THE BULLETIN ST THERESA’S PARISH

RECENTLY DECEASED Bernice Herbert Christopher McAuliffe Sr Marlette Black pbvm HEALING FOR THE SICK Parishioners:

Neville Preece Len Pauli John Thompson

Rosemary & Brian Carter

Friends and Family Freda Coorey (Kathy Sternes Fr iend) Shona Kraayvanger

(Gabrielle Adam’s daughter) Joe Short (Powell family group) Indiana Harman

(Ray & Madeline Taylor’s

Granddaughter)

Louis Gandini (Lina Pervan’s

brother)

Connie Bamgart (Lina Pervan’s

friend)

Elaine Dillon (Vivienne Pr ice’s

mother)

Patricia Jenkins (Thel Jelley’s cousin)

Roslyn Morton (Patr ick’s sister)

Simon Riethmuller (Shir ley’s son)

Max Shearer (Grandson - Judy

Shearer)

John Mullen (Helen McNaught’s

nephew)

Archie Mullen (Helen McNaught’s

brother)

Bob Triggs (Peter & Norma Kenny’s cousin) Jo Essey (Kathy Sternes Friend) Rev. Brian Sparksman Moira Long (Mother of Denise) Fr Peter McGrath .CP Vince Austin (Wendy Shine’s Father) John Morgan (Kathy Sternes Uncle) Veronica Griinke (Fr iend & neighbour of Kathryn & Paul Marangelli) Bridget Dorn (fr iend of Alieen Collins’ family)

ANNIVERSARIES Grace Jones Doreen Dunne Warren Smith Gwen Savage Marie Sheridan

3 - 4 NOVEMBER 2018 31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

MISSION STATEMENT St Theresa’s Catholic Parish is a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming community committed to living and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Under our baptismal mis-sion and inspired by the Spirit, we are bread for one another and nourished we reach out to make a difference in the world.

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday 4 November 2018

The Gospel reading presents to us the teaching on the greatest commandments, a gen-erally well-known call to love God and love neighbour. As the first reading illustrates, the commandments were not particularly new in Jesus’ time and were firmly implant-ed in the Jewish psyche and always have been. The scribe in the Gospel scene is obvi-ously drawing on this tradition in the leading question being offered. Focussing on the Gospel scene a little more closely, we quickly pick up that there are two aspects at play. The first is not so much what is being said, but on the characters themselves; specifically, the interaction between the unnamed scribe who engages with Jesus and Jesus himself. The second aspect of the Gospel reading is the actual commandment itself.

Taking the former of these first, it is interesting to note that the scribe does not appear antagonistic in this scene as he does in the equivalent narratives in Mat-thew (22:34-40) and Luke (10:25-28) where the question is put to Jesus to “test” him. Here in Mark, instead, there seems to be genuine dialogue at play with the scene cul-minating in an air of fierce agreement when the scribe concurs and re-iterates the two greatest commandments. The scribe even adds a little touch reminding the readers that these commandments are more important than any ritual worship or offering. The scribe’s response draws commendation from Jesus indicating that the scribe is “not far from the kingdom of God” (Mk 12:34b).

The exchange between the two figures is heartening in many ways. It offers encouragement that we can rightly put questions to Christ and find answers in return that reveal truths of the kingdom of God. We may not have the physical person of Christ in front of us to engage with, but we do have the Word, we have the wisdom of the Church, the living Body of Christ, and we have prayerful engagement in the Holy Spirit. We too should feel encouraged to respectfully ask question of our Lord.

The interaction itself aside, the other aspect of our Gospel reading is the actu-al teaching. As already indicated, Mark’s version of this scene is quite distinct from the other synoptic gospels in how the scribe is portrayed. Also distinct is that Mark’s version is more verbose with the great commandment re-iterated and underlined by the scribe’s response. Mark’s Gospel is notoriously short and to the point and for the author to offer such re-iteration is a point in itself – in short, it draws attention to the command itself and highlights its importance.

The two commandments come from distinct places in the Hebrew Scriptures (one of which is obviously found in our first reading, the other from Leviticus 19:18). The fact that they are placed together is a well-documented point of theology in both the Jewish and Christian traditions. Simply put, we cannot talk of love of God and not include love of our fellow human beings and vice versa, there is no true love of neigh-bour unless we also love God. The notion might be fairly well known, but the practice of it is the hard part.

This is particularly so as we tend to favour one aspect over the other. There are times where we simply think pious attention to God is all we need. That concern for our world as it really is and for our fellow human beings is of no great conse-quence. Or, on the other hand, we may find ourselves chasing a sense of righteousness in fierce works for human rights, needs of the poor, the oppressed and the disadvan-taged – loving our neighbour, as it were, but doing so in an entirely human effort without ever engaging in the source and summit of love itself found in God. The com-mandment’s dual aspects held together in the Gospel reading reminds us that a symbi-otic balance of the two is what the kingdom of God entails. The challenge when the pendulum is swinging too far one way is to bring it back towards the middle – and it is a challenge, because the tendency amongst us humans is to do what comes easiest ra-ther than what is right. (cont)

MASSES

St Theresa’s Parish

READINGS BAPTISM

MON NO MASS

TUE NO MASS

WED 9AM LAY LED LITURGY

THU NO MASS

FRI 9 AM REMEMBRANCE DAY MASS - MATER DEI YEARS 3 - 6 ATTENDING

SAT 6PM MASS

SUN 9.30 AM MASS

RECONCILIATION IS

AVAILABLE BEFORE MASS

OR BY APPOINTMENT

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

First Reading: Deuteronomy 6: 2-6 Hear Israel, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.

Responsorial Psalm: 17: 2-4, 47, 51 I love you, Lord, my strength.

Second Reading: Hebrews 7: 23-28 This one, because he remains for ever, has an eternal priesthood.

Gospel Acclamation: John 14: 23 Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them. Alleluia!

Gospel: M ark 12: 28-34 This is the first commandment, and the second one is similar to it.

Next week’s readings. 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B 1 Kings 17: 10-16 Hebrews 9: 24-28 Mark 12: 38-44

It is surprisingly easy to substitute good works for loving devotion to God (which might take the form of prayer, worship and many others besides) or, conversely, to substitute loving devotion of God for good works and giving to those in need. To live lives where both dimensions find fullness of expression is our call and challenge in today’s readings.

There is a third aspect to the great commandment stated in our Gospel reading. It is found in the words “the Lord our God, the Lord is one” and “besides him there is no other”. The biblical origins of such declarations are in response to the plurality of gods which surrounded the people of Israel. Later, though in different forms, Christians similarly were in a world surrounded by polytheists and various cults. We today do not face such temptation, at least not in the main. We are not generally surrounded by temples to various deities and principalities and our political leaders, though they might at times make excessive claims to grandeur, are not expected to be worshiped as gods. That being so, we still need to take care that God always remains God in our lives. Family, nation, occupation, political causes, philosophical or theological systems, to name a few, are all important notions, but can become gods supplanting the place that God should have in our lives. We are not careful of this. We pray that God remains like “no other” in our lives and that we may, as individuals and as a Church, always respond to the call to fully devote our lives to God and to our fellow human beings in a perfect harmonious balance.

By Joe Tedesco, B Sc, B Theol, MA Theol Studies University of Notre Dame Australia

This weekend we celebrate the

Baptism of

Charlotte Jill Bryant &

Essie Ruby Needham

Baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd and 4th

Sunday of the month either during Mass at 9.30am or after Mass at

11.00am

PLENARY COUNCIL 2020

The Plenary Council 2020 is a

gathering of the Church in Australia to make decisions for the future. Your voice is

important. All people are invited to contribute to the Plenary Council agenda by sharing your experience of

faith and of the Church. Listening and Dialogue Submission forms are available in the foyer on a small table. Please take one and feel free to share your vision

and ideas for the future Church of Australia.

CHRISTMAS EVE CALLOUT FOR

CHILDREN

Christmas Eve Mass at St Theresa’s has a special role for children. Any

families with children or relatives visiting with children who will be attending St Theresa’s

Christmas Eve Mass and would like to participate in the Liturgy

PLEASE contact Monica at the office Ph:4639 4688

St Theresa’s Parish

RCIA NOTICE

September is the month that it is customary to begin the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in our parishes. Although we are now in the month of November, if you know of someone who has expressed interest in learning more about the Catholic faith and is considering the likelihood of being initiated into the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, you are still welcome to invite them to consider the RCIA process. RCIA is the acronym for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a process where those who are interested gather with members of the faith community to learn more about the faith and to develop a deeper relationship with Christ through taking time to pray, learn and reflect with other members of the faith community. The process usually culminates with the full initiation into the Church at the Easter. For further information please contact Mary Otto ph:0447 074 807 or the parish office on 4639 4688 NOVEMBER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE APPEAL

Joann Hodal has once again generously volunteered to collect and organise the domestic violence packages from St Theresa’s. Toiletries, toothpaste and personal hygiene items etc are ideal donations. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted. Baskets will be available in the foyer for you to place your donations or they can be left at the parish office. The office is closed on a Wednesday.

ST THERESA’S SING ALONG

When: Saturday 10 November Time: 2pm - 4pm Where: St Theresa’s Parish Centre Attention all Sound of Music tragics. Extending a big welcome to all those who like to sing along to the music of Sound of Music. Join the Herbert girls and Elizabeth for this sing along. Singers and non singers alike are welcome. Hope to see you there.

MELBOURNE CUP FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS LIVING IN TOOWOOMBA

When: Sunday 4 November 6pm - 9pm Where: St Anthony’s Parish Centre, 3 Memory St, Harristown. See flyer in foyer. Music, Trivia, Phantom Call, Bar.

NOTICES

YEAR OF YOUTH 2018 Come Holy Spirit of this Great Southland Inspire our entire faith community, As we prayerfully discern new horizons for spreading joy in the lives and communities of the People of God. Come Holy Spirit of Youth Fill the hearts of young people with the hope and love of Jesus Christ. Enliven our community with the creativity, energy and joy of youth. Guide us together, as we strive to offer God’s mercy to those who feel abandoned or outcast. Come Holy Spirit of Faith Empower our community to be courageous. Unite your people as witnesses of love. Walk with us, as we blaze new trails of discipleship, accompanying young people as we renew the Church together. Come Holy Spirit of Vocation Stir within young people an awareness of God’s call. Reveal to us the graces of young people. Guide us all, in finding our place and raising our voices, to build a civilization of love. Amen Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, friend of the young, pray for us.

ANOINTING AND HEALING MASS Invitations for this Mass are available in the foyer for you to collect. If your invitation has been overlooked, please contact Moya Schaefer on 0429 400 290 or the office PH 4639 4688. REMEMBERING DECEASED LOVED ONES IN NOVEMBER During November St Theresa’s Parish particularly remembers those family members and friends who have passed away. We will acknowledge them in a Scrolling of Names ceremony on the weekend of 10-11 November. A special book has been placed in the foyer near the Plenary Council table for parishioners to write the names of those people they would like to be remembered during this special ceremony. PRAYER REQUEST

Please remember in your prays young Stephen Steinberg, son of Mary Ann & Anthony Steinberg. (part of our last two Christmas Eve’s children's presentation, Stephen’s younger siblings have played the role of Baby Jesus). Stephen will be undergoing back surgery in November. We pray for Jesus to wrap his arm around Stephen and guide the hands of the surgeons.

St Theresa’s Parish

CONTACTS NOTICE

Parish Priest:

Fr Brian Noonan ph:4696 7094 e-mail: brian.noonan@sttheresas.org.au

Pastoral Associate

Monica Brennan Ph: 4639 4688 Fax 4639 6538 e-mail: monica@sttheresas.org.au

Parish Secretary:

Janet Weier Ph: 4639 4688 Fax: 4639 6538 e-mail: office@sttheresas.org.au

Church: Cnr Campbell & Curzon Sts, Toowoomba

Office: 55 Curzon Street, Toowoomba

Parish Website www.sttheresas.org.au

Parish Pastoral Council

Fr Brian Noonan, Michael Murtagh, Francis Njoroge, Tim Burgess, Rhianna Conaghan, Gay Jorgensen, Jenny Ryan, Vanessa Horton, Bernadatte Zimbwa, Monica Brennan.

Finance Committee

Fr. Brian Noonan, Pat Morton, Warren Dredge, Ray Taylor, Shane Blakeley, Brian Wilson, Pat Richardson, Alfia Ginardi.

Liturgy Team

Fr. Brian Noonan, Jan Mayo, Peter Kenny, Carole Rogan, Libby Rosentreter, Monica Brennan.

Musicians

Norma Kenny, Kathy Sternes, Elizabeth Stewart, Libby Rosentreter.

Baptism Team:

Cath Kelly, Jenny Ryan, Tracy George, Bernadette Hede, Alison Daniel, Anne Anderson, Jan Watkins, Maureen Burke, Angela Irvine, Mary Otto, Jane Burgess, Catherine Cooper. Sacramental Team:

Monica Brennan, Vanessa Horton, David Wilson, Gay Jorgensen.

RCIA:

Coordinator: Mary Otto.

Consolation Team:

Fr Brian Noonan, Lyn McRae, Peter Kenny, Bette Flamsteed, Pam Merritt, Alf Mason, Moya Schaefer, Josephine Nolan, Liz Phelan., Monica Brennan

Welcome & Hospitality Team:

Paul & Kathryn Marangelli, Carole Rogan, Maureen Burke.

Family Groups:

Coordinator: Brian Wilson.

Care & Concern Team

Coordinator: Moya Schaefer.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT DAYS ACROSS THE TOOWOOMBA DIOCESE

Thursday 15 November – St. Thomas More’s Church, Toowoomba

Sunday 18 November - St Joseph’s Parish Centre Stanthorpe. Please bring lunch to share.

Facilitator: Sr. Elaine Morzone MFIC

Second & Fourth Tuesdays /month St Vincent de Paul St Theresa’s Conference, 4pm,Contact 4636 4371 First Tuesday/month Care and Concern Meeting, 9.30am Parish Office. Parish Pastoral Council Meeting, 6pm Parish Office First Wednesday /month Parish morning tea at 9.45am, Cobb & Co Museum Second Sunday Mad Toowoomba Group from 7.00pm at St Anthony’s. Parish Centre. (Grade 7-12 people) PH: 4636 0461

DATES TO REMEMBER FOR NOVEMBER

Sunday 4 November Melbourne Cup Fundraising Event at St Anthony’s Monday 5 November Ecumenical Service for Anglican Roman Catholic Reconciliation.St Pat’s Cathedral 6pm. Thursday 8 November Celebration of First Reconciliation 6pm Friday 9 November Mater Dei Remembrance Day Mass 9am Weekend 10/11 November Scrolling of Names Sunday 11 November Remembrance Day Wednesday 21 November Blessing & Opening of new Mater Dei classrooms 4pm Thursday 22 November Anointing & Healing Mass 10.30am Weekend 24/25 November Launch of myParish App Sunday 25 November Mater Dei Led Parish Family Mass Tuesday 27 November Releasing of Memories Liturgy 10.30am

ANGLICAN ROMAN CATHOLIC RECONCILIATION SERVICE

Date: 5/11/18 Time: 6:00pm Location: St Patr ick's Cathedral, Toowoomba One of the elements of the Anglican Roman Catholic Covenant signed in 2009 is that there will be an annual Ecumenical Service of Reconciliation which will focus on the restoration and growth of relationships between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Communions, to be held close to Anglican Roman Catholic Reconciliation Day (4 November). All are warmly welcomed to this celebration.