Bridgeside Bulletin

The weekly bulletin of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry

Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church 33 Lake Street, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church
Cnr Kent & Peel Streets, Tuncurry

Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts

Sunday 5th January, 2014 The Epiphany of the Lord, Year A

Parish
Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest) Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate) Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration) Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

Reconciliation is available on Saturday mornings at Tuncurry from 8:30am until the beginning of the 9am Mass, on Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:45pm until 5:15pm, or other times by contacting Fr Andrew. Holy Hour is observed each Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from 3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster church commencing at 11:15am and is followed by a cuppa in the Parish Hall. Contact Shioney (6554 9468) for more information. Evening Prayer & Benediction is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It will next be celebrated on Sunday 5th January. All welcome.

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is staffed on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 4pm. Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin should be received in writing or by email by midday on Thursday. 33 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 67, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6304 F: (02) 6554 6425 E: forstertuncurryparish@gmail.com fr.andrew.doohan@bigpond.com ( Fr Andrew) W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

Mr Mark Mowbray (Principal) 41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428 PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428 P: (02) 6554 6504 F: (02) 6554 8895 E: admin@forster.catholic.edu.au

Parish Information
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any of our Sunday Masses or after the 9am Mass. The next Baptismal Preparation meeting will take place in the Parish Halls meeting rooms on Monday 10th February commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish Office for more details, or visit the Parish website. Weddings are celebrated by arrangement and with at least three (and preferably more) months notice. Please contact Fr Andrew for more details, or visit the Parish website.

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased. Margaret Hardiman Those whose anniversaries occur about now. Aaron Iori All those in our community who are sick.

The Parish can be found on Facebook and Twitter (@ftcatholic)

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

The Season of Christmas. Today5th January 5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction @ Tuncurry Monday6th January 9am Morning Prayer @ Forster Tuesday7th January 9am Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry 5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) Wednesday8th January 9am Mass @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @ Forster 5:30pm Parish Social Justice Group meeting @ Foster Thursday9th January 9am Mass @ Forster Friday10th January 9:30am Mass @ Forster Saturday11th January 8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15 pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry 6pm Mass @ Forster Sunday12th January Feast of the Baptism of the Lord 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster 9am Mass @ Tuncurry

Weekend Masses in January

During the Christmas/January holiday period, our Sunday Masses will be expanded to the following schedule: Saturdays 6pm 6pm Sundays 7am 9am 9am St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry Holy Name Church, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry Holy Name Church, Forster

This expanded timetable will commence on the weekend of Sunday 29th December, and will continue until the weekend of Australia Day, 26th January 2014.

Regular Activities in the Parish

Secular Franciscan Fraternity The Secular Franciscans Fraternity is taking a break during January, and will next meet on Wednesday 5th February 2014, coming together for Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the meeting 10am to 12pm. The menALIVE Groups Our menALIVE groups are taking a break during January. Consequently, the morning group will next meet on Wednesday 12th February 2014 after the 9am Mass, while the evening group will next meet on Thursday 27th February 2014 at 7:30pm. Maintenance & Gardening Group The Parish is lucky to be served by a very dedicated band of volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds and gardens of our two church sites. They do a fabulous job, and are always ready to welcome new members to the group. The next date is Thursday 16th January (to be confirmed), starting at Tuncurry at 8am and then on to Forster. Contact Howard 6557 6826 for more information. Singing Practice The Singing Group will be taking a well earned break during January, and will next gather in the Tuncurry church on Tuesday 4th February 2014 for a 7pm start. All are welcome as we gather to practice hymns for our Sunday Masses. Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase On the first Sunday of each month we undertake a collection in order to support Homebase. The next collection will next take place on Sunday 5th January 2014.

Parish Office Hours

During January, the availability of the Parish Office will be curtailed. If you need to contact the Parish Office for something, and it is not open when you do so, please leave a message and Ill get back to you as soon as possible. Fr Andrew

Parish Social Justice Group

The newly forming Parish Social Justice Group has already held its first meeting with a good number of people in attendance. The next meeting will be at 5:30pm on Wednesday 8th January in the Parish Meeting Room (or Forster church). All welcome!

From the Pastors Desk

So here we are in the Year of our Lord 2014! Id like to think that just a few days into the new year that were full of enthusiasm and hope for all that the new year has in store for us, both individually and as the People of God in the Parish of Forster Tuncurry. We can never really know what is to come, and yet we are called to hope and trust that no matter what presents itself we are not alone: God will walk the journey with us. One of the primary tasks that lays ahead of us is continuing with the implementation of the Parish Pastoral Plan. You will already be aware that the Parish Social Justice Group has already started to coalesce and will be holding its second meeting this coming Wednesday 8th January at 5:30pm to further explore how to proceed with this aspect of the Pastoral Plan. All are welcome to come along to the meeting. The establishment of the Parish Family Ministry Committee will begin once the January holiday period is over. More information will be forthcoming once things start to happen. In the meantime, however, if there are any thoughts parishioners would like to share, please dont hesitate to let them be known via the usual channels. My thanks to all who shared gifts and cards with me, along with Christmas greetings and wishes, over the last few weeks. Not having family close by, these small things reminded me that I am indeed part of the Parish communityand I am most grateful. My thanks also to Fr Dennis Rochford for the wonderful support to the Parish community in the celebration of the Christmas liturgiesand for his ongoing support across the January holiday period. Speaking from a completely personal perspective, I greatly value having his friendship and support which I look forward to continuing for many years yet. I would encourage you to continue to make Fr Dennis welcome in our Parish. Some advance notice: I will be attending the National Liturgical Conference in Wollongong for the week commencing Monday 13th January. I will be attending the Bishops Leadership Forum at Kincumber on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th January. Fr Dennis has kindly agreed to cover the weekday Masses during my absences. Until next week... Fr Andrew

Could YOU be a Catechist?

The Diocese is promoting Special Religious Education in Government Schools and encouraging people to consider becoming Catechists (or SRE/Scripture teachers). If you think you might be able to assist with this important and rewarding ministry, you would be supported with training and resources. For more information, please visit the Diocesan website (www.mn.catholic.org.au/sre) or speak with Fr Andrew, Loretta Heffernan, or the Parish Office.

Parish Councils & Committees

All of the current (and pending) Councils and Committees of the Parish are taking a break during January. Their meeting schedule will recommence at the beginning of February. During 2014, I will attempt to publish in Bridgeside Bulletin a short precis of the work of each Council and Committee after each of their respective meetings in an effort to keep the Parish Community informed about their work across the year. Information about the membership of each of the Parishs Councils and Committees can be found on the Parish website, or by approaching myself or the Parish Office. Fr Andrew

Liturgical Ministry During Christmas Holidays

Each Christmas/January holiday period causes challenges for our Sacristans, Readers and Ministers of Communion as parishioners are absent from the Parish visiting family and friends. This is also the time of year that brings many visitors to our Masses, giving us the opportunity to showcase our liturgical celebrations to the wider Catholic community. This time of year calls on all members of the Parish worshipping community to make the extra effort to ensure our Mass celebrations run smoothly with adequate support from lay liturgical ministers.

We have seen his star in the East, and have come with gifts to adore the Lord.

Seeking Full, Conscious and Active Participation

Most people will be well aware that the Second Vatican Council called for a renewal of the liturgical life of the Church. In fact, the Councils document that called for this renewal, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, celebrated its 50th birthday at the beginning of December 2013. One of the hallmarks of the renewed liturgical life of the Church was to be marked by what the Constitution called full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14). In the fifty years since the promulgation of Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, much has been written about how full, conscious, and active participation is to be interpreted in the life of the Church, and no doubt, there will continue to be much written about this aspect of the liturgical life of the Church particularly in light on the continuing culture wars that exist Over recent weeks I have been reading through Great Is the Mystery: Encountering the Formational Power of Liturgy by Joe Paprocki and D. Todd Williamson, and there I came across what I consider to be perhaps the most cogent description of full, conscious, and active participation I have seen in a long while: Full Participation To engage in full participation means that we participate in the Eucharist with that we are and all that we bring on a particular Sunday morning. It means that we come aware of our mood: frustrated with the kids, aggravated by a spouse, anxious over the coming week, angry with an argument from earlier in the week, joyous over an accomplishment, sad because of an experienced loss. It means that we come aware of those areas of our lives that need the lifegiving power of Jesuss presence and that of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It means that we come with the desire to offer those areas to the Father through Christ, and to have the Father give them back, transformed with the power of his Spirit, and that we do so with the faith that God will, indeed, accept them. (pp 48-49) Conscious Participation in regard to the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist, conscious participation means much more than simply paying attention. Although that is part of it, what is called for in conscious participation is more than attention: what is called for is presence. Conscious participation

calls us to be present to what is taking place in the celebration of the Eucharist. We are called to not only give our attention, but to give over our whole selves to this celebration: to consciously and deliberately be a member of the assembly. It means being mindful savoring the various elements of the Eucharistic liturgy. Conscious participation, however, does not mean forced participation. It does not mean that I take part completely separated from my feelings, my mood, how I may be feeling at any particular celebration of the Eucharist. I may be feeling very distracted, for example, and for some particular reason it may be a struggle for me to pay attention or to be as present to the prayer as I would want to be. Does this mean I am not consciously participating? Not at all. In fact, if I am aware of these distractions and my preoccupation with them, and yet bring these too to the Eucharist to be offered to God, then my participation is, in fact, very conscious. In this case, my participation is very genuine: its where I am at the moment, its who I am as I come to this celebration, its what I bring to Christ as he feeds me with his Body and Blood its genuinely me at the moment. That is what we mean by conscious participation. (p 49) Active Participation Active participation calls us to respond, both interiorly and exteriorly, to the liturgys greetings, invitations, and songs as a way of fulfilling our role as the gathered worshipping assembly. Active participation means that we enter into the celebration with the understanding that our interior dispositions, our responses, and our participation are what we are called to as members of the assembly. Active participation means that we allow ourselves to be engaged by what is taking place and that we enter into the celebration, full intending to take our place and to perform the roles that we have as baptized members of the community. (p 50) For those who engage in liturgical celebrations regularly or otherwise we would do worse to take the words and explanation offered by Paprocki and Williamson on board and to heart.

Review of Liturgical Rosters

A remind to all Readers and Ministers of Communion that I would ask all current ministers to indicate their preparedness to continue in their ministry into 2014. This will also allow me to check that we have the correct information listed as to which Mass you normally attend and contact details. It would be appreciate your attention to this at your earliest convenience so that new rosters can be prepared to take effect from the beginning of February. I would also like to invite those who were previously on the rosters but have withdrawn from their ministries over recent times because of concerns over the rostering process to make contact with me, and also to consider returning to their liturgical ministry on behalf of the Parish community. I can be contacted in a number of ways:

Parish Social Functions for 2014

One of the responsibilities of the Parish Team is to organise social functions during the year where parishioners can gather to strengthen friendships and ensure all parishioners feel welcome and supported in our community. The Team met recently and decided on four such functions for the year. They are:

PANCAKE TUESDAY which falls on 4th March. The event, held at Holy Name School, is always a great success and affords the opportunity for the whole Catholic Community to meet and enjoy time together. PARISH DINNER to be held on Friday 16th May. A venue for our Dinner will be further investigated next year. INTERNATIONAL LUNCH. Our initial attempt at this function was very worthwhile and we will organise a similar event next year on 2nd August. BLESSING OF THE FLEET/PARISH BBQ. The Blessing falls on 5th October next year and we will combine the Blessing Mass and Parade with a Parish BBQ in John Wright Park.

Telephone: 6554 6304 or 0412 405 671. Email: fr.andrew.doohan@bigpond.com. Written notehand delivered or by mail. In personat the presbytery or after Mass. Or any combination of the above.

Any contribution to the review process is, as always, most welcome. Fr Andrew

The Team would be grateful if you could note these dates in your calendars and attend these functions to strengthen the friendship bonds in our Parish Community.

Work Health & Safety Information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its workers (i.e. employee, contractor or subcontractor, employee of contractor or subcontractor, employee of labour hire company, outworker, apprentice or trainee work experience student and volunteer), visitors and the public in workplaces and also the health and safety of those who may be affected by its operations. In securing workplace health and safety, the Diocese promises to pursue best practice in Work Health and Safety (WHS), fulfil its statutory duties with regard to WHS and through continual improvement strive to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. If you become aware of any hazard on parish property, or suffer an incident or injury while on parish property, you are asked to let Fr Andrew or the Parish Office know as soon as possible in order that the appropriate steps can be taken. If there is any matter concerning Work Health & Safety that you wish to raise or have considered by the Parish, please contact Fr Andrew who will bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate person.

Help Required At Mass

Have you ever considered becoming more involved in our Mass? If you are available to proclaim the Word of God, be a Sacristan or a Minister of Communion please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. We really need your help. If you are unsure of what is involved and would like to know more, please speak with Fr Andrew.

Catholic Newspapers Available

The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and Catholic Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at the rear of the churches at a cost of $2 each.

Parish Intercessory Prayer Group

To request prayers for someone in need of prayer please contact Bob Cashman on 6555 5914 leaving your name and contact details. Bob can also help you if youre interested in becoming part of this important ministry within the Parish.

Opportunities Outside The Parish

The New Evangelisation What is it and what difference does it make? Fathers Maurice Nutt and John Fahey-Guerra, from the United States, will be conducting a Summer School at St Clements Retreat Centre, Galong, NSW, from 17th 24th January 2014. Maurice and John bring their enthusiasm and expertise to these questions and we can bring our questions and understanding. Phone 02 6380 5222 or email info@stclement.com.au for details. Saturday Morning Meditation Course A Saturday Morning Meditation course will be held at the Chapel of Newcastle Parish Centre, 25 Farquhar St, The Junction on Saturday 1st February at 9:30am. Meditation is a wonderful way to start 2014, and is very helpful in times of spiritual crisis and physical stress. The cost is $10, and morning tea is provided. For more information contact Anne Cuskelly at annecuskelly@hotmail.com or 0407 436 808. Introductory Meditation Course An introductory meditation course will be held at St James School Hall, Vista Parade, Kotara over four weeks commencing on Tuesday 4th February 2014 commencing at 7pm. Meditation is a wonderful way to start 2014, and helpful at times of spiritual crisis and physical stress. The cost is $20. For more information contact Anne Cuskelly at annecuskelly@hotmail.com or 0407 436 808. Christian Formation Program Are you looking for an opportunity to ponder the meaning of your life experience, meet Jesus anew or explore your faith within the Catholic tradition? The TWEC Christian Formation Program runs for four tenweek terms, one night a week from 6:30pm9:30pm. The program starts on Thursday 6th February 2014 in the Toohey Room, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle. For more information and to RSVP contact TWEC on 4930 9601 or twec@ssjl.org.au Mission and Discipleship Presentation Internationally respected theologian, Anthony Gittins CSSp, will present a Mission and Discipleship workshop at Souths League Club, Merewether on Wednesday 12th February 2014 between 10am and 3:30pm. The cost is $20 with morning tea and lunch provided. Please RSVP to the TWEC Secretary on 4930 9601 or twec@ssjl.org.au. Remaining Faithful: Formation for Sunday Celebrations in Anticipation of Eucharist Parts I and II This formation program is bring run for Toronto and Morisset Parishes, and individuals and groups from

other parishes are welcome, including those who might be looking for a refresher. Part I begins on Saturday 15th February 2014 (later dates include Saturdays 22nd February, 1st March, and 8th March). Part II begins on Saturday 3rd May 2014 (later dates include 10th May, 17th May, 24th May, 31st May, 14th June). All sessions will be held at St Josephs Parish Hall, Toronto between 9am and 1pm. For more information email TWEC at twec@ssjl.org.au RCIA Rite of Election & Presentation The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Presentation of Candidates for Full Communion will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Sunday 9th March 2014. Afternoon tea will be served afterwards and all are welcome. For more information about becoming a Catholic (RCIA) visit the Parish or Diocesan website (www.mn.catholic.org.au). 2014 TWEC Dinner The 2014 TWEC Dinner will be held on Wednesday 4th June 2014 at The Therry Centre, East Maitland. The special guest speaker will be Mr Tim Fischer, former Deputy Prime Minister and more recently the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, well known train enthusiast, writer and much more! For more information email twec@ssjl.org.au. Chisholm Region RCIA Anniversary On Pentecost Sunday 2014 the Chisholm Region will celebrate 21 years of RCIA ministry. If you have had any experience of RCIA in the parishes of the Chisholm Region, especially in the parishes of East Maitland, Morpeth, Maitland, Rutherford or Lochinvar, we hope you will bring a picnic lunch on Sunday 8th June 2014 to the Corcoran Centre, George St, Morpeth and celebrate with us. For more information please contact Loretto Lynch on 4933 7425 or loretto.lynch@ exemail.com.au.

Communion to Sick & Housebound

We are in need of Ministers of Communion of the Blessed Sacrament to housebound people in our outlying areas (Pacific Palms/Hallidays Point). If you live in this area and are able to assist in this way please contact Greg Byrne at the office 6554 6304.

Hospital & Home Visits

Because of the restrictions imposed by Australias Privacy Laws, the Parish relies on family and friends to inform us about those who are unwell in our community. If you know of anyone needing a visit or Communion in hospital or at home please contact Fr Andrew or the Parish Office.

Ministers this Weekend... 6pm Tuncurry

...of the Word Frank Hayman Colleen Cashman Bob Cashman Barbara Dolahenty Neil Pye Clare Moulder Cecile Malone Cushla Drake Edna Tucker Pat Hooker Jeanette Shepherd Marion ONeill Barbara Kermode Kris Koch Trevor Turner

...of Communion Owen Carroll, Sharon Fowle, Jeanette Goodacre, Monica Hunt, Carolyn Olliffe, Monique Piscopo, Tony Stevens, Maureen Stevens, (volunteers required) Clare Moulder, Barbara Dolahenty, Neil Pye, Maureen Pye, Monique Piscopo, Margaret Smith, Glen Strong, Robyn Milligan (volunteers required) Tony Knight, Mary Greig, Robert Moran, Mark Mowbray, Edna Tucker, Kathryn McCabe Greg Byrne, Lauranne Byrne, Viv Allen, Barbara Dolahenty, Michael Amato, Josi Beech, Elle CairnsCowan (volunteers required) Clare Moulder, Bernadette Dackzo, Cushla Drake, Lou Hope, Valarie Ross, Kay & Graham Griffiths, Cecile Malone (volunteers required)

6pm Forster

7am Tuncurry

9am Forster

9am Tuncurry

Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as originally published, and doesnt take account of any swaps that may have been organised between individuals.

Our Liturgy Today

Responsorial Psalm Response: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. O God, give your judgment to the king, to a king's son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgment. In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the Great River to earth's bounds. The kings of Tarshish and the sea coasts shall pay him tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall bring him gifts. Before him all kings shall fall prostrate, all nations shall serve him. For he shall save the poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and save the lives of the poor. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord. Alleluia! Today

Scripture Readings This Week

Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12 1 John 3:224:6 Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 1 John 4:7-10 Mark 6:34-44 1 John 4:11-18 Mark 6:45-52 1 John 4:195:4 Luke 4:14-22 1 John 5:5-13 Luke 5:12-16 1 John 5:14-21 John 3:22-30 Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Next Sunday

Receiving Communion
So that we might receive Communion in a fit and proper way, please be aware of the following:

Flower Roster
We are in urgent need of helpers for the flower decorations in Tuncurry Church. If you are able to help, please phone the Parish Office on 6554 6304.

Silence in the Liturgy

We observe silence during our liturgy (on Sundays and weekdays) at the following times: 1. During the Penitential Act, after the Presider invites us to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries in order to recollect ourselves; 2. During the Collect, after the invitation of the Presider to Let us pray again in order to recollect ourselves; 3. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the first reading in order that we might meditate on what we have heard; 4. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the second reading in order that we might meditate on what we have heard; and 5. During the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of the homily in order that we might meditate on what we have heard.

When we process forward to receive Communion, we have been asked by the Australian Bishops to adopt a common and unified gesture of reverence before doing so. In Australia that gesture is a bow of the head and shoulders (GIRM, 160). Any other form of reverence, including a genuflection, should therefore be avoided. Communion by self-intinction (self-dipping) is never permitted, since we receive Communion and never take Communion. Please refrain from this inappropriate action. We regret that we do not have the physical facilities to offer communion while kneeling, and respectfully ask you to refrain from kneeling to receive Communion while part of the procession, since this is contrary to the nature of the Communion procession itself. Your cooperation in honouring this request is very much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.

Our Parish Collections

a) The Parish Collection, providing for the needs of the parish and its ministry, is taken up during the presentation and preparation of the gifts (the offertory). This is the envelope collection. b) The Diocesan Clergy Collection, providing for the remuneration and support of the clergy of the diocese, will be taken up after communion (during the Thanksgiving Hymn or a similar time).