merciful; all those who hunger and thirst for what is right are united at all times and through all ages. These have blessed needs. Freed from the excesses of current permissiveness, the people of the Beatitudes find more life in selfless love and sacrifice. In a style and stance of paradox which only God's sense of things can better explain, they live beyond the ‘common sense’.

Against the beatitudes, our half-truths and pseudo-truths seek to govern us more by a 'common sense'; a crowd morality which follow the conventions of the now. Yet the iron-clad facts and self-evident truths of all times show us that our forebears did quite well, more because of the spiritual convictions which they cherished even in the face of the fleeting conventions of the day.

Mahatma Gandhi as well as Martin Luther King drew inspiration from the Beatitudes for their examples of non-violence. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and John Paul II are saints of the 21

st century still standing so

tall before us, due to their tacit convictions which were directly hinged on the unsullied Gospel values and teachings of the Church.

For as long as we prefer to direct ourselves more by a 'modern common sense', we will continue to make light of our moral needs and humble dependence on God. Like Paul's Corinth, we can become so reluctant in facing our Christian truth that we even forget how we began. Thus, comes the present worry to 'succeed' in achieving godless progress in our secular world rather than facing and living, the life of the poor man or woman of the beatitude.

Fr Modestus

PARISH NEWSLETTER

WEEKDAY MASSES

Brighton Monday: 9.15am

Sandgate Tuesday: 7am Thursday: 5.30pm Eucharistic Adoration begins after Thursday Mass and continues overnight concluding with Mass on:

Friday: 7am

Regis Aged Care : Friday Feb 3—10am

WEEKEND MASSES

Saturday: Eventide Chapel: 9.30am Brighton Church: 6pm

Sunday: Brighton: 7am Sandgate: 9am & 5pm

Name Tag Sunday: 4th weekend of the month

Parish Council Meeting: 1st Thursday of the month

SCHOOL MASSES

St Kieran’s School: Date: February 9

Principal: Margaret Tomov

Phone: 3269 5989

Sacred Heart School: Date: February 9—9am

Principal: Chris Bathersby

Phone: 3269 3427

Saturdays Sandgate: 11.30am – 12pm

Brighton: 1st Saturday of the month. 5pm (2nd Rite)

Reconciliation is also available by appointment.

PARISH PRIEST: Father Modestus Mgbaramuko

Parish Office: 23 Greenwood Street, Brighton 4017 Phone: 3869 1377

Email: sandgatebrighton@bne.catholic.net.au Website: sandgatebrightoncatholic.org.au

Facebook: Sandgate Brighton Catholic Parish

Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (8:30am – 3:30pm) CLOSED WEDNESDAYS

Parish Secretary: Liz Kelly Finance: Andrea Barton

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A — 29th January, 2017

BLESSED NEEDS. For many people who ponder the 'Beatitudes' and wonder why Jesus declares the poor as 'fortunate', 'happy' or 'blessed'; there are many more others struggling to come to terms with this kind of proclamation when, in our world today, it is almost obvious that it is the rich, the powerful and the celebrity who are lucky and happy. Sermon on the mount is unsettling. Yet Jesus' teaching here is more about the deeper, spiritual vision of true happiness. Here, the gathered people, including the disciples of Jesus replay the part of Moses, while Jesus is seen as speaking to them in the person of God. This 'sermon on the Mount' is a type of its first episode at Sinai (Ex 19:3ff). It re-invents the Ten Commandments by proclaiming the new and definitive law. As seen from the wisdom of the beatitudes, Jesus' words are beyond history. Gospel values will outlive the future. For example, they have been very much around now for the best part of the more than two thousand years the Christian experience. Yet, even now, we still grapple to comprehend the immensity of the overpowering power of the Gospel. The reason is because each morning that arrives, only comes to make the Gospel new! This is included in the steadfast love of the Lord which Scripture sings as never-ending. Here and now, the Christian moral life is still being sustained from the foundations laid in the ten commandment; our hearts still find instruction from words declared in prophecy. Above all, our lives are still being formed by the awesome proclamation of the Gospel. More than reminding us of what not to do and what not to be; the prophecy of Zephaniah today joins the prophetic message of Jesus to deepen our vision. Now, they reveal to us what to do and indeed, what to become. The humble of the earth seek integrity; and the poor of the Lord seek first to obey his command. The meek, the peaceful, the

WELCOME BACK! We welcome back all school

students and staff from their summer holidays. We trust

you had a restful break and are looking forward to another

wonderful year sharing in the many blessings of our

parish community.

AUSTRALIA DAY THANKS! - Our Australia Day

celebration was another wonderful community event.

Thankyou to all parishioners who assisted in setting up for

the Mass, organising and cooking the breakfast and

providing the entertainment for the day.

RCIA: Please pray for those in our community who are

continuing their journey towards full communion with the

Catholic Church.

LITTLE KING’S MOVEMENT: This weekend, we will be

holding the Annual Little King’s Movement Appeal at all

Masses. The Movement caters for people with disabilities

in social and spiritual activities. Envelopes may be

returned via the Collection this weekend or next weekend.

PLANNED GIVING RECEIPTS: Thankyou to all

parishioners who contributed to the Planned Giving

program over the past 12 months. Receipts will be issued

via email in the next few weeks. If you have not provided

the Parish Office with an email address, your receipt will

be available at the Church door.

WINE & CHEESE NIGHT: The 1st Wine & Cheese night for 2017 will be held on February 4 following the 6pm Mass at Brighton. All Welcome!

VOCATION VIEW: A child’s handful of pulled dandelions

will bring joy to a mother. A small act of kindness will

surprise the lonely heart. Who will bring joy and kindness

today?

MEN’S CHOIR: The Men’s Choir practice continues each

Monday evening in Sacred Heart Church beginning at

7pm. The next Men’s Choir led Mass will be on Sunday,

February 12 at 9am. New members enthusiastically

welcomed!

BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASSES: Preparation

sessions for parents wishing to have children baptised are

held on the 1st and 2nd Monday of each month at 7.30pm

PARISH NEWSLETTER

PHOTOGRAPHS: From time to time the Parish takes photographs at public Parish events and gatherings to share in the newsletter and the Par-ish Website and Parish Face book page. Where possible permission is requested prior to publication, however in some cases this is not possible or practical given the numbers. If you or your family have any concerns with any material published then please call or email the Parish Office.

in the Sandgate Parish Hall. The 1st session for

2017 will begin on February 6.

PARISH ASSEMBLY: Last week the Parish Pastoral Council announced the theme of our Assembly on March 12 and this week we would like to let you know that we currently have 4 focus points.

1. The development of a Welcoming Apostolate

2. Ask them in - Parish-School Apostolate

3. The growth of our Youth Ministry

4. Extensions of our Music Ministry.

This is your parish assembly so we are seeking your input and ideas about how we can meet our goal of "Transforming our hearts and building our community".

Next week a member of Parish Council will speak at every mass.

DATE CLAIMERS:

Our parish Family Fun Race Day at Caloundra Racecourse is booked for Sunday 7th May. More information available in the next couple of weeks.

Spiritual Journey to Marian Valley, June 24—details to follow.

BIBLE STUDY GROUP: Bible Study is a new initiative beginning in the parish this year. This group will be using the ‘Catholicism Formation Series’ presented by Bishop Robert Barron. They will meet weekly on a Wednesday evening at 7pm in the Sandgate Parish Hall beginning on February 8. For more information, please contact Vanessa on 0403 492 879. All Welcome!

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM: Do you know someone wishing to enrol in the parish Sacramental Program this year. This year, the program begins with preparation for 2nd Rite Reconciliation and 1st Holy Eucharist for children in Year 4 2017 who received Confirmation. The COMPULSORY parent night is on Monday 20th February at 7pm in Sandgate Parish Hall. A full outline of the 2017/2018 program is on the Church noticeboard and parish website.

PARISH ROSTER

MINISTERS OF THE WORD 28th & 29th January 4th & 5th February

6pm Vigil Saturday Brighton P Ryan C Hickey TBA P Ryan K Lynch H Boon

7am Sunday Brighton R Heap M Heap I Bruce F Shepherd M Thompson P McNamara

9am Sunday Sandgate S Bria D Purtill D Piper S Bria L Rodrigues J Flynn

5pm Sunday Sandgate F Pepper C Bartlett B Fallis F Pepper J Tate D Wood

EXTRA ORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

28th & 29th January 4th & 5th February

6pm Vigil Saturday Brighton C Hickey TBA TBA E Harte P Madden TBA

7am Sunday Brighton L Isaak P Pehrson TBA P Pehrson M Cross P Cross

9am Sunday Sandgate J North L North TBA J Murdoch R Twells D Piper

5pm Sunday Sandgate D Mitchell TBA P Janbroers TBA P Janbroers D Mitchell

HOSPITALITY 28th & 29th January 4th & 5th February

7am Brighton M Thompson D Price M Thompson D Price

9am Sandgate Couples for Christ H Lees T Morrison

CHURCH CLEANING 28th & 29th January 4th & 5th February

Brighton L Lopez C Hickey

Sandgate P Mair M Ferrington

CHILDREN’S ‘LITURGY OF THE WORD’ 28th & 29th January 4th & 5th February

9am Sunday Sandgate A Hennessy M Carter TBA

COUNTERS 28th & 29th January 4th & 5th February

Parish Office (Monday) C Rosenberg P Ryan D Abberton B Boyle

ALTAR SERVERS 28th & 29th January 4th & 5th February

6pm Vigil Saturday Brighton P Stronias A Withers C Thompson P Stronias

7am Sunday Brighton TBA H Peters

9am Sunday Sandgate S Treanor I Treanor A Murdoch L Fosita

5pm Sunday Sandgate R Copsey K Copsey B Gunn C Gunn

DINNER IN THE PARK 4th February, 2017—F Edwards C Davison A Lloyd

READINGS: (YEAR A)

4th Sun in Ord Time 5th Sun Ord Time

First Reading: Zephaniah 2-3; 3:12-13 Isaiah 58:7-10

Psalm: Ps 145:7-10 Ps 111:4-9.R.v.4

Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:26-31 1 Cor 2:1-5

Gospel: Matt 5:1-12 Matt 5:13-16

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: BLESSED ARE YOU. The Beatitudes are among the best known verses of the Gospel of Matthew. They offer an assurance of God’s care for those who mourn or suffer persecution. They contain promises that God will bless the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemakers and those who work for justice. Ultimately, all who put their trust in God and do what is right will rejoice in God’s kingdom.

WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Edna HULLEY, Jason MORPHETT, Carol DAVISON, Sheila HOBBS, David DOWLING,

Paul CROCKS, Theresa BOYLAN, Peter PASHEN, Maria PASHEN, Gwen JAZOWY, Thomas HARTE, Helen HOGAN, Val BOEVINK,

Margaret PERIL, Earl SIMPSON, Bill KELLY, Chloe MASON, Agnes CHARNLEY John GAINS, John JAMES, Mary WELLS, Betty

THOMPSON, Nina TOALADO, Amilija TOALADO, Jek MESIK, Lyn NARVAEZ, Annette BOYER, Colin ROBINSON, Darryl

GLEESON, Tarryn MCDERMOTT, Lorraine ADSETT, Christina PETERS, John SHEPHERD, Valerie WORKMAN, Samantha

TSALIKIS, Roderick GLEESON, Marjorie GLEESON, Kellin HYDE, Susan WILKE, Kathy ROZIC, Dianne WILLIAMS and Eric MEAD

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE ETERNAL REPOSE OF THE SOULS: We pray for Jean McNEICE, Lauren DOOLEY, Sr M Trea BREWER RSM, Vilma LENCI, Alfred HAHN, Doris McKEERING, Phyllis CHANG, Henry HULLEY, Sr Mary WHELAN RSM and Sr Lorraine BARRY RSM who died recently and also for Monica CARR, Joan KOPELKE, Stefan OCSENAS whose anniversaries occurs at this time.

* Queensland missionary tells of his life on the edge in Mexican city where 31 priests have been killed in the past 10 years

* Two 17-year-olds living on the streets in Brisbane give a glimpse of a growing problem facing Vinnies and other agencies

* Bishops tell Senate inquiry a change to marriage definition will impact all Church members

* Trump makes good on promise to ban US funds from being used for abortion

* Queensland pro-life group says now is crucial time to rally against possible changes to state abortion laws

* Couple battling misdiagnosis and effects of medication issues warning on dementia

ENTRANCE HYMN: GATHER US IN

Here in this place, new light is streaming, now is the darkness, vanished away; see in this space, our fears and our dreamings brought here to you in the light of this day. Gather us in, the lost and forsaken; gather us in, the blind and the lame; call to us now, and we shall awaken. we shall arise at the sound of our name. We are the young, our lives are a mystery; we are the old, who yearn for your face; we have been sung throughout all of history, called to be light to the whole human race. Gather us in, the rich and the haughty; gather us in, the proud and the strong; give us a heart so meek and so lowly, give us the courage to enter the song. Here we will take the wine and the water, here we will take the bread of new birth here you shall call your sons and your daughters, call us anew to be salt for the earth. Give us to drink the wine of compassion; give us to eat the bread that is you; nourish us well, and teach us to fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true. Not in the dark of buildings confining Not in some heaven light years away But there in this place the new light is shining Now is the Kingdom, now is the day. Gather us in and hold us forever Gather us in all peoples together Fire of love in our flesh and our bone. © M Haugen & GIA Publications Word of Life Licence No. 624. Used with permission

PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS: SEEK YE FIRST Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia Ask and it shall be given unto you; seek and you shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you. Allelu, alleluia. Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Allelu, alleluia. © K Lafferty & OCP Word of Life Licence No. 624. Used with permission

REFLECTION HYMN: THE LOVE OF GOD

The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can

ever tell: It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to

the lowest hell; the guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win: His erring child He reconciled,

and pardoned from his sin.

REFRAIN: O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong! It shall

forever-more endure the saints' and

angels' song.

When years of time shall pass away, and earthly thrones

and kingdoms fall. When men, who here refuse to pray,

on rocks and hills and mountains call, God's love so sure,

shall still endure, all measureless and strong; redeeming

grace to Adam's race – the saints' and angels' song. ®

Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of

parchment made. Were every stalk on earth a quill, and

everyman a scribe by trade, to write the love of God

above, would drain the ocean dry. Nor could the scroll

contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky. ®

© Frederick Lehman/Claudia Mays & Word Music, Inc

Word of Life Licence No. 624. Used with permission

RECESSIONAL: NEW PEOPLE NEW LIFE Let’s lift our hearts and voices, in praise of our God, The family of Christ, united as one. New people, new life, a symbol of His love, The church assembled to proclaim The work of Christ begun. ® REFRAIN: We are people of God, we are a holy nation. A royal priesthood, a chosen race. We are people of God, we are a holy nation. A royal priesthood a chosen race.

A sacramental people, gifted by His grace, He calls us to be holy, a witness to His way. New people, new life, be Christ to each other, The gift of Eucharist is our strength, The hope for each new day. ® We are the church a ministry of love The father’s chosen image of Jesus the son. New people, new life, rejoice in your God. Celebrate your priesthood through the risen one. ®

© Helen Beha & Spectrum Publications Word of Life Licence No. 624. Used with permission

RESPONSE: (Ps 145:7-10) Happy the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs! GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: (Mt 5:12) Alleluia! Alleluia! Rejoice and be glad: your reward will be great in heaven. Alleluia! Alleluia!

MYSTERY OF FAITH: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON: (Ps 30:17-18) Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your merciful love. O Lord, let me never be put to shame, for I call on you.