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February 8 & 9, 2014 - FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year A Issue Number 574
A ustralians are concerned over the arrest on December 29 without charge and the keeping in solitary confinement of al-Jazeera veteran reporter, 48 year-old
Peter Greste. The Australian journalist has now been charged with “airing false news” following the new military-backed Egyptian Government’s crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood. His “crime” was to interview Muslim Brotherhood supporters in an effort, he said, to give a fair, balanced and accurate account of what is happening in Cairo. In a letter secreted from the Tora Prison in Cairo, Peter Greste said, “The state will not tolerate hearing from the Muslim Brotherhood or any other critical voices. The prisons are overflowing with anyone who opposes or challenges the government.” Australians are also concerned about what is going on at the moment with the ABC’s reporting of news and what the long-term effects will be of its decision to report “news” regarding the bugging of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s phone and, amongst other things, the bugging of Kristiani Herawati, the President’s wife’s phone. There is further concern regarding the reporting of what the papers are calling “torture”, (a very strong word), by Royal Australian Navy personnel in relation to asylum seekers repatriated to Indonesia. The ABC is a national icon. It is like family to many older Australians. And criticism of the ABC is like criticism of one’s family. It’s familiarly called “Aunty”. So it was a very bold Prime Minister who said on the Ray Hadley Morning Show, “...as far as I’m concerned, I’ll call it as I see it and I think it dismays Australians when the national broadcaster appears to take everyone’s side but our own, and I think it is a problem.” This led to headlines in the Daily Telegraph on January 30, proclaiming, “The ABC of Treachery”. It also led to a stoush between Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott where Malcolm Turnbull, the Communications Minister, strongly defended the ABC’s editorial independence in the face of Tony Abbott’s attack on the national broadcaster, a stoush that I believe has been a long time in
coming. But that’s another story. Mr Turnbull defended the Prime Minister’s right to critique the ABC but said the ABC was rightly accountable to its board of directors, not politicians. “What’s the alternative?” the Communications Minster asked, “The editor-in-chief (of the ABC) becomes the prime minister? Politicians, whether prime minster or communications minister, will often be unhappy with the ABC…but you can’t tell them what to write.” But then he went on to say what is crucial in this conversation, “The ABC has to play it straight down the middle. The ABC has a bargain with the Australian people. They have to be rigorously balanced in their coverage.”
It is about being “rigorously balanced in their coverage” that the debate should be about. In the next breath Malcolm Turnbull said, “Remember, if it wasn’t for the ABC and Fairfax we might not know the latest round of union corruption.” Linking the ABC with the Fairfax press may not have been his wisest political move. That these two media organisations are now in bed with each other makes one question how the ABC could possibly be “rigorously balance in their coverage”. The Herald,
“Independent. Always,” leans so much to the left it nearly falls over.” Friday’s coverage of these events by Fairfax strongly supporting the ABC’s original allegations does not lessen my concerns. With regard to the claim of “torture” by Australian sailors, the PM said, “Look, you know if there’s credible evidence the ABC, like all other news organisations, is entitled to report it, but you can’t leap to be critical, you shouldn’t leap to be critical of your own country and you certainly ought to be prepared to give the Australian Navy and its hardworking personnel the benefit of the doubt.” A defiant Mark Scott, the Managing Director of the ABC, speaking on PM on Monday said, “It was an important story to report, the right story to report. The result of investigations by the ABC.” Since then there has been no apology from the Managing Director. No eating of humble pie. Merely a blind and uncritical support for his discredited journalists. The
WHOSE ABC?
The Massabielle The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s
Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW
Today’s Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10. God speaks to our heart, urging us to live lives of solidarity and mercy.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. How Paul explained the Gospel: very simple and relying on the Holy Spirit.
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus encourages us to let our light shine in the sight of the world.
Next Week: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A Sirach 15:15-20; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37
Feast Days This Week Monday 10 February - St Scholastica
Friday 14 February - Sts Cyril & Methodius
HOLY HOUR this Thursday from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, prayers, hymns and scripture reading. All welcome.
LIFE BEGINS AT 50:-Cards/Mahjong is on this Friday, 14th February in the Marian Centre at 7.30pm. Please note that this group’s name is to be updated. Any comments or ideas to Peter on 9659 1534 or at the meeting.
REPARATION PRAYER GROUP meets Tuesdays in the Parish Office Basement from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Rosary and a cuppa. All welcome.
RETIREMENT VILLAGES SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Flinders - Communion Service & Anointing of the Sick on Saturday 15 February at 10am in Donnington Court.
CATECHISTS NEEDED: Can you spare just half an hour once a week during school term to teach scripture at Castle Hill Primary School (Wednesday) or Samuel Gilbert Primary School (Thursday). Lessons follow a set curriculum and training will be given. If you are interested please phone Christine Jenneke on 0433 183 322.
MINISTERS OF COMMUNION: If you are on the roster and are no longer available for this ministry, please inform the Parish Office.
ABC’s lack of caution is imprudent, the defence of lack of evidence by the Managing Director, suicide. He should fall on his sword. The Australian, which has become fiercely anti-ABC, probably for its own ends, said on January 31, the “National broadcaster has lost the plot and prestige. [The journalists] are a collectivist inner-city clique of broadcasters, bloggers, latter-day Trotskyites and inked hipsters…” There is no greater cannibalistic feast than journalists from rival news outlets paying out on each other. The criticism of The Australian continued, saying that journalists working for the ABC should admit “Aunty’s age-old values of fairness and balance are merely a pretence and that the news agenda across radio bulleting and ABC24 is driven by the Greens-Left activist complex”. David Hill, a former chairman and managing director of the ABC wrote, “It is a great shame governments don’t recognise the ABC’s greatest patriotic duty is to continue to hold governments to account by the provision of independent, unbiased, and honest news to the Australian public.” No one would disagree with this. And note the word “unbiased”. But is that what we are getting from the ABC at the moment? Taxpayers demand unbiased, honest and truthful news from this trusted institution. The ABC is deaf to the legitimate concerns of ordinary Australians. I make the further claim that the ABC is anti-Catholic. Days before the Royal Commission began hearing the Church’s response to abuse victims through the Towards Healing protocol, the ABC was salivating with extended interviews with victims. There were promos and advertising that gave a disparaging image of the Catholic Church. The ABC is to be complemented for telling the victims’ side of the story. But when, at the Royal Commission, the Catholic Church Insurance agents explained they addressed claims with compassion, when the church lawyers told of their concerns for justice for victims, when professional standards officers said how they went the extra mile for those abused, when witness after credible witness told how the Church compensates victims, there was not a peep from the ABC. My objection is the ABC’s outrageous demonising of the Catholic Church. And more than a quarter of those who pay the wages of ABC staff are Catholics. To conclude. Peter Greste has been charged with “airing false news”. He wanted to interview Muslim Brotherhood supporters to give a fair, balanced and accurate account of what is happening in Cairo. We pray he will be out of gaol soon. I think that, as an experienced journalist, Greste would be an excellent replacement for Mark Scott.
LITURGY CORNER
This year at 7.30pm on Friday 7 March, the World Day of Prayer
Gathering will be held at Wesley
Uniting Church, Castle Hill. This is a worldwide movement of Christian
women (men also attend) of all traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer. More
the 3 million people in over 170 countries join in the
service which is prepared by a different WDP Committee each year. This year the women from
Egypt have prepared the service. The symbol of the WDP was developed by the
women of Ireland and adopted as the logo in 1982.
The design is made up of arrows converging from
the four points of the compass, persons kneeling in
prayer, the Celtic cross, and the circle representing
the world and our unity through all our diversity.
Father John.
Life Nights (Yrs 9-12) tonight. Straight after the 6pm Mass we will assemble outside the “Crypt” for a
Maccas Walk! It is a time to catch up with one another and meet the new members who have come from Into
Life. Bring your money for your favourite meal and be ready to walk it off as we return to the parish by 9pm.
You want me to do WHAT!?
Wait a minute, what does God want me to do?
Come to LIFENIGHT February 16 and find out. 7.00pm - 8.30pm, meet some new people; food and fun
GUARANTEED. Years 9-12 welcome!
Into Life (Yrs 7-8) "Social night!!! Come and celebrate a night all about
‘LOVE’ with friends, food and games this
Friday, 14th February outside the crypt between 7 & 8.30pm. Don't forget $2 for
chips and cordial."
Are you 16 or over and can play sports such as Basketball. Soccer, Touch football, Handball or just
want to be enjoy a great afternoon? Then WE NEED
YOU. Each parish in the Hill Deanery is asked to form teams of 7-10 players for the First Hills Deanery
Sports Day on Sunday 23rd February from 1.30 to 4pm at St Madeleine’s Parish Kenthurst. The cost is $10
each which includes water, food, drinks and all equipment. If you are interested see Fr JJ or put your
name on the sheets at the back of the crypt.
For more information please contact Fr JJ on 9634 2622
or email [email protected].
St Bernadette's Young Adults Group meets regularly for a variety of activities including weekday
Mass, spiritual formation and social events. For more information email [email protected].
OAKHILL COLLEGE ENROLMENTS: Applications for enrolment into Year 7 2015 will close on Friday, 21st February and enrolment for girls into Year 11 2015 will close on Friday, 9th May. Contact: Mrs Maryanne Maree 9899 2288 or [email protected].
ST BERNADETTE’S PLAYGROUP welcomes families with children 0-5 years. Children take part in craft activities, music time and lots of free play where they can make new friends. Where? Lourdes Centre, 31B Brisbane Rd, Castle Hill. When? Monday and Thursday 10am – 12 noon. Contact: Carolyn Lincoln 0411547285.
POSITION VACANT: Web Developer and Systems Administrator. This is a full time position based at the Catholic Archdiocese Office, Sydney. Further detail available at www.catholicjobsonline.com.au.
Youth & Young Adults Ministry
Leading Teens Closer To Christ
THE FIRST DIOCESAN WORKS FUND APPEAL FOR 2014 WILL TAKE PLACE TODAY.
LAST CHANCE FOR THE GRACES OF ITALY PILGRIMAGE (with optional extension to Medjugorje) from 24th April to 8th or 17th May with Harvest Pilgrimages. There is also an option to see Rome then Medjugorje from 6th to 17th May. You have the convenience of an experienced tour guide as well as a Chaplain (Fr Eugene). Most meals included. Please book Freecall on 1800819156. WE NEED 4 OR 5 MORE TRAVELLERS FOR THIS TRIP TO GO AHEAD. The cut-off date is the end of this month.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMME 2013-2014: Session one will be held THIS Monday & Tuesday, 10th & 11th February. This is a parent only session commencing at 7:30pm in the crypt. Please bring a bible and pen.
HOLY LAND & ITALY PILGRIMAGE Journey with Father John Watkins
28th August - 15th September 2014 - US $6899 p.p. For enquiries, please contact: Bernadette Tecson, 9622 7799 or [email protected], Fely Watkins [email protected] or 0481 373 579. Details: www.margarettetours.com.
A BUS TRIP has been arranged to the Norman Lindsay Gallery, Springwood on Tuesday 25th February leaving from Brisbane Road at 9.30am and returning at approx. 4pm. Cost $35. Morning tea at the Gallery and lunch at Penrith Leagues Club at you own expense. RSVP by 20th February and payment must be made to confirm the booking. Sr Judy
YOUTH MINISTER POSITION AVAILABLE: St Bernadette’s is looking for a suitably qualified person to fill the Youth Minister role recently vacated by Sr Rosie. The position is for 24 hours per week and a full job description can be found on the Parish website www.stbernadette.org.au. Applications close Feb 28.
CAN YOU HELP? The Mass Transport Team needs new drivers urgently to bring parishioners to Mass on Sunday mornings. The commitment is for one Sunday a month. Please contact Chris Dodd on [email protected] or the Parish Office if you can help.
Leading Teens Closer To Christ
Have you considered leaving a gift to the parish in your will? If you would like further information please phone 9634 2622 for a confidential discussion.
FORMATION SESSIONS with FR JOHN WATKINS
Book of Scripture: Gospel of Luke Date: Monday 3rd March
Time: 7pm for 7:30pm start until 9:30pm.
The sessions will run for 5 consecutive Mondays.
To know Christ more, we need to immerse ourselves into his scriptures. As St Jerome states “ignorance of
scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
LENTEN STUDY GROUP The Group begins on Thursday 6th March in the Marian Centre for 6 weeks from 10 to 11.30am. RSVP by 21st February so books can be ordered. Cost $10. Sr Judy
St Bernadette’s Parish Community
Parish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154
Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: [email protected]
Web page: http://www.stbernadette.org.au
Parish Staff Mass Times for this Week
Fr John Boyle, Parish Priest Sunday Sat 6.00pm
Fr Eugene Szondi, Assistant Priest Sun 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am & Fr John Watkins, Assistant Priest 6pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth Mass Sr Judy McLeod, rsm, Pastoral Associate Weekdays Mon 6.45am Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator Tue 6.45am
Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager Wed 6.45am, 9.15am
Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu) Thurs 6.45am, 9.15am
Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance Fri 6.45am, 9.15am Sat 8.00am
Reconciliation Sat 8.30am - 9.00am, 4.30pm - 5.30pm Mass on Public Holidays at 8.00am
Baptisms and Marriages: By appointment only. Contact the Parish House. Please note the Church law: Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. [Can. 867 §1]
St Bernadette’s Parish School: Mrs Leanne Nettleton (Principal) 9634 2898
Parish Council : Peter Grace (Chairman) 9659 5350; Julie Ferry (Secretary) 9629 6808
Sacramental Programme 2015 Information Nights - 13th & 14th October, 2014
Please pray for the anniversary of Peter Leseberg.
Prayers for the Sick: Denise Waudby, Robert Ison, Elaine Rowe, Michael Lopez, Alison Watkins, Ulrich Pragst, Robert Teoh, Sophie Marr, Neil Dickson and Bashir Merhi.
ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 15 & 16 February, 2014
ACOLYTES/ SERVERS LECTORS MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
VIGIL John Maker, Joseph Frketic
S11
Douglas Carvalho Tony Calabria
Felicity Carvalho
Felicity Carvalho, Susan Concon, John Leach, Phyllis Lopez, Laura Burridge, Susan Cejka, Lynne Myers, Joan Quinn, Mary McMahon
7.30AM Zeno Hong, Vince Connelly
S1
Gerard Kearney Daryl Hill
Audrey Markowskei
Barbara Ortlepp, Alfred & Gladys Tsang, Colleen & Eric Woodhead, Jo Wickens
9.00AM Budi Kawiadji, Roque Dias
S2
Ann O’Brien Susan Moore
Hubert Jenneke
Brian & Jenny Blacklock, Neil Bone, Angela Crowe, Brian D’Arcy, Jeff Davis, Jocelyn Donovan, Jack Garcia,
Rosalie Sampath
10.30AM Edy Kesuma, Dennis Frketic
S3
Anna-Maria Fitzpatrick Michael/John Fitzpatrick
Philip Golamco
Anita Christy, Pauline Camilleri, Dorothy Finucane, Narelle Cartwright, Philip Golamco, Elizabeth Fogolin,
Margaret Hawkes, Winnie & Henry Li
6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 16 February
Adult Server Cassie Holden
S4
Ministers of Communion
Musos
Lectors Janina Cejka
Mystique Nelis Patricia Wibisono
Altar Servers S4
Projectionists Josh Becker
Welcomers Alex Medak Ben Mules
Gift Preparation Amy O’Connell, Veronica Ward
Ushers Paul Musgrave
Phillip Smith
Johan Nelis Tony Muscat
Stef Musgrave Jeremy Smith
Martin Collins Jen Tripolone Marc Clasquin Matt Ashton
Bass Erich Gracias Flor
Piano Brigit Huxley
Guitar Martin Abeleda
Drums Justin Abeleda
Horns
Singers Cassie Knezevic Jacqui Holden Natalie Jones
Nicholas Holden Dominic Jones
Jamison Bonifacio
Lauren Fernandez
CHILDREN’S LITURGY Narelle Cartwright Gerard Kearney
FLOWER ROSTER Lorraine O’Mara
CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING Margaret Griffin, Faye Goldsworthy, Maree Greenwell, Joan McCallich
COUNTING (1st Collection) Siew Elsdon & Remy De Leon
COUNTING (2nd Collection) Edy Kesuma, Claire & Joe Lagunzad,
Elizabeth De Jesus, Mila Mina
BOOKSHOP No Bookshop During Renovations
