16th SUNDAY in

ORDINARY

TIME

22nd / 23rd July 2017 Year A: Vol.42 No.35

We are an active and welcoming Catholic community,

where people of all ages draw closer to God.

His love is expressed through each one of us by prayer,

liturgy and reaching out in service to one another.

Pari sh Vi si o n St atem e nt

Please visit our Parish Website: www.standrewsmarayong.org.au

PARISH STAFF:

Monsignor Ron McFarlane

Father Joby Kadambattu MS

Father Alfonsus Nahak SVD

Maria Hyson

(Sacramental Coordinator)

Michelle Sultana &

Joe Clemson

(Office staff)

PARISH OFFICE & PRESBYTERY:

Phone: 9622 0817

Fax: 9671 7971 40 Breakfast Rd, Marayong 2148

[PO Box 4345]

Email Address:

saapm@bigpond.com

Office Hours:

Monday to Friday

9.00am to 4.00pm

FR. BYRNE CENTRE: (Parish Meeting Rooms)

38 Breakfast Rd, Marayong.

WEEKEND MASSES:

Saturday (Vigil) 6.00pm

Sunday:

7.30am, 8.45am, 10.30am

SUNDAY SCHOOL:

Each Sunday morning

after the 8.45am Mass.

Weekday Masses: Monday: 9.00am

Tuesday: 9.00am

Wednesday: 9.15am

Novena & Mass: 7.00pm

Thursday: 8.00am

Friday: 9.00am

Saturday: 9.00am

Mass for the Sick:4th Saturday

of the month at 9.00am

Rosary: Before each morning

Mass and before the

Saturday Vigil Mass

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

• After weekday morning

Masses.

• Saturday: 4.30pm - 5.30pm

• Anytime by arrangement.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Baptisms: 1st & 3rd Sunday

of each month at 11.45am

Baptismal Preparation:

2nd Wednesday of each month

at 7.30pm

in the Fr Byrne Centre.

Please book for Baptisms

with the Parish Office.

PIETY STALL:

Open after Masses on Saturday

night and Sunday morning or

by asking for an appointment

at the Parish Office.

PARISH SCHOOLS:

ST. ANDREW’S PRIMARY

Principal: Mr M. Tonnet

Phone: 9671 6622

Address: 36 Breakfast Road

Marayong 2148

ST. ANDREWS COLLEGE

College Principal: Mr N. Vidot

Phone: 9626 4000

Campus -

JUNIOR CAMPUS (YRS. 7-10)

Address: 116 Quakers Road

Marayong 2148

SENIOR CAMPUS (YRS. 11-12)

Address: 50 Breakfast Road

Marayong 2148

SACRAMENT OF F IRST P ENANCE (R ECONCILIATION ) The Sacrament of First Penance Program will take place in Term 3

for children in Years 2 & above who have been baptised. What does ‘Parish-Based Preparation Programs mean? The Sacramental Programs that are conducted throughout the Diocese of Parramatta are parish-based programs rather than school-based programs. What this means in practice is that families need to present their children to their own parish community for preparation. In other words, for people to be eligible to receive the sacrament in St. Andrew’s Parish, Marayong, they need to fulfil one of the following criteria:

The family must live within the parish boundaries of the Parish and / or The families need to have chosen this parish as their parish community

… and this is expressed by their registering as parishioners of this Parish and by their participation in the life of this parish community. Attendance at a school in the Parish does not, on its own, fulfil the criteria for Parish-based Sacramental Programs.

For those candidates eligible for enrolment in this Parish Program…

Registration Forms may be collected from the Parish Office from Tuesday 18th July 2017 [These forms may also be collected from the Parish Office

on Sunday 23rd July and Sunday 30th July between 9.30 and 11.30am]

Registration Evening: Tuesday 1st August 2017 at 7.00pm in the Church

Classes: Sundays 13th August, 20th August & 27th August 2017 [Classes begin with 8.45am Mass and conclude at approximately 11.30am]

From Monsignor Ron … The Message from St Paul this weekend is that the

Holy Spirit whom we have received is an expression

of God’s love for us and our membership of God’s

family. As Christians, we are in need of guidance

and one of the roles of the Holy Spirit within us is to

guide us in our prayers so that what we wish for is in

tune with the will of God. This is important because

there are so many distractions in the world in which

we live and it can be difficult at times to keep

focused on what we really need rather than what the

world of advertising tells us we want.

Another interesting point in our reading from St

Paul is the use of the word “saints.” The word Saint

in this context means member of the Church. This is

a reminder to us that through baptism we are

actually already saints and it is up to us to preserve

and develop this life to its full potential. I find this a

tremendous gift to help us to appreciate our own

personal worth and our great dignity.

This weekend we have a number of parables

which teach us about the kingdom of God and what

our membership of that kingdom implies for us. One

of the obvious lessons given is the importance of

tolerance and respect for others. We must never act

as though we are God in our dealings with others:

we never have the right to pass judgement on

others or to downplay the value of each and every

person. One of the realities of life is we cannot read

what is in a person’s heart. Only God can do this.

When we fall into the temptation of passing

judgement on others we are putting ourselves at

risk. To me it is always important to remember those

words in the Lord’s Prayer which state that we are

to be forgiven as we are prepared to forgive others.

Finally, let us remember that in our lives there is

both darnel (weeds) and wheat. We need to be

honest enough to recognise both so that we may

cultivate what is good within us so that the good

may grow so much there is no room left for what is

bad or evil. Remember, we share in the life of Jesus

and are called to be saints, but it is our decision

made each day which determines the reality of this.

MASS READINGS -YEAR A

THIS SUNDAY:

16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Wis 12:13. 16-19

Psalm: Ps 85:5-6. 9-10. 15-16

Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43

NEXT SUNDAY:

17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5. 7-12

Psalm: Ps 118:57. 72. 76-77. 127-130

Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52

Please contact the

Parish Office, if you are

unavai lab le for your

rostered Ministry.

Reflection for the Week

“The person who chooses to live a significant life

is not going to take his cues from the religiously

indifferent. Nor will he conform to the crowd, nor

mouth his prejudices, nor dote on the failures of

others.

His ultimate concern is the will of God. He

makes his daily decisions in respect to such. He

can be compared to a sturdy tree planted in rich

in moist soil. As the tree yields fruit, so his life

manifests blessings for others. His life is

productive and effective.

The children of God walk in the course that God

has ordained.

(Extract from Psalms/Now by Leslie Brandt, Psalm 1)

THIS WEEK’S ROSTER: 22nd / 23rd July 2017 [4th Sunday of the Month - Odd Month]

M INISTRIES 6.00pm 7.30am 8.45am 10.30am

ACOLYTE Rudy Rupac Ike Enriquez

Candido Velasco John Blackford

Mario Picart Joy Kakodkar

Noe Adan Robert Bautista

COMMENTATOR Stephen Debrincat Claire Blunt Antonette Elogious Maryanne Bautista

FIRST READER Felecia Silva Pauline Sultana Maricor Espinosa Judith D'Cruz

SECOND READER Lisa D'Souza Nila Mangona Luz Tiqui Vicky Ilagan

PROJECTOR OPERATORS

Sian D'Souza Vianney Rodrigues Derca Elogious Emily Webb

Natalie Webb

WELCOMER Marian Fernandez Melville Fernandez

Henryka Ogrodniczek Volunteer Required Mathias Family

Editha Brady Carl Republica

MUSICIANS Hearts NO Music Mass Worship Hymn Couples For Christ

MINISTERS OF COMMUNION - Fourth Sunday of the Month

NEXT WEEK’S ROSTER: 29th / 30th July 2017 [5th Sunday of the Month - Odd Month]

M INISTRIES 6.00pm 7.30am 8.45am 10.30am

ACOLYTE Edward Yuliardhyanto

Joe Doyle Fred Inglis

Edsel Paltoo Joy Kakodkar Mario Spiteri

Ferdi Chin Robert Bautista

COMMENTATOR Nenette Gapud Julie Nunez Jane Cauchi Maryanne Bautista

FIRST READER Mariyam Wijeyaratnam Volunteer Required Felix Villarmarin Vicky Ilagan

SECOND READER Maria Valentine Volunteer Required Doris Barrios Donnie Velasco

PROJECTOR OPERATORS

Delia Fernandes Volunteer Required Samara Brenna Jerrick Morales

WELCOMER Henryka Ogrodniczek Volunteer Required Dot Kaster Peter Maw

MUSICIANS Dingalings NO Music Mass Pimig Pinoy Choir St Andrew’s

Children's Choir

MINISTERS OF COMMUNION - Fifth Sunday of the Month

Sunday 23

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Counters: Group 4

08:45 Marriage Blessing

08:45 Altar Server Training

09:30 Sunday School

Monday 24

Saint Charbel

Makhlouf, Priest

09:00 Mass

09:30 Rosary

19:00 Legion of Mary

Tuesday 25

Saint James, Apostle

09:00 Mass

09:30 Rosary

Wednesday 26

Saint Joachim

and Saint Anne,

parents of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

09:15 Mass - SAP

- Grandparents Day

09:45 Rosary

19:00 Novena & Mass

Thursday 27

08:00 Mass

08:30 Rosary

14:00 Church Cleaning Group 4

19:30 Music Practice CFC

Friday 28

09:00 Mass

09:30 Rosary

16:00 Junior Legion of Mary

Saturday 29

Saint Martha

Life in the Spirit Seminar

09:00 Mass

09:30 Rosary

09:40 Jnr Legion of Mary

16:15 Legion of Mary

16:30 Childrens Choir Practice

Bible Sunday 23 July

Today is Bible Sunday, an occasion to give thanks for our sacred Scriptures through which

God speaks to us, and inwardly transforms us. Today’s Gospel gives us encouragement in our

faith life, inviting us to keep asking, searching and knocking in the assurance that our prayers

are heard and answered.

Question: How open is the door between you and Jesus? Is it shut; partly open; fully open?

What can you do to open the door a little more?

Reflection: “Jesus therefore encourages his disciples to ask. We may not have the wisdom to

know what is good for us. We are still invited to ask, with our eyes fixed not on the object of

our request but on God our Father. God is wise and God will certainly give us what we need.

He will lead us to find what it is we are really seeking. He will open for us the door that leads

to life. He longs to give his Spirit to us.” (Fr Michael Fallon, msc)

Bible Sunday resources can be found at www.dbb.org.au/bible,

including a handout on today’s Gospel and a children’s puzzle.

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS: 28 July Everyone is welcome to join the Holy Hour for Vocations from 6:30pm Friday (please note new day) for an hour of adoration, prayer, music and quiet time in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta. For information about priesthood in the Diocese of Parramatta and Holy Spirit Seminary, please contact Fr John Paul Escarlan, Director of Priestly Vocations, vocations@parra.catholic.org.au

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth – Holy Hour for Vocations: 3 August The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth cordially invite YOUTH (ages 18-35) to join us for Holy Hour for Vocations. Thursday, 3rd August 2017, at 7:00 pm. Join us also for the pizza at 8:00pm. Holy Spirit Convent, 120 Capuchin Way, Plumpton. RSVP: Sr Paula by 28th July, vocationscsfn@gmail.com or mobile 0449 656 406. AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL (ACYF) Early-bird registration has now opened for the largest gathering of young Catholics since World Youth Day Sydney in 2008! Bishop Vincent & Catholic Youth Parramatta invite young people from Year 9 to 30 years of age to celebrate the young heart of the Church, with 15,000 others, at this year’s triennial ACYF being hosted by the Archdiocese of Sydney (December 7-9) at Sydney Olympic Park.

Here’s how to register: * Student in our Catholic System – speak to your REC * Student in State School – contact Catholic Youth Parramatta * Over 18 years of age – register as an individual Visit www.acyf.org.au now to secure the $250 early bird rate before August.

For all enquiries contact Director of Catholic Youth Parramatta, James Camden, 02 8838 3428, jcamden@parra.catholic.org.au

Volunteers for ACYF ACYF is looking to engage around 600 volunteers will be needed for this festival, providing leadership to the young people through service and hospitality.Way Finders, Program & Stage Management Support, Ushers, Marshals, Welcomers & more. All volunteers must be 26 years of age or older (as at 1st December 2017) and must hold a valid Working With Children Check. For more information and volunteer registration please visit: http://youthfestival.catholic.org.au/get-involved/volunteers

L ITURGICAL M INISTRY FORMATION COURSES The Institute for Mission will be conducting courses for those interested in becoming

Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, and Communion to the Sick and Dying.

To apply for these courses please contact the parish office.

Sessions

Compulsory Introductory Session Mon 7th August

Ministers of the Word Mon 14th & Mon 21st August

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion Mon 4th & Mon 11th September

Communion to the Sick and Dying Mon 18th September

HOME VISIT SICK OR HOUSEBOUND PLANNED GIVING Would you like a visit from a priest or parishioner?

Do you know someone who would like Holy Communion or a visit?

Would you like to support our parish?

PLEASE PLACE ON COLLECTION PLATE AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED

Name

phone

Name

phone

Name

phone

PARISH REGISTRATION

If you have not filled out a Registration Form, please do

so as soon as possible and return it to the Church or Parish

Office. Forms are available at the back of the Church.

If you are a new parishioner, we ask you to complete a

Registration Form, and return it to the Parish Office.

Bullet in Highl ights … BIBLE SUNDAY

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR

LITURGICAL MINISTRY FORMATION COURSES

UPCOMMING PARISH AND DIOCESAN EVENTS

An Invitation to LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR 2017 The Hearts of Jesus and Mary Prayer Community will be

conducting a Life in the Spirit Seminar in our parish.

How will the LIFE IN THE SPIRIT Seminar help you?

1. To establish, re-establish or deepen your personal relationship with Christ. 2. To yield to the action of the Holy Spirit in you and through you. 3. To make greater use of ways to grow in the relationship with Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit 4. To deepen your awareness that you are never alone in dealing with life's troubles and that your life is always full of

hope irrespective of circumstances.

5. To be more whole, effective and loving in your family, workplace and as a true Christian.

WHERE: St. Andrews Primary School Hall

WHEN: Weekend of 29th & 30th July

8:00 am to 4:30 pm

INFORMATION: Josie Durante: 0452 486 323

Parish Office 9622 0817

*** Catechist Meeting *** Monday 7th August 2017 — 10:00am, in the Fr. Byrne Centre.

We also invite people interested in joining this very important Ministry to come along.

F o r t h c o m i n g M e e t i n g s

This meeting will look at the statement from the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Office on the results

of a survey of Parish Pastoral Councils. Using this, we will hope to improve the way we run our

council meetings and what we should be aiming to achieve at these meetings for the good of our

parish community. Of course, if this is going to work we need your attendance at the meeting.

This statement will be available from the parish office after Sunday, July 24.

As well, we would like to put together a 2017 calendar of events for the rest of the year.

Consequently, we encourage everybody to come along with the dates and suggestions for events

for the parish to celebrate for the remainder of this year.

7:15pm on Monday, July 31

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting

SPECIAL CELEBRATION TO HONOUR GOD THE FATHER THE FIRST PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY “Under the auspices of the Filipino Chaplaincy, Fr Ruben Elago with the permission of Parramatta Diocese ”

Holy Octave of Consecration to GOD THE FATHER 30 July 2017 – 5 Aug 2017 STARTS 5:00PM

Our Lady of Czestochowa Small Chapel, 116 Quakers Road Marayong NSW AUSTRALIA

DIVINE OFFICE & 8TH SOLEMN DAY OF CONSECRATION TO

GOD THE FATHER THE FIRST PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY

6 August 2017 – 1:30PM Our Lady of Czestochowa - 116 Quakers Road, Marayong

“Procession around the Church compound before the Mass” CON-CELEBRATED MASS 3:30PM

RECEPTION: POLISH HALL “Please bring a plate to share at the reception”

For more information and if you would like to host GOD THE FATHER in your home for nine days

please SMS 0409 975 563 or Email:ludypapa@live.com.au

Everybody is welcome to attend this very special celebration for the glory of God the Father!!!