Entrance Antiphon:Cf. Ps 97: 1-2O sing a new song to the Lord,for he has worked wonders;in the sight of the nationshe has shown his deliverance,alleluia.

1st Reading: Acts 9:26-31Barnabas explained how the Lordhad appeared to Saul on hisjourney.

Responsorial Psalm:Psalm 21(22):26-28,30-32I will praise you, Lord, in theassembly of your people.

2nd Reading: 1 John 3:18-24The commandment of faith andlove.

Gospel Acclamation:John 15:4,5Alleluia, alleluia!Live in me and let me live inyou, says the Lord; mybranches bear much fruit.Alleluia!

Gospel: John 15:1-8I am the vine, you are thebranches.

Communion Antiphon:Cf. John 15: 1, 5I am the true vine and you arethe branches, says the Lord.Whoever remains in me, and Iin him, bears fruit in plenty,alleluia.

28 / 29 April 2018

St Michael’s Church - Meadowbank

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Yr B/2

Vol. 8 Issue 17

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Gospel Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I amthe true vine, and my Father isthe vinedresser. Every branch inme that bears no fruit he cutsaway, and every branch that doesbear fruit he prunes to make itbear even more. You are prunedalready, by means of the wordthat I have spoken to you. Makeyour home in me, as I make minein you. As a branch cannot bearfruit all by itself, but must remain

part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am thevine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me inhim, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing.Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has beenthrown away – he withers; these branches are collected and thrownon the fire, and they are burnt. If you remain in me and my wordsremain in you, you may ask what you will and you shall get it. It isto the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, andthen you will be my disciples.’

The Parish Bulletin

John 15:1-8

www.stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.au

ANZAC DAY Reflection by Father James McCarthyWhat a waste, some will say, when we look at the rows ofgraves at Gallipoli, or on the Western Front in France whereyoung men and women gave their lives in service duringWorld War One. As an Australian, a priest and an ArmyChaplain, I can only agree – what a waste. Young lives takenaway from both sides, taken away so young. Good peopleexist in every country and the soldiers who battled against us and even fightagainst us today are not all bad. The logic of altruism - "the language of thecross" as our Jewish and Christians Scriptures call it is strange to many today.Every nation and every age must ask itself what it is willing to live and to diefor.Even today we must ask ourselves ‘Are there values that are more importantthan our own pleasure and success? Is there a life that transcends the risks,hardships and deaths of this one?’The lives of so many young men and women who have fallen to the groundduring war should never be forgotten and we should never impose our currentapproach of life upon the men and women who gave their lives for thiscountry in the past. Ethics and morality 100 years ago were different to ourpriorities today.

The Parish BulletinAcknowledgement of the land

We acknowledge the traditional ownersand custodians of this land, theWallumattagal clan, part of the Dharugpeople of the Eoira nation. We walkgently on the land, sharing it with themas we now work and live on it.

Parish DirectoryParish Administrator: Fr James McCarthyEmail: pp@stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.auParish address &contact number:45 Maxim St, Meadowbank, NSW 2114Phone: 9809-3536 Fax: 9807-5971Email:office@stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.auOffice hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00am-4:30pmSecretaries: Lou Temprosa (Tue-Wed) Marilyn Vallejo (Thu-Fri)Bulletin Editor: Meynardo Talisayon

Parish Bulletin email address:meynardo@laposte.net

Please submit requests for publication by12 noon Wednesday.Acolytes: Arthur LeeReaders & Special Ministers ofCommunion:Sue Metzmacher(Weekdays & Special Roster)Felicity Donnelly (Vigils & Sundays)

Music MinistryCoordinators for 6pm Saturday Masses:1st Saturday - Richard Borges (FamilyMass)2nd Saturday - David Foong3rd Saturday - Prescilla Luzon4th Saturday - Aneela PereiraMusic Ministry - Sunday Masses:1st & 3rd SUN 8am - Maree Twomey2nd SUN 8am – Muntia Gouw4th SUN 10 am – Muntia Gouw1st SUN 10am – Peter & Jenchris3rd, 5th SUN 10am – Mary Towers2nd SUN 10am – David FoongChildren Liturgy - Elsa ManuSacramental Coordinators: MarisaSquadrito & Liz MulcareUshers/Collectors - Michael WixtedAltar Society - Marie BennettLiturgy Committee - Sue MetzmacherFinance Committee - Stephen ToppleSt Vincent de Paul Society - Jim LemckeCatechists - Judith OrrockDriver Roster – Felicity DonnellySt Michael’s Primary SchoolSchool Principal - Brian Story53 Maxim St, Meadowbank, NSW 2114Phone: 9808 2658 Fax: 9807 2330Email:info@smpsmeadowbank.catholic.edu.au

Welcome to St Michael’s Church -Meadowbank! A warm welcome to all attendees andvisitors to our church! May you find our parish community aplace where your faith life will be nourished and you willtake up the invitation to share your special gifts and talents.Your prayers, presence, talents and skills are most welcome.

St Michael’s Church - Meadowbank

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Download & Sync Parish Calendar. The parish calendarof events and activities is available for download from the Parish Website. Itis updated on a daily basis with new events, Mass intentions and activities.If you use a digital calendar on your mobile or Ipad, it is very easy to includethe calendar in your own calendar by simply hitting the + button located onthe parish homepage: www.stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.au

I encourage you over the coming weeks to investigate honestly and openly thevalues of some of the men and women who served during World War One.Read some articles, Go online and read their stories. Try to imagine how awhole family of brothers would sign-up to go and serve a war on the other sideof the world. Imagine the reasons why a young man would leave his wife andchildren to possibly never see them again to fight a war more than 20,000kmaway. Imagine why a young nurse would put herself in such traumaticsituations that her whole life would be impacted by those images of war.

Through what they stood for, we can and should reap a rich harvest. We shouldlive and protect all the freedoms that these young men and women gave theirlives for, and even more.By the end of World War One in 1918, more than 60,000 Australians gave theultimate sacrifice with another 156,000 being wounded and a total of 420,000Australians serving during the Great War. Today the Australian Defence Forceconsists of less than 1 Australian in every 312 people but during World War,1 in 10 Australians served overseas and 1 in 23 Australians died or waswounded. Everyone in Australia knew someone who died or was seriouslywounded during the Great War.What freedoms did the ANZACs and all those who have given the ultimatesacrifice give their lives for? We should be determined to learn from theexperiences of those who came from this very area a hundred years ago andchose to serve freedom on the other side of the world. We should bedetermined to carry forward the high values of the ANZAC tradition into thefuture.100 years ago, our society, the recently established Commonwealth ofAustralia, had values to stand up for. Australians of all backgrounds unitedtogether to defend these values. The young and the old, the new Australian andthe Indigenous, stood together and died together in defence of our commonAustralian values.The 'logic' of military service is not love of violence but love of freedom, notcommitment to self-protection but commitment to others and their flourishing.As a Christian minister and army chaplain, and now an army reservistchaplain, I understand that military service, and even a just war, are not aboutjustice and law. A truly just war, fought justly, is an act of charity and love foreveryone. The goal of military service is to prevent cruelty not to cause it; itseeks friendship and harmony with the enemy and not their annihilation.For all the pointlessness of these young deaths during war, the white crossesthat once marked the Gallipoli hills and the green fields of France and Belgiumwhere the grave stones now stand with Christian crosses, the star of David orother religious symbols –are reminders that death is not the end, and that thosewho died during war, died with a belief that life continues in eternity.

Lest we forget. We will remember them.

Reflection continued…

Vol 8 Issue 17 28 / 29 April 2018

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Catechist Gathering with Bishop Tony RandazzoWhen: Monday 30 April, 10.30am-1.30pmWhere: Lidcombe Parish Hall (vehicle entry via 3 KeatingSt, Lidcombe, or 300 metres from Lidcombe train station,north side of the tracks)10.30-11.30 Eileen O’Connor presentation - our local girland saint in waiting and her inspiring life.Catechist Parish MeetingWhen: Tuesday 8 May, 11am toWhere: Parish Meeting Room, St Michael’s Meadowbank.

Pulpit points 29 April• Exorcism documentary• The end of counselling?• Celebrating Humanae Vitae at 50• Get ready for Walk with Christ• Movie review: Isle of Dogs• Francis and the pro-life cause

Collections Update from last Sunday (22 Apr)Thank you for the generosity of all parishioners.1st Collection (to assist clergy): $1168 ($140 under target)2nd Collection (parish costs): $1670 ($230 under target)For the period from July 2017 to end of March 2018, theparish has raised $1600 less than the budgeted amounts forthe 2nd collection and envelopes. We are on target with thefirst collection. Thank you once again for your generosity.

CWF MAY PASTORAL APPEAL 2018:The Charitable Works Fund (CWF) Pastoral Appeal will beheld next weekend, 5th & 6th May 2018.The Appeal is for the benefit of charities and agencies thatwork in the Archdiocese of Sydney: The Fund supportsCatholicCare, Ephpheta Centre for the Deaf, theConfraternity of Christian Doctrine, Aboriginal CatholicMinistry, Seminaries and Catholic Chaplaincies. Envelopesare in the pews and tables next to all entrances of thechurch. Please give generously.Every parish has a quota that needs to be collected. StMichael’s quota for the May appeal is $4,000, which isroughly $45 per active parish envelope giver. All donationsof $2 or more made with an envelope receive a 100% taxdeduction. Thank you for your support.

PARISH MORNING TEAOn Sunday 6th May after the 10am Mass at the BushHall. All welcome. Please bring a plate to shareFirst Friday of the Month Mass on 4th Mayat 7:00pm. Pizza night after Mass.

New Votive Candle Stand -PositiveFeedback received. Donation opportunity!The new votive candle stand trial has gone very wellwith many positive responses. Usage is also verypositive. The Parish is now seeking possible donors sothat the Parish can keep the stand and to help offset thepurchase cost. If you are interested in donating thecandle stand or donating something towards the stand,please speak with Fr James.

First Holy Communion program.The sacrament of First Holy Communion will becelebrated this year at the following Masses:Saturday 16 and 23 June at 6.00pm MassSunday 17 and 24 June at 10.00am MassCommitment Masses will occur on 5 & 6 May, withthe first session beginning on 8 May. For moreinformation please contact Marisa on 0402 902 871,Liz on 0412 802 025 or emailsacraments@stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.au

Sacramental Programs 2018All important sacramental program dates are availablefor download from the Parish Website. Dates are alsoincluded in the downloadable parish calendar.

Annual May Pilgrimage at MtSchoenstatt MulgoaThis year is the Golden Jubilee 50th Year Celebrationof the Shrine on 20 May 2018 Pentecost Sunday.9:30 Arrival ~ Sacrament of Reconciliation availablein the Family Hall9:45 Celebrating our Shrine: 50 Years of Blessings10:30 Jubilee Mass celebrated by Anthony Fisher OPwithRecommissioning of the Pilgrim Mother Coordinators12:15 Lunch — BYO or purchase from theMulticultural Food Stalls2:00 Thanksgiving Devotion and BenedictionPlease arrive early for parking purposes. BYO chairsand picnic rugs. For more info call 02 4773 8338

Kindergarten 2019 EnrolmentsApplications are now being accepted for students who intendto start Kindergarten next year at St Michael’s MeadowbankCatholic Primary School. Enrolment packs can be collectedfrom the school office on 9808 2658. Fr James and thePrincipal Mr Story will be conducting enrolment interviewsin May for parents and students enrolling for 2019. Pleaseencourage families to consider a Catholic Education for theirchildren and to contact the School for more information.

The Parish Bulletin St Michael’s Church - Meadowbank

Roster: 5 / 6 May 2018 Prayer to St Michael theArchangel. Saint Michael the Archangel,defend us in the day of battle. Be oursafeguard against the wickedness and snaresof the devil. May God rebuke him, wehumbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of theheavenly host, by the power of God, cast

into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander throughthe world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

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Time Acolyte ReadersExtraordinaryMinisters of HolyCommunion

6:00PMVigil Jim Lemcke Family Vigil Mass

Youth Readers

1 Prescilla Luzon2 Robyn Meehan3 Sue Metzmacher4 Sunitha Victor5 Brian Maher6 Carol Maher

8:00AM Stephen Topple Agnes AldanaDeclan Thomas

Joseph D'MelloJudith Orrock

10:00AM John Fillion Maureen RichardsonMaria Sharmila

1 Darryle Fernandes2 Gloria Divine3 Felicity Donnelly4 Felissa Tan5 Celeste Villarente6 Michael Dunkin

Liturgy for this week (30 Apr - 6 May 2018)

Weekday Masses:9:15am - Monday (Communion Service)9:15am - Tuesday to SaturdayWeekend Masses:6:00pm - Saturday Vigil Mass8:00am & 10:00am - Sunday (Children’s Liturgy at 10am Mass)

Sacraments:Reconciliation: Saturdays 5:15pm-5:50pmDevotions: Prayer for Priests: 8:45am every 1st SaturdayMorning Prayer (Lauds) 7:40AM every SundayRosary: 8:50am on weekdays before the Mass (except Friday) Friday before Mass : Silent PrayerHoly Hour and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:8:15am-9:15am every Friday8:15am-9:15am every Saturday (with Benediction at 9.05am)Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet - Wednesdays after AM Mass

Altar Society Needs Urgent Help: We are inneed of more helpers in the Church to clean, do flowers andvacuum. Thank you to the couple who volunteer this week. Morehelp needed. Contact Marie Bennett urgently on 0447 830 551.

St Michael’s Church, MeadowbankA copy of this bulletin is also available from the FB Page.

Parish Weekly Mass OfferingsSaturday 28th April 2018 9:15am

Mass of Remembrance for Angela SequeiraTuesday 1st May 2018 9:15am

Thanksgiving Mass for Joseph Legay &Jillian Miranda on their Birthday

Wednesday 2nd May 2018 9:15amMass of Remembrance for Mr Paul, Mr Marcel, Melville

Legay & Douglas JosephThursday 3rd May 2018 9:15am

Mass of Remembrance for Giulio TamburinFriday 4th May 2018 9:15am

Mass of Remembrance forGiuseppe Carabetta (Deceased Birthday)

Saturday, 5th May 2018 9:15amMass of Remembrance for Fortunato Galluzzo

(Deceased Birthday)NOTE: ONLY ONE MASS OFFERING IS

PERMITTED PER DAYIf you desire a Mass offered, please contact the Office torequest a specific day well in advance. If a day is alreadytaken, it is possible for several names to be mentioned onsignificant anniversaries and the Mass offered at the nextavailable day.

The Piety Stall is open on the 1st & 3rd weekends ofthe month. Our next opening will be on 5th & 6th May.

Become a Catechist Now.All Christians are called through our baptism toteach and help bring others to the knowledge andlove of Jesus Christ. A rewardingand outreach activity is tobecome a Catechist by sharingyour faith with some brightyoung children in our localpublic schools. Ring JudithOrrock on 98742825 and you are nearly there.You will be trained in conducting a class, what toteach and provided with all teaching materials tomake you a successful catechist.

Roster for Church CleanersFor the month of May

● Rosie and Guy Cavaleri● Sarah Magsakay● Henna● Colleen MaGuire● Sue Lobo

LINEN: Ancy Joy (weekly) Carolyn Thomas (end of month)VACUUM ROSTER: Suzy Curro

FEASTS & SAINTS OF THE WEEK.Mon 30 APR Saint Pius V, PopeTue 1 APR Saint Joseph the WorkerWed 2 APR Saint Athanasius, Bishop, DoctorThu 3 APR SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES Feast

CHURCH CLEANING, LAUNDRY OF THE ALTAR LINEN,FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR. Join the Altar Society and help keepour church fit for God. A gold coin or coins donation is greatlyappreciated for the on going cleaning and flowers for the church.There is a box at the doors of the church for gold coins.