The cost of discipleship….

One day, a young man who wanted to become

everything that God had in mind for him visited

the home of an elderly Christian seeking his ad-

vice. He had heard that this old man had never

lost his love for Christ in all the years he had

known the Savior.

The old man smiled and replied, "Let me tell you a story: One day I was sitting here quietly in

the sun with my dog. Suddenly a large white rabbit ran across in front of us. Well, my dog

jumped up, and took off after that big rabbit. He chased the rabbit over the hills with a passion.

Soon, other dogs joined him, attracted by his barking. What a sight it was, as that pack of

dogs ran barking across the creeks, through thickets and thorns! Gradually, however, one by

one, the other dogs dropped out of the pursuit, discouraged by the course and frustrated by

the chase. Only my dog continued to chase the white rabbit. In that story, young man, is the

answer to your question." The young man sat in confused silence. Finally, he asked, "I don’t

understand. What is the connection between the rabbit chase and the quest for God?" "You

fail to understand," answered the older man, "because you failed to ask the obvious ques-

tion— ‘Why didn’t the other dogs continue on the chase?’ And, the answer to that question is

that they were only joining the excitement of the group. They had not seen the rabbit. Unless

you have actually seen the rabbit, the chase is just too difficult. You will lack the passion and

determination necessary to keep up the chase."

And this story brings us to the message of this weekend’s Gospel passage: Have you seen

the Lord? Have you really seen Him? Do you realize and accept that He is carrying a cross?

Do you understand what it means to be a Christian? In order to follow Him, first of we need to

see Him and understand what it means to be called to Christian discipleship.

Of all the gospels, Luke’s presents the following of Jesus in the most radical terms. In follow-

ing Jesus, we have to go with Him the whole way. We need to accept totally His way of seeing

life and then putting that into practice in the way we live. What does it cost us to enter into the

discipleship of Jesus? Jesus requires commitment from us so that we are prepared to remain

true to Him till the end. He asks to put our trust in Him above all things including the family

bonds and remain close to Him. He expects each one of His disciples to carry the daily cross

and follow Him. We have to choose to be with Him.

A true disciple is someone who hears, accepts, and puts into practice every day the teachings

of Jesus Christ and His Church. By our birth into the life of faith through baptism, we are all

called to be disciples. The greatest role model of true discipleship for us today is the Blessed

Virgin Mary. Mary teaches us that the cost of discipleship is a share in His cross. That means

doing the will of the Father, being one with Christ crucified, as she was.

The Catholic Church celebrates on September 8th the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When

we celebrate Mary’s birth, we honour Jesus too. Today let us thank God for the gift of life and

give honour to both Mary and Jesus by showing respect and concern for one another—

remembering that God has created each person with love and with a call to something very

special and unique.

Today’s readings challenge us to make a total commitment to the will of God, putting God first

in our lives. If we are serious about following Him, He is asking us how willing are we to pay

the price. Are we willing to carry our cross and follow Him? Are we prepared to detach our-

selves from the enslaving power of material possessions so as to focus more on God and our

salvation?

Blessings,

Fr. Dantus Thottathil.

STANLEY RIVER CATHOLIC PARISH Woodford: Mary’s Church & Hall, 16 Peterson Rd, Woodford Kilcoy: St Michael’s Church & Hall, 22 Kennedy St, Kilcoy

ENTRANCE HYMN SEEK O SEEK THE LORD Refrain Seek, O Seek the Lord, while he is near; trust him, speak to him in prayer, and he will hear. God, be with us in our lives, direct us in our calling; break the snares the world contrives, keep us from falling. Refrain God, increase in us the life that Christ by dying gave us. Though we faint in mortal strife his blood will save us. Refrain Strengthen in our hearts the love we owe to one another. How can we love God above and not our brother? Refrain

Text © by arrangement with the licensor, The James McAuley Estate. Music: © 1971 Richard Connolly & Willow

Publishing All rights reserved. Used with permission. One License #A-641709.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: RESPONSE: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your laws. Alleluia! OFFERTORY HYMN I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest; lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon my breast.” I came to Jesus as I was, Weary and worn, and sad; I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give the living water; thirsty one, stoop down and drink, and live.” I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream; my thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in him. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light; look unto me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

When you are going through

something hard and wonder

where God is, remember

the teacher is always quiet

during a test.

power. Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, be thou my inheritance, now and always, be thou and thou only the first in my heart, O Sovreign of heaven, my treasure thou art. High King of Heaven, thou heaven's bright Sun, O grant me its joys after vict'ry is won, great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be thou my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Text: Irish, 8th cent.; tr. by Mary E. Byrne, 1880-1931; versi-fied by Eleanor H. Hull, 1860-1935, Tune: SLANE. Traditional

Irish melody arr. Erik Reginald Routley 1917-1982 (C) E. Routley by permission of Oxford University Press All rights reserved. Used with permission. One License #A-641709.

RECESSIONAL HYMN IMMACULATE MARY, WE PRAISE GOD IN YOU Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing. You reign now in heaven with Jesus our King. Refrain Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Ave Maria! Predestined for Christ by eternal decree, God willed you both virgin and mother to be. Re-frain: To you, by an angel, the Father made known The grace of his Spirit, the gift of his Son. Re-frain: Your child is the Saviour, all hope line in him: He gives us new life and redeems us in sin. Refrain: Through you to your Son lead us, Mary, we pray; Through Christ to the Father is our only way. Refrain:

Text: Brian Foley 1919-2000 alt. © 1971 by Faber Music, London Tune LOURDES HYMN. All rights reserved.

Used with permission. One License #A-641709.

I looked to Jesus, and I found in him my Star, my Sun; and in that light of life I’ll walk till trav’lling days are done.

Text: Horatius Bonar, 1806-1889. Tune: Music: traditional Eng-lish melody, arr. By Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958 (C)

Oxford University Press, London . All rights reserved. Used with permission. One License #A-641709.

MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION: We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again. COMMUNION HYMN THE CRY OF THE POOR Refrain The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Blessed be the Lord. I will bless the Lord at all times, with praise ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the Lord, who will hear the cry of the poor. Refrain Let the lowly hear and be glad: the Lord listens to their pleas; and to hearts broken, God is near, who will hear the cry of the poor. Refrain Ev'ry spirit crushed, God will save; will be ransom for their lives; will be safe shelter for their fears, and will hear the cry of the poor. Refrain We proclaim your greatness, O God, your praise ever in our mouth; ev'ry face brightened in your light,

for you hear the cry of the poor. Refrain. Text: Based on Psalm 34:2-3, 18-19a, 19b-20, 4. Text and

music (C) 1978, 1991, John B. Foley, S.J., and OCP. All rights reserved. Used with permission. One License #A-641709.

THANKSGIVING HYMN BE THOU MY VISION Be though my vision, O Lord of my heart, be all else but naught to me, save that thou art. be thou my best thought in the day or the night, both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word; be thou ever with me and I with thee Lord; be thou my great Father, thy child let me be, be thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee. Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight, be thou my whole armour, be thou my true might, be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower, O raise thou me heav'nward, great Power of my

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time: 8 September 2019

Year C: Wis 9:13-18; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Lk 14:25-33

Next week’s readings: Ex 32:7-11, 13-14; 1Tim 1:12-17; Lk 15:1-32

Liturgical Music for 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C

PARISH OFFICE: Mon: 9 to 12 noon & Fri 9 to 1 pm

Office is closed Tue, Wed & Thu 16 Peterson Road, Woodford, Q 4514

T: 07 5496 1369 (after hours: please leave a message) E: stanley@bne.catholic.net.au E: pp.stanley@bne.catholic.net.au W: www.stanleyriver.org PARISH PRIEST

Fr Dantus Thottathil MCBS E: thottathild@bne.catholic.net.au T: 07 5496 1369

PARISH SECRETARY Mrs Julie-Anne Mee E: stanley@bne.catholic.net.au

Parish Weekly Diary….. Monday: 9 September

8:00 am Mass Woodford

Tuesday: 10 September

NO MASS

Wednesday: 11 September

5:00 pm Mass Kilcoy

5:30 pm Family Preparation Session

1 for Confirmation—Kilcoy after

Mass

Thursday: 12 September

8:00 am Mass Woodford

Friday: 13 September

8:00 am Mass Woodford

Saturday: 14 September

5.15pm Reconciliation

6:00 pm Mass Woodford

Sunday: 15 September

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

8:00 am Mass Kilcoy

Welcome to Stanley River

Parish!

Our parish is known for being friendly and

welcoming, as well as for active participa-

tion at Mass through music and prayer.

There is a place here for everyone; we

hope that you will join us.

For Local, Regional, National and International news about our church family for ONLY $2 for a copy: get yours today

from the front of the church at Kilcoy and Woodford.

PARISH NEWS & HAPPENINGS

A VOCATION VIEW: 23 Sunday Ordinary

Time: C

Jesus says clearly; "Anyone who does not take

up the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." You and

Jesus can carry your cross together. Then, you can follow!

St Vincent de Paul Conference:

1800 846 643 or 1800VINNIES Free call

You will be asked for your postcode:

Woodford 4514 or Kilcoy 4515 & transferred (please leave a msge).

VOLUNTEER UPDATE:

If you are an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, on

Pastoral Council or Finance Council, represents the parish in

any way or someone who provides services or engages in

ANY activities with children or vulnerable adults, under the

Safeguarding Policy of the Archdiocese, you need to attend

the Applied Safeguarding Training Level 2. This has been

advertised in the newsletter as mid to late October and now

the dates have been opened and the two options are:

Thu 17 Oct 10:30am to 12:15pm, St Peter’s Church

Caboolture

Website Link: https://www.trybooking.com/BEFOC

Invitation Code: caboolture

OR

Tue 29 Oct 6:00 to 7:45pm, Holy Cross Church, Redcliffe

Website Link: https://www.trybooking.com/531017

Invitation Code: northernrivers

Please email office if you think that you should be attending this

training and have not yet received an email. The links can be for-

warded to you. As this is ‘required’ training, you need to register.

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

Local Safeguarding Officer (LSO): Barry McKenna on 0417 075 459 or phone the office number (5496 1369) and leave a number (and ask for the LSO) and he will return your call. STOPLINE: 1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au or online: www.bnecatholic.stoplinereport.com (see posters for more options)

Prayer Intentions

For the sick: Charlie Fletcher, Raymond Genn, Jane Handsley, Judy Holman, Mar-

yann Moran, Anna O’Callahan, Mary Patricia Porter, Adele Scott, Laura Stewart, Rex

Sutherland, Ivy Turner, Jayne Watson (Sue Weerden’s twin sister)

For those who died recently: Francesca Nobile, Tim Fischer, Dick Ferling

For those with anniversaries occurring in September: Gertrude Allen, Martin (Toby)

Brennan, Matt Cochran, Sylvia Erhlich, Eleanor Farquharson, Sr Dorothy Finnigan,

Sue Fischer, Hannah Hefferan, Maude Ludwig, Peter MacDonald, Mary Mahoney,

Ron McSweeney, Jasmine Neurendorf, Marie Nolan, Adrian Pistrucci, Kevin Pugh,

Jim Ratcliffe, Archbishop Francis Rush, Leon Shaw, Fr Michael Skehan, Fr Brian

Taylor, David Taylor, May Webster

Please complete the form to include you family and friends on ‘Prayer Intentions’ or email the office

on stanley@bne.catholic.net.au

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

7-8 Sept: Annual Catholic Campaign weekend

8 to 14 Sept: Marriage Week

Wed 11 Sept : 5.30 to 6:30 Family Preparation Session 1 St

Michael’s Kilcoy (ALL CANDIDATES PLEASE)

21 Sept to 7 Oct: School Holidays

Sat 28 Sept: 10 am Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass, St

Stephen’s Cathedral

4 & 5 Oct: Archdiocesan Assembly for communal discern-

ment in preparation for the Plenary Council 2020.

Wed 9 Oct: 5.00 to 6:00 Family Preparation Session 2 St

Michael’s Kilcoy—NO MASS that afternoon

Sun 13 Oct: 9.00 to 10:00 Family Preparation Session 2 St

Mary’s Woodford

Thu 17 Oct: 10:30 am to 12:15 pm Safeguarding Level 2

Training at St Peter’s Church Caboolture.

Sat 19 & Sun 20 Oct: Catholic Mission Sunday at Stanley

River.

Sun 27 Oct: 9.00 to 10:00 Family Preparation Session 3 St

Mary’s Woodford

Tue 29 Oct: 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm Safeguarding Level 2 Train-

ing at Holy Cross Church Redcliffe

Wed 30 Oct: 5.30 to 6:30 Family Preparation Session 3 St

Michael’s Kilcoy

Sun 3 Nov: 9 am Confirmation St Mary’s Woodford (NOTE

CHANGE OF VENUE)

Sat 2 & Sun 3 Nov: Catholic Mission Sunday—Brisbane

Northern Rivers Deanery

Wed 20 Nov: Parish Volunteer’s Dinner from 6:00 pm

Fri 29 Nov: Annual Christmas Bazaar from 5:30 pm

Level 1 Training is required by all regis-

tered volunteers in our parish:

For Level 1 training, logon to the safeguard-

ing AOB website to watch the online presenta-

tion and arrange for a Certificate of Comple-

tion at:

https://www.safeguardingaob.com.au/

safeguarding-training.html

See https://marriageweek.org.au/ for resources, arti-

cles and events during this week.

STEWARDSHIP

September 8, 2019 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions can-

not be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33)

When we first hear this statement, it seems that Jesus is making an

unrealistic demand upon us. How can we renounce all of our posses-

sions? We need them to live. However, what we must renounce is the

belief that they belong to us. Everything that we have belongs to God

alone. All of our resources are entrusted to us not only for our own use,

but also so that we can help others. Once we renounce the idea that we

possess or are entitled to anything, it is much easier to share the many

gifts that God has given us. Then we truly are His Disciples.

(Accessed on September 2 2019 from https:// www.archstl.org/about-stewardship/bulletin-inserts/

weekly-bible-reflections)