PARISH MINISTERS

Very Rev Fr Peter Dillon P.P. Fr Chukwudi Chinaka

Fr John Hong Fr Stephen Bliss ofm

PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Mrs Bernadette McAndrew

OFFICE STAFF Mrs Janelle Van De Weyer

Mrs Maree Coyne Mrs Kathy Lund

Mrs Bernadette Lenihan

OFFICE HOURS Monday 9am - 3.30pm

Tuesday - Friday 8am - 3.30pm

PHONE: 3281 2133

MASS TIMES: 3281 0707

FAX: 3812 3911

MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 23

Ipswich Qld 4305

EMAIL ipswich@bne.catholic.net.au

WEB www.ipswichcatholiccommunity.org

ST MARY’S PRIMARY Phone: 3281 1998

IMMACULATE HEART PRIMARY Phone: 3812 1077

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY Phone: 3201 6188

ST BRIGID’S PRIMARY Phone: 5464 1563

DID YOU KNOW? From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in

England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. -Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. -Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.- -The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. -The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. -Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. -Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. -The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. -The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. -The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today! Interesting, don’t you think, and you thought it was just a nice carol?!

AND, About this time of year, nearly everyone is preparing to visit or be visited as families gather for traditional Christmas preparations, concerts, and meals.

I wonder, though, whether we’d welcome a stranger or someone who challenged the way we live or think about things. St Paul tells everyone to welcome one another and to glorify God with one voice. That’s easier when

everyone thinks alike. Not all of us want to reflect on the possibility that we may be wrong. This is the issue facing the religious leaders when John the Baptist bursts onto the scene, calling on everyone to repent and prepare for the kingdom of God. John recognizes that they came to him for show - not because they sought repentance for sin. He wastes no time demanding evidence of the “good fruit” repentance brings and warning about the consequences if it’s not forthcoming. John is a challenging guest for us as well. Sometimes we want to dictate the outcome of our discussion and our lives, but John demands that we show the fruit of our efforts. It’s not enough to go through the motions of living faithfully - we must give our very selves over to the will of God and the conversion of our lives. Only then can we welcome everyone in love and in the praise of God. The last few days I have been reflecting on these words from St Francis: ~ “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” Enjoy singing the Carols and I hope as the challenges come into your life over the

next few weeks you’ll have patience and some good humour to respond!

Happy Advent, Stephen ofm

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 3/4 December 2016

CELEBRATIONS FOR

THIS WEEK

Monday 5th December-Monday of 2nd week of Advent 7.00am St Joseph’s North Ipswich 7.00pm Mater Dei Sadlier’s Crossing

Tuesday 6th December-Tuesday of 2nd week of Advent 9.00am Immaculate Heart of Mary Leichhardt 10.30am St Mary’s Hostel Wildey Street

Wednesday 7th December-St St Ambrose, bishop, doctor

9.00am Villa Maria Limestone Street 9.30am Cabanda Nursing Home Rosewood 10.00am RSL Care Retirement Community Grange Rd

Thursday 8th December-Thursday The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9.00am St Mary’s Woodend 9.00am St Joseph’s North Ipswich

Friday 9th December-Friday of 2nd week of Advent 8.30am Sacrament of Reconciliation Eastern Hts 9.00am Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Eastern Hts

Saturday 10th Dec-Saturday 2nd week of Advent 5.00 - 5.30pm Sacrament of Reconciliation St Mary’s 5.30pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Leichhardt

Vigil 5.30pm Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Eastern Hts 6.00pm St Mary’s Woodend 6.00pm Immaculate Heart of Mary Leichhardt Sunday 11th December - Third Sunday of Advent 7.30am St Joseph’s North Ipswich 8.00am St Mary’s Woodend 8.00am St Brigid’s Rosewood 9.30am Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Eastern Hts 9.30am St Joseph’s North Ipswich 6.00pm St Mary’s Woodend

St. Mary’s Church, Elizabeth Street, Woodend

Mater Dei Church, Cnr Ferrett Street & Rowland Terrace, Sadliers Crossing

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Robertson Road, Eastern Heights

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 22 Old Toowoomba Road, Leichhardt

St. Joseph’s Church, 42 Pine Mountain Road, North Ipswich

St. Brigid’s Church, Matthew Street, Rosewood.

‘

9.00am Immaculate Heart of Mary Leichhardt

READINGS FOR MASS 3/4th Dec: Is 11:1-10, Rom 15:4-9, Mt 3:1-12 10/11th Dec Is 35: 1-6, 10; James 5: 7-10; Mt 11: 2-11

AN ADVENT JOURNEY WITH POPE FRANCIS

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4 -John the Baptist tells us to “make straight his paths.” This is a call to clear all the obstacles to a new place where the needy are given comfort, care, and the blessings of God. Pope Francis says it this way: “Develop the habit of giving real importance to the other person. This means appreciating them and recognizing their right… to be happy.” (The Joy of Love, #138) Meditative Musing: What is one way you can “make straight the paths” for an older person, a struggling family member, a co-worker who is carrying a burden, the poor, those treated unjustly, etc.?

MONDAY DECEMBER 5 -Pope Francis reminds us that ‘light’ is the symbol we use for Jesus’ gift to us: light. Those who believe, see with a light that illumines their whole lives because the light comes from Jesus. (The Light of Faith, #1) Prayerful Practice: Go for a walk around your neighbourhood to view and appreciate the Christmas lights. Think of the ways Jesus has been light in your life. Pray in these Advent weeks that you may be a light for the unbelief in your family!

TUESDAY DECEMBER 6 -There are many stories about the generous giving of St. Nicholas, whose feast we celebrate today. “ Be attentive to the needs of the poor, the suffering, the lonely, for whoever has chosen to love Jesus cannot but love his neigh-bour.” (Pope Francis, 12/18/14) Perhaps St. Nicholas and Pope Francis give to all because they always have a wide vision: seeing the goodness of everyone, no matter the circumstances. Prayerful Practice: As you wash your windows in preparation for Christmas, ask: what smudges and streaks might I need to eliminate in my vision so that I can see the goodness of everyone?

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 7 -During these Advent days we often hear: here are more things to purchase in order to be happy, to show someone you love them, to have the best decorated home, to give the best party. In On Care for Our Common Home (#144), Pope Francis reminds us that a consumerist view can diminish the wonder of humanity. What would an “enough Christmas” look like? Spending somewhat less than last year? Putting a limit on the amount of time spent shopping during the rest of this month? Evaluating your Christmas traditions and deleting one(s) that may no longer be meaningful? Reaching out to those who are lonely, needy, grieving? Prayerful Practice: Use the prayerful affirmation, “I have enough” for reflection throughout the day. Take time to make one resolution which will help you have an “enough Christmas.”

THURSDAY DECEMBER 8 -Pope Francis reminds us that on this feast, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, our focus is drawn to Mary. “With great joy the Church contemplates her ‘full of grace’ (Lk 1:28) … This is how God saw her from the first moment of God’s loving design. God saw her as beautiful, full of grace.” (12/8/13) Prayerful Practice: Spend some quiet time today thinking or writing about how God sees you. What is God’s name for you? What adjectives would God use for you?

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9 -The mystery of Christmas—the secret of Nazareth—is that it radiates the beauty of family life (The Joy of Love, #65). Pope Francis rejoices that God chose to become one of us within a family, a place of splendour and magnificence. Prayerful Practice: Tell (or email) another family member expressing how they bring splendour to your life.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10 -Pope Francis has encouraged us to pray the Angelus prayer, an ancient prayer in our tradition, which is a

reminder of the luminous event which transformed history: the moment when the Son of God became human in Jesus of Nazareth.

(7/26/13) Prayerful Practice: Pray the Angelus each day of this coming week (traditionally at 6 am, noon, and 6 pm). Reflect on what

Jesus taught us about being human. Or you might be able to set aside a few minutes of prayer reflection each day.

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE PARISHES

RECENTLY DECEASED: Pietro Sartor, Leonard Johnston, Val Hurst, Stephen Schreck, Norrie Brennan

FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Paul McKean, Craig Hannam, Michael Williams, Joan Earl, Clyde Towler, Conrad Behrendorff, Jeff Corris, Max Bishop, Paddy Landy, Shirley McDonald, Mavis Craik, Marie Tonner, Shirley Budd, Roqueta Costa, John Flemming, Sr Mary Teresa(Lyne), Sr Mary Helen, Berenice Elliott, Vince Elmore, Trevor Gozzard.

THE GIVING TREE: At each church this weekend you will find “The Giving Tree”. This is your opportunity to help someone else this Christmas—by monetary support of ST.VINCENT DE PAUL, ROSIES and/or IPSWICH HOSPICE by using the Envelopes, as well as reflecting on the prayer on the reverse of the Envelope. YOU are invited to take whatever envelopes you wish, and make the donation you wish. YOU WILL THEN BE INVITED TO RETURN YOUR OFFERING IN A PROCESSION AT MASSES ON 17/18TH December at Mass. All donations received will stay within our local community, so we do encourage you to embrace this opportunity, and to talk to your children about how they can help too—no donation is too big or too small.

OLMM HALL: Due to the construction on site the OLMM Hall will be used as the site office by the construction company. If anyone is requiring to hire a hall please contact the parish office.

ATTENTION: OLMM parishioners - As work begins in preparation for the construction of the new building, some building activity will be noticed in the coming weeks. Fences have been, and will be erected in the near future, and car parking spaces will become limited. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS and park closer together (so more people can park off-street), however, some street parking may be necessary. PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE FOOTPATH

ALL LITURGICAL MINISTERS NAMES FOR ST MARY’S CHRISTMAS MASSES REQUIRED BY MONDAY 5TH DECEMBER. The Liturgy Team will be preparing the Christmas Masses roster for St Mary’s church in the coming week. It would be greatly appreciated if 4th Saturday, 24th December 6pm and 25th December 8am Liturgical Ministers could please notify us of their availability on the sheets provided on the notice board in St Mary’s church. As Christmas falls on a weekend this year Ministers please note that the normal 4th Saturday/Sunday Mass Rosters for 24/12 6.00pm and 25/12 8.00am Masses will remain in place (with the exception that there’ll be no 6pm Sunday evening Mass on Christmas Day). In addition could liturgical Ministers who will be available to assist with Christmas Masses vacancies, as well as Midnight Mass, please place your name on the sheet provided or contact Donna on

0414706550. The Rosters for the Christmas Masses will then be placed on the Noticeboard in St Mary’s Church weekend 10th/11th December for Ministers to check. Your assistance at this very busy family time of year is always greatly appreciated. Thank you. OLMM CHRISTMAS ROSTER: For those who will be available for the 9.30am Mass on Christmas Day please place your name on the sheet in the Sacristy or Contact Elaine Morgan on 32811155. LEICHHARDT & NORTH IPSWICH AND ROSEWOOD– Please see volunteer lists on the Church notice boards.

CHRISTMAS NATIVITY PRESENTATION: Christmas is fast approaching and the parish is commencing for the various Masses and celebrations. We are looking for children who would like to participate as Angels, Shepherds and Wise men to contact the parish office if they are available to participate in the Nativity story at the Christmas Vigil Mass held on Christmas Eve at 6pm in St Mary’s Church. This is loads of fun for the children and through the children the Nativity story is presented in a special way. There will be rehearsals held on Thursday afternoons the 8th, 15th and 22nd December from 4pm in St Mary’s Church. We would love to see as many children as possible participate so don’t hesitate to call the Parish Office on 3281 2133 to register your child’s details. Even if your child can’t make all of the rehearsals but they still want to participate, we will find a part for them.

CHRISTMAS EVE CHOIR: Choir Rehearsal for the 6pm Christmas Eve Vigil will begin on Sunday evening 27th November following the 6pm Mass. If you can sing in tune and enjoy participating in a choir with other young adults then please come along. Rehearsals will be conducted each Sunday evening until the week leading up to Christmas. Frances O’Sullivan will conduct the choir and be accompanied by other musicians.

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS, you are invited to participate in ADVENT EVENING PRAYER – which will be held at 7.00pm on each Tuesday night during Advent on the following dates/places - 13th December at Immaculate Heart Church and 6th and 20th December at St Josephs Church.

Peter Olsen wishes to convey his sincere thanks to all parishioners of Ipswich Catholic Community for recognising his 80th birthday. He loved the words expressed in the newsletter and the beautiful cards received from the Parish office staff and especially the card from the Nth Ipswich and Leichhardt communities. This touched him very much. Our home is always open to those who can drop in to say hello to Peter and have a chat.

ICED CHRISTMAS CAKE RAFFLE: Tickets will be available at O.L.M.M. Masses on 10th and 11th December and at St Mary’s Masses on 17th and 18th December in the iced Christmas cake raffle.

The members of the Ladies Visiting Committee sincerely thank all those who helped at their recent Morning Tea at St. Joseph’s Hall - by either baking cakes etc, preparing and serving the morning tea, setting up and pulling down of tables/chairs, the musicians (Kath & Bob) who are always entertaining, the carers who brought their people along and joined in the fun of the day – to all of you, THANK YOU, your generosity in offering your time and energy made for a lovely morning for everyone. Merry Christmas!

SECOND RITE OF RECONCILIATION: In preparation for Christmas a Service of Reconciliation will be held in St. Mary’s on Thursday 15th December at 7.00pm.

SAVE THE DATE: Young adults end of year Christmas event. December 14th 6pm dinner at Jimmy's on the mall

Queen St. Brisbane. Followed by bowling and karaoke at strike bowling

ARCHBISHOP’S ADVENT MESSAGE: If you wish to reflect further on the Archbishop’s message last weekend, there are printed copies available at all churches this weekend.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE: In memory of past friends and neighbours, Shirley McDonald has donated a raffle prize to raise funds for St. Joseph’s Parish. Tickets $1.00 each, (please write your name on the ticket and leave money in the box provided) Raffle will be drawn on Sunday, 18th December after 7.30am Mass.

MEALS ON WHEELS: Thank you to those who responded this week with offers of help. WE NEED JUST A COUPLE MORE VOLUNTEERS NOW for TUESDAY (10th) JANUARY for St Mary’s. To volunteer call the P. Office (3281 2133)

RIVERLINK MORNING TEA: Come one, come all! On the second Friday of each month, parishioners are invited to gather at the Riverlink Food Court for a Morning Tea—no strings attached, just a simple buy-your-own drink/snack and chat away. This is a great opportunity to meet parishioners from other parishes, or perhaps get to know each other better. So we’ll see you there??? Don’t be shy—10.00am start, and you can stay for as long as you like.

THE TALKABOUT TEAM is preparing the Christmas issue. To keep you informed, we need your contributions. Please email articles, news and photographs to Robyn at robyn@mansol.net.au or leave at the P. Office. Articles by 5th Dec. would be appreciated.

!!! TOMORROW / TODAY !!!

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY

TO THANK AND FAREWELL

FR CHUKWUDI

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Christmas Eve

(Carols half hour prior to masses) 6.00pm St Mary’s Children’s Mass Woodend 6.00pm Immaculate Heart of Mary Leichhardt 6.00pm St Brigid’s Children’s Mass Rosewood 7.30pm St Joseph’ s North Ipswich 12 Midnight St. Mary’s Woodend

Christmas Day

(Carols half hour prior to masses) 8.00am St. Mary’s Woodend 9.30am Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Eastern Heights 8.00am St Brigid’s Rosewood 7.30am St Joseph’s North Ipswich

NO EVENING MASS CHRISTMAS DAY AND

NO MASSES ON BOXING DAY 26TH