Catholic Parishes Of North Mackay, Farleigh and Walkerston

St John’s Parish Anne Street, Walkerston P O Box 323 Walkerston QLD 4751 Phone: 49592241 Fax: 49668022 Email: saintjohnswalkerston@mcs.net.au

Parish Secretary: ················· Josie Battaia Office Hours: Tuesday & Friday: ················ 9am - 3pm

St Brigid’s Parish 961 Bruce Highway, Farleigh, QLD 4741 Bruce Highway Farleigh, CMB Farleigh, QLD 4741 Phone: 49598213 Email: stbrigid.farleigh@bigpond.com

Parish Secretary: ···········Veronica Tolcher Office Assistant: ················· Maria Axiak Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: ························· 9am - 12:00pm

St Joseph’s Parish 21 Grendon Street North Mackay P O Box 3388 North Mackay, QLD 4740

Phone: 49574855 Fax: 49574208 Email: stjomky@bigpond.com Parish Manager: ···················· Ken Kelly Parish Secretary: ················ Chris Haines Secretary Assistant: ··········· Sr Lila Galvin Finance Secretary: ·········· Kerry Dempsey Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12:00pm

MASS TIMES St Joseph’s Church North Mackay

Monday: 6:30am Celebration Word/Holy Communion Tuesday: ............................................... 6.30am Mass Wednesday: .......................................... 5:30pm Mass Thursday: .............................................. 6:30am Mass Friday: ................................................... 6:30am Mass Saturday: .............................................. 6:00pm Mass Sunday: ................................................ 9:00am Mass

Reconciliation: PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE St Joseph’s: ................ Saturday 10:00am—10:30am

St Brendan’s Church Bucasia Sunday: ............................................... 7:30am Mass

St Brigid’s Church Farleigh

Tuesday: ................ St Brigid’s Farleigh 9:30am Mass Wednesday: ........... St Brigid’s Farleigh 6:30pm Mass Friday: ................... St Brigid’s Farleigh 9:30am Mass Saturday: ............... St Brigid’s Farleigh 6:00pm Mass

Sunday: ......... Star of the Sea Seaforth 7:00am Mass Sunday: .............................. St Helen’s Calen 9:00am Celebration Word/Holy Communion Sunday: .............. St Peter’ Midge Point 9:15am Mass

Reconciliation: St Brigid’s ........................ Saturday 5:00pm—5:40pm Seaforth ......................... ½ hour before Sunday Mass Midge Point ................... ½ hour before Sunday Mass Calen ............................ ½ hour before Sunday Mass

St John’s Church Walkerston Monday: ....................................................... No Mass Tuesday: ............................... St John’s 8:00am Mass Wednesday: .......................... St John’s 8:00am Mass Thursday: ..................................................... No Mass Friday: ................................... St John’s 9:00am Mass Saturday: .............................. St John’s 6:00pm Mass Sunday: ....................................... Eton 7:30am Mass Reconciliation: St John’s: ............................ Saturday 5:15—5:45pm

Mater Hospital Chapel Wednesday: Celebration of Word/Communion 9:30am

Parish Priest and Administrator Associate Pastor Associate Pastor Retired Priest Fr Stephen Hanly Fr John Tete Fr Johnson Mathew Fr William Busuttin

S e r v i n g T h e C h u r c h C o m m u n i t i e s O f

St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay St Brigid’s Church, Farleigh St John’s Church, Walkerston St Brendan’s Church, Bucasia St Helen’s Church, Calen Holy Cross Church, Eton

St Peter’s Church, Midge Point St Paul's Church, Glenden Star of the Sea Church, Seaforth

EMERGENCY CONTACT: for anointing the sick 0400 874 807

Second Sunday of Advent - Year B

Sunday, 10 December 2017

P A R I S H O F F I C E S A N D S T A F F

In the wilderness God's salvation comes to a broken

people. In the midst of what is seemingly an impossible situation, hope emerges with vigour. In this context, hope is an openness to surprise, the surprise that God is in no way limited to the imaginings of human minds and the consequences of human history. This is the kind of hope that is proclaimed in the wilderness by John; it is the kind of hope that trusts that from the impossible, God can work a new creation.

There is something of a time warp in Christianity. What is

future is made present. The prophetic oracle announces the future as if it is already happening. This sense of the future-present prompts new ways of living. As the future takes root in human lives, the present is transformed into a new creation and the Day of the Lord appears.

God's future comes through the wilderness into the

broken city and inspires a broken-hearted people. The contrite heart is a broken heart, an emptied-out heart, a hope-filled heart. It is a heart that is unencumbered by the past and that lives currently in the passing of time and the fragility of being alive. The contrite, broken heart can be filled only by what is promised in the future. This is the paradox of Advent. In the middle of the wilderness, God works the impossible in those whose hearts are ready for the surprise of hope. by Dianne Bergant CSS

N O T I C E S F O R S T J O S E P H ’ S P A R I S H N O R T H M A C K A Y A N D N O R T H E R N B E A C H E S

The Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton abides strictly with the principles and procedures of Towards Healing. The Diocese is committed to healing for victims by providing a sensitive and compassionate response to complaints. Contact the Response Coordinator Ph 1800 830113. email: profstdsrock@dfs.org.au

PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR RECENTLY DECEASED:

Marie Pyke, Alan Townsend, Reg Baker, Madeline Daunt.

ANNIVERSARY: Tony King.

REMEMBRANCE MASS: Charles DeBrincat, Joseph DeBrincat, Barbar Sands, Hermann & Ritchie Family, Lawrence & Nicolina Zammit, Vincent & Maria Tanti, Percy Attard, Joe & Tosu, Grace Attard, Sam & Doris Sciberras, Salvatore, Teresa & Mary Zammit, Josephine Thurgood.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK: Marie Pyke, Maria Spiteri, Elizabeth McGrath, Rita Hows, Tass Kelliher, Andrew Murray, Joe Clancy, Pat Curtin, Marcella & Paul Doolan, Margaret Agius (Malta) Wally Lenicka, Mary Stark, Warren Williams, Julie Rowan, Olive Descerne, Barry Waddington, Gail Fallis, Jim Hanks, all the sick of the Parish.

PARISH DATE CLAIMERS

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS Saturday 6th January 2018, 7:00am Mass followed by Holy

Hour before the Blessed Sacrament.

SACRED HEART SODALITY

Tuesday 5 December 2017, 6:30am Mass at St Joseph’s Church.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA)

The Parish of North Mackay and Northern Beaches will be offering an RCIA program from the start of 2018. Adults interested in becoming a Catholic, or being baptised in the Catholic faith, should indicate their interest by phoning the parish office on 4957 4855 or by email to stjomky@bigpond.com

GENERAL

RETREAT ~ DATE CLAIMER

On Ash Wednesday, we are marked with the cross of ash to begin our annual Lenten journey. With all Christians who know their need for mercy, we repent and turn again to the Gospel.

We invite you to a time of restful Retreat on Sunday 11th February 2018

at St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay (2pm-7pm). Come prepare your heart to enter into these special weeks of spiritual regeneration that we call ‘Lent’. We offer you a gentle prayerful process (led by Erica Marshall) with Scripture, silence, sharing and song. The Retreat will finish with Taizé Prayer and a light meal will be served.

Cost: $10.00 To Register contact St Joseph’s Parish Office 4957 4855.

STELLA MARIS SEAFARERS CENTRE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL

The Stella Maris Seafarers Centre and the Mackay/Sarina Branch of the Christian Businessmen’s Association are once again conducting, what has now become, our Annual Shoe Box Appeal to bring a little joy to Seafarers visiting the ports of Hay Point and Mackay this Christmas. We thank you most sincerely for the wonderful gifts in past years and ask if you would be so kind as to support us again this year.

Collection 4312/17

Number of givers: 118

Payway: .......................$870.00

Envelopes: ...................$802.55

Loose: ........................ $1633.50

Total: ........................ $3306.05

ADVENT &CHRISTMAS DAILY REFLECTIONS 2017: Little books with Reflections for Advent $4.00 available from the Parish Office.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December

St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay: 6:00pm St Brigid’s Church, Farleigh: 6:00pm St John’s Church, Walkerston: 6:00pm St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay: 9:00pm

Christmas Day Monday 25th December

Star Of The Sea Church, Seaforth: 7:00am St Brendan’s Church, Bucasia: 7:30am Holy Cross Church, Eton: 7:30am St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay: 9:00am St Helen’s Church, Calen: 7:00am St Peter’s Church, Midge Point: 9:15am

CHANGE OF TIME FOR RECONCILIATION

Please note there is a change of time for Reconciliation at St Joseph’s Church which will be on Saturday morning from

10:00am to 10:30am for the following dates only: Saturday 9th, 16th, 23rd December 2017.

Wide range of Christmas Cards & Items now available from the Piety Stall. Open before & after Saturday 6pm and Sunday 9am Masses.

THANK YOU FROM ST. VINNIES

St. Vinnies would like to thank the parents, teachers and students of our five schools for their generous donations of groceries and cash etc towards our Christmas Hampers for the disadvantage in our parish. For those not involved with the schools, and would like to donate towards the hampers—groceries or cash—can be left at the paper counter or parish centre.

This year the hampers will be delivered on SUNDAY 17th DECEMBER 2017

Assistance to deliver these hampers would be appreciated, if you can help please come along on

Sunday 17th December to the Parish Centre by 8:30am. There MUST be TWO people doing the deliveries.

ST JOSEPH’S PARISH CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Tickets $1.00 each and Children’s Tickets .50c each,

available before and after weekend Masses at St Joseph’s Church

~3 prizes to be won~

Whilst Norfair was a great social success, the financial result was less than expected, with a net profit of $10,225. Once again, a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in any way.

URGENT

TO GET THE GROUNDS READY FOR CHRISTMAS

CAN YOU HELP!!!!!!! Additional volunteers are required for mowing the grounds and care of the gardens at St. Joseph’s Church grounds. Recent rains have seen the lawns need regular mowing, and the gardens require weeding. No equipment required, just a couple of hours of your time on Saturday mornings, or when ever available. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to help, please contact Ken at the Parish Office.

Ph. 4957 4855.

N O T I C E S F O R S T B R I G I D ’ S P A R I S H F A R L E I G H , S E A F O T H , C A L E N , M I D G E P T

MISSION STATEMENT We, the Catholic community of North Mackay and Farleigh called by Baptism, strengthened by the Sacraments and nourished by the Word, are committed to witness Christ’s mission in the world.

We seek to be an active community that reaches out to the diverse peoples of this region.

NOTICES The Filipino Community warmly invites you

to 2017 Simbang Gabi ⛪ on Friday 15th December 2017, 6.00pm

at St Joseph's Church, Nth Mackay The mass will be celebrated by

Fr Ronaldo Rodriguez & Fr Stephen Hanly Traditional simbang gabi delicacies will be available for

purchase after the mass. Stay on to listen to Filipino hymns & carols from our community singers while we sample a little feast of bibingka, puto bumbong, tupig, barbecue & siomai.

Tara na po at dumalo sa ating simbang gabi!

Women in Leadership: a gift for the world We are offering a two and a half day workshop for women

at the Benedictine Abbey, Jamberoo. April 13-15, 2018

Who is this workshop for? For women of any age and any experience. For women in formal leadership positions, and for those who exercise leadership without a formal title in business, schools, homes, offices, parishes, anywhere.

DATE: April 13-15, 2018 VENUE: Benedictine Abbey 695 Mountain Road, Jamberoo TIME: Arrive afternoon of Thursday 12 April, leaving after lunch on the Sunday COST: Cost of program is $200. Accommodation fees depend upon type of room selected. BOOKINGS: 0242360533 or cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.au

CBC MACKAY 1967 JUNIOR CLASS REUNION A class reunion is being planned for the 1967 CBC Mackay Junior class students, and including spouses/partners, for the May Day weekend 2018. If you are aware of a friend or family member who attended Junior class at “the Brothers” in 1967, it would be greatly appreciated if you would “spread the word” about this event. Text names and contact details to

Pat Lanigan -0410 580 452, or Steve Ryan - 0408 035 378.

COLUMBAN CALENDAR

Available from front of our Churches for $9.00 (Paper Counter at St Joseph’s Church)

When you purchase the calendar, you are participating in God’s Mission

and assisting Columbans in meeting the needs of the poor.

Recently Deceased: Pat Feeney, Olga Dunn Deceased: John Borg, Allan, Steven, Robert Danastas Anniv: Jane Deguara, Joe Danastas Sick: Marcia Dunn, Diane Vella, Erin Le Masorier, Eric Jackson, Karen Banning, Mary Armstrong, and all the sick in the Parish.

TREE/SHRUB REMOVAL WORKING BEE – SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER

The working bee for removal of the trees and shrubs at St Brigid’s has been brought forward to 7am on 16 December in preparation for Christmas. Peter and Andrew Schembri have organised a chipper/shredder and we ask that those with chainsaws and hedge trimmers bring them along. Also remember your PPE such as hats, gloves, boots and safety goggles. This is a big job and we are hoping for a large turn out on the day. Even a few hours of your time will be appreciated.

St Brigid’s Parish Finance Committee.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE ADVENT AT HOME

To help make Advent a priority in your busy life: 1. Put it in the diary. 2. Let go of a less important activity. 3. Pray for the capacity to enter fully into the

spirit of Advent. Or pray for the desire to celebrate Advent well.

4. Team up with a friend or family member and support each other in your Advent goals.

The Story Source

In the readings, the table of God’s Word is spread before the faithful, and the riches of the Bible are opened to them. GIRM57

FARLEIGH FAIR

The Committee wish to thank everyone for their support, donations and hard work which made the Fair

such a wonderful Parish event.

Raffle winners are as follows:

1st C Leach 2nd A.J. Noonan 3rd Chris Schembri 4th Leslie Fraser 5th F Zammit 6th Michael Schembri 7th Richard Curtain

Responsorial Psalm:

(R.) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, Alleluia!

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God.

Reflection:

The human eye, for all its extraordinary ability, can only see what

lies in its field of view. But in our mind’s eye, we can look at

what lies beyond our sight. Today we gaze on both past and

future. We look back to two of the great prophets of Israel –

Isaiah and John the Baptist – and make our own their

expectation of a heaven-sent Messiah. For Isaiah, a powerful

shepherd-king; for the Baptist, a bearer of God’s Spirit. With the

apostle Peter we look ahead to the Day of the Lord, to a new

heaven and a new earth. Here and now we live in unfailing

hope.

Reflection by Artist Mark's Gospel begins with a narrative about baptism with water

and the Holy Spirit. The earthly water washes away the detritus of

sin and the Holy Spirit regenerates: the water is ours to use, but the

Holy Spirit is pure gift. The focus on repentance and grace is part

of our Advent task – to prepare ourselves by reflecting on our lives

and seeking forgiveness while we watch and wait. Jenny Close

NEW PARISHIONER CONTACT FORM

Family Name:

Other Names:

Address:

Home Phone:

Mobile:

Email:

To commence Parish Planned Giving

Please place this completed form on the collection plate, or contact the Parish Office on St Joseph’s 49574855, St Brigid’s 49598213 for further information.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY

Third Sunday of Advent Year B

Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 Psalm Lk 1:46-50,53-53. R. Isa 60:10

Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8,19-28

Gospel Reflection

This week’s gospel captures beautifully the spirit of

preparation and waiting that characterises the

liturgical season of Advent. John the Baptist is

portrayed as fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah and

others as the one who comes before the Lord

preparing the way. He is a messenger, sent by God

to ‘do the groundwork’ preparing the people for the

coming of the Christ. Although this passage is used

during Advent as preparation for the celebration of

the birth of Jesus, we know that John was a

contemporary (indeed cousin) of Jesus and the time

of preparation was immediately prior to Jesus’ public

ministry.

John appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a

baptism for forgiveness of sins. It may seem odd to

think of going to the wilderness to try to influence

people. Today we might think that the city centre or

street corner might be the better venue to preach

something. What is it about the wilderness?

Reference is made to the wilderness several times in

scripture. It is used as a place of preparation and

encounter with God. The wilderness referred to was a

vast expanse of emptiness on the eastern side of the

Jordan River. It was not uncommon for wandering

preachers like John and Jesus to go out into the

wilderness as a way of making a break from their

previous life and getting themselves ready in body

and spirit to begin their ministry. The wilderness to

the east of the Jordan was also the place in which

many of the rebels based themselves. There was a

sense that challenge and unrest came out of the

wilderness. In many ways that is what Jesus –

heralded by John – brought out of the wilderness as

well.

Greg Sunter

Historical Context – A Baptism of Forgiveness The understanding that we generally have of baptism

today has not always been the case. At the time of

John and Jesus, the Jewish tradition used baptism as

a ritual bath to cleanse a person who had become

ritually unclean and make them able to participate in

religious rituals. What John was preaching was a

baptism for the forgiveness of sins – a new

interpretation at the time. He emphasised that

repentance was essential for forgiveness and that

there needed to be a conscious returning to God.

John’s baptism was a symbolic act to signify the

willingness of the person to renounce their sins and

make a more conscious return to God. Greg Sunter

Scriptural context – Mark The gospel of Mark is sometimes portrayed as a ‘no

fuss’ gospel. Nowhere is this more clearly seen than

in this week’s passage. We have the first eight

verses of the gospel and the author wastes no time

in announcing the purpose, ‘The beginning of the

Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’ The

gospel of Mark does not give any infancy narrative

or genealogy like Matthew or Luke, nor a

theological foreword like John. It jumps straight in

with a declaration that Jesus is the Son of God and

almost immediately begins to explore his ministry.

Greg Sunter

Gospel Focus – Preparing the Way The gospel passage quotes the prophet Isaiah

(although text combines Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3;

and Exodus 23:20) and casts John the Baptist in

the role of fulfilling the prophecy of the voice that

cries in the wilderness, ‘Prepare a way for the Lord’.

The description of John in camel-skin and eating

locusts and wild honey is designed to align him with

Elijah, the great prophet of Jewish history. In a very

short and sharp passage the gospel ties the coming

of Jesus to the expectation of a messiah that has

run through Jewish history and been foretold by the

great prophets. Greg Sunter