4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

St Agatha Tuesday

St Paul Miki & companions Wednesday

WEEKEND’S READINGS

Jeremiah 1:4-5,17-19; 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13;

Luke 4:21-30

PSALM RESPONSE

I will sing of your salvation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord sent me to bring Good News to the poor and

freedom to prisoners.

Alleluia!

Respecting a traditional people of this land, the Bundjalung people

St Francis Xavier Church, Ballina Holy Family Church, Lennox Head

3rd February, 2019

A shared mission

PRESBYTERY: Phone: 6686 2042 Parish Priest: Father Michael Nilon (on long service sabbatical) Administrator: Father Max Gow Assistant Priest: Father Wilber Tobe Assistant Priest: Father Emmanuel Okparanaku Pastoral Associate: Sr Kathryn Sweeney rsj, Email: kathryn@sfxballina.org.au PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: Email: parishcouncil@sfxballina.org.au

PARISH ADMINISTRATION CENTRE: Phone: 6681 1048; Fax: 6686 8774; Email: admin@sfxballina.org.au Mon to Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm - 53-57 Cherry Street - Postal Address: PO Box 46 Ballina 2478 \

PARISH LIBRARY: Library available to parishioners Mon to Fri 9 am - 4 pm;

SCHOOLS: St Francis Xavier Primary: 6686 3370 - Swift St, Ballina Holy Family Primary: 6687 5311- 40 Isabella Drive, Skennars Head Xavier Catholic College: 6687 6484 - 2 Redford Drive, Skennars Head St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre: 6687 5961- 42 Isabella Drive, Skennars Head

AGED CARE: Crowley Care Services: 1300 139 099 - 154 Cherry St, Ballina

www.sfxballina.org.au

Twitter @BallinaCatholic

In this astonishing incident in Luke’s gos-pel, those listening to Jesus suddenly turn from praising him to rage against him. So intense was their anger that they attempt to kill him. And these are people from Jesus’ home town of Nazareth, who knew his family and had grown up with him. How do we explain this? Today’s gospel follows on from Jesus in the synagogue reading from Isaiah about bringing Good News to the poor, pro-claiming new sight to the blind, liberty to captives and setting free the down-trodden. He then stuns everyone by claiming he was fulfilling this text; he is the prophet they had been longing for. His listeners were astonished, and greatly approved of what Jesus was saying. But then they struggled to take this in. They had heard about his miracles and teaching elsewhere, and demanded he do the same in their town. Perhaps that would really put Nazareth ‘on the map’, bringing them hon-our and prestige. What a shock when Jesus suddenly pulls the rug from under their feet. Far from healing the blind, Jesus in effect accuses them of being blind to the message of God.

He highlights how God ignored the plight of Israel when Elijah only helped the Sido-nian widow, and when in Elisha’s time no lepers in Israel were cured except a Syrian foreigner. Jesus’ listeners were in no doubt about the significance of what Jesus was saying, that God’s message of love and solidarity was not just for the Jewish people alone, but for everyone. Jesus was not original in saying

this, since it is a theme in the Jewish p rophe t s . But these people in N a z a r e t h did not want to accept this, and their

initial admiration for Jesus turned to abso-lute fury. Pope Francis repeatedly insists that Jesus’ words are powerfully relevant for us in our very different world. Francis urges us to see with the eyes of Jesus those on the margins, those excluded and hard done by. The pope points to the ‘leftover people’, those considered insignificant or a burden on society. These are the ones for whom God’s heart especially aches. Pope Francis says the Christian community is not meant to be a museum or a cocoon keeping us safe from (continued page 4)

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR RECENTLY DECEASED: Robyn Bailey, Jan Carmont, Sr Dorothea Meaney pvbm (Sr Xavier), Fr Leo Donnelly, Jeff Chaffey, John Russell,

THOSE WHOSE ANNIVERSARIES OCCUR AT THIS TIME: Brian Harris, Tom Crowley, Angela Crowley AND ALSO FOR: Armando Bordin, Stan Parry, Thama Walker, Kathleen Kelly, Cath Waddell, James & Mary Rogers, C & S Hosie, Mick & Gwynne Waugh, Rina, Charlie & James Volpatti, Bill & Jean Shay, Cecilia & Bill Condon Snr, Stan & Mary McKeough, Members of the SVdP Conference & Auxiliary & for all faithful departed. AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE SERIOUSLY ILL: Joe Paolino, Jeanie Marie Curry, Carolina Bordin, Fay Kerslake, Stephen Connors, Stephen Sullivan, Darryl Simpkins, Elva Kidd, Jim Pike, Tania Pieters, Betty Albertini, Michael Kearney, Hilda Carter, John O’Loughlin, Rosemary Russell, Rose Norris, John Moreland, Bill Duffy, Dympna Sheehy, Paul Rix,, Margaret Bermingham, Virginia Paden, Greg Shore, Darcy Martin, Margaret Pyne, John McNamara, Yvonne & Peter Thurtell, Noeleen Gillies, Mal Gillies, Cecelia Waldron, Helen Johnston, Louise Wilson, Michael O’Connor, Moore, Smith, McCowan-Dann, Webber Families, Layton family, Max Crosswell, Maria Hosking, Kaley Nobbs, Len Rix, Mick O’Brien, Mark Harris, Graham Robertson, Neville Johnston, Gregory Thomas, Gloria Greguric, Joy Hepworth, Ruth Anderson, Leo Lane, Mary Topham, Bob Grant, Leisa Wotton, Aunty Julia Paden, Michael Everson, Pat Evans, Virginia, Sarah and Peter Kolhbach, Samantha Anderson, Jonothan Paden, Tony Lannan, Kim del-Signore, Crowley Village, St Andrew’s Nursing

DIF PAYS 2.15% PER ANNUM AT CALL BALLINA AGENTS: Michael Shay, L J Hooker 87-89 River St Ballina 6686 2711 - Crowley Admin Office Cherry St Ballina 1300 139 099

THIS WEEK’S COLLECTIONS

First Collection Support of our Diocese Priests

$ 1,395.25

Second Collection Support of the Parish &

Ministries & School Building & Maintenance Fund

Loose Plate $ 422.05

Planned Giving Envelopes Collected

$ 1,830.50

Planned Giving Envelopes Weekly Target $ 2,009.00

ROSTER: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: 9th/10th February, 2019

Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 137; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11

6.00 pm Vigil Ballina

7.30 am Lennox Head

9.00 am Ballina

Offertory Procession

9.00 am ~ Ballina Readers Sr Kathryn

Pauline Shay Emma Fisher

Mark McDonald Ben Crawford

Denise Miller

Ext. Ministers Holy

Communion

Daniel Gubby Michael Shay

Hamish Valentine Phil Chapman

Louise Martin

Leanne Robbins Maxine Cole Margaret Tay

Cathy Campbell

Gemma & Bill

Duffy

Sacristan

Pip Kidd

Judy Conson

Monica Anderson

Altar Servers

John Kearney Allira Bateman Grace Quinn

Charlie Martin

Sophie, Bailey & Christian Sullivan

Clare Lynch Anthony Coutinho

Children’s Liturgy

Jo Scotcher

Rebecca Kennedy

Nicole & Adam Sullivan

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH BALLINA  ‐ PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM:  If you are a new parishioner to Ballina or an existing one and you would like to participate in the Planned Giving Program, cards are available for completion in the foyer of the Church. Please complete your details and place on the collection plate in the envelope provided, or contact SFX Parish Admin office on 6681 1048 Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.00 pm. For your con‐venience we have the option of Direct Debit and/or Envelope contribution.  

$0.00

$500.00

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2nd Jan 7th Jan 14th Jan 21st Jan 28th Jan

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Collections

PLENARY COUNCIL 2020 Listen to what the Spirit is saying...

The Plenary Council is a gathering of the Church in Australia to take stock of where we

are and work to understand the context and society around us. It provides an opportunity for us to consider how we can be the presence and witness of Jesus amidst contemporary Australian society and discern the future God is calling us to as a Church. The Plenary Council will be held in two sessions: the first in October 2020 in Adelaide, the second in May 2021 in Sydney. Approximately 250 people will be delegates attending the Plenary Council sessions. The agenda for the Plenary Council will be developed from the ‘sense of faith’ amongst the people of God in Australia. In the next couple of weeks as a parish, we will learn more about how we can make a contribution and also invite others to do so. All people connected with the Catholic Church are in invited to reflect on the question: ‘What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?’ The Plenary Council agenda will be developed from the stories you share and the questions you raise. Your voice is needed! Join a small group for conversa-tion about your experiences of faith, and the Church. Please contact the parish office if you would like to join a group session to have your voice heard. By going online you can submit your comments if joining a group is not practical: plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au

Parish Notices

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Prepared by the SLOVENIAN WDP Committee ‘Come—Everything Is Ready’

Holy Family Catholic Church, Lennox Head

Friday 1st March 2019 ~ 10.00 am Morning tea will follow the prayer service. All are welcome to participate in Christian unity

and friendship.

CATECHISTS MEETING

Saint Teresa Room Parish Administration Centre

Tuesday 12th February ~ 10.00 am.

All Catechists and helpers are encouraged to attend this first meeting

for 2019. The ministry of Catechesis in our Sate Schools still

requires volunteers. Please consider, you will be most welcome at our first meeting. All training provided.

Morning Tea will follow the meeting.

SFX CHURCH BALLINA ROSTERS for Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Offertory Procession, are available at the back of the church in alphabetical order.

POSITION AVAILABLE - SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Reporting to the Diocesan Safeguarding Manager the Safeguarding Officer will: Work closely with the Safeguarding Manager to ensure that the current and future child safety responsibilities of the Diocese are met. Assist the Safeguarding Manager with complex case management and investigations to ensure the Diocese meets its obligations to the NSW Ombudsman and Office of the Children’s Guardian and its duty of care to system participants. Provide advice, with a whole of Diocese approach, to Parishes, Aged Care facilities, Disability Services, Catholic Education Office and other key stakeholders in relation to best practice and regulatory compliance. Under the guidance of the Safeguarding Manager, develop policies, practices and related education programs that ensure the Diocese maintains its regulatory compliance and accommodates related legal issues. Assist the Safeguarding Manager in creating a culture that embraces and prioritises the safeguarding of children, young persons and vulnerable people.

Key Requirements:

Demonstrated commitment to the teachings, values, and ethos of the Catholic Church Professional and/or academic background in Social Work, Education, Compliance, Investigations, or equivalent. Appropriate qualifications and/or experience working within a Child Safe Organisation. Demonstrated ability in policy development, implementation and education. Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and Child Protection requirements and mandates under NSW

legislation. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and the ability to produce written papers to an audience at senior management level. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and consultatively with senior management teams and committees. Current Driver’s licence. Possession of a valid Working With Children Check & ACIC Criminal History Check Demonstrated ability to exercise self-care.

Applications close Friday 15th February 2019. For further information contact: 02 6621 9444. Please submit your resume detailing your experience along with a cover letter to: business@lismore.catholic.org.au or Mail to the Diocesan HR/WHS Manager PO BOX 1, Lismore NSW 2480.

* Applicants must have the right to work in Australia (Australian citizen or permanent resident) to be considered eligible to apply for this position.

2018/19 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Parent meeting 6.00 pm

Wednesday 13th February Upper Room, Parish Admin Centre

Program starts Sunday 17th February First Holy Communion Sunday Mass

17th March 2019 at 11.00 am

PARISH WEB SITE: The parish bulletin is now available on the parish web site. We apologise for any in-convenience that may have been caused over the holiday period in relation to checking on changed Mass times.

THE CROWLEY CARE AUXILIARY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WHEN: Monday 25th February, TIME: 3.00 pm ~ WHERE: Crowley Care, 154 Cherry Street, Ballina. All interested persons are very welcome to attend.

PLENARY COUNCIL 2020 ~ Listen to what the Spirit is saying .... Parishioners wishing to have their say as to ‘What do you

think God is asking of us in Australia at this time’ please leave your name and contact details with the Parish Office 6681 1048 — group sessions are being organised for those who want their voices heard. Visit the web page : plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au to download and submit your responses if preferred. **Bill Duffy will facilitate a group session after Crowley Mass this Wednesday 6th February from 10.30 am in the Crowley Chapel. You are most welcome to attend.**

MASS TIMES

St Francis Xavier Church Ballina

Holy Family Church

Lennox Head

SATURDAY 6.00 pm

SUNDAY 9.00 am

7.30 am

MONDAY

8.00 am

TUESDAY

5.20 pm

WEDNESDAY

10.00 am SMoC Chapel

Crowley

THURSDAY 8.00 am

FRIDAY

12.00 noon

OTHER CEREMONIES THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY 8.00 am

Rosary & Chaplet of Divine Mercy

FRIDAY 11.00 to 11.45 am Exposition

RECONCILIATION

SATURDAY 9.00—10.00 am

Also on request

SATURDAY 9.00 am Prayer of the Church

Christian Meditation Group is held every Saturday at 9.30am in Anawim Room

Cenacle Marian Movement of Priests: Monday 11.00 am—12.15 pm at 3/21 Swift Street, Ballina.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Friday morn-ings from 11.00 to 11.45 am at SFX Church Ballina (except when there is a funeral that day).

Ballina CCR Intercession Will resume Monday 4th Feb from 10.45 am to 11.45 am in the Anawim Room. Prayer Meeting: from Monday 4th Feb 2.15 pm to 4.00 pm in the Anawim Room2

Prayer of the Church and Rosary this Saturday 2nd February new time of 9.00 am not 8.00 am

Parish Youth Group: Saturday 6.00 pm, Mass then to St Francis Xavier School Hall, Crane Street—7.00 pm to 8.30 pm.

Sisterhood: Monday at 10.00 am in Saint Teresa Room, Parish Admin. Everyone Welcome!

(continued from page 1) the problems of the world, but rather a ‘field hospital’, bringing healing and seeking out the wounded. His catchy phrases, like getting mud on our boots, or smelling like the sheep, remind us that each of us, in our own way, shares this mission. We know God loves everyone without exception, but in Jesus’ eyes those who are most ‘special’ to God are the outsiders, including those in trouble or distress, like refugees and asylum seekers, the unemployed, or the homeless. As Pope Francis spells out in his document Laudato Si’, God is calling us to transform our world by protecting the wellbeing of everyone and preserving our glorious planet for future generations.

Bruce Duncan CSsR © Redemptorists 2019

PLENARY COUNCIL PRAYER

Come, Holy Spirit of Pentecost. Come, Holy Spirit of the

great South Land.

O God, bless and unite all your people in Australia and guide us on the pilgrim way of the

Plenary Council.

Give us the grace to see your face in one another and to recognise Jesus,

our companion on the road.

Give us the courage to tell our stories and to speak boldly of your truth.

Give us ears to listen humbly to each other and a discerning heart to hear what

you are saying.

Lead your Church into a hope-filled future, that we may live the joy of the Gospel.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, bread for the journey from age to age. Amen.

Our Lady Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary MacKillop, pray for us.

THE BEATITUDES

Used with permission ONE LICENCE#A-621003

Blessed are the poor in

spirit for theirs is the kingdom

of heaven, Blessed are the gentle For they shall possess

the land.

2. Blessed are they

that hunger and thirst after justice.

Blessed are they that suffer gladly for

justice’ sake.

3. Blessed are they that

mourn for they shall be

comforted, blessed are the clean of

heart for they shall see God.

4. Blessed are you

when they revile and harm you,

and speak all evil against you

untruly for my sake.

5. Blessed are the merciful for mercy they will find,

blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called God'’ children.