Trinity Sunday 22 May 2016 Year C

Three in one Have your children asked you what we mean by the Trinity? You might wonder how to explain our basic Christian beliefs in ways children can understand. You could say that we believe there are three persons in God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But your children might reply: isn’t there just one God? So how can there be three persons? This is not just a question for children, but also for adults. People of other monotheistic religions, Jews and Muslims especially, find talk of the Trinity puzzling, as do some Christians. Part of the problem arises from our use of the misleading word ‘person’. We commonly understand person to mean an autonomous human being with individual self-consciousness and free will. But that is not what we mean of the persons in the Blessed Trinity. There are not three centres of consciousness in God, only one. We are not tritheists. The original meaning of the Latin word ‘persona’ was a ‘mask’ or ‘character’ in play, not a person in the modern sense of the word. Indeed the modern word developed from the ancient word to describe the persons in the Trinity. How did the early Christians develop their understanding of God as followers of Christ? Like all Jewish people, the early disciples were decidedly monotheistic, and Christians remained so through the early centuries. The first Christians had their intense experience of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, followed by the empowering of the Holy Spirit; they tried to make sense of this and to explain these extraordinary events to later generations. The New Testament writers repeatedly highlight the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit with, their

oneness with God, whom Jesus invited us to address in very intimate and personal terms as our Father. Inevitably this is a patriarchal term and so somewhat problematic for some people today. For we know God is neither male nor female, but the origin of all being. We refer to Jesus as the second person of the Trinity. The Word the Father astonishingly assumes flesh in the humanity of Jesus, Son of the Father, including a human consciousness without losing his sense of unity with the Father. How is all this possible? Christians have wrestled for centuries to try and understand, but finally we bow before mystery. Like the early Christians we relish the experience of God’s love in our life and in creation, of Jesus coming among us as our redeemer in such a graphically human way, and of the comforting presence of God’s Holy Spirit guiding us. We can have the experience of all this without fully understanding its meaning. As the book of Proverbs (8:31) says so beautifully in the liturgy today, the Wisdom of God is “ever at play in God’s presence, at play everywhere in God’s world, delighting to be with the children of mankind.”

Bruce Duncan CSsR © Redemptorists 2016

News

OUR VISION

"Everything is to be oriented towards the praise and glory of God".

OUR MISSION

The St Agnes' Parish Community strives to make our Vision a reality by a commitment to:

• holiness in the image of Christ • proclaim the good news of

salvation 2016 Jubilee

• minister within the faith community • the service of all, particularly those

in need

75 Year Anniversary of St Agnes’ Church

On 2 March 1941, the current St Agnes’ Church was blessed and opened by Bishop John Carroll DD, Bishop of Lismore. This year, 2016, we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of that opening.

Next weekend 28 - 29 May, we remember that time and reflect back on this period in our Church’s history. The weekend celebrations will be as follows. The normal masses will take place in St Agnes’ Church. Before each Mass there will be a short reflection by members of the Parish. Then, after Communion, there will be a video with reflections from some of our parishioners who have been a part of this journey over the 75 years. Around the walls of the Church will be a photo display and timeline of the Church over the 75 years. During the 9.00am Mass the new Anniversary Organ will be blessed. The music at this Mass will be hymns that would have been sung 75 years ago. After each of the Masses, there will be a gathering on the Church grounds: 6pm Vigil - Donuts, tea and coffee. 7.30am - Raisin Toast and tea and coffee. 9.00am - Anniversary cake with morning tea. 5.00pm - Welcome Sunday BBQ. St Agnes is our Parish Church so please come and join with our parish community for this weekend of events.

If anyone has any photographs of the early days – can you please drop them into the Presbytery and we will copy and add to the photo display. Thank you.

Peter O’Driscoll, Parish Pastoral Assistant

Baptism Information Night The next Baptism Information Night will be held on Thursday, 26 May at 6.00pm in St Agnes’ Church. If you are planning on having a child baptised it is important for you to attend an information session.

Caritas Project Compassion Thank You

Thank you to our parishioners and schools for the money raised in this year’s Caritas Project Compassion Appeal. The total amount raised by our Parish was $22489.70. The amounts raised were: Parish $ 7184.50 Schools $15305.20

Choir Rehearsal

In preparation for the 75 Year Anniversary Mass next weekend, there will be a special choir rehearsal on Saturday, 28 May from 4.30pm in the Church. All are welcome to come along and join in. For more information please contact Jenni on 0438 522 854.

Sacramental Program This week students and their families will begin the sacramental journey towards Confirmation. There will be two parent registration evenings held in St Agnes’ Church commencing at 6.00pm. • Wednesday 25 May. • Monday 30 May. Should you have any questions please contact the Presbytery office on 6583 1024.

Any children in our Parish who attend other schools - in Year 2, or over - wishing to enrol in the Sacramental Program for Confirmation please contact Denise at St. Peter's school on 6584 1962 or Donna at St Agnes’ school on 6583 7433 or email: sacramentalprogram@gmail.

Father Rob Galea in Concert Father Rob Galea, renowned for his singing, song writing and evangelical outreach ministry will be appearing in concert at the Manning Entertainment Centre on Friday, 3 June commencing at 8.00pm. Tickets are $5.00 for students under 18 years and $15.00 for adults and may be purchased at the MEC by phoning 6592 5466 or via their website mec@gtcc.nsw.gov.au. We also look forward to Fr Rob’s return to our St Agnes’ Parish in September this year. More details will be available closer to the date.

Parish Morning Tea Thank You Thank you to our Family Groups for hosting last weekend’s parish morning tea after 9.00am Mass. Parish morning teas provide parishioners with an opportunity to enjoy a chat and a cuppa.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

Prayer to Our Lady Help of Christians

Feast Day, 24 May Almighty God deepen in our

hearts our love

for Mary, Help of Christians.

Through her prayers and under

her protection may the light of

Christ shine over our land and

may your blessings remain

with us always.

We ask this through Christ our

Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians.

Pray for us.

The Rosary will be offered from 4.45pm prior to Tuesday’s Mass. All are welcome to join with us on this special feast day.

Christian Meditation Christian meditation will continue at St Francis of Assisi Chapel on a Wednesday from 6.00pm - 7.00pm. For more information contact Simon on 0412 236 977.

Taizé Worship Thank you to all those who joined us for Taizé over the Easter season! Taizé will now run on the last Wednesday of every month, starting this month on 25 May. Services will continue to run from 6.00 - 7.00pm at St Francis of Assisi Chapel in Lochinvar Place. Everyone is welcome! For more information contact Jenni or Ellen through the Presbytery Office on 6583 1024.

Welcome Father Frank Devoy This weekend we welcome Fr Frank Devoy who has kindly offered to assist with our weekend Masses this weekend and next, whilst Fr Roland is on leave.

Lake Cathie Morning Tea On Sunday, 29 May, after 8.00am Mass morning tea will be held at Star of the Sea Chapel. Parishioners attending this Mass are invited to stay for a cuppa and a chat.

menALIVE Weekend in Orange

When was the last time you felt really alive?

menALIVE is a National Catholic Ministry to Men which was founded out of a response to a great need in the hearts and lives of men and a great need in the life of the Catholic Church. The purpose of menALIVE is to bring men together, to renew their faith in God and to encourage them to become an active force within the Church. There will be a menALIVE weekend in Orange over the 18-19 June. For more information: • Visit the website www.menalive.org.au. • Email: menaliveorange@gmail.com. • Phone Orange Parish Office on 6362 2378.

Kindergarten Enrolments Enrolments are now being accepted for 2017 Kindergarten in the three St Agnes’ Parish primary schools. For more information contact the Parish Administration Centre on 6588 7444 or email: enrol@pac.stagnesparish.org.au. Applications will close on Tuesday 31 May.

Wraps With Love The CWL is seeking more 8 ply wool for its Wrap with Love project. If you can donate any wool please leave it at the Presbytery Office.

Recently Deceased: Eunice Johnston, Lola McGill, Christina Jones, Antonio Malaga Sr. Anniversaries: Eve Stephens, Romarico Odrunia, Mavis Carlon, Atilana Amigable, Roy Graham, Ethel O’Loughlin, Myra Blake, Theresa Formosa, Clare Cotter, Fr Robert Kennedy, Fr John Walsh, Fr Charles O’Gallagher, Bishop Patrick Farrelly. Other Mass Intentions: Lesley Edmonds, Robert Morgan, Sue Bernard, Marija Miller, Pat Chuck, Cyril & Eileen Bennett, Hilton Dodds, deceased members of Lynch family, Mary Walklate, Beryl Thomas, Francoise Cassegrain, Hazel Stephens, donor intentions and Masses of thanksgiving.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

Remember in Prayer

Become a member of the Catholic Care of the Aged Pastoral Care Team

... learn the skills ... Active Listening Communication

Spirituality Loss and Grief

And an overview of Dementia and

Communicating with residents with dementia.

Information Session Tuesday, 24 May 1.30 – 2.30pm

Emmaus Education Room Come, Listen, Give (Live)

Volunteers are needed to spend some time with our

CCA residents and share their stories.

Your presence will make a difference and it is a

wonderful and life-giving ministry.

Come and see if this is for you – All are Welcome

Have you IT skills to assist the team?

Reserve your place

Phone Pastoral Care on 65899814 or 0438 832 740.

READERS AND COMMENTATORS

6pm Vigil: Diana Smith Sarah Smith Vanessa Denham 7.30am: Sandy Luschwitz Anne O’Brien Jim O’Brien 9.00am: Beth Flynn Julie Preston Anne Thurgate 5.00pm: Brayden DeCastro Daniel Ward Aaron Houghton MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST

6pm Vigil: Phil Lloyd Denise Smith Paul Jones Jodie Rich 7.30am: Greg Grace Sandra Wilson Lisa Toomey Kay Farrawell

Parish Priest Father Leo Donnelly

Assistant Priest Father Peter Wood

Assistant Priest Father Roland Agrisola

Pastoral Assistant Peter O’Driscoll T (02) 6584 9970

Presbytery Office 47 Hay Street Port Macquarie PO Box 23 T (02) 6583 1024 E pastoraloffice@stagnesparish.org.au www.stagnesparish.org.au

Office Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm

9.00am: Cathy Stevenson Peter O’Driscoll Nigel Toole Bryan Longhurst 5.00pm: Karen Robson Natalie Jennings Casey Whitehouse Fran Liddy

GIFT BEARERS ROSTER 6pm Vigil: P & F Shaw 7.30am: S Wilson & S Bale 9.00am: K Cooper & Family

THE STATUE OF OUR LADY Pat & Marie Mullens 23 The Sanctuary Close Port Macquarie. Phone 6584 1626 NEXT WEEK’S READINGS Body and Blood of Christ Yr C Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 109; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9:11-17.

ROSTERS 29 May 2016 FEAST DAYS Our Lady, Help of Christians, Patron of Australia Tuesday 24 May St Bede the Venerable, St Gregory VII, St Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi Wednesday 25 May

St Philip Neri Thursday 26 May St Augustine of Canterbury Friday 27 May

ST AGNES’ CHURCH | Hay Street, Port Macquarie Monday to Thursday: 5.15pm Friday : 12.05pm Saturday : 8.00am, 6.00pm Vigil Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am, 5.00pm Please note: Weekday Masses at 9.00am on Public Holidays Reconciliation: Friday 11.30am -12 noon, Saturday 11.30am - 12.30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 1st Saturday of the month 8.30am - 9.30am. ST FRANCIS CHAPEL | Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan Ph 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259. Communion Service or Mass: 9.30am Monday - Thursday Sunday Mass: 9.30am CHRIST THE KING CHAPEL | Boronia St, Port Macquarie Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan Ph: 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259 Weekday Mass: See Notice On Chapel Door Mass: Saturday Vigil - 4.30pm Rosary: 1st Saturday of the month 4.00pm. ST BERNARD'S, TELEGRAPH POINT | Rollands Plain Rd, Telegraph Point Thursday: 6.00pm. STAR OF THE SEA, LAKE CATHIE | Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie Sunday : 8.00am.

DIOCESAN INVESTMENT FUND PAYS 2.60% AT CALL! There are no fees or charges on your account. AGENTS: Mrs Veronica Rinkin & Mrs Mary O’Brien

DIF Office, Parish Administration Centre, Phone: (02) 6583 7439 9am – 1pm Monday - Friday

PARISH MASSES