St. Mary's Road Sydney NSW 2000Phone: (02) 9220 0400 Fax: (02) 9223 5208Email: info@stmaryscathedral.org.auConnect with us on Social Media!www.facebook.com/stmaryssydneyInstagram: @stmaryscathedralsydney

Sunday, 22 April 2018 Fourth Sunday of Easter– Year B

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

The way things are in public discourse these days, Saint Peter would probably be accused of being “non-inclusive” on the basis of the First Reading at Sunday Mass this weekend (Acts 4.8-12), because he says that the name of Jesus Christ is the only name in which we can be saved. Not Moses, not Buddha, not Mohammed, not Vishnu and not Zarathustra; Not in the name of St Peter himself, nor Our Lady, nor St Faustina, nor St Francis and St Dominic can we be saved, nor by St Josemaria Escriva or St Mary MacKillop. Neither can we be saved through the name of Joseph Kentenich, Pierre Goursat, Luigi Giussanni, Jean Vanier, Frank Duff, Andrea Riccardi, Gabriel Calvo, Carmen Hernadez, Kiko Arguello, or Chiara Lubich. Not even the names of Stephen Hawking, Xi Jinping, or

Oprah Winfrey can save us.

Only in the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, who was crucified, whom God raised from the dead, can salvation come to us. And that salvation, as we also discover in the reading from Acts, comes to us through the word and work of the apostles and the Church.

Jesus himself spoke of a time when “there will be only one flock, and one shepherd.” (John 10.16, part of this Sunday’s Gospel). He wasn’t being “non-inclusive” of anyone, instead he desires all to be included in his flock. But there is only one saving Name, one true Shepherd: Jesus Christ.May He bless us and guide us every day of our lives!

Fr Don Richardson

Liturgy…

First Reading Acts 4:8-12

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

This is the only name by which we can be saved.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter said: ‘Rulers of the people, and elders! If you are questioning us today about an act of kindness to a cripple, and asking us how he was healed, then I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the whole people of Israel, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name and by no other that this man is able to stand up perfectly healthy, here in your presence, today. This is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has proved to be the keystone. For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.’

The word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God!

Responsorial Psalm Ps 117:1. 8-9. 21-23. 26. 28-29. R. v.22

(R.) The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.

1. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in men:it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. (R.)

2. I will thank you for you have given answer and you are my saviour. The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes. (R.)

3. Blessed in the name of the Lord is he who comes. We bless you from the house of the Lord;I will thank you for you have given answer and you are my saviour. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love has no end. (R.)

Liturgy…

Second Reading 1 Jn 3:1-2

A reading from the first letter of St JohnWe shall see God as he is.

Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are. Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us. My dear people, we are already the children of God but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed; all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is.

The word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God!

Gospel Acclamation Jn 10:14

Alleluia, alleluia!I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.

Alleluia!

Liturgy…

Gospel Jn 10:11-18

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.

Jesus said:

‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me,just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well.

They too will listen to my voice,and there will be only one flock and one shepherd. The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and as it is in my power to lay it down, so it is in my power to take it up again; and this is the command I have been given by my Father.’

The Gospel of the LordResponse: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!

Weekend Mass Sa Saturday Vigil: 6.00pmSu Sunday: 7.00am, 9.00am, 10.30am (Solemn High Mass);

12noon Latin Mass in the extraordinary form; 6.00pm Mass

Weekday Mass M Monday to Friday: 6.45am, 1.10pm & 5.30pm; Saturday: 9.00am & 12noon Public Holidays: 9am (or as advertised)

Reconciliation M Monday-Friday: 12noon -1.00pm & 5.00pm to 5.25pm Saturday 11.30am-11 11.55am, 4.30-5.30pm

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

M Monday to Thursday: 5.00pm; Saturday 5.30pm; Sunday 5.00pm (with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament)

Anzac Day Tuesday, 24 April: 5.30pm Anzac Eve Solemn Vigil Mass of RemembranceWednesday, 25 April: 9.00am Mass (only Mass for the day)

CATHEDRAL NOTICES …..

WORLD YOUTH DAY Join Pope Francis in Panama for the 34th World Youth Day in January 2019.Sydney Catholic Youth are inviting you on the pilgrimage of a lifetime to Panama where you will celebrate Mass with Pope Francis and millions of young Catholics from around the world. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP will lead the Sydney pilgrimage departing on 15 January 2019, which will travel from Sydney to Washington DC, then to WYD Panama with the optional extension to travel to Mexico City. Register your interest and find out more by visiting the website www.sydneycatholicyouth.org.wyd

PRAYER TO PROTECT THE 8TH AMENDMENT OF THE IRISH CONSTITUTION On May 25th Ireland will vote in a referendum to repeal the 8th amendment to their constitution. The 8th amendment gives equal rights to the mother and the child during pregnancy. If successful in repealing the 8th amendment the Irish government will bring forward legislation to allow abortions unrestricted up to 12 weeks gestation. Between 12 and 24 weeks gestation, abortion will be allowed if two doctors agree on a physical or mental health risk to the mother. The Irish Catholic Church has reached out to Catholics all over the world to ask us to participate in a prayer campaign to protect the 8th amendment. Parishes are asked remember this intention during Masses, rosaries, prayer vigils, adoration and fasting. More information on the prayer campaign can be found at: www.massandfastforireland.com or on the facebook page: www.facebook.com/ir

Here is a prayer of intercession that can be read out during Mass in the lead up to May 25th: Heavenly Father, we ask you to protect the 8th amendment to the constitution in Ireland which protects the innocent lives of the unborn in that country. Please help the citizens of Ireland to remember the dignity and value of all human life, especially vulnerable unborn children when they vote in their referendum on May 25th.

A PILGRIM'S WALKING RETREAT - THE CARCOAR CAMINO Friday 18th May 6pm to Sunday 20th May at 3pm. come & enjoy a 2-day retreat following the way of the pilgrim walking the shalom labyrinth and around the beautiful carcoar valley. This retreat is about reconnecting with your spirituality and your God through the Pilgrim’s Camino and the Christian labyrinth. You can do as much or as little as you want as we explore the designs, paths, patterns and our life's journey through meditative walking and contemplative prayer exercises. Cost: $190 (Includes all meals and accommodation) For bookings Phone: 63673058 email: shalomcarcoar@gmail.com online: http://shalomcarcoar.com/events/

MOUNT ST BENEDICT CENTRE. Conversations with the Wisdom of Benedictine Women. A Retreat Facilitated by Carmel Posa sgs. Throughout the ages there have been many Benedictine women who have shared the wisdom they have acquired in their search for God. This weekend retreat will reflect on this wisdom using the writing and lives of St Scholastica, sister of St Benedict, St Leoba German Benedictine missionary of the 8th Century, Heloise of the Paraclete, acclaimed abbess of the 12th Century, Dorothy Day, Benedictine Oblate and Peace activist of the 20th Century and Joan Chittester, Benedictine of our time. Date: Friday Evening 18 May- Sunday 20 May.Cost: $300 (Includes all meals, program materials and accommodation for 2 nights). Bookings by: Friday 11 May email:mtstbenedict@goodsams.org.auPhone: 8752 5390 Where: 449D Pennant Hills Rd. Entrance off Hull Road.

THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA AUST. INC. SYDNEY ARCHDIOCESE COMMITTEE invite you to attend our May Celebration in St. Mary's Cathedral on the 12th of May. To commence at 11.30am with entrance procession (in the Cathedral) with the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima with the Immaculate Heart. Fr. Peter Joseph will be Principal Celebrant. Holy Mass will commence at 12 Noon. Further enquiries please contact Rosetta on 0403578994 or Rosa on 9984-8988.

PALMS AUSTRALIA Do you have teaching, medical, business, admin or trade skills? Ever thought of sharing them with our global family to reduce poverty and make a fairer world?Palms volunteers help build capacity of overseas communities over the long term. They don’t do quick fixes on short stays, but immerse themselves in another culture and exchange skills within trusting, mutually beneficial relationships.Right now, schools, clinics and community organisations in the Pacific, Asia and Africa seek volunteers to mentor their local personnel and develop communities sustainably. Are you ready to “Get out there?” Find out more at a Palms Info Session:Saturday 26 May 9am .St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall. 1 Marist Place, PARRAMATTA(car entry via Victoria Road) Thursday 31 May 5:45pm.St Peter Julian’s Church 432 Sussex Street, Haymarket. Go to www.palms.org.au/volunteer or Contact Palms on 02 9560 5333

SHOAL MEMORIAL SERVICE The Australian Council of Christians and Jews are holding their Annual Shoah Memorial Service.For Christians and all people of compassion to remember 1933-1945. Date: 8 May 2018 Time: 6pm. Venue: St Mary’s Cathedral Crypt

SISTERS OF CHARITY OUTREACH, based at St Vincent’s Hospital, is seeking casual drivers for its Country Care Link program. Drivers must have their own fully comprehensively insured vehicle and volunteers can receive a kilometre allowance for trips undertaken. For enquiries phone 8382 6430 or Jo Moore at jmoore@outreach.net.au.

GET FIRED UP – A Pre-Pentecost Gathering - Speaker: Rev Fr Isuru Dinesh Weliwatte MGL 12 May 2018 Time. 9:00 am – 5:00pm. St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Walz Street, Rockdale . Coffee, tea and biscuits provided, BYO Lunch. Enquiries: Ida Krisnadi Mob: 0416 464 221 Helen Aldana Mob: 0433 455114. Email: jlowcommunity@gmail.com.

EMBRACE YOUNG ADULT GROUP. Embrace is St Mary's group for young adults aged 18-35 yrs old from all cultures and backgrounds. We meet every Sunday after the 6.00pm Mass at St Mary's Cathedral House, adjacent to the Cathedral. Our activities and youth projects are designed to support spiritual development and encourage active practice of our faith. You are welcome to join. This Sunday, 22nd April 2018 we have a talk by Fr, Thomas McFadden on ‘Discerning Vocation – How to hear your calling’at 7pm. Please call/text Embrace Coordinator on 0404 008 870 or write to embrace@stmaryscathedral.org.au. All are welcome to join.

CATHOLIC CARE Sydney. There are almost 20,000 children and young people living in Out-of-Home-Care in NSW. We urgently need short or long-term foster carers who can provide safe and loving homes for children and young people. To find out more call our CCareline team on 13 18 19 or drop us an email connect@catholiccare.org

OF LIFE AND LOVE COURSE: The next marriage preparation course will be held: Date: Wednesday 9 May / 16 May / 23 May 2018 Time: 7.00pm. Venue: St. Joachim's Parish Hall, 3 Keating Street Lidcombe. Enquiries: More info phone 9307 8404.Register for the course at: www.trybooking.com/TBUG

HEALING AFTER ABORTION : Rachel’s Vineyard, Sydney is hosting a workshop with Jessica Lockhart, author of The Woman at the Tomb, Abortion and Redemption.Come to Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat ministry to hear about spiritual and emotional healing after an abortion. All welcome - priests, pastoral carers, parish teams, professional health practitioners and those suffering post abortion stress in their own life. Date: Saturday 12 May, 10am - 3.30pm.Venue: Good Samaritan Centre, 2 Avenue Rd. Glebe. Free - Limited numbers, RSVP essential for catering. Details: ww.rachelsvineyard.org.au Email: info@rachelsvineyard.org.au or Phone: 0400 092 555