30-31 March 2019 Year C

Truth and Reconciliation

Last year I went to a restaurant with some friends and ordered brains, lambs brains in a caper sauce. Delicious! But some of my friends declared they would like to move to another table! My food was revolting to them. Imagine if, in addition, eating brains was absolutely forbidden by their religion – a very strong religious taboo, so strong that they were forbidden to share a table with someone eating brains. My friends would have definitely moved tables! They would have to keep a distance. The Jews of Jesus’ time had the same reaction to anything to do with pigs. Pork is not ‘kosher’. Pigs are so revolting that what this young man did, living in a pig sty, would have made him unapproachable, unwelcome, to be kept totally at a distance. So, imagine the reaction of his Jewish audience when Jesus told the story of the father who had been grievously wronged by his son who had treated him as dead by demanding his inheritance. Jesus portrays the father as overcoming the distance between them by running to his son and embracing him, still stinking of the pig sty. Why? Because he regarded his son as someone ‘who was lost and now is found.’ That is Jesus’ portrayal of his heavenly Father’s relationship with us. God always keeps an eye out for the return of a dearly loved daughter/son who has got lost in the maze of life. Sometimes that son or daughter, you or me, deliberately strays from the path. More often, perhaps, we stray to a far off place out of sheer carelessness, not paying attention to all the signs which tell us how to be fully human and whole-hearted children of God. Jesus says to you and to me: ‘My heavenly Father is of such a character that he will run to meet you as soon as you set foot on the path home. All he wants to do is to embrace you, welcome you and celebrate the fact that you are found.’ This is the amazing truth: God runs towards us in order to overcome the distance as soon as possible!

We can easily imagine ourselves as the younger brother in this story. But sometimes we are the older brother, resentful that someone seems to have had too easy a time of God’s forgiveness whilst we say: ‘Look, all these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders.’ But perhaps we may find an opportunity to be more like the father in this story, very ready to forgive, too ready in the eyes of some. And, yet, when a person adopts the model of the father as portrayed by Jesus – history can change. When Nelson Mandela came to power in South Africa, throwing off the evil power of white supremacy, he could have tried to ‘get even’, to operate in terms of revenge, bloodshed – at least, of crime and punishment. Instead, he established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. If the truth of complicity in racism was admitted at a public hearing, then the person making the admission would be reconciled to the new national community. Civil war was averted. Truth and Reconciliation. These go together for us also, not in a public session of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but at times in a private session of the Truth and Reconciliation Sacrament. Especially in this time of Lent, we have the opportunity to reveal the truth of our situation and to say with the younger brother: ‘I have sinned against God and those I have harmed.’ And our heavenly Father, who had already started running towards us when we first turned to come to Confession, embraces you.

Reconciliation is achieved. God simply wants to say ‘You were lost, now you are found.’ Now, that is worth a celebration!

© Fr Michael Tate

Liturgy Help

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.

minister within the faith community.

the service of all, particularly those in need.

4th Sunday in Lent

Project Compassion—Give Lent 100% ‘Hope requires that we spin a few dreams for

ourselves that are possible, doable and desirable.’

Joan Chittister OSB The Gospel story of the forgiving father is perhaps one of the most familiar stories of the New

Testament. It is the ultimate explanation of God's

persistent love and compassion no matter the faults and failings of humanity. God's mercy is continuously available. Something of the mercy of God, present in the manna that kept the Israelites alive on their journey, is echoed in the compelling story of The Purple House from the Western Desert area of Central Australia. The Purple House in Alice Springs provides dialysis and a sense of belonging and welcome for patients from remote areas. The Wellbeing Project at the Purple House helps patients remain connected to their country, family and culture as they undergo treatment. It is a place of compassion and acceptance for patients and families.

You can donate through

Parish boxes and envelopes by phoning 1800 024 413 or visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion .

‘A Life Less Ordinary’ DVD The DVD ‘A Life Less Ordinary’, an overview of

Fr Donnelly’s life, is available from the Parish

Office and the MacKillop Centre. Cost is $7.50.

New Parishioners Morning Tea The Catholic Women’s League invite all new parishioners to a morning tea to be held at the John Worner Centre, Lourdes Village, 37 Morton Street, Tuesday 2 April at 10.00am. If you are attending, or for more information, please contact Irene on 0407 245 437 or Helen on 6583 5391.

Parish Morning Teas St Francis of Assisi Chapel Parishioners who attend Mass at St Francis of Assisi Chapel are invited to stay after Mass on Sunday,

7 April and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Lake Cathie Morning Tea The ladies of Star of the Sea Lake Cathie would like to invite parishioners to a ladies morning tea on the second Thursday of the month. The next morning tea will be held on Thursday, 11 April at 10.30am at Middle Rock Eatery Lake Cathie.

Catholic Women’s League The CWL will be holding its next meeting on Friday,

12 April in the John Worner Centre commencing at 1.30 pm. This meeting has been brought forward a week as Good Friday falls on 19 April. For more

information please contact Helen on 6583 5391.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

Welcome &

Congratulations

To Gavin Smith & Ben Kelly who will be Received into

Full Communion of the Catholic Church at 9.00am Mass this weekend.

To Dineke Van Zanden who is celebrating her Second Scrutiny in our church this weekend. Please pray for her and

encourage her on her faith journey.

~~~~~~~~~~~ Stations of the Cross

The Francis Retreat, Bonny Hills Saturday 6 April at 11.00am

Whilst The Francis Retreat was Fr Donnelly’s home, one of his projects was to install the Stations of the Cross on site. Fr Donnelly also compiled booklets to assist people in their reflection and prayer as they journey the Stations. As part of the Lenten period Sr Anne Hannigan will lead a group around the Stations on Saturday, 6 April from 11.00am –12.30pm. Please phone Joady at The Francis Retreat, 0409 452 813, to register your interest. Stations of the Cross will still be held at Oxley Beach on Good Friday.

Lent & Easter in St Agnes’ Parish

Please see the flyer in the Church and Chapels

outlining what’s happening in our parish during Lent and Easter.

Change of Time: There has been a time change to Holy Thursday. Mass will be offered at 6.00pm not 7.00pm as advertised in the flyer.

This flyer is also available on the parish website.

Help … Please Crosses for Palm Sunday It is that time of the year when we are seeking volunteers to make our special palm crosses for Palm Sunday on 14 April. Palms will be available next week.

Holy Thursday Washing of the Feet We are once again seeking volunteers for the Holy Thursday Washing of the Feet ceremony on Thursday, 18 April.

If you are able to assist with either the Palm Crosses or Washing of the Feet please contact the Parish Office on 6583 1024.

A Journey into the Catholic Faith Will continue on Wednesday, 3 April, at the Youth Hub from 5.30pm. For more information contact Fr Peter Wood on 6583 1024.

The Lord’s Prayer “Why and how should I pray?” This is the question we’ll be reflecting on as we continue our Journey into the Catholic Faith. After a review of the main elements of Christian prayer, we will let our Lord Jesus teach us how to pray by breaking open the words the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus taught us this prayer, the Our Father, on the day which one of his disciples saw him praying and asked him, “Lord , teach us how to pray” (Luke 11:1) As Tertullian said, the Lord’s Prayer is the “summary of the whole Gospel” and according to St Thomas Aquinas, it is “the perfect prayer.” Indeed, the Our Father “presents in the form of prayer the essential content of the Gospel.”

St Joseph’s Regional College 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Date: Friday, 10 May Venue : St Joseph’s Regional College, 1 College Drive. Mass: 9.30am in the College Hall

Followed by morning tea. Evening Event:

5.00pm – 10.00pm in the College Hall Canapes provided. Drinks available for purchase. This is an over 18 event). RSVP: Wednesday 1 May. Phone: 5525 4100. www.tiny.cc/sjrc50years Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJRC94years/

Parish Hospitality Thank you to St Joseph’s Regional College for hosting last Sunday’s hospitality. Please stay after 9.00am Mass on Sunday and share hospitality with our Parish Filipino community.

The Catholic Leader Is available for purchase from the Parish Office on a Friday afternoon, or the Church and Chapels at weekend Masses. Cost $2.50.

From the Catacombs - here & beyond Episcopuss Wisdom… From the Catechism…

Recently Deceased: Loretta Swarris, Maura O’Brien, Salvador Bigayan, Ian Binder. Anniversaries: Jimmy Jamieson, Thomas Rose, Fr Pat Reynolds, SM, Fr Alban Mitchell OFM, Renee O’Connor, Keith Tonks, Bob Foley, Heather Mangold, Anthony Mangold, William Cavanagh, Marjorie Carnie. Other Mass Intentions: Monica Doyle, Jeffrey Condron, Rudy Vogel, Jack Ginman, Eddie McHugh, Neil O’Shea, Jim Hook, Keith and Eileen Morrissey, Kathleen Connors, Hilton Dodds, Phyllis Dunn, Edward Dunn, Julia O’Brien, Edward O’Brien, Eileen Monahan, Phil Moore, Trixie Davidson, Florence Shergold, Florence Turner, deceased members of Dunn, O’Brien & Reilly families, Br Michael O’Connor, Beryl Thomas, Betty Rennie, Marija Miller, donor intentions & masses of thanksgiving.

Care & Concern Group St Agnes’ Care and Concern Group will be holding its meeting at the Beantree Café on Tuesday,

2 April at 10.00am.

Family Groups Have you ever heard someone say ‘I wish I knew more people in our Church?’ Perhaps it’s something you’ve said or thought yourself.

Perhaps you have wondered how you could be more involved?

Passionist Family Group Movement could be the answer to this question! On the weekend of 4-5 May Fr Ray Sanchez, a director of the Passionist Family Group

Movement, will be visiting our parish to speak at weekend Masses and run a workshop on family groups. If you are interested in learning more about family groups go to the St Agnes’ parish

website. Under Pastoral Activities follow the link to Parish Family Groups where there will be a link to the Passionist Family Group Movement website.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

‘Treat every moment as your last. It is not preparation for something else.’

‘Be kind to yourself. Open to your Heart

and simply Be.’

SAVE THE DATE Parish Volunteers’ Mass will be held on

Wednesday 22 May at 4.00pm in St Agnes’ Church.

Theme: ‘Making a World of Difference’

Pope Francis Official Tweet ‘If we abandon the law of love,

the law of the strongest over the

weakest will be asserted.’

READERS AND COMMENTATORS

6pm Vigil: Maureen Dick Margaret Donnelly Barry Johnson

7.30am: Damian Bennie Peter Swan Jim O’Brien

9.00am: Adelle Groenveld Gary Gallagher Peta Rourke

5.00pm: Elise Smith Penny Prince Kate Field Will Ayrton

GIFT BEARERS ROSTER

6pm Vigil: B & G Green

7.30am: S Bale 9.00am: RCIA Candidate

THE STATUE OF OUR LADY Mrs Zilla Tonks 2 Macquarie Place Port Macquarie Phone: 6583 4713

Parish Priest Father Paul Gooley

Assistant Priest Father Peter Wood Visiting Priest Father Joe D’Souza OCD Parish Office 47 Hay Street Port Macquarie PO Box 23 T (02) 6583 1024 E pastoraloffice@stagnesparish.org.au

Office Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

6pm Vigil: Des Grissell Kym Condon Jan O’Sullivan Jodie Rich

7.30am: Greg Grace Dianne Gander Elise Gardiner Sandy Luschwitz

9.00am: Mike Hawtin Cathy Hawtin Sandra Hartas Tess Koning

5.00pm: Debbie Rennes Karen Robson Timo Gobius Marg Gobius

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS 5th Sunday of Lent of Year C Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 125 Philppians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11

ROSTERS 6-7 April 2019

FEAST DAYS

Tuesday 2 April St Francis of Paola

Thursday 4 April St Isidore Friday 5 April St Vincent Ferrer

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD ROSTER 5.00PM SUNDAY

7 April 2019

Mandy Mowle Alice McGrath

ST AGNES’ CHURCH | Hay Street, Port Macquarie Tuesday & Wednesday: 5.15pm Friday: 12.05pm Saturday: 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

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 Communion Service or Mass: 8.00am Thursday 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 2.15% 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 www.stagnesparish.org.au