Contact Persons

FR VIMALRAJ ANTONYADIMAI Parish Priest, 0437000244

FR JOHN VILDZIUS Assistant PP 0447438882

MARGARET DALY Pastoral Associate 0413800721

Trudy Shirvington, Office Secretary , Jodie Maloney, Finance officer Office phone No - 8531 1699

Brian Rainey, Finance Chair, 0498323223

Phil Nutt, PPC Chair - 0417885539

Meradith O’Loughlin, Child Protection Contact person 0439064340

St Joseph’s School - 8534 2000

Peter Connolly, PPC Chair Tailem Bend - 0423312916

Dear All

We had the team meeting on 15th Dec, considering the present covid regulations, it will be maximum of 80 people in the church and 80 in the hall, unless otherwise we have further guidance from the SA government.

Considering the human labor, number of volunteers and COVID Marshalls to be involved in Oval Mass, The Parish Team has decided to have Christmas Eve Mass in the Church, not in the Oval. The Number of people is still 80 both in the Church and in the Hall. No Booking is needed. I am sorry that we are not have Mass in the oval this year.

The Team has also decided to give a deserving Farewell to Margaret Daly, our Pastoral Associate, in the evening Mass on 13th Feb Saturday 2021.

We are also unable host Christmas day Lunch that has been normally been done on Christmas Day, cancelled due to COVID reasons.

We will be taking up an extra collection on Christmas Eve/ Day Mass for the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry. For over 25 years the ACM has been offering a growing range of programs and services from there centre at 80 Payneham Rd Stepney.

Can everyone please take note that by Government regulations we need to scan the QR Code when we enter the Church or Hall. The code is on the doors of the Church and in the foyer.

Today’s readings focus on the circumstances leading up to the first coming of Jesus, the event which sets the pattern for his coming to us now and at the end of time. The Gospel stresses the key role of Mary in the work of our salvation. In addition, today’s Scripture texts describe God’s promise to David and its fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David. They also tell us that God’s preparation for the coming of Jesus was full of surprises.

Since my arrival here in Australia, I have not taken my holidays. I have decided to take mine from 28th December 2020 to 8th January 2021. I will be around South Australia. Fr John Vildius will be in charge.

Fr Vim Anto

MURRAY BRIDGE, MURRAY MALLEE & MALLEE BORDER

WEEKLY BULLETIN Information of our parishes & our communities

Most Holy Redeemer Church, 17 Ind Street, PO BOX 201, Murray Bridge, South Australia 5253

Email: mbcatholic@bigpond.com│ (08) 8531 1699│ www.murraybridgecatholic.com 20.12.2020

Coming Events

Tailem Bend - KSC 45 Club 1st No. Bob Connolly $25. 2nd No. Ada Considine $20. KSC next meeting 10th January 2021 at Tailem Bend.

Quote

A humble person doesn't ask, how can I get ahead? because getting ahead means putting others behind. She/He steps back to help others— Steven James.

Next Week Roster

Place Mannum Murray Bridge Murray Bridge Murray Bridge Tailem Bend

Dates 26.12.2020 26.12.2020 27.12.2020 27.12.2020 27.12.2020

Time 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 10:00 AM

Commentator Helena Williss Pattricia WC

Lector 1 Chris Law Rodel Maranan Edwin Pope

Lector 2 Sharon Gregory Dee Sturgees Tess Brereton

P.O. Faith John Crossley Fely Cooper

Eu. Ministers Erin Eckermann Trudy Shirvington

Welcoming 1 Carol Giles Raelee Wilson BobConnolly

Welcoming 2

COVID

Counting Meradith & Kevin

Maintenance Jong Bstamante & Junlo Dordas

20th December 2020 – 4th Sunday of Advent

First reading Samuel 7:1, 8-12, 14,16 House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am living in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent.’ Nathan said to the king, ‘Go and do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.’

But that very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus the Lord speaks: Are you the man to build me a house to dwell in? I took you from the pasture,

from following the sheep, to be leader of my people Israel; I have been with you on all your expeditions; I have cut off all your enemies before you. I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth. I will provide a place for my people Israel; I will plant them there and they shall dwell in that place and never be disturbed again; nor shall the wicked continue to oppress them as they did, in the days when I appointed judges over my people Israel; I will give them rest from all their enemies. The Lord will make you great; the Lord will make you a House. And when your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors, I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. I will be a father to him and he a son to me; if he does evil, I will punish him with the rod such as men use, with strokes such as mankind gives. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”’

Responsorial Psalm PS 71:3-4A, 5-6AB, 16-17

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord ‘I have made a cocenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your dynasty for ever And set up your throne through all ages.’ R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord He will say to me: “You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me’ I will keep my love for him always; for him my cove-nant shall endure. R. For ever I will sing th goodness of the Lord.

2nd Reading Romans 16:25-27 The mystery is revealed that was kept secret for endless ages

Glory to him who is able to give you the strength to live according to the Good News I preach, and in which I proclaim Jesus Christ, the revelation of a mystery kept secret for endless ages, but now so clear that it must be broadcast to pagans everywhere to bring them to the obedience of faith. This is only what scripture has predicted, and it is all part of the way the eternal God wants things to be. He alone is wisdom; give glory therefore to him through Jesus Christ for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Reading Luke 1:26-38 'I am the handmaid of the Lord'

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

Gospel Acclamation: Lk 1.38 Alleluia, alleluia! I am the handmaid of the Lord: let what you have said be done to me. Alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL We pray for the Holy Catholic Church, for Pope Francis and all our Bishops, Priests Deacons and all our other ministers. Lord hear us. Lord we ask you to grant peace in our homes, help us to stay focused this Advent season and always. Lord hear us. We pray that the message of Christmas may inspire all people to see the futility of violence and seek lasting peace, we especially remember the people in areas of conflict. Lord hear us. For those gathered here in this house of God will find in these final days before Christmas, a time of holy preparation to receive God anew into our hearts and minds. Lord hear us.

We pray that COVID-19 will soon be conquered and in the meantime we remain vigilant and give thanks for the many Doctors, Nurses and Carers who showed so much faith and compassion in their work. Lord hear us. We pray that we may be gratefully aware of the gifts and contributions people with disability share with our Church, and the wider communi-ty. Lord hear us. We pray for the sick in our Parish the lonely and the depressed, for the many carers who have faith looking after them, knowing God will touch their lives. Lord hear us. We pray for the recently deceased, especially and those whose anniversaries occur about this time. Rest in peace. Lord hear us.

Copy right to international commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL)

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/71?3

General instructions : COVID 19 1. Congregational singing to be avoided. 2. Choirs are permitted pro-vided they are able to social distance from each other & the rest of the parishioners. 3. Request you to keep distancing from each other, all times in the church, you are requested to be seated, during consecra-tion. 4. Once the capacity reached in the Church, then you may have to come to parish hall. 5. Offertory is not taken during the mass. 1st and 2nd collection baskets are placed in front, when you enter , you can drop your offering and envelopes. 6. Do not forget to use hand sanitiz-ers before and after mass and wipe the place you sit and touch. 7.Scan the QR Code. Welcomers will write your names from the list given—if your names are not there please do not hesitate to give your details to the welcomers to put it in black and white.

Joke of the week Again, a Catholic president in the U. S.? When my Baptist friend was a young teenager, President Kenne-dy ran for office. There was near hysteria in some places about the dangers of having a papist in office taking orders from the Vatican. Not long after the election, a little elderly lady was at the post office to buy stamps. The clerk said, “What denomina-

tion?” She adamantly said, “Baptist, but I did-n’t think it would come.

Weekly Takings M B M M

Last Week Last Week

1st - Priests $ 1466 $ 46

Envelopes $ 181 $ 90

Electronic $ $

Loose Plate $ 808 $ 15

Special collection $ $

Online $

Web Site $ $

Email: mbcatholic@bigpond.com

Website: www.murraybridgecatholic.com

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We’re familiar with the Gospel of today…the event of the Annunciation. For me, as perhaps for you, there are some striking elements in the scene.

I’m always stopped by the realization that Mary was only a young teenager at the time. Yet here was God reaching out to her. Young people can be holy in God’s sight as much as anyone else. Perhaps we need to see young people with different eyes. So this means that while still a young person Mary had a deep loving relationship with God. I ask her to help me in this too.

God treated Mary with respect answering her very personal and worrying and basic human question. Even before God, Mary is no pushover. There are huge implications here, including what this will do to her relationship with Joseph who she is marrying, and what it will do to her standing in the com-munity where family honour was the prime value. Will this bring shame and rejection? Mary has the courage to ask…she needs to know. Mary’s example gives us the courage to ask God stuff too.

Satisfied with the answer and perhaps wondering at the wider implications of what God is asking, Mary agrees. Saying “yes” to God can be challenging, yet look at what wonders it brings! You and I may not have a visit from angel Gabriel, but angels come to us in many forms. How about we make this time of Advent a time of our “yes” to God too? Do not be afraid.

Fr John Vildzius

Governance under the light of the Southern Cross Strong and effective governance is critical in safeguarding and prevention of abuse as well as responding to concerns and allegations, including clearly articulated roles, and lines of author-ity, responsibility and accountability for personnel at each level of management. This is recog-nised in Standard One of the Child Safe Standards established by the Royal Commission and replicated by CPSL in the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards 1:

Committed leadership, governance and culture - Child safeguarding is embedded in the entity’s leadership, governance and culture.195

Inquiries both in Australia and overseas have concluded that past governance practices within diocesan and parish structures contributed to failures of church leaders to respond appropriate-ly to allegations of sexual abuse of children, as well as to the alleged perpetrators.

6.6.1 The governance structures and leadership for safeguarding within Australia

The design and implementation of the safeguarding structures requires a balance between the autonomy of individual Church authorities and establishing an agreed national approach. Over a period of time, national and regulatory oversight, in conjunction with local implemen-tation and adaptation by individual Church authorities, will promote consistent practices across the Church.

This approach recognises that while there are important standards to be observed by all author-ities, there is room for difference in the way the principles are implemented based on individual circumstances. In that respect, authorities retain the autonomy to implement procedures and processes of good practice within a framework of continuous improvement and with the sup-port and regulation of external oversight.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

1) Why do we believe that the Bible is an inspired book?

It is not because a) It inspires me. b) Bible itself says that it is inspired. (Sacred Scriptures of Hindus and Muslims too make similar claims and most of the Bible books don’t make such a claim). c) “The Holy Spirit tells me the Bible is inspired.” (It is a subjective argument), d) “We are “convicted” that it is the word of God, and we get a positive “feeling” that it is inspired, and that’s that.” (It is also a subjective argument).

2) The Catholic position.

As the first step we prove the reliability of the Bible insofar as it is history. From that we conclude that a Church with infallible teaching authority was founded by Christ. And then we take the word of that infallible Church that the Bible is inspired. Without the existence of the Church, we could never know whether the Bible is inspired. The Church infallibly teaches that the Old Testament books are also inspired because Jesus and his apostles believed in them as inspired books and taught that truth. The New Testament books are recorded and inspired history of Jesus and his Church. Inspiration of the Bible means that the Holy Spirit as principal author of Sacred Scripture influenced the sacred writers in three ways:

He illuminated the mind of the sacred writer. 2) Holy Spirit moved the will of the sacred writers to write freely, though infallibly, what God wished. 3)The Holy Spirit aided the sacred writers in the work of composition.

Fr Vim Anto

Christmas Masses Scheduled

24th Dec 2020 Mannum at 4 PM

24th Dec 2020 Meningie at 6 PM

24th Dec 2020 Murray Bridge at 7 PM

24th Dec 2020 Tailem Bend at 8 PM

25th Dec 2020 Murray Bridge at 9 AM

Most Holy Redeemer Church, 17 Ind Street, PO BOX 201, Murray Bridge, South Australia 5253 Email: mbcatholic@bigpond.com│ (08) 8531 1699│ www.murraybridgecatholic.com

PARISH FUNDING PROGRAM You are welcome to make a contribution to the 1st and 2nd collection this can be done in a number of ways: 1. Via an electronic contribution: If you are currently contrib-uting via envelope, you can elect to make your contribution via credit card or direct debit. Forms can be obtained by visiting the office on Wednesdays during office hours. 2. You can drop your envelopes or cash for Open Plate (2nd collection) or donations to the 1st collection into the Parish Office between 9am-1:30pm Tuesday. Please mark a plain en-velope first or second collection if you are contributing by cash. 3. Via electronic contribution on the link on the Archdiocesan website is: www.adelaide.catholic.org.au, donation You will need to select the Murray Bridge / Murray Mallee and choose whether you are contributing to the First Collection (Support of Priests of the Archdiocese) or Second Collection (for support of the Parish Property & Maintenance etc.) THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE PRIESTS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE AND THE PARISH

Please Pray for the Sick: John Shanahan, Kevin Glancy, Lilia Cowan, Jackie Clarke, Ruta Vildzius, Kathy Broster, Lottie Grabski, Luigino Antonello, Thomas Arnold, Ann Loughran, Kathalia Celestine, Robert Brophy, Vic Leak, Keith Woithe, Margy Nykiel, Lillian Nagy, Joan Carey, Nilda Guadagnin, Natasha Slevec, Angela Groves, Charlotte Tottman, Adriana Lai, Niail Glancy, John Uren, Archbishop Emeritus Philip Wilson, Jan Winter, Maria & Vince Rocca, Fr Chris O’Neil, Nan Anderson, K V Thomas, Eda Abbondandola, Carol Hunt, Beryl Allam, Pat Duxbury, Helen Hogan Anniversaries: Deaths:

Week day Masses—Tuesday & Thursday MB at 9.30 AM,

Friday 12 PM, Wednesday at Mannum 11 AM, 2nd Thursday 5

PM at Meningie, Tailem Bend - all others Sundays LWC at 10

AM, Reconciliation MB– Saturday 5.20pm -5.50pm

Thank You So our Christmas tree may look a little different this year. Thank you to Kathy Brakovic for donating our other tree many years ago. We now have a new tree donated by Teresa & Vergie & the Fillipino Commu-nity. Many thanks to everyone who helped setting up, decorating the tree and the setting up of the Nativity set. Advent Blessings Marg Daly

Gospel Anecdote: Mrs. Marie Norton of Elmira, New York, died in the fall of 1951, admired and praised by all who had known her. Before she had any children, she was afflicted with cancer, and physicians advised her against becoming pregnant. But Marie decided to ignore advice and leave matters in God’s hands. She went ahead and brought ten children into the world, and they were healthy children. When her brother-in-law lost his wife, she took his children in, too. It was no easy chore to keep house for such a brood, but she did it and was also her own cook and laundress. Had Marie’s malady vanished? By no means. For thirty-five years she was under treatment for malignancies and submitted to as much radium therapy as her body could tolerate. Forty-two times she went under the surgeon’s knife. After Marie’s death her son-in-law’s mother wrote a letter to the paper in praise of Mrs. Norton. “As I observed her giving, besides services, joy and sunshine … to us all, it has left me with a new reverence, a feeling that I have witnessed something this sick world needs today… an assurance that God does hear and answer those who love and trust Him.” Yes, He hears and He gives us of Himself: the supreme Christmas gift is His Beloved Son. “… For nothing is impossible with God”

(Father Robert F. McNamara)

Archdiocesan News Christmas Mass On Channel 44 A short carols service and the midnight Mass will be aired from St Francis Xavi-er’s Cathedral on Channel 44 on Friday, 25th December at 11am. We hope this will bring joy to those who will not be able to attend services in person. Please share the news with family and friends or anyone you know would regularly tune into Mass on Channel 44.

MURRAY BRIDGE, MURRAY MALLEE & MALLEE BORDER

Weeks Sat 4PM Sat 6PM Sun 10AM Sun 5 PM Sun 10AM

1st Man MB MB MB T. Bend

2nd Man MB MB MB Pin/ Lam

3rd Man MB MB MB T. Bend

4th Man MB MB MB Meningie

5th Man MB MB MB

http://www.adelaide.catholic.org.au