The MassabielleThe Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s

Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW

SEPTEMBER 23-24, 2006 — TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEIssue Number 171

Dear Members of St Bernadette’s Parish Community,

Thank you to all who took the time to fill out the National Church Life Survey last weekend at mass. It was a terrible inconvenience, but the results will be helpful to us here at Castle Hill in our future planning for the needs of the parish. Apologies to those who had filled out the same survey in another parish the weekend before last. You had some fifty questions to fill out during mass. Fr Eugene, Sister Judy and I have a survey of some 356 questions to fill out. (I haven’t done mine yet!)

At the same time as we filled out the survey, you may have noticed some men counting the people attending your mass. The results are interesting. Just over 2,000 people attend mass at St Bernadette’s. The numbers are inconsistent, but on average, 350 attend the vigil mass; 300 at the 7.30am mass, 450 at the 9.00am mass; 600 at the 10.30am (although 810 attended the 10.30am mass on the weekend of September 10.) Sunday night mass attracts 435 people. Thanks to Vince Connelly who arranged the National Church Life Survey and the head count.

During the week I attended a “short listing” for the Principal of Gilroy College. The present Principal retires at the end of the year, as does the Religious Education Co-ordinator. There is a selection panel that will interview the candidates for Principalship next Tuesday and the process continues until October 4. So by mid-October we should know who will lead the school next year. Keep the panel in your prayers.

The Diocesan Auditor, Anthony Holmes, was here on Thursday. He spent the whole day going over the parish accounts and at the end of the day announced that Monica, who keeps track of our parish finances, had the best kept books in the diocese. (I think Anthony tells all the secretaries that.) It is good to know that the parish has a clean record.

The Parish Pastoral Council met on Thursday night and, amongst other things, decided to hold this year’s Annual General Meeting in the parish hall on Thursday night November 23 at 7.30pm. Before that date nominations will be called for for new members of the Parish Pastoral Council. The election will take place during the meeting. So keep November 23 free to come and attend the parish’s AGM.

Alice and a team of helpers worked all day Thursday putting together the kits for the leaders who will work with the parents preparing their children for the Sacrament of Penance. The children will go to Reconciliation and make their First Confession on Saturday November 25 and Saturday December 2. Please keep them in your prayers. Alice is to marry David Bradshaw in a 10.00am Nuptial Mass on October 21, here at St Bernadette’s. And the entire parish is invited. There will be some refreshments following the mass. If you are able to come and join in the festivities, for catering purposes, please ring Carla at the parish office on 9634 2622 or email us at admin@stbernadette.org.au.

Recently the catechists had a morning tea where Adeline Chong was farewelled and Neil Bone took on the role of catechist co-ordinator. The photo shows Sister Judy, Adeline and Neil.

Fr John Boyle R E A D I N G S ……

First Reading Wisdom 2:12,17-20 The people who do not know God plot the downfall of those good people who try to live by God’s law. They want to see the death of good and virtuous people.

Second Reading James 3:16-4:3 James recognises that whenever there is external conflict, turmoil or division, the

root cause can be found within the individual’s own inner being.

Gospel Mark 9:30-37 The disciples show themselves to be very human as they argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus teaches them the way of true discipleship, using a small child as his visual aid.

Next week: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year BNumbers 11:25-29, James 5:1-6, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Feast Days this weekSt Vincent de Paul, priest – Wed, 27 Sept

Ss Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels – Fri, 29 Sept

St Jerome, priest, doctor – Sat, 30 Sept

HOLY HOUR every Thursday, 8-9pm – including Rosary, prayers, hymns & scripture reading. All welcome!

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION held on Thursdays, 7.30pm, Lourdes Centre, 31b Brisbane Road, Castle Hill.

CONFIRMATION 2006: Our newly confirmed will be presented to the parish at both our Saturday and Sunday evening masses this weekend. Please congratulate and welcome them as they have completed their initiation into the Church.

FIRST RECONCILIATION 2006: Thank you to all those who helped us with the Kit Packing on Thursday. It was a job well done. Our preparation programme will begin next term. Please keep all our parish children and their families in your prayers during this time.

DIOCESAN WORKS FUND APPEAL Thank you for your generosity. This fund assists the charitable works of the Diocese, mostly those who in themselves have no funding base. A quota is imposed each year, based on parish contributions. We have nearly reached our quota for this collection which is $24,214. To date we have received $22,925. Please give generously. Contributions to this Fund are 100% tax deductible.

NATIONAL CHURCH LIFE SURVEY 2006: Last weekend (16/17 September) parishioners – 15 years and over – were asked to complete a Survey Paper. 1,489 valid Survey forms were returned – with a few more expected. Thank

you to all parishioners who participated and all people who handed out forms, and collected completed forms.

CHURCH BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE will be held this Thurs, 21 Sept, 7.30pm, Parish Basement.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kameron Dias and Jesse Martin who were baptised at St Bernadette’s last Sunday.

Liturgy Corner After having professed faith in Jesus as the Christ, the disciples are drawn back into the corrupting world of ambition as they ask: “which of them is the greatest?” Like the disciples, we can be enthused by the faith experience of our Sunday Mass, but soon be swallowed up by the corrupting influences around us. When we return to Sunday Mass we often begin by “calling to mind our sins”; we then “take part in the act of penitence” and “in the Kyrie, acclaim the Lord and implore his mercy” (GIRM 51 & 52). We are constantly journeying from being fed at Eucharist for life and returning from our broken life to be healed at Eucharist. “Make us strong through the Eucharist. May we put into action the saving mystery we celebrate.”

The Summit

LADIES LEISURE GROUP meeting at the Parish Basement on 30 September at 2pm. Rosemary Wilson to speak about ‘Relationships’. Demonstration on Ikebana flower arrangement and cake decoration postponed. RSVP Rose Huby 9634 8696. All welcome.

THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION DINNER MEETING AND LADIES’ NIGHT will be held at the Hills Lodge this Tuesday 26 September, 7pm. Contacts: Bernie Good 9680 1935 or John Tessier 8850 2474.

R.C.I.A. DO YOU WANT TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF FAITH, OR ENRICH YOUR FAITH, OR BECOME A CATHOLIC? Well, now is a good time because RCIA Enquiry Evenings will be held on Tuesday 3 October or Wednesday 4 October at 7.30pm, Parish House Lounge. For additional information please phone the Parish House on 9634 2622. An invitation for you or someone you know available at Church door. Please take one to keep or pass on.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY The raffle for the quilts and dolls last Sunday was a great success, $1,520 was raised. Congratulations to the winners - Lillian

D'Morias, Kathy Richmond and Rose Lichaa. Many thanks to the knitters who made the beautiful quilts and dolls, the organisers who worked so hard and all the parishioners who bought tickets - a wonderful help to the Society members in our work of supporting families in need."

INFORMATION COURSE R U COMING 2 LUNCH? Relatives and friends of parishioners who would like to find out more about CHRISTIANITY, and those who would like to strengthen their Faith, are invited to lunch, a DVD presentation

and discussion on CHRISTIANITY. The programme is based on the ALPHA COURSE and will be held in the Parish Hall on Saturday 30 September from 8.30am – 4.30pm. The topics for the day are "WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO?, HOW CAN I BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?, HOW CAN I RESIST EVIL? AND DOES GOD HEAL TODAY?" Gold coin donation. For catering purposes please RSVP the Parish Office by Thursday 28 September.CHAT, Craft &…? Every 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month. Conversation, craft...10am-2pm. Basement. BYO lunch. Gold coin donation. Enq: Ellen 9634 7276, Sandra 9680 1881.

…events and news for ALL Parishioners…

LIFE TEEN SUPPER FOR EVERYONE is available outside the hall after the 6pm LIFE TEEN Parish Youth Mass this Sunday. Come grab a bite to eat, have a drink and take the time to get to know someone from your Christian family who you may not know yet. There will be no supper next week.

Are you looking for Jesus? Where? (John 1:45) - LIFE TEEN: SPREAD THE WORD – “Here's the catch: Jesus' eyes are your eyes. Others are looking, and most aren't looking for Him at Church.” Are you Phillip or Nathanael? Better find out! We will put it up this time.

…events and news for Youth & Young Adults…

GRAND FINAL Lock-in Night: We invite all teens yr 8-12 to join us next Sunday after the LIFE TEEN Youth Mass to watch the Grand Final on the big screen followed by an all night lock-in where there will be heaps of games, activities and movies. We will finish 9am Monday morning, and we ask you to please bring $5 for a late night supper and breakfast. BYO snacks and lollies for the movies.

LIFE TEEN is now producing podcasts! Check out the website, www.lifeteen.com, for your free weekly podcast.

40 Hour Famine – a reminder to all participants that you need to return your money and booklets to Veronica by September 25. Thank you again for your great efforts.

Into LIFE for any high school teens in yr 6-8! Join us this Wednesday, 7-8:30pm, in the Parish hall for great games and activities and a big farewell for all those in yr 8. Please bring $2 for the farewell BBQ. Remember it doesn’t matter if you haven’t been before as the Into LIFE Leaders will make sure you feel welcome, meet others and have a great night.

LIFE Night for any high school teens in yr 8-12! Tonight we have a great night planned as we welcome all yr 8 teens. What is Karma and can it help you win the REM CD or the Bean DVD. Promises

to be another great night of competition and prizes. So join us tonight in the hall 7:30-8:30pm for an awesome night. Remember it doesn’t matter if you haven’t been before (especially if you are in yr 8) as the LIFE Night Leaders will make sure you feel welcome, meet others and have a great night.

The LIFE Lounge: Tonight we continue with our “Christian Meditation“ with Maria Baden. A great night so please join us. No need to have attended last week. Take this opportunity to experience and explore another approach to our faith. Anyone who has left high school is welcome to join us from 7:30-8:30pm. Next Week: Long Weekend social!

LIFE TEEN Summer Camp 07: 4 great days at the beach Jan 22-25, for any high school teens. More info and registration forms next term.

Looking for a great website for teens and young adults? Look no further - www.lifeteen.com. If you want to know what’s on for youth and young adults at St Bernadette’s check out our parish youth website www.lifeteenaustralia.com, or contact Sean or Alice at the Parish House on 9634 2622 or email youth@stbernadette.org.au. _____________________________________________________

CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY Couples who were married in 1981(25 years), 1966(40 years), 1956(50 years) or in any year prior to 1956 are invited to celebrate their journey with other couples and family members during a special Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on Sun 12 Nov at 2.30pm. Bishop Kevin Manning will be the principal celebrant and you are invited to afternoon tea following Mass. Please contact the Parish Office 9634 2622 by 18 October to register.

BILLETS NEEDED: Once again our parish has committed to running the LIFE TEEN Youth Ministry workshops from October 8-11. As always we have a number of participants who will be coming from regional NSW and interstate and would like to assist them in alleviating their costs by providing billeting during their stay in Castle Hill. If you think you will be able to assist, please contact Sean at the Parish Office on 9634 2622 or youth@stbernadette.org.au.

A Concert titled “Good Morning Good People” is to be hosted by the Capuchin Parish of Plumpton, Good Shepherd Church, Hyatt Rd Plumpton, 2pm, Sun, Oct 1. It is a moving and prayerful journey in song of the Life of St Francis of Assisi. The singers are Peter Kearney and Claire Parkhill, with Peter Kearney at the Guitar and Roma Dix playing the flute. Admission is $20 and $7 for pensioners and students. Please see the flyer on noticeboard for more details.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA - Sunday, 8 Oct, 1.30pm An invitation goes out to all to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Procession with Rosary recited in 5 languages in the Church grounds, concluding with solemn Mass and refreshments. Novena of Rosary and Mass will start from Fri 29 Sept at 7pm at the parish Church. Petitions to Our Lady for graces and healings may be placed in the Petition Box which will be sent to Fatima. Enquiries: Angela Egiziano 9652 1358, Angela Scotti 9652 1184, Mary Camilleri 4566 8303, Maria Sfirse 9652 2728.

Recovery: The Diocesan Ministry to Solo Parents & Families is offering a 7 week Workshop for those who have suffered the loss of a partner or spouse.  Venue: Institute for Mission, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown.  Date:

18 Oct.  Further details & registration, phone the Ministry Centre 9890 2968.

Please pray for Paul Ambrosius who died recently and for Laurice Chahine, Charles Leach and Honorata Espiritu whose anniversaries occur about this time and for Elvira Cunial, Cecil Brito, Ruby Dorasamy, Sinforosa, Constancia and Frederico Ablanido, Pedro and Celia Cabra and Demetrio Salteza.

Prayers for the sick: Bart Daley, Elizabeth Gavin, Clyde Cranny, Lee Lonard, Nicole Sheffield, Lesley Carroll, Iris Rodriquez, Sarah Moraschi, Kylie Taylor, Daniel Jernazian, James Boyd, Josephine Wilson, Paul Griffin, sick members of Castle Hill SVDP, Marie Pearson, Jacinta Pearson, John Smith,

Larissa O’Callaghan, Evi Barbosa, Iris Henderson, Celia Estacio, May McMartin, Lesley Swaddling, Fr R Lyons, Martin Family, Gillian O’Brien, Gina Vella, See Seng Lorenzo, Michael Galvin, Marguerite Topolynski, Cathy Clancy, Bob Clarke, Rita Dwyer, Michael Ryan, Robert & Jenny Brisbane, Lisa Boaro, Theresa Lobo, Tricia Batongbacal, Gabriel, Agnes Ryan, Carlo Aloschi, Mariee Biegelke, Michael York, Susie Marks, Trish Lucas, Kevin Damyon, Anne Feely, Leo Noel, Geoff Robinson, Damiano Vallelonga, Katherine Lambert, John F Smith, Pamela Lobo, Cathy Flynn, Bernadette Shea, Val Pearson, William Gama, Ignatius Periera, Fiona Kutera, Don Jenkins, Rebecca Aylmer, Joshua Daniels.

ACOLYTE / SERVERS

LECTORS

SAT 6.00PMMichael Wilson

S7Vince Connelly

Ray Scully

7.30AMJohn Peters

S8Anne Parker Karl Procter

9AMJohn Stone

S9David Green Lina Josue

10.30AMJohn Townsend

S10Michael Abrahams

Tim Abrams

6.00PM PARISH LIFETEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER – October 1 Extraordinary Ministers Lectors Ushers

of Communion Jen Austin Alfonso AguileraBen Ferry Lesley Musgrave

Chris Musgrave Stef Musgrave Tea & Coffee ServiceDarren Edwards Altar ServersDianne Hanna S6 Supper ServiceIan Pomeroy Projectionists Vita Aloschi

James Waters Quinton ClasquinKerry HearneMarc Clasquin Welcomers Supper Clean UpMaria Finucane Tina Muscat Maro Remaili

Tiffany Smith Tony Muscat Pam WatersAdult Servers

Alex TomicGillian Pak

St Bernadette’s Parish CommunityParish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154

Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: admin@stbernadette.org.auWeb 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, 10.30amSr Judy McLeod, rsm, Pastoral Associate & 6.00pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth MassMiss Alice Sahabu, Sacramental Co-ordinator Weekdays Mon 6.45am Mr Sean Finucane, Youth Minister Tue 6.45am Mr Ian Pomeroy, Into LIFE Youth Minister Wed 6.45am, 9.15am Mrs Carla Knox, Parish Secretary (Mon, Wed-Fri) Thurs 6.45am, 9.15amMrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu) Fri 6.45am, 9.15am Mrs Annarita Mezger, Parish Secretary (Tue & Fri) Sat 8.00am Mr Michael Watson, Maintenance Co-ordinator

Reconciliation Sat 8.30am–9.00am; 4.30pm–5.30pm

Baptisms and Marriages: By appointment only. Contact the Parish House

St Bernadette’s Parish School: Mr Ted Langford, Principal 9634 2898

CHILDREN’S LITURGYSchool Holidays –

No Children’s Liturgy

FLOWER ROSTERMonica Wehinger

GOD’S HOUSEKEEPERSMargaret Griffin, Vicki Hord,

Margaret Sanders

COUNTING (1st Collection) Sandra Watson Denise Hicks

COUNTING (2nd Collection) Karl Procter, Anne Cheung, Elsa Brazel,

John De Brincat, Joe Morgan

BOOKSHOP Marianne Holohan / Rose Huby / Peter Jay /

Jan Harrild / Francesca Menezes