7-8 December 2019

Sign of things to come In today’s gospel, the figure of John the Baptist bursts onto the scene in Mathew’s narrative as the herald of the

coming “kingdom of the heaven” (Matt 3:2). He is described as a desert-dwelling preacher, a ferocious religious

reformer, with an odd choice of clothing and a curious taste for insects and honey.

This image appears incongruous with the season of Advent and the coming feast of Christmas; and is perhaps more

suited to Lent or even Easter, where the desert setting and the themes of repentance and the coming kingdom

figure more prominently in the liturgy.

In popular culture, Christmas is wholeheartedly embraced by the wider community outside the Christian

communion. It is a time of family barbecues, present-giving, cricket on the beach, and cold beers. Easter, which is a

far more significant and liturgically rich feast, does not receive the same press or support. Often it is seen as little

more than an opportunity for an extended weekend away.

We might wonder why there is not even the slightest nod to Easter’s religious significance. Is it because we are

more comfortable with the image of a new-born Jesus in a warm stable with cows and sheep than with the image of

crucified and naked Jesus dying alone on a stark hillside? Or is it that Christmas more easily lends itself to a

celebration of that great new secular cult: consumerism?

Christmas is as much a time for extravagance and credit card debt as it is for family get-togethers. So often amidst

our rejoicing and songs commemorating the "choirs of angels" we forget the enormity of the occasion, when God

became incarnate to offer us redemption from sin and death.

Christmas is part and parcel of the Easter message. The birth of Jesus only derives real significance from his ultimate

death and resurrection. For it was only in the light of that experience that Jesus' first followers eventually came to

see that Jesus was God incarnate. His birth in obscurity was conceived anew as the centre-point of history. Hence,

the story in Matthew does not shirk from hinting at the end that awaits this babe and that of those who fail to heed

his message.

The wise men offer gifts that include myrrh, an aloe used for anointed dead bodies (Matt 2:11); a jealous secular

King orders the massacre of innocents to try prematurely to destroy the "newborn king" (Matt 2:16-18); and, a fiery

prophet warns of the coming wrath of God against the wealthy, the

powerful and self-satisfied who refuse to repent (Matt 3:7-13).

This Christmas, as we come to kneel before the crib in our

churches, let us remember that the shadow of the cross looms

large over the little stable by the altar. And amid the strains of

jaunty carols and festive well-wishes, may we also hear the words

of John the Baptist calling us to “produce good fruit as evidence of

repentance” (Matt 3:8).

Ian J Elmer

© Majellan 2019

OUR VISION

"Everything is to be oriented towards the praise and glory of God".

OUR MISSION The St Agnes' Parish Community strives to make our Vision a reality

by a commitment to:

holiness in the image of Christ.

proclaim the good news of salvation.

minister within the faith community.

the service of all, particularly those in need.

Year A

2nd Sunday in Advent

‘A Journey into the Catholic Faith’ Wednesday 11 December

6.00pm in St Agnes’ Youth Hub

This week’s topic will be:

What Does the Bible Say about the History of Salvation?

“After the Fall, human beings lost their friendship with God and suffered from sin and death. Through a series of covenants, related in the Old Testament, God gradually re-established a bond with humanity, promised many blessings and a future salvation. The deeper reason for each of these divine promises was to prefigure and prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ; the Messiah who would bring a full and final salvation to Israel and to the whole world.” (Evangelium, p. 5)

The Messiah Concert

Handel’s Messiah excerpts will be performed in St Agnes’ Church at 2.00pm on Sunday, 15 December. Tickets available from the Glasshouse box office for $25.00. This is the most popular of sacred music. Listen to your favourite choruses and take time out to revel in this glorious Baroque music as Cantorus choir accompanied by the renowned organist Heather Moen Boyd take you on a wonderful pre-Christmas journey.

Advent and Christmas Mass Times

For parishioners who did not receive a copy of the Advent and Christmas Mass Times there are sheets available at the church entrance.

Wraps with Love One hundred and twenty eight (128) finished wraps were recently sent to Sydney making 228 for the year. Thank you to all who contributed. At St Agnes’ Primary School assembly we were presented with a wonderful Wrap done by the children with a little help from the ‘Knitting Nanas’. Every square was bordered with finger knitting. Well done everyone!

Singers for Christmas Masses

If you like to sing Christmas carols come and join our Christmas choir! We need more volunteers. There will be a rehearsal in the church on Tuesday, 17 December at 5.45pm. Please contact the Presbytery Office on 6583 1024 if you are interested.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

International Volunteer Day The United Nations recognises 5 December, as

International Volunteer Day. The theme this year is ‘Volunteer for an inclusive future’,

which acknowledges the valuable contribution volunteers make to building strong, caring communities. Today is a

great chance for me to say… Thank you for all you do as a volunteer

with St Agnes’ Parish! The time, love and patience you share with the people of

our Parish is deeply appreciated. You follow in the footsteps of Jesus who, by reaching out to others

especially the isolated, lonely and excluded, was the perfect role model for inclusion.

Congratulations, too, on being part of a world-wide contingent of volunteers who, together, make such a

difference locally, nationally and internationally. I wish you, your family and friends every blessing for a

safe and happy Christmas!

Regards, Adam Spencer Chief Executive Officer, St Agnes’ Parish

Weekday Masses 9 - 13 December

Tuesday, 10 December

9.30am Mt Carmel (Advent Anointing Mass). 12.30pm St Agnes’ Primary School end of year Mass at the school. 5.15pm Weekday Mass in St Agnes’ Church.

Wednesday, 11 December 9.15am MacKillop College end of year Mass at the school. 9.30am Communion Service at St Francis Chapel 12.15pm St Joseph’s Primary School Thanksgiving Mass in St Agnes’ Church. 5.15pm Weekday Mass in St Agnes’ Church. Thursday, 12 December 8.00am Mass at Christ the King Chapel. 12 noon St Peter’s Primary School Graduation Mass in St Agnes’ Church. 6.00pm Mass at Telegraph Point.

Friday, 13 December 11.30am Penance in St Agnes’ Church. 12.05pm Mass in St Agnes’ Church.

Pope Francis Tweet The word Advent means coming. The Lord is

coming. This is the root of our hope: the certainty that God's consolation comes to us amidst the

troubles of the world. Not a consolation of words, but of His presence among us.

MacKillop Centre Volunteers Needed

About the Role

You will be assisting with customer service at the Centre located in Horton Street. The role involves sales, as well as, tidying and cleaning. You will be working with other trained volunteers. The Centre urgently needs volunteers over the coming school holidays. Even if you can only volunteer in January that would be appreciated.

For More Information

Contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Tanya Slavin, on 6588 7444 or tslavin@pac.stagnesparish.org.au by 9 December.

MacKillop Centre Additional Opening Hours

The MacKillop Centre, located at 106 Horton Street, will be opening extra hours:

Sunday, 8 December 8.00am to 10.45am. Sunday, 15 December 8.00am to 10.45am.

On these two dates there will be a Christmas special with all nativity sets and ornaments half price. The shop also has a wide range of cards for sale. For more information contact 6584 9779.

Kimberley Catholic Volunteer Service URGENTLY WANTED: VOLUNTEER WORKERS

The Diocese of Broome, WA, requires volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church in the Kimberley. The roles include: administration, building maintenance, gardening, shop staffing, cooking, cleaning etc. Placements are preferred for a period of 6 months. We are currently seeking vol-unteers for several parishes including Kalumburu and La Grange/Bidyadanga. For further details on how to be a part of this unique experience and an application form, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Anneliese Rohr 08 9192 1060 or email: volunteers@broomediocese.org Web: www.broomediocese.org Mail: PO Box 76, BROOME WA 6725

From the Catacombs - here & beyond Episcopuss Wisdom… From the Catechism…

Recently Deceased: Jim Hennessy, Beverley Fraser, Barry Nash, Jomson Jacob, Joseph ‘Nick’

Waight. Anniversaries: Matthew Kenny, Maureen Smith, Catherine Doyle, Patrick Corr, Annabel Freeman. Other Mass Intentions: Eileen Bennett, Cyril Bennett, John & Kathleen Carroll, Rita Warlters, Beryl Thomas, Elizabeth Clavin, Michael Patrick Grace, Marija Miller, donor intentions & masses of thanksgiving. November Mass Intentions: Jenni Searson, Susan Fogarty, Patricia and John McEwen, Shirleyann Saunders, Frans Oud, Elaine Abdullah, Peter Alam, deceased members of Alam family, Kathryn and Simon Knights.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What’s happening in our parish …

Parish Indian Cultural Event Parishioners and visitors are invited to the

Youth Hub following the 5.00pm Youth and Family Mass on Sunday, 8 December. The Indian families from our parish community will be hosting a cultural event which will

include supper and vibrant musical performances by their talented children. The event will be concluded by 7.00pm. Angelus Prayer group Will be held on Monday, 9 December at

18A Lakeside Way, Lake Cathie from 10am. This is the last get together for 2019. Prayer Group will resume on Monday, 13 January 2020.

St Francis of Assisi Chapel Communion Service On Wednesday, 11 December there will be a

Communion Service at 9.30am, not a Mass in the Chapel.

Hour of Grace Sunday 8 December On Sunday, 8 December from 11.45am to

1.00pm all are welcome to join in an Hour of Grace at St Francis Chapel. This hour of prayer was a request of the Blessed Virgin, Mary. For more information contact Trish on

6584 9084.

Young Adult Survey All young adults aged 18-35 years are invited to complete an online survey through the following link: https://forms.gle/4B3ESLBB6gswfC2L7. Information collected will assist us with developing a local young adults’ network and creating opportunities for faith, fellowship and fun within our parish community. Please contact Rachael Kama (Parish Youth Coordinator) on email address rachael.kama@lism.catholic.edu.au with any enquiries.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

‘If you ever feel distressed during your day — call upon our Lady — just say this simple prayer: 'Mary,

Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit

— this prayer has never failed me." St Teresa of Calcutta

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too

much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

Saint Maximilian Kolbe

READERS AND COMMENTATORS

6pm Vigil: Margaret Donnelly Thelma McFarlane Suzanne Savage

7.30am: Jennifer Campbell Brian English Jim O’Brien

9.00am: Sandra Hartas Beth Flynn Ann Thurgate

5.00pm: Marraki Kilpatrick Conor Hudson Amelia Stennett Georgia Hickling

GIFT BEARERS ROSTER

6pm Vigil: B & G Green 7.30am: B & W Arthur-Pfeil 9.00am: S Hartas

THE STATUE OF OUR LADY For the Month of December Sue Kingston Ph: 6584 9815 CHILDREN’S LITURGY Tatiana Bye Claire Thurlow

Parish Priest Father Paul Gooley

Assistant Priest Father Peter Wood Parish Office 47 Hay Street Port Macquarie PO Box 23 T (02) 6583 1024 E pastoraloffice@stagnesparish.org.au

Office Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

6pm Vigil: Jason Gill Kym Condon Maureen Dick Denise Smith

7.30am: David Hogan Dianne Gander Kay Farrawell Sue Williams

9.00am: Tess Koning Jacob Soerensen Jenny Soerensen Judy Brady

5.00pm: Timo Gobius Marg Gobius Chris Kalchbauer Tim McCosker

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS Third Sunday in Advent Year A Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 Psalm 145:6-10 St James 5:7-19 Matthew 11:2-11

ROSTERS 14-15 December 2019

DOGMA Advent increases our hope,

a hope which does not disappoint.

The Lord never lets us down.

Pope Francis ________________________

FEAST DAYS

Monday 9 December The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Wednesday 11 December

St Damasus

Thursday 12 December Our Lady of Guadalupe

Friday 13 December

St Lucy

Saturday 14 December St John of the cross

ST AGNES’ CHURCH | Hay Street, Port Macquarie Tuesday & Wednesday: 5.15pm Friday: 12.05pm Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am, 5.00pm Please note: Weekday Masses at 9.00am on Public Holidays Reconciliation: Friday 11.30am - 12.00pm Saturday 11.30am - 12.30pm

ST FRANCIS CHAPEL | Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan Ph 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259. Communion Service or Mass: 9.30am Monday - Thursday Sunday Mass: 9.30am

CHRIST THE KING CHAPEL | Boronia St, Port Macquarie Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan Ph: 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259 Communion Service or Mass: 8.00am Thursday Mass: Saturday Vigil - 4.30pm Rosary: 1st Saturday of the month 4.00pm.

ST BERNARD'S, TELEGRAPH POINT | Rollands Plain Rd, Telegraph Point Thursday: 6.00pm.

STAR OF THE SEA, LAKE CATHIE | Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie Sunday: 8.00am.

DIOCESAN INVESTMENT FUND PAYS 1.40% There are no fees or charges on your account. AGENTS: Mrs Veronica Rinkin & Mrs Mary O’Brien

DIF Office, Parish Administration Centre, Phone: (02) 6583 7439 9am – 1pm Monday - Friday

PARISH MASSES www.stagnesparish.org.au