www.facebook.com/blacktowncatholics

Sunday, 16 February Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Our Parish Mission Statement Mary, Queen of the Family Parish is a welcoming, diverse, multicultural, Catholic community.

We seek: to live, teach and share the joy of the Gospel; to grow as disciples of Jesus through prayer, witness and action and to respond to the needs of the family in the Blacktown community and beyond.

Choose Good and Be Free!

The gospel of Luke presents us the story of the rich young man who asked Jesus with this question: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The reply of Jesus is thought provoking: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone” (Luke 18:18-19). At the heart of the question of what is truly good is also the question of the truth about God and the reality of his encompassing authority as the expression of his love for all. There’s a long and complex history of thoughts and opinions about this matter but at the bottom of all those should be our desire to do what is good to be able to love generously and selflessly. After all, this is our Christian vocation. St. Therese of the Child Jesus said, “My vocation is to love.” Our Christian faith compels us to be free to do what is authentically good and to do it for the greatest reason, that is, to share in the mission of Christ in building up the kingdom of God here on earth. The Book of Sirach (first reading) reminds us that choosing is our gift of freedom. It is within our human capacity to choose from among the options before us: we can choose God or not, choose life or death, choose good or evil. However , to choose contrary to what is good will ultimately lead us to death and destruction. The fathers of the Second Vatican Council write, “Only in freedom can man direct himself towards goodness....Authentic freedom is an exceptional sign of the divine image within man. For God has willed that man remain ‘under the control of his own decisions,’ so that he can seek his Creator spontaneously, and come freely to utter and blissful perfection through loyalty to Him.” However, “Man’s freedom has been damaged by sin, only by the aid of God’s grace can he bring such a relationship with God into full flower.” (Gaudium et Spes no. 17). Holiness is the main point of the Gospel (Mt 5:17-37). Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you, unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of God.” There’s more beyond the legalistic observance of the law but also to a minimalistic response to the demands of charity. The illustrations in the Gospel narrative provoke our creative response to the challenges of Christian life more than observing the Ten Commandments. What gives us a sense of holiness is a deeper reverence to life and relationship with others and with God. Jesus Chr ist has shown us this way through his selflessness which can be a folly to the eyes of those who do

not have faith in him. He is the perfect embodiment of wisdom. Fr Regie

PARISH TEAM Moderator: Fr Regie Lavilla Priest: Fr John Paul Escarlan Priest: Fr Jack Green Deacon: John Cinya Finance Officer: Sarah Damole Parish Secretary: Ann Hart Sacramental Coordinator: Christina Rodricks Parish Assistant: Kaitlyn Vergano The Parish Office is closed each day between 12.30pm-1pm Parish Team Meetings each Wednesday from 10.00 - 11.00am St Michael’s Church St Patrick’s Church 58 Orwell St 51-59 Allawah St Blacktown Blacktown Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am—4pm

Tel: 9622 1125 A/H 9621 3146 Fax: 9671 6425 Email: admin@mqofblacktown.org.au

PARISH SCHOOLS St Michael’s Primary 8869 6200 St Patrick’s Primary 8869 6000 Nagle College 8887 4501 Patrician Brothers College 88110300 Catholic Early Learning Centre 8814 8406 (St Michael’s)

Institute for Mission 9296 6369 Diocesan Ministry Centre 88383460 Catholic Care 8843 2530 Blacktown@ccss.org.au

www.mqofblacktown.org.au www.facebook.com/blacktowncatholics @mqofblacktown

bPoint pa yment s yst em Fol low th e l inks on our web si te .

WEEKDAY MASSES St Michael’s: 8am Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri

Wednesday 8.30am & 7.30pm St Patrick’s: 9am Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat

Friday 7.30pm St Patrick’s

SUNDAY MASSES 5.30pm Saturday Vigil (St Patrick’s)

7.00am Sunday (St Patrick’s) 8.00am Sunday (St Michael’s) 9.30am Sunday (St Michael’s) 10.00am Sunday (St Patrick's)

11.00am 4th Sunday - Filipino Mass (St Michael’s) 2:00pm - Sudanese Mass (St Patrick’s)

3.30pm - Syro Malabar Mass (St Michael’s) 5.30pm Sunday (St Patrick’s) 6.00pm Sunday (St Michael’s)

Sacrament of Reconciliation:

Wednesday 7.00pm—7.25pm (St Michael’s) Saturday 9.30am - 10.25am (St Patrick’s)

Anointing of the Sick

First Saturday during 9.00am Mass (St Patrick’s) or by appointment contact Parish Office

HOLY HOUR:

6.30pm - 7.30pm Wednesday @ St Michael’s 6.30pm - 7.30pm Friday @ St Patrick’s

Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals

by appointment. Please contact office for details

CONTACT US LITURGY TIMES CONNECT

We acknowledge the Darug people, the traditional custodians on whose land we worship .

mailto:Blacktown@ccss.org.au

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON: Cf. Ps 30:3-4

Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold!

Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name. FIRST READING: SIR 15:15-20 RESPONSORIAL PSALM: PS 118:1-2. 4-5. 17-18. 33-34. R. V.1 Happy are they who follow the law of the Lord! SECOND READING: 1 COR 2:6-10

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Mt 11:25 Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven And earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the

Kingdom. Alleluia! GOSPEL: Mt 5:17-37 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish them but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.

‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.

‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all, either by heaven, since

© The scriptural quotations are taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Co Inc, and used by permission of the publishers. The English translation of the Psalm Responses, the Alleluia and Gospel Verses, and the Lenten Gospel Acclamations, and the Titles, Summaries, and Conclusion of the Readings, from the Lectionary for Mass © 1997, 1981, 1968, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved

“Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed,

loved and forgiven.”

— Pope Francis

Frankly Speaking...

A t Ma r y , Qu e en o f t h e Fa mi l y P a r i s h w e W ELC OME , G ROW an d A C T

Sunday, 16 February 2020

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Daily Readings

M 17 Feb: James 1:1-11; Mk 8:11-13 Tu 18 Feb: James 1:12-18; Mk 8:14-21 W 19 Feb: James 1:19-27; Mk 8:22-26 Th 20 Feb: James 2:1-9; Mk 8:27-33 F 21 Feb: James 2:14-24,26; Mk 8:34-9:1 Sa 22 Feb: 1 Peter 5:1-4; Mt 16:13-19 Su 23 Feb: Lev 19:1-2,17-18; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

Anniversaries: Theresa Vella, Elsie Lobo, Michael Frances Casinillo, Tacio Wong, Soledad Gaputan Special Intentions: Stanko Radacic, Frank Vella, Recently Deceased: Connie Sultana We remember and pray for those who are ill at home or in hospital at this time: Connie Facchin,Adolfino V Alcedo, George Collin, Doreen Stanslaus, Peter Fredu, Rita Attard, Joan Clout, Maureen O’Reilly, Kathryn McKean, Estelle Magee, Michelle Makin, Candida Irugalbandara,Claudia Tabares, Lekisha Grace Panlilio, Amy Hliounakis, Fr Peter Njau, C.S.Sp, Ardanette Seguban, Sandra Gaye Mee, Lucina Canete, Felipe Castillo, Beato Justiniano G. Toledo, Frank & Anjela Barglik, Joseph El Khoury, Maricel Sarmiento.

that is God’s throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’

COMMUNION ANTIPHON: Cf. Ps 77:29-30

They ate and had their fill, and what they craved the Lord gave them; they were not disappointed in what they craved.

BECOME A CATECHIST HELPER TODAY

At the current time our Parish needs helpers to spread the Good news of Jesus to the 7 State Schools in our boundaries. The helper plays a vital role in the classroom distributing materials and assisting the Catechist and children. If you can spare 30 minutes each week and would like to help nurture the faith of these children please contact Sandra Baker on 0421 505 507.

Please ring the Parish Office to register your name.

Prayer : Adoration : Praise &

Worship : Testimony : Fellowship

3rd Friday Devotion 20 February 2020

6:30 PM St Patrick’s Church Mary, Queen of the

Family Parish, Blacktown

Please bring a plate

to share

Hosted By MQOF Youth

Bible Study Group

We are a group who meet weekly to discuss and learn about the Bible and the impact it has in our lives. Join us in the Sid Mosley centre at St Michael’s Church every Thursday, from 7:30pm to 9pm.

NEW CATHOLIC TV Channel: Shalom World

Is a commercial-free, high-definition, Catholic family channel that reaches out to the world witnessing the truth of Christ. The channel supplements the pastoral efforts of the Church to spread the Good News of Christ Jesus. SHALOM WORLD offers programs that will truly be a spiritual banquet to people of all ages. More details: https://www.shalomworldtv.org/about Shalom World Australia is launched on 26th January 2018, the Australia Day. Find the launch PROMO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFileqsiy1E Endorsement from Archbishop Anthony Fisher, Archdiocese of Sydney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h77pKTZ9qY4

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND RAISER The Social Justice Group is having a fundraising raffle after all Masses this Weekend at St Patrick’s. Proceeds for this raffle will go towards: Christmas Luncheon held at the end of the year for those doing it tough One Meal Food Service Vital Call Service or similar for those fragile and living on their own Refugee Assistance Tickets are 1 for $2 and 3 for $5 We thank you for your generosity Same raffle will be held at St Michael's Church next Sunday, 23 February after every Mass. Raffle will be drawn on the 15 March Prices for the Raffle are 1st prize Carpet Square valued at $400.00 2nd prize 6 bottles Margaret River Emmett’s Crossing Re-serve Red Value $134. 3rd prize 6 bottles Margaret River Emmett’s Crossing Re-serve Red Value $134 4th prize Pearl earrings value $120.00

https://www.shalomworldtv.org/abouthttps://www.shalomworldtv.org/abouthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h77pKTZ9qY4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h77pKTZ9qY4

Stations of the Cross Rosary Beads

Available NOW at the Piety Store

They make an excellent gift for family and friends who maybe sick or housebound and unable to attend the Stations of the Cross during the Lenten season. Ash Wednesday is 26 February, so come and visit the Piety Store today. They cost $25.00 each, and are strong wooden beads direct from Italy.

MQOF EVENINGS: Every Tuesday at 7:30pm commencing 25th February. A large group with weekly speakers and small group discussion. All age groups welcome. MQOF MORNINGS: Every Tuesday at 9:30am commencing 25th February. Small faith sharing groups in the Church using resources provided MQOF HOME: Small faith shar ing groups in your home at any time using resources provided. Please indicate if you would like to host your friends or family. Groups will begin the week beginning 24th February. If you would like to join a group, please inform the Parish Office on 9622 1125. Sign up sheets are in the church foyers, numbers need to be available by 16 February.

Josephite Associates Meeting As Josephite Associates we respond to the call to live the charism of Mary MacKillop in our daily lives in our own unique way. We support one another by friendship, prayer and service to make a difference in our local area and so further the reign of God (Associates Mission Statement).

We meet every 3rd Monday in the Cardinal Clancy Room from 10am. All are welcome.

Visiting Statue of Our Lady of

Immaculate Conception If you would like to have Our Lady’s statue in your home for one week please leave your details at the Parish Office on 9622 1125.

Intercessory Prayer Group

We welcome you to be a part of the intercessory prayer group to pray for our Parish and the world. When: Mondays and Tuesdays Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Where: St Michael’s Church Contact: Tony Fernando 0434828297

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Date: Friday 6th March Where: St Patrick’s Church Time: 10am. Followed by morning tea in Cardinal Clancy Room

We will be burning palms from last year for use on Ash Wednesday, 26th February. If you have palms from Palm Sunday last year, please put them in the

containers in the foyers of the Church or take them to the Parish Office by Sunday 23 February.

Central Deanery Forum Come and explore with other parishes in our deanery how we can pray and work together continue to be the community Christ calls us to be. We will consider ideas from the plenary and current initiatives as part of our discernment. Saturday 7 March 2020 9:30am for registration, 10am-4pm St Andrew the Apostle Parish, 40 Breakfast Rd, Marayong. Lunch and drinks provided. RSVP by 22 February by email centraldeanery303@gmail.com

NEXT WEEKEND (22/23 February) - Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr. A

Vigil 5.30PM 7.00AM 8.00 AM 9.30 AM 10.00AM 5.30PM 6.00 PM

Music Divine Mercy

DVP - Tony Wehbe

DVP - Michael Zerafa

Murphy Choir

II Celebrate

Youth Band

Servants of The Lord

Commentator Josephine Miruzzi

Cristina King

Diane Zerafa

Joshua Pinto

Evelyn Balagtas

Louisa Xavier

Joyce Aitkins

1st Reader Peter Curmi

Jane Abela

Colin Morris

Ricardo Fortaleza

Antoinette Mangion

Rita McCormick

Francesca Tendeora

2nd Reader Cecilia Ducut

Edelina Lucido

Michael Zerafa

Pam Faulkner

Ashithra Aloysius

John Kurmann

Volunteer Needed

Acolyte/Adult Server Paul Garland Zaldy Pamintuan

Bill Callaghan Anne Wait Gerry Meura

Max Rosario Ike Lutaos

Annie Pinto Ian Faulkner

Maurice Bru Francine Bru

Frank Mangion

Beato Pudadera

Eucharistic Ministers Marilou Van Asten Theresa Azzopardi Dorothy Angyalfi Len Cruz

Dorothy Angyalfi Andree Fraser

Eddie Peters Rhonda McKechnie

Renita Aloysius Rozario Antony Fernando

Aleli Canonizado Imelda Valve Ashithra Aloysius Evelyn Balagtas

Vinnie Zahra Angela John Veronica Xavier Kathie Collins Louisa Xavier

Joyce Aitkins

Volunteer Needed

Altar Servers Ashleigh Tabusares Liam Cruz Adam Cruz

Jav Calingao Jenille Calingao

Prem Mondeddu Paavan Mondeddu

Rames Abu Ganaba Ranye Abu Ganaba Antoni Arshilo Rafy Abu Ganaba Patrick Supan

Maddison Cash Oscar Degollacion Cryste Degollacion

Adam D’Sa Angelize Estil

Flower Ministry: Group 4

St Michaels Church: 58 Orwell Street Blacktown. Office Hours: Sunday 8:30am-11:30am

St Patrick’s Church: 51-59 Allawah Street Blacktown. Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

Telephone: 02 9622 1125; A/H 02 9621 3146

Email: admin@mqofblacktown.org.au

BPoint payment system Follow the l inks on our website .

Parish Staff: Parish Moderator: Fr Regie Lavilla

Priest: Fr John Paul Escar lan

Priest: Fr Jack Green

Deacon: John Cinya

Finance Officer: Sarah Damole E: accounts@mqofblacktown.org.au

Secretary: Ann Har t E: admin@mqofblacktown.org.au

Sacramental Coordinator: Chr istina Rodr icks E: sacraments@mqofblacktown.org.au

Parish Assistant: Kaitlyn Vergano

Catechist Coordinator: Sandra Baker

Youth Ministry Leaders: Franchecsa Tenadora & Frank Mangion

Parish Council: Chair: Cecil Fernandes ; Asst Chair: Ruth Miranda ; Secretary: Eva Cheetley ; Members: Nathan Fernandez, Debojit Roy, Sidney Lazum, Phi Nguyen, Jude Miranda, Joseph Azzi, Ashley Azzi, Harlane Petersen, Fr. Regie Lavilla, Fr John Paul Escarlan, Fr Jack Green, Deacon John Cinya

Tap & Go Using your Credit/Debit Card or Phone e.g. Apple Pay

www.mqofblacktown.org.au www.facebook.com/blacktowncatholics

D I S I P L E S A F A E K Y A

I S E A O R P H R Y F Z S L S

G M A L T A R R N A E I E D G

A L H M O N D E X U S T A P R

P X O K J G S O F F E R T E E

U V A G C R O V A L A Y H K S

R T Z E Q Y G D Z E H O M R P

G I F T N S C O M M A N D S E

J F N O E A D J U E O F Y Q C

I A L F G X T M E R P R T O T

P M A T U R W H S L E G I X S

U S K E Y D R I T O A V U B D

G L O R I O U S Z N C D S A H

I M F S K I H U P Q E T I J E

F A J M Y S T E R I O U S U F

We follow the law of God

Try to find these words Altar Angry Commands Death Disciples Gift Glorious Mature Mysterious Offer Peace Respects

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

We appeal to our beloved Mary, Queen of the Family parishioners to please make a DONATION for our new Audio and Visual Systems. Our St Patrick’s church faulty sound system, screens and projectors are badly in need of a replacement and we cannot achieve this without your support. We humbly ask you to consider contributing to this massive undertaking. It is something we need for our church and the amount involved is estimated to be around $106,000. The installation of the new sound system, screens and projectors will enhance the celebration of the Holy Mass, whereby the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ can be fully heard and appreciated. It doesn’t matter if you cannot make a large contribution, bear in mind that every little bit will help. Remember what Jesus said about the poor widow’s contribution in Mark 12:41- 44. “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than everyone who’s been putting money in the treasury. All of them are giving out of their spare change, but she from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had, even what she needs to live on.” We hope and pray that you will consider making a donation for this great undertaking that we are making together. God bless us.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Fr. Regie Lavilla, MSP For and on behalf of the Parish Team

Call the Parish Office on 96221125 for advertising details. Please understand that Mary, Queen of the Family Parish cannot take responsibility if the service provided by an advertiser does not meet expectations.

~

Malta Travel - Tours 2020 1.Tasmania - Only 3 couples left! Be quick and call Monica - 9896 0712 or 0414 859386 2. Gorgeous Hawaii: September 2020. Join us on a hilarious escorted tour: Honolulu - Pearl Harbour Polynesian Culture - Maui - Hilo - Kona - Kauai. Call Paul Vassallo: 9666 6684, Mob: 0416 951 502. 3. NEW TOUR: East Canada & USA: July 2020. Boston—Montreal - Quebec - Ottawa - Kingston - Toronto - Niagara Falls - Washington - New York. Call Charlie - 9631 2689 or 0412 523 893. You get the lot: flights, hotels, food, touring, transfers and insurance.

LOURDES Medical Centre - BLACKTOWN

GP Required * Doctor owned well established practice. * AGPAL Accredited. * Nursing, Pathology and Allied health on site.

P: 0421 2180 72 E: therese@lourdesmc.com.au

Tap and Go is now up and running in

our parish

Have no cash? Don’t despair just ‘Tap and Go'. The easy way to support our parish with the second collection

Join us every Tuesday at St Michael’s Church to pray the Rosary after 8am Mass.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

Would you like to advertise your business? We have a space available in our bulletin. For further information please ring Sarah at the Parish Office on 9622 1125.

mailto:therese@lourdesmc.com.au