Vol. 313/01/2021

2nd January & 3rd January 2021

The Epiphany of the Lord (Year B)

Served by the Discalced Carmelite Friars

“The sight of the star filled them with delight,

and going into the house they saw the child

with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees

they did him homage.” -Matthew 2:10

Continued on to next page...

NEW YEAR AND EPIPHANY

New Year 2021

It is a pleasure to begin the year with Mary, the Mother of God. A new year of

2021 begins and we wish one another God's blessings, good health and happiness.

The name "January" comes from the Roman god Janus, the god with two faces,

one looking to the past and the other looking to the future. This is indeed a time to

look back at the year that has just ended and to look forward to the New Year

ahead of us. How did I spend this one year of my life that has just passed? Did I

use it to advance my goals and objectives in life? Did I use it to enhance the

purpose of my existence? Recalling the ups and downs for us of 2020, the

incredible graces and blessings of our own lives and of our world, let us look

forward to a New Year, Let us then plunge into the New Year with the prayer:

“For all that has been – THANKS 2020!. For all that will be- YES 2021!”

Epiphany of the Lord

The feast of Epiphany is another Christmas. What we celebrated on 25th

December was the coming of God into our humanity. Epiphany stresses the fact

that God has come into the world to be the saviour for people of all cultures. Both

feasts speak of who Jesus is.

During Christmas time we give presents to different people and others give

presents to us. What’s it all about? It all goes back to the story of the wise men

going to Bethlehem, falling down on their knees, and offering the best gifts they

could afford to the Baby King. But Christmas is not just about giving presents. It’s

more about being present, i.e. sharing ourselves with warmth, affection and

sincerity. The quality of our personal presence is everything.

Matthew speaks of three gifts. Happily, Matthew specifies the gifts for us - gold,

frankincense, and myrrh. In the 8th century, Venerable Bede, the Benedictine

historian writing in England, gave us the traditional interpretation of their

symbolism. The gold paid homage to the Child's royal line. The incense saluted

His divinity. The myrrh forewarned of the passion. However, I prefer the charming

explanation of the 13th century Frenchman, Bernard of Clairvaux. The gold was to

pay off the bills at the supermarket. The incense was to fumigate the house. The

myrrh was intended to be a herbal medicine against worms in the Child!

The magi were lucky. They were given the guidance of a star. In the darkness of

this world we have all been given help on our journey to God; the beauty of

nature, the Word of God in Sacred Scripture, Spirit-filled witnessing and

preaching, the faith of others and our own faith. For a moment let us thank God for

giving us stars to lead us to Him.

Thanks to the Volunteers

We had a good participation of the Christmas Masses on 24th and 25th which was

held in MCC, Parish Centre and Parish Church. Around 1500 people participated

in all the six masses. A special word of thanks to Rev. Fr. Tony Chiera, Vicar

General, who offered two big masses with his beautiful Christmas message.

Thanks to the liturgical team, music groups, youth group, acolytes both men and

women, communion ministers, readers, money collectors, volunteers for the

welcoming ministry, head counters and the people at the registration desk etc.

They all did a beautiful job. Thanks to Fr. Anson and Geraldine Williams for

coordinating them. Thanks to Bebe Finlay, Melinda Dovan and Cindy Bovell-our

flower decorators in the church. They too have done a beautiful job.

Two more Acolytes

Our parish has been blessed by the installation of two more acolytes on 27th

December during the 8.00 am mass. They are Hugh Tinney and Shane Baker.

Congratulations to both of them.

From Bremer Bay to Hopetoun

Our clergy is going to have a Christmas and New Year camp in Hopetoun from

January 4th to 8th Jan 2021. Therefore, there will be only a liturgy of communion

service on those days. Deacon Michael and his team will look after the spiritual

needs of the parish. Kindly pray for the success of our gathering. It is going to

be an unmissable event. Food of Australia, India, Philippines and Sri Lanka

prepared by our priests will be served. 'CHEF JOHNY' and his Crew will cook up

mouth-watering cuisines of Indian inspiration on 5th January and he promises to

be an epic evening!

Wishing you all a Happy and Blessed New Year of 2021. Fr. Johny Arattukulam O.C.D.

First Reading

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, give your judgment to the king, to a king’s son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgment. R. In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the Great River to earth’s bounds. R. The kings of Tarshish and the sea coasts shall pay him tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall bring him gifts. Before him all kings shall fall prostrate, all nations shall serve him. R. For he shall save the poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and save the lives of the poor. R.

A reading from the prophet Isaiah 60:1–6 Arise, shine out Jerusalem, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you, though night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples. Above you the Lord now rises and above you his glory appears. The nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness. Lift up your eyes and look round: all are assembling and coming towards you, your sons from far away and daughters being tenderly carried. At this sight you will grow radiant, your heart throbbing and full; since the riches of the sea will flow to you; the wealth of the nations come to you; camels in throngs will cover you, and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; everyone in Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing the praise of the Lord. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

SECOND Reading

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6 You have probably heard how I have been entrusted by God with the grace he meant for you, and that it was by a revelation that I was given the knowledge of the mystery. This mystery that has now been revealed through the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets was unknown to any men in past generations; it means that pagans now share the same inheritance that they are parts of the same body, and the same promise has been made to them, in Christ Jesus, through the gospel. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; And have come to adore the Lord.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 2:1–12 After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage. ’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah, for out of you will come a leader who will shepherd my people Israel.’ Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way. Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

- Reminders -

First Friday Adoration and Devotion to Sacred Heart of Jesus on 1st January is cancelled.

Latin Mass. Our Latin Mass will be held on 15 January 2021 at 5pm. Church Guardians are on their holiday break and will resume on 11th January 2021.

No Masses will be offered from Monday to Friday next week-

4th

January and 8th

January

Liturgy of the Word with Communion will be available.

Fr Johny and Fr Anson will be joining the Clergy’s Camp in Hopetoun .

Mass will resume on Saturday morning (9th

January) at 7.30am.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BUNBURY SUMMER SCHOOL 2021

Registration: you may write your name on the list provided at the back of the Church

or phone the Parish Office 95812061 before January 11th.

A CHURCH WAITING IN HOPE Responding to the Holy Spirit present and at work among us.

There are many challenges we face during these troubled times, but we are called and gifted by the Holy Spirit to respond to these very challenges.

The Summer School will explore where we find ourselves as Church at this time in history, and suggest ways we can respond more effectively to the Spirit at work in our midst. Special consideration will be given to the upcoming Australian Plenary

Council, and to how we might contribute to the conversations and planning currently underway across Australia.

Presented by: Fr Tony Chiera- Diocesan Pastoral Office

Ms Deborah Robertson and Mrs Maria Parkinson- Plenary Council Delegates

Our Lady’s Assumption Parish Centre, Mandurah

Saturday January 23rd 9.30am-12.30pm

The Study of the Sacred Scriptures must be a door opened to every believer. Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium

Our Lady’s Assumption Parish is offering 4 Adult Faith Formation Programs in 2021. The Bible Timeline - The Story of Salvation – Begins 8 February 2021, 7-9pm A 24 session Bible study that teaches Catholics the story of salvation history from beginning to end. The Bible Timeline has been granted the Imprimatur. Matthew: The King and His Kingdom – Follows on from The Bible Timeline. An exciting study that explores the life and mission of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel. Matthew demonstrates how the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ, who establishes a New Law and inaugurates the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Acts: The Spread of the Kingdom – Begins 8 February 2021, 7-9pm This program builds on The Bible Timeline and Matthew by showing how Christ’s Kingdom on earth is empowered to carry out his work in the world. The book of Acts shows the Church, enlivened by the Holy Spirit, teaching, preaching, healing, and restoring outcasts in the same way that Jesus did on earth. The Big Picture – Start Date tba once delivery date of books is confirmed. You, the bible, and God’s big plan is an inspirational bible course and DVD. Please register your interest to the Parish office – 9581 2061 by 11 January 2021to facilitate order and delivery of books in time for the start of the courses. Prices of books range from approx. $40.00 each. Inquiries about the program, please contact Rosemary Van Schoor 0417 187 967.

Peel Grief Support The next support group for people who are grieving the death of a loved one will take place at a new venue. The group will now meet at the Mandurah Library, 331 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah on Thursday 14 January from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Support groups on the second Thursday of each month will continue at the new venue. Please contact Rosa on 0418 910 230 or Mark on 0439 800 857 with any enquiries or for transport needs.

Prayers for Parents and their Unborn Saturday, the 2th January 2021

at 7:30 am Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration with Prayers for Parents and their Unborn concluding with Benediction.

You are invited to complete the green “new parishioner” form at the entrance to the Church. It can then be placed in the

collection basket or left at the Parish Office. PLEASE NOTE: All information given is kept strictly confidential.

Please “Like” our church Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/OLAParishMandurah/

Congratulations to our Women Altar Ministers who were installed on 20 December 2020 by our Vicar General Rev Fr Tony Chiera.

In this photo from left: Elma Coverley, Eleanor Della Bosca, Trudy Wilkinson, Lucia Anning-Chan, Cindy Bovell, Deacon Michael Phillips, Fr Tony Chiera, our Parish Priest-Fr Johny Arattukulam, Cynthia Galindo, Beneth Eddison,

Grace Lazaroo, Rosemary Van Schoor, Mary McClean. (photo credit: R Van Schoor)

Priya Rose Bell

Baptised in our Church on 13 December 2020

Congratulations on your baby’s baptism,

Raymond and Bianca!

May the Holy Spirit guide you and be with

you always. God bless your family.

Thank you, Fr Anson Antony,

for officiating this ceremony.

Preparing to hear God’s word Can you imagine what it might be like to travel on the back of a camel for months or even years across a vast desert? Imagine how happy the wise men must have felt to have finally found Jesus!

The gospel story After Jesus was born, some wise men noticed a bright star and knew that the Messiah had arrived. They followed the star and travelled for a long time. They went first to King Herod, perhaps because they thought the King of the Jews would be born in a palace. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to welcome the child because they knew he was very special. When King Herod heard about the new baby, he was not pleased. He thought his power was in danger, and so he was threatened by this newborn ‘king of the Jews’. He wanted the wise men to tell him where baby Jesus was. The wise men set out for Bethlehem and found the place where Jesus, Mary and Joseph were staying. They gave Jesus their gifts, and worshipped him. God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod, so they went home a different way.

Reflecting on the gospel If baby Jesus had been born today in your city, what would you have liked to give him? Maybe you would have painted a magnificent picture. Perhaps you would have written a poem or a letter. Maybe you would have played a musical instrument or sung a song to make him smile. Talk together about the gifts that you and your family could have given the baby Jesus.

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention

January 2021

Human Fraternity May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.

(australiancatholics.com.au)

FLYNN EDEN SMITH Son of Bradley & Gemma

ALEXANDER JOHN JOSE NOAH EDWARD JOSE

Children of Chad & Tamar

Congratulations and God bless!

Frank O’Driscoll, Alysha Carboni, John Gilbertson, Joan Orchard, Joan McKay,

George Tacey, Jenny Stokic, Sue Short, Sheila Pearce, Joanne Ford, Leah Hardie,

Lesley Mertens, Sean Mahoney, Jodie Donnelly, Mikayla Wilton, Peter Young, Roy

& Jan Payne, Grace Moore, Aldine Wheldon, Daryl Winters, Merle Johnson, Trish

Mulcahy, Oliver, Norma Hales, David Naughton, Dulcie Kent, Anita Doran,

Herbert Lenard, Taylor Green, Margaret McGuiness, Les Pearson, Beryl Fitzgerald,

Louisa & Luigi Bove, Anne-Marie Fliegener, Bill Kociaruba, Johnson Joseph, Fiona

Davies-McConchie, Les Burns, Sophie, Margaret Worthington, Tessie Plamonte, Cristina King, Irene Pini,

Kate Whooley, Fr Chris Warnock, Joshua Chernoff, Ron Nichols, Barbara Padua, Marie Aide, Raeleen

Sutton, Jessica Amphlett, Raegis Farrell, Barbara, Philip Giuffre, Liz Evans, Bill Copple, Dorothy Oliver,

Chris Morris, Alan Edwards, Joseph Godridge, Christian Vimpany, Kylie Godridge, Mark Bussanich,

Amber, Elsie Medina, Markus Ruescher, Angie Mae, Greg Lewis, Joan Marshall, Kevin Scanlon, Eunice

Hope, Mia Hoppee, Greg Carter, Sue Murphy, Michelle Stafford, Debra Keena, Joy Brokenshire, Jenny S.,

Brendan Davidson, Neil Stewart, Moyra Naughton, John Wilcox, Lea Fajardo, Josie Yuzon, Tania Ward,

Jemma Hill and all those who are sick and all those affected by Covid-19. Please advise the office

if any of the above names need to be removed.

Looking for a small desk cross or Mass cards?

Visit our piety stall in the Parish Office. Open M-F, from 8am-4pm. Communion,

Confirmation and Baptism gifts are available. There are also books, greeting cards, Mass cards, holy cards and novena booklets, scapulars, rosary

beads, key rings, pyx and other religious items also available. New stock just arrived: wall

crucifix, Baptism photo frame, wooden and crystal rosary beads, rosary bracelets,

Confirmation gift items, small desk crucifix.

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT Our Dawn Masses What makes it special? I look forward to attending the dawn masses each year. Sometimes I get caught up with the excitement and external preparation for Christmas. Simbang Gabi is one way that provides me with the opportunity to prepare myself spiritually for Christmas. What do you like most about these Masses? It's good to have different priests celebrating the mass each day. Apart from their wonderful homilies, it's also a good way to have a catch up time with them. Furthermore, there's also the good food and fellowship after each mass. What can you say about the Dawn Mass being our parish tradition? It's lovely to see parishioners making the effort and commitment to attend the nine days. I must admit that the first two days were the hardest for me. Getting up at 4am and trying to stay awake during mass wasn't easy for me. I was surprised to see the large number of people each day. Please continue to have these special masses each year. Also, I'd like to thank the priests and everyone who were involved in organising and participating in the masses. Grace Lazaroo

Saturday 2 January 2021 6:00 pm—

Sunday 3 January 2021

8:00 am—Mary Howie

9:30 am—Micaela Lazaroo 6.00 pm—Volunteer Saturday 9 January 2021 6:00 pm—Eunice Hope

Sunday 10 January 2021

8:00 am—Josefa Van Dijk

9:30 am—Lily Masar 6.00 pm—Volunteers

Saturday 2 January 2021 6:00 pm—Marie Almond, Susan Macdonald Sunday 3 January 2021 8:00 am—Elizabeth Disney, Julie Shewring 09:30 am—Helga Sebastian, Rosemary Van Schoor 6.00 pm—Youth Group

Saturday 9 January 2021 6:00 pm—Kathleen Coles, Ruth Daly Sunday 10 January 2021 8:00 am—Liz Butson, Jenni Srdarev 09:30 am—Therese Lazaroo, Emilie Barroa 6.00 pm—Youth Group

Next Week’s Readings

10 January 2021

The Baptism of the Lord

Is 55:1-11 or Is 42:1-4, 6-7;

1 Jn 5:1-9 or Acts 10:34-38;

Mk 1:7-11

Pilgrim Statue This week the Pilgrim statue will be at the home of: 2 Jan—Dorothy Oliver 9 Jan—Mary McAleer If anyone would like the Pilgrim Statue for Anniversaries, birthdays, etc. please ring Rosemary Rana on 0438 916 165.

Regular MASS, ADORATION &

RECONCILIATION TIMES

Monday 7.30am

Tuesday 7.30am, 9am

Wed 7.30am & 5.00pm

Thursday 7.30am, 9am

Friday 7.30am & 5.00pm

Saturday 7.30am, Vigil 6.00pm

Sunday 8.00am, 9.30am & 6.00pm

Continuous Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 8am-3pm (note: Continuous Adoration is cancelled. To resume on 11 January 2021. Reconciliation: after Weekly Masses & before weekend Masses. Please see noticeboard and back page of the bulletin for current parish events and Mass times.

OUR CHURCH’S VISION STATEMENT. We are Catholic Family,

who, drawing together on our traditions and diversity, seek to respond to God’s call.

As a Pastoral community, we strive to nurture the Spiritual growth of all.

Day Church Parish Centre

SUNDAY 3/1 The Epiphany of the Lord

7.30am—Rosary 8.00am—Mass 9.30am—Mass 6.00pm—Mass

(Office Closed)

MONDAY 4/1

6.45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am— Litury with Communion

TUESDAY 5/1

6.45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am—Litury with Communion 9.00am—Litury with Communion

10am—Legion of Mary

WEDNESDAY 6/1

6.45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am— Litury with Communion Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help 5.00pm—Litury with Communion

THURSDAY 7/1

6.45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am—Litury with Communion 9.00am—Litury with Communion

FRIDAY 8/1

6.45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am—Litury with Communion 5.00pm—Liturgy with Communion

SATURDAY 9/1

6.45am—Rosary, Morning Prayer 7.30am—Mass 6.00pm—Vigil Mass

(Office Closed)

SUNDAY 10/1 The Baptism of the Lord

7.30am—Rosary 8.00am—Mass 9.30am—Mass 6.00pm—Mass

(Office Closed)

Parish Office– 8 Stevenson St, Mandurah WA 6210 Ph-9581 2061/9581 3261

Presbytery– 6 Stevenson St, Mandurah Church– Creery St., Mandurah WA 6210

Emails-Admin & Bulletin: catholicparish@westnet.com.au

Accounts: viv.catholicparish@westnet.com.au Website: www.olaparishmh.org.au

Office Hours: 8am-12.30pm, 1pm-4pm Mon-Fri

Fr Johny Arattukulam - Parish Priest

Fr Albin Odippattil—Assistant Parish Priest

Fr Anson Antony—Assistant Parish Priest

Michael Phillips - Deacon

Ernie Carey– Retired Deacon

Vivien de Winter/Alison Caingcoy—Office Staff