Responsorial Psalm

LORD, EVERY NATION ON EARTH WILL ADORE YOU.

1. O God, give your judgement to the king, to a king’s son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgement. R.

2. In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the Great River to earth’s bounds. R. 3. The kings of Tarshish and the sea coasts shall pay him tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall bring him gifts. Before him all kings shall fall prostrate, all nations shall serve him. R. 4. For he shall save the poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless.

He will have pity on the weak and save the lives of the poor. R.

The Epiphany of the Lord

Vol. 263/1/2020

4th & 5th January 2020

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia!

We have seen his star in the East;

and have come to adore the Lord.

Alleluia!

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

The Pilgrimage Of The Magi Unto Christ

Praise be to Jesus Christ

I wish all of you a blessed new year 2020. Pray that this New Year bring to you and your family an abundance of peace, love and joy.

In the first Sunday of New Year, we have the solemnity of the epiphany of the Lord, the manifestation of the Lord. The content of the celebration is that the three wise men, the Magi, came to adore the king and saviour of the world. The gospel of the day (Mt 2, 1-12) presents a theme “Search for Christ”. There are three types of the people who are searching Christ. But their intentions were different.

Herod The intelligentsia of Jerusalem The Magi

Herod searched for Christ because of the fear, because the potential threat to his kingship. He searched for Christ in order to do away with him. He is full of “Me”. It is selfishness. No space for others. This is doubtlessly proven through what Herod did to the innocent children. Do you search Christ out of fear, out of threat to you?

The intelligentsia of Jerusalem also searched for Christ through their knowledge. Their search was in the knowledge level in order to prove that they are intelligent and reliable; in order to satisfy somebody’s interests; not deeply aware of their inner selves. It is greatly ambitious in nature. In other words they are evolving around themselves with the notion “I can”. Do you search for Christ through reason?

The Magi too searched for Christ. Their search became a pilgrimage unto Christ. Because their intention was to adore Christ, the king of the universe. The gospel proclaims that ‘they knelt in adoration’. Think of the effort of the Magi, they travelled from distant land. They persisted in their intention. They overcame all the possible hurdles on the way to Jerusalem. They disregarded their struggles because their intention to discover Christ. And they returned home ‘in different way’. It means a change of life. Don’t you want to search Christ and discover Christ and go through a transformation like the Magi?

May the Epiphany of the Lord Jesus Christ enable you to understand the depth of divine mysteries like the Magi.

Showers of blessings,

Fr Albin

Please bring a plate of food to share.

Note: For Mandurah Parish, please put your name on the sign-up sheet at the back of the church or phone the Parish Office 9581 2061.

The “Living In God’s Will” with Luisa Piccarreta, prayer and study meeting, will be fortnightly at 7pm in the Jubilee Room.

Praying the Rosary When: Every First & Third Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm Where: Elma Coverley’s place 11/6 Leslie St., Dudley Park Contact: Elma 0417 951 296 Parking: Available in carpark on Creery and Leslie St. All welcome.

Augustine says rightly, ‘Singing is for one who loves’, and there is also an ancient proverb, ‘Whoever sings well prays twice over’.—from Ordo

If you would like to join the Music Ministry please look for any choir members or contact the Parish Office at 9581 2061.

OUR CHURCH’S VISION STATEMENT We are Catholic Family, who, drawing together on our traditions and diversity, seek to respond to

God’s call. As a Pastoral community, we strive to nurture the Spiritual growth of all.

Grief Support Group The first support group for 2020 will be held at the Parish Centre on Thursday, 9 January from 10a.m. to 12noon. Anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one is warmly welcome to attend.—Margot McAllister

Washing of Purification Cloths For volunteers who are rostered for the washing, kindly notify the Parish Office if you would like to meet together to discuss the roster for next year. Please advise us of your preferred day and time so we can reserve the Parish Hall for you.

Safeguarding May all of us work to make our churches, schools and families havens of safety and enable our children to thrive. Should any parishioners have any concerns please contact a Safeguarding Officer: Elma 041 7951 296 / Suzi 95351039 Jill 0439998557

Church Cleaners Wanted.

Please help us clean and maintain our church. No heavy work involved.

You can sign-up for one schedule (approximately 2 hours) or depending on your availability. Please contact the parish office– 9581 2061. Cleaning roster for 2020 will be distributed soon.

Interested in hearing the faith stories of other young people? Want to figure yourself and a few things out?

Would you like better ways and tools to think about complex issues and problems? Need help and strategies to navigate the difficult storms of life?

Do you have questions you want to ask our panel of Catholic leaders?

At our Diocesan Summer Camp 2020 you will be able to do all of this and more! The We Are Disciples Summer Camp 2020 runs from the 9th – 12th of January @ the Catholic Youth Camp Busselton. It is a beautiful dormitory style camp right on the

beach. You will connect with young Catholics, hear from inspiring speakers, experience faith in new and powerful ways, have heaps of fun in games and

activities and there will of course be lots of music and food! Open to young people aged 13 – 18 years old.

We have EXTENDED the normal registration price of $65 just for you if you register before Monday the 6th of January 2020.

Register now @ https://catholicdioceseofbunbury.brushfire.com/events/460960

Contact dioyouth@bunburycatholic.org.au for any questions.

Thank you to all the Priests from other parishes who came to join our Christmas celebrations and celebrated the Dawn Masses (photos from left:

Fr Marcelo(Pinjarra), Fr Gerome (Katanning), Fr Wayne (Dardanup), Fr JB (Busselton), Fr

Concord (Waroona), in the small photo on the right-Fr John Bosco from Thailand

Photos from the left: Bob Fitzgerald, Keith Johnson, Gordon Dixon & John Mulholland preparing breads & burgers; Beryl, Pauline, Glenice, Marie and Frances while waiting for the Christmas party programme to start.

Youth and children patiently lining up for the much awaited lollie bags from Santa Claus.

Special dance numbers in the tune of ‘Senorita’ and ‘All I want for Christmas’.

Everyone enjoyed the singing and dancing!

This group of photos:

The Legion of Mary and some of our parishioners

at the Carols

singing at Nursing Homes

1st & 2nd photo from the left: Children who participated in the Nativity Tableau in the Church. Photo below: Legionaries singing Carols at the Christmas party.

WHY IS EPIPHANY SUCH A SPECIAL DAY AND SEASON?

Epiphany is one of the most important festivals of the liturgical year because it shows the church how God comes to His people. Knowing that we cannot come to Him, God took the initiative and came to us by becoming one of us. The most holy and almighty God took on human flesh in order to reveal His salvation to the world. This is the mystery of the Epiphany of our Lord.

During this season, Christians meditate on many of our Lord's epiphanies. Epiphany Day itself commemorates the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem to worship the Messiah and bring Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-12). Since the earliest days of the church, these wise men have been considered to be representatives of all the peoples of the earth. By means of a miraculous star, God showed them that Jesus was born to be not only the King of the Jews, but the Lord and Saviour of all nations.

We begin to understand the joy and wonder of Epiphany when we read the story of Simeon (Luke 2:22-35). Simeon was a devout old man who lived in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the promised Messiah with his own eyes. When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to be consecrated according to Jewish law regarding firstborn males (Exodus 13:2), Simeon realized that this infant was the Christ. In joyful response to this personal epiphany, the old man took the baby Jesus in his arms and chanted a magnificent song of thanksgiving best known by its Latin title, Nunc Dimittis. The words of the Nunc Dimittis remind us of the mercy and grace that God revealed to the world in His Son, Jesus Christ:

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word, For mine eyes have seen Thy Salvation

Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: A light to lighten the Gentiles

And the glory of Thy people Israel.

WORDS AND THEIR MEANINGS Epiphany : In its Christian sense it means an "appearance" or "manifestation", a celebration of the "shining forth" or “revelation of God” to the shepherds, to the Magi, and to all humankind. Magi : The plural of ‘magus’, a magician or a hereditary priest of Medes or Persia. Frankincense : Frankincense was the purest incense, a sweet smelling resin (dried tree sap) derived from certain Boswellia trees which, at the time of Christ, grew in Arabia, India, and Ethiopia. The frankincense trade was at its height during the days of the Roman Empire. At that time this resin was considered as valuable as gems or precious metals. The Romans burned frankincense on their altars and at cremations. Myrrh : Another valuable incense, a resin from trees of the genus Commiphora , which are common to Somalia.

You are welcome to join our morning prayer (before the Mass)

everyday from Monday to Saturday.

WEEKEND FOR YOUR MARRIAGE.

___ Excellent ___ Good ____ Average ____ So So

How do you rate your marriage? If you’ve checked any of the above, you’re are a great couple for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend! It’s a beautiful weekend experience designed for couples of all ages and backgrounds. It will take you from where you are to another level! We invite you to join us a Marriage Encounter Weekend. . Future Weekends are on the following dates: • 28 – 29 March 2020 (Live out weekend). Venue: Yidarra Primary School, Bateman • 24 – 26 July 2020. Venue: The Atrium in Mandurah

23 – 25 October 2020. Venue: The Atrium in Mandurah For more information or booking contact: Email: WAbookings@wwme.org.au Website – www.wwme.org.au

ALPHA CELEBRATION DINNER Thurs 6th Feb 2020

Please join us for a Celebration Dinner

Hosted by past Alpha Participants

Come and listen to their testimonies

START TIME 07.00 PM TO 9.00 PM

ALPHA PROGRAM Thurs 13th Feb 2020 then weekly for the School Term.

START TIME 07.00 PM TO 9.00 PM

REGISTRATION Signup Form at the back of the Church

Please go to our Facebook Page: Alpha Mandurah to register your interest on Eventbrite,

email the team at alphamand2018@gmail.com

Forget-Me-Not Memory Cafe Wednesday 15th January, ongoing 10am-12pm, on the third Wednesday of each month At Sunbreakers, 110 Mandurah Terrace Cost: Free The Forget-Me-Not Memory Café provides a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental and welcoming environment for people living with Memory Loss and Dementia and their family, friends and carers. Come along with your loved one and join us for a coffee and a chat in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Frank O’Driscoll, Alysha Carboni, John Gilbertson, Joan Orchard, Joan McKay, George Tacey, Jenny Stokic, Sue Short, Sheila Pearce, Joanne Ford, Leah Hardie, Lil Eves, Lesley Mertens, Sean Mahoney, Jodie Donnelly, Mikayla Wilton, Peter Young, Roy & Jan Payne, Grace Moore, Aldine Wheldon, Daryl Winters, Merle Johnson, Trish Mulcahy, Oliver, Norma Hales, David Naughton, Dulcie Kent, Anita Doran, Herbert Lenard, Taylor Green, Margaret

McGuiness, Les Pearson, Beryl Fitzgerald, Louisa & Luigi Bove, Anne-Marie Fliegener, Bill Kociaruba, Sergio Fiore, Johnson Joseph, Fiona Davies-McConchie, Les Burns, Sophie, Margaret Worthington, Tessie Plamonte, Cristina King, Irene Pini, Kate Whooley, Fr Chris Warnock, Joshua Chernoff, Ron Nichols, Barbara Padua, Marie Aide, Raeleen Sutton, Jessica Amphlett, Raegis Farrell, Barbara, Philip Giuffre, Liz Evans, Boy Flores, Bill Copple, Dorothy Oliver, Chris Morris, Alan Edwards, Joseph Godridge, Christian Vimpany, Kylie Godridge, Mark Bussanich, Amber, Elsie Medina, Markus Ruescher, Angie Mae, Greg Lewis, Joan Marshall, Leo Manser, Kevin Scanlon, Bohumil Verzich, Eunice Hope, Mia Hoppee, Greg Carter, Nick Marshall, Michelle Stafford, Debra Keena, Joy Brokenshire, Jenny S., Brendan Davidson. Please advise the office if any of

the above names need to be removed.

CHARLIE MICHAEL McPHILLIE

Son of Gordon & Jennifer

VISITATION. If you know someone seriously sick or in the hospital, please inform the office. An available priest or a member of the Legion of Mary will be able to visit him/her and offer prayer support. Please contact 9581-2061.

Happy birthday Joy McCleay—5 January

Francesca Pia Manalo—9 January God bless you!

SAUSAGE SIZZLE Our Youth Group will be holding a sausage sizzle fundraiser this Sunday 5 January 2020 after the 8am and 9.30am Masses. Please remember to bring your money to buy sausages and drinks. Thank you for your support.

Please save your stamps. Mary McKillop recycles used postage stamps to give disabled children an education in Papua New Guinea, train poor women to learn life skills in Peru and bring vital health care to poor communities in Timor-Leste. Please drop off your used stamps into the box by the window (near our Lady’s Statue) in our church. Thanks.

Do you have spare rosary beads? You can give them for overseas missions. If you can donate your spare ones, please put them in a box marked ‘Rosary Beads’ at the back of the church.

Liturgical Resources Available at the Piety Stall. > St Paul Liturgical Calendar 2020

> God’s Word Daily Reflections 2020

> Ordo 2020

>Columban and Josephite Calendars

Lost & Found: Driver’s license, keys, sunnies, reading glasses, purse, rubber watch. Please visit us at the Parish office.

Saturday 4 January 2020 6:00 pm—T Dicker, V Dicker, S Ellul, M Howie, E Hope Sunday 5 December 2020

8:00 am—J Porter, M Major, J McCleay, S O’Connor, B Peles

9:30 am—A Mendonca, A Forde, L Geonzon, F Grey, C Iannetta 6.00 pm— E Coverley, Volunteers Saturday 11 January 2020 6:00 pm—E Coverley, G Hunt, M Jones, P Sreevalsan, T Wilkinson Sunday 12 December 2020

8:00 am—M Reynolds, A Ringrose, J Van Dijk, S Baker, Z Eigures

9:30 am—M O’Neill, T Lazaroo, J Lazaroo, L Masar, V Schou 6.00 pm— E Coverley, Volunteers

Saturday 4 January 2020 6:00 pm—E Paraguya, P Connett Sunday 5 December 2020 8:00 am—E Disney, J Shewring 9:30 am—R Van Schoor, E Paraguya 6.00 pm—Youth Group Saturday 11 January 2020 6:00 pm—Volunteer, M Lowry Sunday 12 December 2020 8:00 am—L Butson, J Srdarev 9:30 am—A Diaz de Rivera, D Ajero 6.00 pm—Youth Group

Next Week’s Readings Baptism of the Lord 12 January (Yr A)

Is 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38;

Mt 3:13-17

Cleaning Roster 11 January—Volunteers Needed

A l t a r S e r v e r s 4 January, 6pm

Joshua Ram Valsan Gerard Valsan

5 January, 8am Gabriel McAlinden

Christian McAlinden

Pilgrim Statue

This week the Pilgrim statue will be at the home of:

7 Jan Mary McAleer 14 Jan Patsy Bonser

21 Jan Maria Ryan If anyone would like the Pilgrim

Statue for Anniversaries, birthdays, etc. please ring

Rosemary Rana on 0438 916 165.

Morning Tea 5 January-sausage sizzle 12 January-Volunteers

Please visit our website:

Regular MASS, ADORATION &

RECONCILIATION TIMES

Monday 7.30am

Tuesday 7.30am

Wed 7.30am & 5.00pm

Thursday 7.30am

Friday 7.30am & 5.00pm

Saturday 7.30am, Vigil 6.00pm

Sunday 8.00am, 9.30am & 6.00pm

Continuous Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:

Mon, Wed & Fri 8am-4pm. Tues & Thurs 8am - 3pm Friday 12noon- 4.45pm.

Reconciliation: Before and after Weekly Masses & 5.30pm Saturday

Please Note: Please see noticeboard for changes and Mass times next week.

The Parish This Week…

Parish Office– 8 Stevenson St, Mandurah WA 6210 Ph-9581 2061/9581 3261

Presbytery– 6 Stevenson St, Mandurah Church– Creery St., Mandurah WA 6210

Emails-Admin & Bulletin: catholicparish@westnet.com.au

Accounts: viv.catholicparish@westnet.com.au Website: www.olaparishmh.org.au

Office Hours: 8am-12.30pm, 1pm-4pm Mon-Fri

Fr Theophane Antony - Parish Priest

Fr Albin Odippattil—Assistant Parish Priest

Fr Anson Akkappilly—Assistant Parish Priest

Michael Phillips - Deacon

Ernie Carey– Retired Deacon

Vivien de Winter/Alison Caingcoy—Office Staff

Day Church Parish Centre SUNDAY 5/1 The Epiphany of the Lord

8.00am—Mass 9.30am—Mass 6.00pm—Mass

(Office Closed)

Youth Fundraising

Sausage Sizzle

After the morning Masses

MONDAY 6/1

6.50am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am— Mass

1.30pm—Finance Committee

TUESDAY 7/1 St Raymond of Penyafort

6.50am—Rosary, Morning Mass 7.30am— Mass

10am—Legion of Mary

WEDNESDAY 8/1

6.50am—Rosary, Morning Mass 7.30am— Mass Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help 5.00pm—Mass

7pm—Living in God’s

Will (Jubilee Rm)

THURSDAY 9/1

6.50am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am—Mass

FRIDAY 10/1 Day of Penance

6.50am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am—Mass 5.00pm—Mass

SATURDAY 11/1

6.50am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am—Mass 6.00pm—Mass

SUNDAY 12/1 Baptism of the Lord

8.00am—Mass 9.30am—Mass 6.00pm—Mass