Emperor Napoleon was moved by a mother’s plea for pardon for her soldier son. However, the emperor said that since it was the man’s second major offense, justice demanded death. “I do not ask for justice”, implored the mother, “I plead for mercy”. “But,” said the emperor, “He does not
deserve mercy”. “Sir,” cried the mother, “it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.” The compassion and clarity of the mother’s logic prompted Napoleon to respond, “Well then, I will have mercy”. The second Sunday of the Easter season invites us to reflect on God’s infinite love and mercy for His people, as detailed in the Bible and as lived and taught by Jesus, and to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
At the canonization of Sr. Faustina, Pope John Paul II said: “The cross, even after the Resurrection of the Son of God, speaks and never ceases to speak of God the Father, who is absolutely faithful to His eternal love for man”.
Believing in this love means believing in mercy. “The Lord of Divine Mercy” a drawing of Jesus based on the vision given to St. Faustina, shows Jesus raising his right hand in a gesture of blessing, with his left hand on his chest from which gush forth two rays, one red and one white. The picture contains the message "Jesus, I trust in You!”. The rays streaming out have symbolic meaning: red for the blood of Jesus, which is the life of souls, and white for the water which justifies souls. The whole image is symbolic of the mercy and love of God.
One night in 1935, Fiorello H. La Guardia, mayor of New York, showed up at a night court in the poorest ward of the city. He dismissed the judge for the evening and took over the bench. One case involved an elderly woman who was caught stealing bread to feed her grandchildren. La Guardia said, "I've got to punish you. Ten dollars or ten days in jail”. As he spoke, he threw $10 into his hat. He then fined everyone in the courtroom 50 cents for living in a city ‘where an old woman had to steal bread so that her grandchildren should not starve. The hat was passed around, and the woman left the courtroom with her fine paid and an additional $ 47.50. (Above are from the collection of Fr. Tony Kadavil)
We live in a world where there is so much harshness. We live in a world filled with hostility and meanness. By reason of our human natures, so many seem prone to act with unmitigated selfishness regardless of injury to others.
I spoke one day with a young mother, a single parent who had been abandoned by her husband. With only meager skills, she has been trying to make a living for her children. Broken and discouraged, she says, with tears in her eyes, “It’s a rough world out there. It’s a jungle without mercy.”
Mercy is a godlike quality! It cannot be legislated. It must come from the heart. It must be stirred up from within. It is part of the endowment each of us receives as a son or daughter of God and partaker of a divine birthright. Let us give greater expression and wider latitude to this instinct which lies within us. The God we believe in is the epitome of mercy. His Son Jesus’ ministry was one of compassion toward the poor, the sick, the oppressed, the victims of injustice and man’s inhumanity to man. His sacrifice on the cross was an unparalleled act of mercy in behalf of all humanity.
If cultivated among all men, mercy would put an end to the atrocities of war, violence and many more heinous crimes around the world. It is time for each one to act with greater compassion toward each other. -Fr. Vince
Divine Mercy Sunday 12th April 2015
Acts 4:32-35; 1 Jn 5:1-6; Jn 20:19-31
THIS WEEK’S MINISTERS
5:30 8am 10am 5:30pm WELCOMERS Karen Forest Scardino family Bernadette
Huxley
ACOLYTE Vince Luca Neil John Phyllis Hannah Joe Touma READERS Simmy
Cesamolo Mary Sammut
Dan Doyle Bill Dowers
Ann & Mark Lee Youth team
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Colleen Dunlop Maria Aiossa
Kay Brooks Tricia Spencer
Sandra Tabone Trish Takahashi
Patrick Brush Louise Johnston
JUNIOR MINISTERS
Kate Howlin Lara Sawaya
Akash Arnold Jack McNeil
Naomi, Malachi, & Nathan Young
Christian Hatcher, Jacinta & Isabella Vumbaca
MUSICIANS Richard and Matt
Joan and David Youth Group
BANKERS/ COUNTERS
(14 April) Kay Brooks and John Hourigan
Children’s Liturgy
To resume 26 April
NEXT WEEK’S MINISTERS (18-19 APRIL)
5:30 8am 10am 5:30pm WELCOMERS Judith Gauci Maria Fry Bob & Maureen
Burke Margaret & Michael Foley
ACOLYTE Len Gauci Mark Wright Jhun Javier Sam Ursino READERS Pat Waters
Robert Gerometta
Eileen Sherlock Junainah Lynch
Rosanna Ceroli Sally Coppini
Jason Hatcher Gael Carparni
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Bernice Hart-Gerometta Judith Gauci
Michael Parslow Gerda Doherty
Meg & Greg Thomas
Lesley Gangemi Warren O’Neil
JUNIOR MINISTERS
Olivia & Jasmine Kenna
Patrick Wright Tomas McNeil
Lorena Campo, Rosie and Maryanna Coppini
Jacinta Mifsud
MUSICIANS Richard and Matt
Joan and David Living Word SC choir
Youth Group
BANKERS/ COUNTERS
(21 April) Paul Vella and Tony Virgona
FLOWERS Denis Secco Altar Linen Peg Grogan
We pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Keith Ford who joined our Lord on 7th April. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife, Barbara, and his family.
The funeral mass will be on Monday, 13th April, at 10am.
We remember in our prayers Paula and Ben Dieudonne, Michele Vaccarella, Thomas Touma, Vincent Finocchioro, Marcello Pellizzon, Jim and Setna Mulvihill, Karen Draddy, deceased members of the Culligan and Mulvihill families, Pietro Ceccato, deceased members of the Ferraro family, Emmanuel Lee, Patrick Mooney, Francesco Nati, Rosa Maria Nati, Oneste Amminestiote, Immacolata
Amminestiote, Norman and Chahide Hajje, Raymond, Sheaddy and Chahid Hajje, Anna Rosa Francesco, Gio Piccofrecci Tallaridi, and Fata Vincenzo.
May they rest in peace Let us pray for healing in our community
Ben Eberand, Callum Goracz, Patrick Griffiths, Catherine Bourke, Tina, Marie, Antoinette, Lian, Elizabeth, Charles Vencyel, Joe, Christy Sherlock,
Maisie Hughes, and Christine Wilson
If you would like Mass to be offered for a special intention, there are envelopes at the entrance
of the church. These can be placed on either collection or given to Fr Vincent.
PARISH TEAM
Parish Priest:
Rev Vincent Savarimuthu
Pastoral Associate:
Sr Anna Conway
Parish Secretary: Lisa Echevarria
Sacramental Coordinator Sue Martin
Office Hours: Tues - Fri 9am - 4.00 pm
Phone: 9654 2260
Fax: 9654 2261
e-mail:
Web Site:
www.stmadeleine.org.au
Address Parish House:
28 Annangrove Rd
Kenthurst NSW 2156
St Mads Primary School Phone: 9654 6751
Principal: Mrs Jeanette Black
Marian College Phone: 9654 6700
Principal: Mrs Jayne Campbell
St Vincent de Paul
1800 606 724
Playgroup –Tue 9.30am
Children’s Liturgy
10am Mass during Term
Parish Services
Weekend Masses:
Saturday 5.30pm
Sunday 8:00 am 10:00 am
5.30pm
Weekday Masses:
Tues - Fri 9:15 am
Prayer Group: Wednesdays after
the 9.15 am Mass
Baptisms & Weddings:
By appointment
Reconciliation:
Saturday 5.00pm
VISION OF OUR PARISH
Inspired and guided by the
Holy Spirit and the Gospel,
St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish,
a community of faith and service, strives
to be a witness for Christ’s love far and
wide, reflecting the humility and wisdom of
St Madeleine, the Patroness of the parish.
Country Fair – 3rd May 2015
Next committee meeting is on
Tuesday, 14 April, 7:30pm at the
St Joseph Centre.
Raffle ticket books are available
for you to sell. We will be
handing these out after each Mass.
Please take a coloured envelope
from the foyer and donate to the
Country fair. Envelopes with Gift
Cards and Money can be placed in
the collection baskets at Mass or
in the box next to the front door of the parish house.
White Elephant & 2nd Hand Books can also be left in the
Church Foyer for collection.
Thank you for your generous support.
Any queries please call Kim Parslow 0418 220 963 or
Mick Parslow 0418 601 531.
St Madeleine’s Catholic Primary
KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS
16th March—31st May 2016 The enrolment period for Kindergarten 2016
has commenced.
Enrolment packs are now on our website
www.stmadeleineskenthurst.catholic.edu.au
or can be collected at the office.
Ph: 9654 6751
Email: [email protected] Fr Vincent will be available for enrolment
appointments on 14 (Tues) and 15 (Wed) April, 10:30-12:30 and 2:00-4:00. Please ring the parish office (96542260) to organise a time.
Lent is over but it doesn’t mean “It’s the end”!
Discussion prayer group
will continue every
Wednesday morning at
9:45 (after the morning
mass). For more info,
call Pauline on
0407417039. •For those interested in training to become Junior Ministers (year 4 and above), please contact Sue Martin. (0432716577) •Formation training for Senior Ministers will be on 18th July at 3pm. •For all liturgy ministers, you can now find the rosters for the year on our website: http://stmadeleine.org.au/?page_id=1010
If you happen to have found a silver ladies Seiko
watch in the church, please ring Yvonne on
96540398. Watch has a lot of sentimental value.
Thanks!
30 YEARS!!! Fr Vincent will be marking his 30th anniversary as a priest on 21st April. To celebrate this gift,
everyone is invited to a special mass on Friday, 24th April, at 7pm followed by supper.
Please be there for this wonderful occasion! For catering purposes, please sign up on the sheet in the foyer of the church. You are encouraged to
bring a plate. For further queries, contact Maria Aiossa on 96541652 or 0402280890.
PIETY STALL Beautiful items are available at our piety stall—ideal
gifts for Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion,
Confirmation, even birthdays and anniversaries!
The stall is open after the weekend masses.
For special orders or to volunteer to help out with the
stall, contact Sandra on 0413272400
IN THE DIOCESE RCIA Alive!
The Office for Worship is conducting three
workshops in May designed for anyone
interested in bringing the RCIA process alive in
our parish. More details can be found on the
poster in the foyer. Or you can ring the OFW on
98314911.
Christian Meditation Day on 17 May This Christian Meditation Introduction & Renewal Day
at St Benedict's Monastery includes presentations, Introduction to Christian Meditation,
two periods of meditation, Eucharistic Celebration and information exchange.
BYO picnic lunch. Tea & coffee provided. Books & CDs for sale. All welcome. Arrive 10am, concludes about 3pm.
Monastery is at 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia, tel (02) 9653 1159.
Inquiries: Ann Bergman (02) 9498 2625, [email protected]
or Ann Lomas (02) 9456 4775, [email protected]
The Diocese of Parramatta invites Couples in their
first 20 years of Marriage, together with their
families and guests, to attend the
Diocesan Mass for
Celebrating the Early Years of Marriage.
Mass will be celebrated by
Very Rev Peter Williams, Vicar General, EV
at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta on
Sunday 17th May, 2015 at 11am.
A light lunch will follow
at the Cathedral Parish hall.
Position Available:
Part-Time Parish Secretary
St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta
Maternity Leave Cover – 7-mos approx.
(4 x 6hrs per day) Tuesday to Friday
For further information please contact Fr Fernando tel. (02) 9630 1951
GLENHAVEN PRIVATE PRESCHOOL *Preschool for children 3-6 years * School Terms
9.00am – 3.00pm (closed school holidays) * Situated in peaceful; bushland setting * All teachers
highly experienced and qualified
19 BANNERMAN ROAD KENTHURST, PH:
9654 0345 t
Popular Dr Selina Leow and Dr Darren Calleia,
Stanhope Dental Centre 17 Conrad Road, Kellyville Ridge
(8 mins from Rouse Hill)
(02) 8883 1522
*Open 6 days * Female and male dentists * Medicare schemes accepted (conditions apply)
* All ages –* one appt crowns
Hills Family Funerals
“A tradition of care and concern”
Funeral Planning and
Pre-Arranged Funerals For personal attention please call
Richard Spiteri or Pina Parrealla at 9659 0900
“Si, parla Italiano” www.hillsfamilyfunerals.com.au
S A W A Y A S O L I C I T O R S Solicitors and Public Notaries
Phone: 9654 2555 Conveyancing, Wills & Probate Family Law, Leases, Elder Law
For your legal needs 84A Annangrove Road Kenthurst
YOUR LOCAL CARPENTER
All aspects of carpentry, maintenance,
free quotes. Reliable and friendly service.
No job too big or small.
Fergus Macdonald
0403 658 283 Lic. #: 210872C
Local Excavation Company
Our solutions for: Driveways, Dams, Land clearing,
Pools, House slabs, Detailed excavations, Fire hazard reductions, Rock sawing
1.8 – 12 tonne bobcat, drott, tipper hire, rock saw,
rock breaker, auger.
Ph Jessey 0410 158563 fax 9654 1222 or
John 0418 277 355
www.underhouseexcavation.com.au.
PASS2GO
Phill’s
AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICES AND
CHARTERS
Enquiries and bookings phone Phill
(02) 9899 3559
Mobile 0487 928556
Fax (02) 9899 1652
Starr Partners Your local Real Estate Agent
For all your Real Estate needs!
Phone Darren Starr
0488 717 177
Sydney’s Plant Market Wholesale direct to the public
184 Annangrove Road 9679 2606
Buy direct and save!
Funerals of Compassion “Compassion when you need it most” Traditional funerals, Pre Paid Funerals A family business with family values.
Call Annangrove locals Rocco & Sofia Polistina 9659-2117 – 24 hours
www.funeralsofcompassion.com.au
Vogue Real Estate
7A/249 Annangrove Rd, Annangrove
(in Regal Gardens)
Selling fee 1.5% incl GST
Leasing fee 3.75% for 12 months
Relocation agent
96792789/0419 237 044
Carmel O’Connell Psychologist Clientele includes:
Children Adults Families Couples Medicare and Health Funds rebates available:
(conditions apply) Shop 8A Kenthurst Road, Dural
Ph: 9651 5559 -Fax: 9651 1199 www.duralwellnesscentre.com.au
Caring Angel Home Support
Let your loved ones live independently at home
with our Caring Angel Support. 20 year’s
experience in aged care and community care. Our services include: Personal Care, Appointments,
Shopping, Cooking, outings, Cleaning and
Companionship. Phone: Rosa on
9680 8629 or 0404 673 145
Chalker Accountants
Small Business Specialist
All Accounting and Taxation matters.
Phone: Warren
4577 6644
NC & J CONSTRUCTIONS
* CARPENTRY* SHOP FITTING *GLAZING Shop Fitting, Building Maintenance Timber Floors, Decking, internal Fit
Home Extensions
PHONE: Neil 0418 656 075 or Juyale 0416 923 207
PMCG Kitchens & Bathrooms Specialising in
*Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry Renovations *Kitchen makeovers and extensions
*Glass splashbacks, Kitchen doors changed *Benchtops – Caesar stone, granite & more
Ph Paul Ghosn 0433 999885.
Lic No: 207963C ABN 49107428660
To advertise in the parish bulletin, please
contact the parish office at 96542260.
Thank you.
Baptism: Next preparation session on 2nd May, 3pm at the St Joseph Centre Confirmation:
Parent formation sessions on 21 April at 7:30pm or 22 April at 10am at the St Joseph Centre
Confirmation rehearsals on 29 April (Wed) and 1 May (Fri) at 7pm
Confirmation on 6 (Wed) and 8 (Fri) May at 7pm
First Communion:
Commitment masses on weekend of 6th and 7th June.
First Youth Ministry Workshop on 24th May, Sunday, from 10 o’clock to evening mass. It will be a great chance to actually meet the people you see every Sunday, to improve on your musical skills, and to discover many ways to become more active in church!
If you’d like to get involved but aren’t quite sure what you’d enjoy doing, SMS Lisa 0425381520 or ring the parish office at 96542260 to explore possibilities.