unusually well. It affects the everyday events of life; it directs the way we interact with people; it informs the attitudes that colour our judgments and motivations. It is as ordinary as the birth of a child; it is as extraordinary as the revelation of God. [Dianne Bergant CSS]

SECOND COLLECTION

THIS weekend 1st / 2nd December, we will be having a second collection for the annual

HOLY SPIRIT SEMINARY APPEAL Your donations will help prepare

the next generation of Priests for Queensland.

First Sunday of Advent - Year C

Sunday, 2 December 2018

N O T I C E S F O R S T J O S E P H ’ S P A R I S H N O R T H M A C K A Y A N D N O R T H E R N B E A C H E S

The Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton abides strictly with the principles and procedures of Towards Healing. The Diocese is committed to healing for victims by providing a sensitive and compassionate response to complaints. Contact the Response Coordinator Ph 1800 830113. email: profstdsrock@dfs.org.au

GENERAL COLUMBAN CALENDAR

Available from front of our Churches for $9.00. When you purchase the calendar, you are

participating in god’s Mission and assisting Columbans in meeting the needs of the poor.

(Available Paper Counter at St Joseph’s and St Brendan’s Church also available at Farleigh, Calen,

Seaforth and Midge Pt Churches.).

Palms Encounters are rich immersions that challenge perceptions of our neighbours, guided by Palms mission

volunteers with cultural experience of Timor Leste, Myanmar and Samoa.

Timor Leste—April & September Samoa—June

Myanmar—November

Www.palms.org.au/encounters

OPENING SCHOOL MASS 2019

An invitation is extended to all those involved in Catholic Education, Adult Faith Education and Catechesis to attend the Opening School Mass to celebrate the beginning of the 2019 School Year. This special Mass will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Church on Friday 25th January 2019 at 9.00am. Presentations of plaques for the recognition of service and the introduction of new staff will be made following Mass.

Enquiries: Vicki Heggie 0439529795

SINGERS & MUSICIANS!

We need you for the Opening School Mass 2019

An invitation is extended to all those who are interested and

able to assist with the music ministry for our Opening Mass.

There will be a PRACTICE on Thursday 24th January

2019 at 3:30pm at St Joseph’s Church

Grendon Street, North Mackay.

All singers and instrumentalist please

RSVP to Jan by end of Term 4.

Contact Jan via Email: janicewhelan@bigpond.com

NOTICE FROM MATER MACKAY The GP After-Hours Medical Service located at the Mater Mackay will close from Monday 3 December. A new Mater Mackay Emergency Care Centre is in development to replace the GP After-Hours Service and it will be up and running from 5 February 2019. The Mater apologizes for any inconvenience caused for the Mackay community by this gap in an After Hours Service being available at the Mater. In the intervening period between the closure of the GP After-Hours Service from 3 December and the opening in February of the new Mater Mackay Emergency Care Centre, services such as 13 Health and visiting Home Doctor Services will need to be used, in conjunction with other GP After-Hours services.

Weekly Collection 25/11/18 Givers:…………………..108

Direct Debits:……..$829.00 Envelopes:………...$1329.70

Loose:……………...$1781.00

Total:…………….$3939.70

PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR RECENTLY DECEASED:

Glen Cutriss, Ken Weekes, Warren Williams, Georgina Scriha, Ryan Andrew Hogan.

REMEMBRANCE MASS: Vella & Chetcuti Families, Charlie Camilleri, Joe Grech, Georgina Scriha, Paul Flanagan, Veronica (Vera) Chetcuti, Salvatore Zammit, Teresa Zammit, Mary Zammit, Josephine Thurgood, Sam & Doris Sciberras. Joseph Grech.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK: Charlie Curmi (Malta), Jim Scriha, Hope Aquilina, Claude Akpokvie, Tass Kelliher, Susan Rosenblatt, Hugo Fricke, Lalla Scarpelli, Maria Spiteri, Pat Curtin, Margaret Agius(Malta), Wally Lenicka, Mary Stark, Julie Rowan, Gail Fallis, Andrew Murray, Marg Murray, Jim Hanks, and all the sick of the Parish.

PARISH DATE CLAIMERS

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS Saturday 1 December 2018, 7:00am Mass followed with

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

SACRED HEART SODALITY

Tuesday 4 December 2018, 6:30am Mass at St Joseph’s Church.

RCIA 2019

Please pray for more candidates to our parish RCIA program, and keep those already enrolled in your prayers. Pray for the parish RCIA team that will prepare the candidates for Baptism and / or Confirmation in the Catholic faith. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will bring new Catholics with new faith into our Church.

If you are interested, or know of a likely candidate, share this with the parish office to kick start the process. Please phone 4957 4855.

HAPPY HOUR To all our volunteers at St Joseph’s & St Brendan’s

you are invited to HAPPY HOUR

Friday 7th December, 5:30pm to 6:30pm At St Joseph’s Parish Centre.

If you help in anyway in the Parish you are invited to attend. For Catering purposes please RSVP by 30th November to

Parish Office stjomky@bigpond.com or 49574855.

PIETY STALL ARRIVAL OF NEW STOCK

Range of Christmas Cards and Items now available at the Piety Stall. Piety Stall is open before and after 6.00pm

Mass on Saturdays and 9.00am Mass on Sundays.

THE LITTLE BLUE BOOK: Advent—Six minute reflections on the Sunday Gospels of Year C. Limited copies available. Please Contact the Parish Office for a copy. 49574855

ST BRENDAN’S SCHOOL NEWS

Tuesday 4th December Christmas Carols 5:30pm

Thursday 6th December 9am End of Year Mass St Brendan’s School. Followed by a blessing of Tommy’s Memorial Garden, in the School Grounds.

The 2018 Norfair was a great social success, as well as achieving a very good financial result for the Parish of $18,400. Once again, a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in any way. Fr. Stephen.

LOST AND FOUND ~ A ladies ring found in St Joseph’s Church. Please phone the parish office 49574855

N O T I C E S F O R S T B R I G I D ’ S P A R I S H F A R L E I G H , S E A F O T H , C A L E N , M I D G E P T

MISSION STATEMENT We, the Catholic community of North Mackay and Farleigh called by Baptism, strengthened by the Sacraments and nourished by the Word, are committed to witness Christ’s mission in the world.

We seek to be an active community that reaches out to the diverse peoples of this region.

NOTICES

CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH MACKAY

AND FARLEIGH CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

CHRISTMAS EVE MONDAY 24TH DECEMBER

St Helen’s Church Calen 5:00pm Mass

St Brigid’s Church Farleigh 6:00pm Mass

St Joseph’s Church North Mackay 7:00pm Mass

CHRISTMAS DAY TUESDAY 25TH DECEMBER

Star of the Sea Church, Seaforth 7:00am Mass

St Brendan’s Church, Bucasia 8:30am Mass

St Peter’s Church, Midge Point 9:30am Mass

THANK YOU FROM ST. VINNIES

St. Vinnies would like to thank the parents, teachers and students of our five schools for their generous donations of groceries and cash etc towards our Christmas Hampers for the disadvantage in our parish. For those not involved with the schools, and would like to donate towards the hampers—groceries or cash—can be left at the paper counter or parish centre.

This year the hampers will be delivered on SUNDAY 16th DECEMBER 2018

Assistance to deliver these hampers would be appreciated, if you can help please come along on

Sunday 16th December to the Parish Centre. There MUST be TWO people doing the deliveries.

STELLA MARIS SEAFARERS CENTRE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL

The Stella Maris Seafarers Centre and the Mackay/Sarina Branch of the Christian Businessmen’s Association are once again conducting, what has now become, our Annual Shoe Box Appeal.

We are calling for donations of small gifts (Eg: Small Address Book, Toiletries -non aerosol, Fishing gear-hooks, sinkers, fishing line reels , Playing Cards, Torch, Batteries, Souvenir biro/pen, Writing sets, Socks and Handkerchiefs even samples of products or promotional items would be appreciated or a monetary contribution to enable us to purchase items on your behalf – no food stuffs)

Donations can be dropped into the Centre, 43 Brisbane Street Mackay or call us 4953 4038 to arrange collection.

CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS A portion of your contributions to the collections at the Christmas Masses this year will be donated to two charities, namely “ Make a Wish” Foundation and the local “Black Dog Ride” event. In the spirit of Christmas, please support these worthy

causes.

HISTORY PROJECT

The recent celebrations of

significant anniversaries of

parishes in the Diocese has

been instrumental in

capturing some of this

history and the stories that

many people have recorded

of the various entities,

c o m m u n i t i e s a n d

characters of the Diocese.

Bishop Michael would like

to gather together some

people of our Diocese who

have a pass ion for

recording and reflecting on

the past, present and future

of the Diocese.

Recently Deceased: Deceased: Anniversary: Joe Danastas Sick: Baby Yana Borg (Malta), Antoine Debono (Malta), Maria Axiak, Mary Borg, Frances Agius, Marcia Dunn, Diane Vella, Erin Le Masorier, Eric Jackson, Karen Banning, Mary Armstrong, and all the sick in the Parish.

WHAT IS ADVENT?

Advent is a sacred ‘season’ which marks the beginning of the church year. It begins four Sundays prior to Christmas Day.

Advent is a time for prayer and renewal as Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

At Advent we remember that, long before Jesus was born, our Jewish ancestors looked forward with

expectant faith to the coming of the Messiah. We too live with expectant faith and hope as we look forward to the day when Christ will come again.

The Story Source

SEAFORTH CHURCH RESIDENCE

Expressions of interest are being sought to rent the residence at Star of the Sea church, Seaforth.

For further information contact Ken on 4959 8213.

There will be a THANK YOU PIZZA NIGHT on

Saturday 8th December in St Brigid’s Parish Hall after Mass. BYO drinks with pizza, tea/coffee supplied. For catering purposes please RSVP by Wednesday 5th

December to Mary Schembri 4959 8259 or Donna 4942 5383. Everyone most welcome.

Responsorial Psalm: To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy

and love, and grant us your salvation.

STELLA MARIS SEAFARERS CENTRE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS

SHOEBOX APPEAL

The Stella Maris Seafarers Centre and the Mackay/Sarina Branch of the Christian Businessmen’s Association are once again conducting, what has now become, our Annual Shoe Box Appeal.

We are calling for donations of small gifts (Eg: Small Address Book, Toiletries -non aerosol, Fishing gear-hooks, sinkers, fishing line reels , Playing Cards, Torch, Batteries, Souvenir biro/pen, Writing sets, Socks and Handkerchiefs

PRAYER FOR RAIN

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord! O God our Creator the good earth is entrusted

to our care, delight and goodness. We stand with each other and share our planet. We share birth, death, hunger, drought and love. We come before you in our need and ask you to

send abundant rain on the parched lands of our country.

These people depend on the earth for their daily living. May the blessing of rain be on their land

and the people who care for it. May it fall upon their spirits and bless them. Amen.

NEW PARISHIONER CONTACT FORM

Family Name:

Other Names:

Address:

Home Phone:

Mobile:

Email:

To commence Parish Planned Giving

Please place this completed form on the collection plate, or contact the Parish Office on St Joseph’s 49574855, St Brigid’s 49598213 for further information.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY Second Sunday Of Advent Year C

Baruch 5:1-9. Ps 125. R.v.3.

Philippians 1:3-6,8-11. Luke 3:1-6.

First Sunday of Advent - Year C

Sunday, 2 December 2018

Gospel Reflection

We are, perhaps, used to thinking of the season of Advent as a time of preparation for the celebration of Christmas. But this week’s readings, and the readings of the next few weeks, remind us that the notion of preparation extends well beyond the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We are reminded that we are, in fact, living in an ‘in-between time’. From this week’s first reading we are reminded that the expectation of a Messiah was a very long-standing hope for Israel. The coming of the Messiah would usher in a new prosperity and a divine reign of God. The earliest Christians began to see that the ancient prophecies could all be applied to Jesus and they began to regard Jesus as the promised Messiah – the fulfilment of prophecy. However, Jesus also promised that he would come again, and the expectation of the first followers of Jesus was that his return would be in their lifetime. In our second reading from the letter to the Thessalonians, we can see the growing realisation that perhaps Jesus’ return will not occur within the current generation. This realisation had a dramatic effect on the life and faith of the community. Imagine living with the belief that the end of time was going to occur not just in your lifetime but literally any day now. Slowly, they realised that Jesus’ words were not that specific and the time of return had not been identified. What Jesus had called for was a state of readiness, a state of preparedness. This didn’t mean he was coming immediately; what it meant was that there was need to get the house in order because he would be coming at some time. Advent is a time to remember that we still haven’t really got the house in order.

© Greg Sunter

Scriptural context

This week’s gospel passage comes from a lengthy passage in the gospel of Luke in which Jesus speaks extensively about the future. It is a very different style of writing from the usual narrative, teaching and parable forms that make up most of the gospel. The style is an echo of the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. Compare this passage with this week’s first reading of other passages from the writings of the prophets. The style is always rich in metaphor and symbol. There is a grandness about the style. We know, just from the use of language, that great things are afoot! © Greg Sunter

Reflection

Sometimes our own lives, the life of the Church, the life of societies and nations cry out for Our Lord Jesus Christ to come again right now and rescue us right now.

In some instances we can become conscious of Jesus’ saving, transforming power in a particular situation. But, for the whole of humanity across the millennia, we do not know the day or the hour when death and all its warriors such as disease and violence, will be absolutely vanquished by Christ in glory.

This can lead to a type of pain which finds solace in all those things which dull the spirit. Our Lord gives examples: debauchery, drunkenness. Today he might have added ‘living in the virtual world’. Rather, Our Lord wants us to live in the real world on high alert.

In the meantime each one of us can be a signal of what is to come. Each time we exhaust ourselves heroically loving someone whom others might abandon, each time we take a risk because we cry out against injustice, and in a myriad other ways, we signal that the Kingdom is already being established on earth.

We could pause for a moment to pray for the strength to be on high alert for the opportunities to translate the legacy of Jesus into our own time and place, thus giving reasons to each other for our faith and hope that Christ has come, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

by Fr Michael Tate