17-18 August 2019 Year C

Snapshot Report: How is God calling us to be a Christ-centred Church that is:

A JOYFUL, HOPE -FILLED AND SERVANT COMMUNITY

As we move into this second stage of the Plenary Council Journey, we continue to seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

This National Theme for Discernment is inspired by the voices of the People of God who expressed a yearning for the Church to be a sign of God’s kingdom for all people in Australia – to be able to see the Catholic Church in action, and to recognise Jesus. There was an expression of faith-filled hope in the capacity of the Catholic community to celebrate together, to show what it is to be a follower of Christ and to be loved unconditionally by God. There was a call to contemplate the Gospel call to be a servant Church for the good of all people in Australia – particularly for refugees and asylum-seekers and other people who are vulnerable or at risk. Many responses called for greater sharing of the story of the good works done by so many people and organisations of the Church. Some responses expressed a hunger for strong witness of faith, especially by priests, young people and female leaders in parish and school ministries.

Topics: what did people talk about?

People spoke about a number of different topics in PHASE 1: LISTENING & DIALOGUE. Below are some of the topics that informed this particular theme, which was created through a combination of analysis, discernment and prayer.

• Acknowledge Christ’s presence in the Eucharist • Authentic faith teaching in Catholic schools • Be a witness in

society • Better attention to all aspects of liturgy • Better communication of what the Church does • Better

formation for liturgical ministries and sacramental programs • Better homilies • Better selection and formation

of candidates to priesthood • Better use of finances • Care for neighbour • Charismatic spirituality • Church to

act as a guide for Australian society • Contemplative spirituality • Creation of small communities/groups within

parishes • Cultural Masses • Defend right-to-life issues • End clericalism • Faith formation for parents • Greater

access to Mass and Reconciliation • Greater attention to music in the liturgy • Greater connection with and

inclusion of Indigenous Australians • Greater focus on Jesus Christ • Greater focus on permanent deacons •

Greater focus on the Word of God • Greater inclusion of all people • Greater leadership from priests • Greater

trust, faith and hope in God • Hierarchy to listen to the Laity • Keep the faith • Laity supporting priests • Listen

to one another more • Listen to the Holy Spirit • Mass to be appealing to youth and children • More welcoming

parishes • Outreach to all the baptised • Outreach to the wider community • Outreach to youth • Overseas

priests • Parish pastoral council • Parishes involved in planning for the future • Pray the Rosary • Putting Gospel

values in action • Renewed call to holiness • Share the faith with others • Stronger parish communities • Work

together in unity • Youth to be involved more in Church community

Further information is available on the Plenary Council website: https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/resources/reports

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Each day they met together in the Temple; they broke bread in their homes; they shared their food with great joy and sincerity of heart; they praised God and won the favour of all the people.” (Acts 2: 42-46)

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.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Each Sunday during the school term at the 5.00pm Youth and Family Mass, 4-12 year olds are invited to join us for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Prayer and activities based around the Gospel of the day are led by our adult volunteers. For all other Masses there are boxes near

the side entrances and the Pieta containing special kits for children to borrow and activity sheets to complete during Mass or to take home.

Confirmation Dear Parents/Carers, The St Agnes’ Parish Sacramental Team will be running a Sacramental Program in Term 3 for all children in Year 2 or above, who currently do not attend a Catholic School, and are wishing to be Confirmed. To obtain your registration form and further details regarding the program, please contact Simone Tydd by Wednesday 28 August. Email: sacramentalprogram@gmail.com Kind regards, St Agnes’ Parish Sacramental Team

Planned Giving Envelope No. 27 Would the holder of Planned Giving envelopes No. 27 please contact the Parish Administration Office, on

6588 7444 as soon possible, thank you.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

St Agnes’ Feast Day All parishioners and visitors are invited to join with us in celebrating the Feast Day of St Agnes next Sunday 25 August. Readings for the Masses will be the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Following the 9.00am and 5.00pm Masses, the Parish Pastoral Council and St Agnes’ Primary School will be hosting morning tea and a light supper. Please come along and share in giving thanks for our blessed patron saint and wonderful parish community.

Prayer to St Agnes

Dearest St Agnes, our courageous patron, although you were only a child, you believed that Jesus was always with you; help us to remember that he is also with us,

and to remain true to his presence. You refused to give up your faith; help us to be proud of

our faith, to love it, to be strong in it, and to give witness to it daily.

Patron saint of children, watch over the children of this parish and those of the whole world; keep them safe

from harm, be with them in their hour of need, and pray for them always. St Agnes, pray for us.

Historical Context – Family ties

In the ancient world, and particularly in Jewish culture, family meant everything. One’s identity was completely tied up with family. Families absolutely depended on one another for survival and for personal identity. Young men were identified by who their father was. Women quite literally ‘belonged’ to their father or husband. The entire fabric of society and tradition was held together by extended families. For Jesus to say that his message would tear families apart was to say that all of society would be transformed by the message. The kingdom of God turns expectations and society on their head, breathing new life into tired, restrictive structures. © Liturgyhelp

Migrant & Refugee Week “It is not just about migrants but also about

ourselves, our fears and our hopes.”

Monday 19 to Sunday 25 August is Migrant & Refugee Week. The Catholic community in Australia observes Migrant & Refugee Day on Sunday 25 August. As growing numbers of undocumented immigrants looking for a better future are moving across sea and land borders to work and reside in richer and safer countries, we are challenged both morally and politically. The Holy Father Pope Francis has challenged us to reflect deeply on our deep spiritual relationship with all involved in this pilgrimage. He constantly

says “it is not just about migrants” to urge us to see that it really is about all of us in our own journey of spiritual fulfilment to be God’s people.

Australian Catholic Migrant & Refugee Office

Secular Franciscans St Francis of Assisi Prayer Group in the Secular Franciscan Tradition invite fellow parishioners to join in prayer after 9.00am Mass on 25 August in St Agnes’ Parish Hall. We feel we need to pray often to protect Christian standards and traditions in our society. Enquires to Joan on 0484 504 334.

Young Adult’s Formation Sessions The next session of Bishop Gregory Homeming’s faith formation talks for young adults (18-30 years) will be held on 26 August in the PAC boardroom. We will gather at 5.00pm for a discussion and light refreshments, with the session concluding at 7.00pm. To register an expression of interest or for further enquiries please contact Vanessa on 0447 992 986 or email vdenham@pac.stagnesparish.org.au.

Wraps with Love Morning Tea The Catholic Women’s League will be hosting a Morning Tea to say “thank you” to all who have donated wool, knitted or crocheted squares or finished wraps. Please join us at 10.00am on Friday 30th August at the Tenison Woods Centre, Lochinvar Place. Please contact Helen 6583 5391 or Irene 0407 245 437 for any inquires.

Praise and Worship This Sunday, 18 August, Praise and Worship will be held in St Agnes’ Parish Hall at 2.30pm with a cuppa before a 3.00pm start for an uplifting afternoon of praise in song and prayer. Enquiries to Mary-Anne 65871 259.

Fr Donnelly Requiem Mass Video Father Donnelly’s Requiem Mass is now available to view on the St Agnes’ Parish video channel called “With you for Life”. The website address is www.withyouforlife.org.au.

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

Recently Deceased: Recently Deceased: Ray Fleming, Jean Thompson, Gordon Bayly, Barry Nash, John Gilbert, Lisa Hennessey, Gerard Edwards, Betty Hammond. Anniversaries: Jeffrey Williams, Sophia Pak, Frederic Curtis, Frances & Mary Duff, Bob Bradley, Patrick Miller, Francis Sweeney, Rachael Austin. Other Mass Intentions: Cyril & Eileen Bennett, Patricia Bennett, Phyllis Dunn, Edward Dunn, Julia O’Brien, Edward O’Brien, Eileen Monahan, Phil Moore, Trixie Davidson, Florence Shergold, Florence Turner, Sheila Moon, Beryl Thomas, Br Michael O’Connor, deceased members of Dunn, O’Brien & Reilly families, Alicia Round, Marija Miller, donor intentions and masses of thanksgiving.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

“Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.” St. Francis de Sales

“Genuine love is demanding, but its beauty lies precisely in the demands it makes.” Pope Francis

Did you know…. The statue of St Joseph situated in the garden between O’Reilly House (previously the Sisters’ of St Joseph Convent and the offices of St Agnes’ Parish Administration (previously St Joseph’s Primary School and St Joseph’s Vocational College) was blessed by Bishop Edmund Gleeson, Bishop of Maitland on the same day as the “new” St Agnes’ Church was blessed and opened on 2 March, 1941. The statue was a gift to the sisters from Bishop Gleeson.

Prayer for Refugees and Migrants - Share the Journey

God our refuge, you share the journey with migrants and refugees,

lightening their footsteps with hope. For you, Lord, are close to the broken-hearted.

Pour out your Spirit upon world leaders. May they see the tragedies of our human family

and be moved to respond with wisdom, compassion and courage.

Open our eyes and hearts to the God-given dignity of all your people.

Move us to welcome our neighbours, and so bear witness to your love. Through Christ our

Lord, Amen. Caritas International

READERS AND COMMENTATORS

6pm Vigil: George Searson Gae Green Barry Johnson

7.30am: Damian Bennie Brian English Brian Tierney

9.00am: Denise Puzas Gary Gallagher Judy Brady

5.00pm: Caitlin Rich Olivia Gahan Casey Akset Penny Prince

GIFT BEARERS ROSTER

6pm Vigil: B & G Green 7.30am: B & W Arthur-Pfeil 9.00am: E Gardiner & Family

THE STATUE OF OUR LADY Bill Coghlan Ph 6584 2470

CHILDREN’S LITURGY Craig Brazel Lisa James

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: Jodie Rich Maureen Dick Joy Amos Jason Gill

7.30am: David Hogan Sandy Luschwitz Kay Farrawell Geoff Leary

9.00am: Mike Hawtin Cathy Hawtin Jacob Soerensen Jenny Soerensen

5.00pm: Kylie Kipreotis Kay Fowler Debbie Rennes Sophie Priddis

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C Isaiah 66:18-21 Psalm 116 Hebrew 12:5-7, 11-13 Luke 13:22-30

ROSTERS 24-25 August 2019

DOGMA

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity.

The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty

Winston Churchill ________________________________

FEAST DAYS

Monday 19 August St John Eudes

Tuesday 20 August St Bernard

Wednesday 21 August St Pius X

Thursday 22 August The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Friday 23 August St Rose of Lima

Saturday 24 August St Bartholomew, Apostle

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 - 12.00pm 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 1.65% 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