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 23rd November, 2014

Our Lord Jesus Christ. King of the Universe, Year A
Parish
Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest)
Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate)
Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration Associate/Bulletin)
Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is

normally staffed on Monday, Thursday and Friday
from 10am to 4pm.
Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin should be
received 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
W: www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au
Fr Andrews email: fr.andrew.doohan@gmail.com.
Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of
Forster Tuncurry

Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic

Celebrating the Sacrament

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.
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 8th
December 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.
A Sacramental Preparation process runs each year in
the Parish for children wishing to complete the
celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation as part of
the Parish community. Please contact the Parish Office
for more details, or visit the Parish website.
The Parish hosts the Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults process for those adults wishing to be baptised
or be received into the communion of the Catholic
Church. Please contact the Parish Office for more
details, or visit the Parish website.

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

St Clares High School, Taree (7-12)

Ms Brooke Schumann (Acting Principal)

Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)

41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428

PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428

Davis Street, Taree NSW 2430

P:
F:
E:
W:

P: (02) 6552 3300

F: (02) 6552 3656
E: admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au
W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au

(02) 6554 6504

(02) 6554 8895
admin@forster.catholic.edu.au
www.forster.catholic.edu.au

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

meets every Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm. For

more information contact Natasha on 0407 589 935.

Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Christian Meditation
Our Parish hosts a number of opportunities for the
practice of Christian meditation. These opportunities
takes place on Tuesdays at two distinct times, 9am
and 5:30pm, however there is no evening meditation
this week. Phone Bob on 6555 5914 for further
information.

Monday24th November
Memorial of St Andrew Dung Lac and companions
Tuesday25th November
9am
Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry
5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
5:30pm Singing Practice @ Tuncurry

Maintenance & Gardening Group

The Parish is served by a very dedicated band of
volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds
and gardens of our two sites. Unfortunately the team
are short on volunteers and are appealing to anyone
who may be available to donate some of their time
once a month to this worthy deed. Their next reunion
will be on Thursday 18th December. Contact Howard
6557 6826 for more information.

Wednesday26th November
9am
Mass @ Forster
9:30am menALIVE morning group @ Forster
11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @
Forster
5:30pm Parish Social Justice Group @ Forster
Thursday27th November
Fr Andrew to Newcastle for Clergy Fund Committee.
9am
Morning Prayer @ Forster
7pm
Womens Bible Study Group (Natasha
0407 589 935)

Singing Practice
The Singing Group this week on Tuesday 25th
November at Tuncurry at 5:30pm.

Friday28th November
9:30am Mass @ Forster

Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase

The next collection of foodstuffs in support of
Homebase will be on Sunday 7th December.

Saturday29th November
8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Tuncurry
4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15pm)
6pm
Mass @ Tuncurry

Holy Hour
The Parish community observes a Holy Hour each
Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from
3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm.

Sunday30th November
First Sunday of Advent
7am
Mass @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Forster

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The Novena is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster
church commencing at 11:15am and is followed by a
cuppa in the Parish Hall. For more information contact
Shioney on 6554 9468.
Evening Prayer & Benediction
The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday
of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It
will celebrated on Sunday 7th December. All
welcome.

Regular Activities in the Parish

Childrens Liturgy of the Word

The Family Ministry Committee of the Catholic Parish
of Forster Tuncurry hold a monthly Childrens Liturgy
of the Word. The Childrens liturgy runs during 9am
Mass on the 1st Sunday of the month. Children from
412yrs are invited to come along and learn about
God and have some fun!

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on
Wednesday 3rd December, coming together for Mass
at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then the
meeting 10am to 12pm.
The menALIVE Groups
Our Parish currently hosts a menALIVE group. They
will next meet on Wednesday 17th December after
the 9am Mass.

The next Children's Liturgy of the Word will be on the

7th December 2014. Bring along your children or
grandchildren to the 9am Mass at the Forster Church
so they can be a part of this great new program. We
also welcome you to join us for a cuppa after Mass.

Womens Bible Study Group

Our Parish hosts a Womens Bible Study Group that
2

From the Pastors Desk

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

I recently finished reading a book entitled What We

Have Done, What We Have Failed to Do written by
Mons Kevin W. Irwin, a priest of the Archdiocese of
New York, and a professor and former dean of the
School of Theology and Religious Studies at The
Catholic University of America.

St Vinnies support the

people that will be doing
it tough over the
Christmas period. They
aim to provide much
needed
help
from
practical assistance to
food hampers, emotional
support, toys and gifts
for children, individuals
and families so they too
can experience the joy of
Christmas. A collection
will
take place next
weekend, 29th and 30th November.

It will come as little surprise to many that the book

was looking at the liturgy of the Church, particularly in
light of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. In
fact, the book was written to mark the 50th
anniversary of that Councils Constitution on the
Sacred Liturgy.
Towards the end of the book, Irwin writes this:
Liturgy is not primarily history. Liturgy is primarily
theology in the strict and best sense: an act of
theologyof coming to grips with what it means
to enter into the Otherness of the infinite and
transcendent God through the very human means
of texts and rites, words and gestures, speech and
symbolic action. The churchs decisions about
what words, rite, symbols, and gestures to use
matter a great deal; after all, they comprise the
churchs rule of faith, its lex orandi. Clearly we
have made strides in the last five decades in
refining the method for liturgical study. The ore
theological it is and becomes, I argue, the better
off we are in appreciating the liturgy in its
uniqueness for the life of the church. Liturgy is
that privileged moment when God acts to reveal
the fullness of the divine life and invites us to take
part in and live that divine life. The history of rites
serves this enterprise. But it cannot replace the
study of liturgy as the descent of God to us and
our ascentalways through, with, and in Christ, in
the power of the Holy Spirit, in the communion of
the pilgrim church on earth. (p 199)

Parishioners in Hospital/Aged Care

Due to Privacy Legislation the parish can no longer
ascertain names of people in hospitals or aged care
facilities. It is essential that family and friends inform
the Church office if one of their loved ones is admitted
to such a facility.

Social Justice Group

The last meeting of the Forster Tuncurry Parish Social
Justice Group was held on 26th October with five
people opening the discussion with our understanding
of Recognise, the peoples movement to recognise
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the
Australian Constitution.
Joy was the theme of further discussion of Pope
Francis First Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii
Gaudium, in which the Pope proclaims the Gospel in
todays world through the Joy of the Gospel. The
question of social justice and communal commitment
to our neighbours is an important part of the
proclamation of the Gospel.

If you would ever like to know why I have dedicated

much of my professional life to the study of liturgy,
you will find the answer in what Irwin has written
there.

If you have not read Evanglii Gaudium, the

document is available from The Mustard Seed
Bookshop (www.mustardseed.org.au) or you may
borrow a copy from the Parish Office.

Until next week

The Human Rights and Social Justice Lecture by

Professor Gilliam Triggs, on the rights of children will
be delivered on Wednesday 26th November at 1pm at
Great Hall University of Newcastle. If anyone wishes
to share transport to attend this lecture please
contact Tim Prescott on 0428 104 512.

Fr Andrew

Vocation View
He will separate the sheep from the goats. To be a
shepherd is to tend the flock of the Lord, teaching
them to hear His Voice. Have courage to follow
wherever God may lead you. For more information
regarding vocations contact Fr Brian Mascord on 02
4979 1112 or vocations@mn.catholic.org.au.

The Social Justice Group is open to the community

and all are invited to the final meeting for 2014 on
Wednesday 26th November at 5.30pm in the Parish
Hall Meeting Room.
3

Office Closed this Coming Thursday

Filipino Christmas Party

Due to a planned interruption to electricity supply, the

Parish office will be closed this Thursday 27th
November. For all urgent matters contact Sharon on
0407 006 666.

Our Filipino friends will be hosting a Christmas party

on Sunday 14th December commencing at 12pm in
the Church Hall. Everyone welcome.

Anointing Mass

Caritas Christmas Gifts

By choosing a Caritas Global Gift this year, you are
helping to spread the message that together, as one
global family, we are making the world a better place.
There are six Caritas Australia Global Gifts which
encompass the range of Caritas Australias community
development programs including food, healthcare,
education and water, as well as the unique gift of
emergency assistance. They range in price from $10 to
$250. Visit www.caritas.org.au/globalgifts for more
information.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be

celebrated during Mass on Friday 5th December, for
those who may be unwell in the Parish.

Parish Facebook Page

Each week the Parish posts several links to Catholic
and Christian information and resources. These posts
can be instrumental in helping you grow your faith
and provide avenues to prayer while online. They also
provide you with an opportunity to spread the Gospel
to your network of friends.

Christmas Cards &

2015 Calendars

Please consider liking our page:

www.facebook.com/catholicparishofforstertuncurry

St Vincent de Paul Christmas

Cards will be available for
purchase after Mass this
weekend for $6 per pack of
10 cards. Also available are
Columbian Calendars for $9.

Christmas Lunch
Angela and Lou Hope
will be organising a
Christmas Lunch in
our Parish Hall on
Monday
1st
December at 12pm. If
attending please add
your name to the list
at the rear of the
church. All welcome.
Please bring along a
$5 gift. For further
information
phone
6555 5825.

These items may also be

purchased from the parish office.

Ordination to the Priesthood

Bishop Bill has announced that he will ordain Deacon
Peter Street to the Priesthood on Friday 12th
December at 7:30pm in Sacred Heart Cathedral,
Hamilton.
All members of the Diocese are invited to attend this
significant event in the life of our local Church, and
the Bishop has asked that you remember Peter in your
prayers during the coming weeks of preparation.

Liturgical Rosters
Liturgical rosters for the months of December and
January to include the Christmas season and
additional Masses are now available from the rear of
the churches.

Carols by Candlelight
The Family Ministry
Group would like to
invite parishioners to
join them at Carols
By Candlelight in
Tuncurry on Monday
15th December from
6pm. Bring your own
picnic or purchase
food at the venue and meet us at the large purple flag.

Please consider volunteering if you recognise a

shortfall over this busy period. Thank you.

Welcome to New Parishioners

A cuppa for new Parishioners will be held on 7th
December following 9am Mass. This will be a good
opportunity for current members to meet with our
newer parishioners, so all are welcome and
encouraged to attend.
4

Are we a Welcoming Parish?

What is the quality of the music?

During the week someone shared the following story

with me, which disturbed me and I am sure may
disturb you. I was in an ecumenical meeting with
another Catholic and an Anglican minister. I was
puzzled about the way in which Anglican parishes and
their ministers are supported and I asked if the parish
had grown since she had become their resident
pastor. She indicated that the numbers were growing
slowly and then said that some were coming from the
Catholic Church up the road. She then went on to
relay the following about one of the parishioners who
had recently joined them.

Would someone have talked to them just because

this is what those who come to Mass do?

Did they see parishioners smiling at each other?

Was the church foyer clean and tidy and was

information easy to access?

How easy was the bulletin to read, and what

information did they take away?

Was the Mass geared for those who already know

the ritual, and therefore alienating for those who
might be on their way back or who are coming for
the first time?

Did the regulars turn up five minutes after the

starting time and leave as soon as it was finished,
or even earlier?

This parishioner had been a long term member of one

of our parishes. She was a greeter, a proclaimer of the
word, a special minister of Holy Communion and
had been involved in the Sacramental Preparation
Program. She had begun to feel restless and so
decided to try out the Anglican Church. After four
weeks she returned to her own parish church and to
the ministries she had been attentive to for so many
years. She stood opposite the person, with whom she
shared the ministry of greeting, only to be confronted
with the reality that this person did not ask where she
had been for the past four weeks or if she was OK.
This brought her world crumbling down, as she
realised that no one had contacted her during her four
weeks absence and no one even bothered to enquire
about her wellbeing upon her return.

I am wondering how it feels to be in your Church

building at any time during the week but especially on
Sundays.
As I ask these questions I am overwhelmed by the
responsibility we have to be intentional disciples,
especially on Sundays. I am conscious that because I
participate in the ministry of the choir I am caught up
before and after Mass with practising, and then with
clearing up. I dont get a chance to do all the things
which I believe could make a difference for those who
attend the 5pm Mass on Sunday night at the
Cathedral. This is the time to invite others into
discipleship, but this is not possible unless we are in
relationship with them.

You can probably guess what happened next. She

went back to the Anglican Church where she was
warmly welcomed and accepted, and felt that people
cared for her. She is now becoming actively involved
in her new Anglican parish and they are appreciating
her gifts of service.

Are we geared to notice the new people?

Do we even know the old faithful ones who may

just take up a pew seat each weekend?

Would God say to any of us, Well done, good and

faithful servant, you have shown you can be faithful in
small things, I will trust you with greater; come and
join in your masters happiness. To those to whom
much has been given, much is expected. I have no
doubt that intentional discipleship is demanding and
requires us to give of our gifts responsibly and
graciously. All that we have has been given by our
good and gracious God for the good of all. As our
liturgical year draws to a close, we are reminded that,
at the end of time, we are accountable for all that is
given. These gifts are given for the benefit of all; they
are given for the broad focus, not the narrow one.
When we use our gifts well, we enrich our community,
by bringing joy to ourselves and others. Is your place
of worship joyful?

How do those who are at Mass on the weekend

experience the community?

Teresa Brierley, Vice Chancellor of Pastoral

Ministries, Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Does the Mass invite them into a relationship with

God?

Each Tuesday Teresa publishes some thoughts via the Diocesan

Update. For regular updates please subscribe via email to
media@mn.catholic.org.au

This can and may be happening in any of our parishes.

We have people who are generously sharing their gifts
to serve the community and some of them go
unnoticed. If that is the reality for those who serve,
what happens to those who just happen to take the
plunge and bravely turn up one Sunday, thinking it is
time to give it a go because there is this gap in their
lives.

Kids Corner

Come and receive the kingdom that is prepared for you

1

Mt 25:31-46

Across

1:
5:
6:
9:
10:
11:

the opposite of left

someone you dont know
life that is forever is said to be this
of little or no importance
the Son of Man will come in g_ _ _ _
an animal that is farmed for its wool

Down

2:
3:
4:
5:
7:

8
9

10

11

8:

in need of a drink
ahead, previously
a special chair for kings and queens
to split into groups
people of all _ _ _ _ _ _ _ will be brought
before the Son of Man
unwell

Opportunities Outside The Parish

Featuring special guest speaker - Christie Dawes,

Paralympic medallist and disability advocate. Free
barbecue lunch, face painting, games and more! RSVP
essential for catering E media@mn.catholic.org.au or
P 4979 1111.

Human Rights and Social Justice

A Lecture will be held on Wednesday 26th November
beginning at 1pm at Great Hall, University of
Newcastle, Callaghan. With 2014 marking the 25th
anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child and the impending release of the
report on Children in Immigration Centres, this year's
lecture will focus on the rights of children and will be
delivered by Professor Gillian Triggs. RSVP to
equityanddiversity@newcastle.edu.au.

'The VOCAL Christmas Tree of Angels'

VOCAL Christmas Tree of Angels will be held on Friday
5th December at 6pm at St John's Anglican Church,
cnr Darby and Parry St, Cooks Hill in memory of lives
lost or changed by crime, sudden death and tragedy.
To RSVP for the 2014 Victims Of Crime Assistance
League "Christmas Tree of Angels" P 4926 2711 or E
ceo@vocal.org.au.

Child Protection Training

Full Day Child Protection Training will be held on
Wednesday 26th November at 9am at CatholicCare,
50 Crebert Street, Mayfield. To register for training
please P Brenda at Zimmerman Services on 4979 1390
or E Brenda.Moloney@mn.catholic.org.au.

Christmas Carols Taree

Carols in the Church will be held on Sunday 7th
December beginning at 5pm at Our Lady of the Rosary
Catholic Church, Albert St, Taree. Entertainers and
markets will be part of the event. All are welcome.
Donation requested for admission.

LArche Concert
Hunter Friends of LArche Concert with John Coleman
will be held on Friday 28th November at 10am at St
Matthews Anglican hall, 7 Wentworth Street,
Georgetown. For further details contact Geoff Rigby P
4943 0450 E hunter@larche.org.au.

Multicultural Choral Society Christmas Concert

A Concert will be held on Sunday 7th December at
7pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hunter Street,
Newcastle West. The 37th Christmas concert from
around the world. Many renowned choirs and
individuals take part in this annual event including
communal singing. Entrance is free. For more
information contact Joop P 4954 5227 or E
multiculturalchoralsociety@gmail.com.

Prayers for Deceased Bishops and Priest

A prayer ceremony for Deceased Bishops and Priests
will be held on Friday 28th November at 6pm at
Sandgate Cemetery Chapel. All are very welcome to
join the Bishop and clergy.

Voices of Echology Choir

Come and enjoy the voices of Echology, formerly The
University of Newcastle Chamber Choir at the
annual Christmas concert to be held on Tuesday 16th
December beginning at 7pm at Sacred Heart
Cathedral, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.
Directed by Dr Philip Matthias and featuring Organist
Peter Guy, Orchestra Newcastle and soloist Dr
Christopher Allan, in a varied program of popular and
new carols. Adult $25, Concession $20, Children $10
(includes GST). Discount available for group bookings
of
10
or
more.
Tickets
available
through www.stickytickets.com.au/20978 or at the

Teen Retreat
Pure Flame 'Full Filled' Life Teen Retreat will be held
on Friday 28th November at 4302 Nelson Bay Road,
Anna Bay. Cost: $115 per person. Volunteers for
slices/cakes needed. Would you like to sponsor a teen
to attend? For more information contact Ellen on 0407
513 813.
Advent, a New Year begins.
A time for reflection on this important event will be
held at Living Waters Meditation Centre, 34 Kenrick
Street, The Junction on Monday 1st December from
9.30am12pm.
For
more
information
E carmel.moore@ssjl.org.au or P 0412 122 297.
Newcastle Catholic Charismatic Renewal
An invitation is extended to all regional parishioners to
a Thanksgiving Mass which will be held on Friday 5th
December at 7pm for prayer and praise at St Patricks
Church Macquarie Street, Wallsend. For more
information contact Elizabeth on P 4955 9575.
International Day of People with Disability
A barbecue for the International Day of People with
Disability will be held on Wednesday 3rd December at
11:30am at Village Green, 50 Crebert Street, Mayfield.
7

Ministers this Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Neil Pye
B: Valarie Ross

Maureen Pye, Michael Amato, Neil Pye, Owen Carroll,

Ruth Pearson.

7am Tuncurry

A: Anne-Marie Greene
B: Maria Armitage

Alex Matuszny, Cecile Malone, Edna Tucker, Lorraine

Clark, Mark Mowbray.

9am Forster

A: Barbara Dolahenty
B: Sharon Fowle

Anne Hartman, Barbara Kermode, Robyn Ryan, Sharon

Fowle, Trevor Turner.

Ministers next Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Monica Hunt
B: Lou Hope

Lou Hope, Margaret Smith, Maureen Pye, Maureen

Stevens, Michael Siddle.

7am Tuncurry

A: Mary Greig
B: Edna Tucker

Cushla Drake, Genevieve Williamson, Lorraine Clark,

Maria Armitage, Mary Greig.

9am Forster

A: Natasha Brotherton
B: Greg Byrne

Anne Hartman, Barbara Dolahenty, Elle Cairns-Cowan,

Greg Byrne, Shioney Neal.

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.

Text: Excerpts from the English Translation of the Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL); Music: From the Mass of
St Francis 2010, Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Australian AgentLicenSing Online Lic No. 624844.

Scripture Readings This Week

Today

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Todays Liturgy of the Word

Responsorial Psalm
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I
shall want.

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
Matthew 25:31-46
Apocalypse 14:1-5
Luke 21:1-4
Apocalypse 14:14-19
Luke 21:5-11
Apocalypse 15:1-4
Luke 21:12-19
Apocalypse 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9
Luke 21:20-28
Apocalypse 20:1-4, 1121:2
Luke 21:29-33
Apocalypse 22:1-7
Luke 21:34-36
Isaiah 63:16-17, 64:1, 3-8
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Matthew 13:33-37

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessings on the coming kingdom of our father David!
Alleluia!

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased.
Antonia Formosa, Norma Bailey.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now.
Grace Moran, Heather and John Huston, Kathy and
Robert Martin.
All those in our community who are sick.
8