Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
CHISHOLM Chisholm Connection News from the Pews MARCH 2015 INSIDE YOU WILL FIND 2, 3 Sacraments of Initiation & Easter Services, RCIA 4-5 School News 6-8 Regional News 9 Children’s Ministry News 10-11 Extraordinary Ministers 12-13 April Calendar 14-17 Parish News, Why We Do? 18-20 CCI Hazards - Candle Fires; April Saints 21-4 ACTiv8 & Youth Group News; Sponsors Ministers All baptised members of the community Ministry Team EM, Maitland, Morpeth, Rutherford, Lochinvar, Largs, Beresfield, Paterson Fr Paul O’Neill, Parish Priest Fr Derek Garner, Fr Peter Street Presbytery 4934 5783 Fr Maurie Cahill, Fr Paul Berezniuk, Fr Lex Levey, Bishop Bill Wright (Weekend Supply) Dungog, Gresford, Clarence Town, Summer Hill Fr Paul Hopper, Parish Priest 4992 1477 Sr Maureen Rigby OP Co-ordinator, Spiritual care of sick & aged in care or at home Irene Dixon, 0428 220 997 Co-ordinator, Dying, Bereaved & Funeral Ministry Jennie Nolan 0408 796 252 Children’s Ministry Deanery Co-ordinator Stef Lloyd, 0422 500 429 Co-ordinator, ACTiv8 Team Samantha Hill, Co-ordinator, Youth Groups Regional Office: Louise Gilchrist, Rita King, Janine Sidoti, Melissa Fenech Regional Office 302-304 High St Maitland 2320 PO Box 215 Maitland 2320 Hrs: Tues to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm (closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm) Ph: 4933 8918 / Fax: 4934 1227 Email: [email protected] Volume 5, Issue 3 Message from Fr Paul O’Neill My sisters and brothers, In paragraph 37 of “The Constitution of the Second Vatican Council on the Church in the Modern World” we read “Sacred Scripture teaches what has also been confirmed by humanity’s own experience, namely that the great advantages of human progress are fraught with grave temptations: the hierarchy of values has been disordered, good and evil intermingle, and every person and every group is interested only in its own affairs, not in those of others”. So it is that the earth has not yet become the scene of true fraternity; rather, at the present time humanity’s enormous power threatens to put an end to the human race itself. To the question of how this unhappy situation can be overcome, Christians reply that all these human activities, which are daily endangered by pride and inordinate self-love must be purified and perfected by the cross and resurrection of Christ.” We are about to celebrate Easter. The victory of love over suffering and death! Recently I heard a statement that said when Christ became a human person, the Incarnation, he chose in embracing humanity to be powerless and vulnerable. In his humanity he revealed a God of tenderness and compassion. Often I feel overwhelmed by all the issues that confront us daily: injustice, poverty, sickness, violence, broken relationships. In the Christian community we can discover hope in the face of hopelessness. During the Easter Triduum we celebrate the rich Liturgies of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion and the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses. These are wonderful times to celebrate our faith, renew our hope and grow in love. I pray that this Easter Season will be a wonderful time of growth and renewal for all Christian communities. With Love Fr Paul Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 2 Chisholm Pastoral Region: Sacraments of Initiation 2015 PRESENTATION OF THE “GIFTS/BREAD AND WINE” all Mass Centres, Saturday/Sunday 18th/19th APRIL Session 4 - Sacraments of Confirmation/Eucharist, Parent Formation Tuesday 21st April 2015 Wednesday 22nd April 2015 Thursday 23rd April 2015 Thursday 23rd April 2015 Friday 24th April 2015 7.00pm St Pauls Church Rutherford 7.00pm OLOL Church Beresfield 5.00pm St Mary’s Hall Dungog 7.00pm St Joseph’s Church East Maitland 10.30am Therry Centre East Maitland SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION WEEKENDS 2/3 MAY 6.00pm VIGIL OLOL Beresfield; SUNDAY 8.00am St Paul’s Rutherford; SUNDAY 9.30am St Columba’s Paterson 9/10 MAY 6.00pm VIGIL OLOL Beresfield; SUNDAY 8.2-0am Holy Family Largs 6.30pm VIGIL Sacred Heart Campbell’s Hill; SUNDAY 9.30am St Patrick’s Lochinvar 16/17 MAY 5.00pm VIGIL St Joseph’s East Maitland; 6.00pm OLOL Beresfield; SUNDAY: 8.00am St Paul’s Rutherford; 8.20am Holy Family Largs, SUNDAY: 8.30am St Joseph’s East Maitland; 6.00pm St Joseph’s East Maitland 23/24 MAY 5.00pm VIGIL St Joseph’s East Maitland; SUNDAY: 7.15am Immaculate Conception Morpeth, 8.30am St Joseph’s East Maitland, 9.30am St Patrick’s Lochinvar, 6.00pm St Joseph’s East Maitland Easter Services - Chisholm Pastoral Region 2015 St Joseph’s Cnr New England Hwy & King St East Maitland Sacred Heart New England Hwy, Campbell’s Hill Immaculate Conception Cnr George & James Sts, Morpeth St Mary’s 53 Brown Street, Dungog Holy Family Cnr Church & John Sts, Largs St Patrick’s 41 Rifle Street, Clarence Town St Helen’s 11 Park Street, East Gresford St Columba’s Cnr Prince & Church Sts, Paterson St Patrick’s 55 New England Hwy, Lochinvar Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) Cnr Anderson Drive & Delprat Ave, Beresfield St Paul’s 10 Young St, Rutherford HOLY THURSDAY 2/4/15 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 5.30pm St Helens Gresford 7.00pm St Joseph’s East Maitland St Mary’s Dungog OLOL Beresfield Sacred Heart Campbell’s Hill 10.00pm Evening Prayer Sacred Heart GOOD FRIDAY 3/4/15 Stations of the Cross HOLY SATURDAY 4/4/15 Prayer of the Church (morning prayer) 9.00am St Joseph’s East Maitland EASTER VIGIL 7.00pm St Joseph’s East Maitland OLOL Beresfield Sacred Heart Campbell’s Hill St Mary’s Dungog EASTER SUNDAY 5/4/15 10.00am OLOL Beresfield St Columba’s Paterson Immaculate Conception Morpeth St Mary’s Dungog St Joseph’s East Maitland # St Paul’s Rutherford Sacred Heart Campbell’s Hill St Patrick’s Clarence Town St Helen’s Gresford # Denotes outdoor youth dramatisation 6.00am Ecumenical Sunrise Service, Stockade Hill, East Maitland 7.15am Immaculate Conception Morpeth 8.00am St Patrick’s Clarence Town St Paul’s Rutherford 8.20am Holy Family Largs 8.30am St Joseph’s East Maitland 9.30am St Patrick’s Lochinvar St Columba’s Paterson 10.00am St Helen’s Gresford The Passion of the Lord NO EVENING MASS EAST MAITLAND 3.00pm OLOL Beresfield + Immaculate Conception Morpeth St Joseph’s East Maitland + St Paul’s Rutherford St Mary’s Dungog + Sacred Heart Campbell’s Hill + Holy Family Largs St Patrick’s Clarence Town St Helen’s Gresford Denotes Clergy in Attendance Please tell your friends and relatives, everyone welcome! Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 3 RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults This year there are three people preparing to become Catholics in the Easter season; Grant Francis is from the Rutherford parish, and Daniel and Marney Winter are from East Maitland. On the 1st Sunday in Lent we celebrated the Diocesan Rite of Election with Bishop Bill at the Cathedral in Hamilton. Daniel, Marney and Grant joined with all those in the Diocese who are being baptised or received into the Church at Easter. As Marney has not been baptised we celebrated the three Scrutinies for her during the Masses on 3 rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent. Scrutinies are Lenten rites of the RCIA and are “meant to uncover then heal all that is weak, defective or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out then strengthen all that is upright, strong and good.” RCIA 128 Lent for us all is a time of reflection and conversion and so during our meetings we have been giving Daniel, Marney and Grant the experience of different ways of praying as we reflect on the changes that have taken place in their lives. On Easter Sunday morning at St Paul’s Rutherford, Grant will be received into full communion with the Church, celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. At the Youth Mass the following Sunday evening at St Joseph’s East Maitland, Marney will be baptised, her husband Daniel will be received into full communion with the Church, and they will both celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. We also thank their sponsors Colin Green, Belinda and Phillip Cliff, for their generosity, support and commitment. Our meetings continue until the Wednesday before Pentecost; this stage of RCIA, which is called Mystagogy, is a time of strengthening for our “neophytes” and a time for us all to be inspired by the continued commitment of these new parishioners. At our meetings we will talk about the Sacraments of Service – Marriage and Holy Orders - and introduce our new Catholics to people involved in various parish ministries; we will also spend time exploring the gifts of the Holy Spirit and talk about how these gifts can now be used for the life of our parishes. On Pentecost Sunday we will celebrate the end of formal meetings with our Red Party lunch at the Corcoran Centre with family members and all those who have been a special part of this RCIA journey. Please keep these new members of our parishes in your prayers, as they begin, what we hope, will be an exciting journey as initiated people of our Rutherford and East Maitland Catholic faith communities. Thank you for making these people feel welcome and a part of our communities, please continue to keep us all in your prayers. There are another four people who have enquired about beginning the RCIA process in August. Until then Patricia Banister from the Rutherford parish has generously offered to host a few meetings for them in her home. Some members of our RCIA team are the only representatives for their parishes so we would love to see other parishioners from all our parishes join our team; it is such a rewarding experience and a wonderful way to live out our Baptismal mission! Happy Easter to all from your RCIA Chisholm Regional Team! Loretto Lynch on behalf of the RCIA Team of the Chisholm Region Good Friday 3rd April GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS - 10.00am in the school grounds of East Maitland (Please note Senior Youth Group practice after 6.00pm Youth Mass 29/3)) Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 4 School News Catholic Schools Week St John the Baptist Maitland Catholic Schools Week at St John the Baptist, Maitland was celebrated with a Key Learning Area Tabloid followed by a picnic lunch on the playground. The children in every class participated in a tabloid of activities that demonstrated to their visitors some of the fun learning experiences that they have at school. Parents and grandparents enjoyed group work that involved Religion, English, Maths, Human Society and It's Environment, Science, Creative Arts and Personal Development, Health and PE. Everyone really enjoyed the time learning together and the picnic was great.....the coffee van did a roaring trade!! Enrolment into Kindergarten 2016 All Catholic schools in the Chisholm Region have opened enrolments for Kindergarten 2016. To be eligible for enrolment in Kindergarten, pupils must celebrate their fifth birthday on or before 31st May of the year in which their parents seek enrolment for them. Parents are asked to collect Enrolment Packs from their parish school. Schools in our Chisholm Region are Our Lady of Lourdes, Tarro ........................ 4966 1302 St Aloysius, Chisholm .................................. 4088 8030 St Joseph’s, East Maitland .......................... 4933 5536 St John the Baptist, Maitland ....................... 4933 5613 St Paul’s, Rutherford ................................... 4932 8605 St Patrick’s, Lochinvar ................................ 4930 7270 St Joseph’s, Dungog ................................... 4992 1377 March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 5 St Mary’s Campus - Mock Trial Victory On Wednesday March 11th, the Year 11 Mock Trial team played their first game at Maitland Town Hall against Hunter Valley Grammar. With no experience under our belt the day was intended to be a learning curb with our first glance at how the competition worked giving us an idea of what lay ahead in further rounds. The team acted as the defendants, pleading the innocence of Lee Ward, a former coach of the Mock Trial Competition who was accused of spiking a coffee which resulted in the death of a colleague and foe, Katie Lynch. Our Barristers and Solicitors had to think on the spot, claiming objections where necessary in the opponents’ questions and creating cross examination enquiries of their own. The two witnesses were required to memorise a script and step into the role of their characters whilst not breaking part when put under pressure. The defendant was ultimately found guilty of the crime however the St Mary’s Year 11 Mock Trial Team were victorious in the game with a score of 238-219. Mrs Sheridan Pruteanu (Mock Trial Coordinator) Team from left –right Samara Peterson, Isabella Mattsson, Caitlyn Touzell, Lilli Thompson, Emily Shakespeare and Eliza Mathews. Caritas Pacific Emergency Appeal Vanuatu has been devastated by the largest cyclone ever to have hit the country. With average wind speeds of 250km p/h and gusts up to 340km p/h, Super Cyclone Pam wiped out thousands of homes, communities and livelihoods across the island nation. Please help. Caritas Australia’s Pacific Emergency Appeal is now open. Donations will provide immediate emergency response for the many communities affected by Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. Visit http://www.caritas.org.au for more information. Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 6 What’s Happening in the Region BAPTISM PROCESS: PLEASE NOTE anyone wishing to have their child/children baptised within our region is required to attend a Baptism preparation session. Completed Baptism registration forms and donation will be collected on this night. Parents are urged to attend the Mass as a family. NEXT PREPARATION SESSIONS: *Sunday 12th April 2015 (After Youth Mass) Sunday 3rd May 2015 (After Youth Mass) *Please note DATE CHANGE - as the 5th April is Easter Sunday, there will be NO Baptism session that night. Share your thoughts, comments, spiritual journey with your community in the Chisholm Connection! If you wish to contribute to our monthly regional newsletter; please contact us at the regional office on 4933 8918. Your views and suggestions are important to us! Thank you to our contacts from each parish who supply us with their parish news and notices. GET CHISHOLM CONNECTION VIA EMAIL!!! Contact the office if you wish to be included in our monthly distribution list. CHISHOLM CONNECTION IS ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR DIOCESAN WEBSITE: it is linked to the “Chisholm Pastoral Region” page http://www.mn.catholic.org.au/parishes-priests/ pastoral-regions/chisholm Chisholm Connection Deadline & Distribution Dates 2014/2015 Issue April May Editorial Deadline Distribution Date 20th April 25th May 26th April 31st May For enquiries please contact 4933 8918/email [email protected] (Be aware these dates may change) My name is Lisa Williams and I am currently in a Flute and Piano/Vocal Duo with Luke Baker. We are both experienced musicians and Catholic Music Teachers working in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle. I have studied Flute at the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide, and Luke has studied Voice at the Newcastle Conservatorium. Last year we worked together at St Peter’s in Maitland. We are available to play for weddings and other events. We can be contacted on 0450 995 472 or at [email protected] MOVIE NIGHT ON THE SAINTS - we hope to see you on Saturday 18th April, 2015, 7pm in the Caroline Chisholm Rooms (adjacent to St Joseph’s Primary School Admin) 57 King St, East Maitland. PLEASE NOTE this Movie Night will be a week earlier than usual!!! JOSEPH - Emmy Award Winner Outstanding Miniseries. Joseph son of Jacob, is one of the best known figures in the Torah, famous for his coat of many colours (although this is actually a mistranslation of the Hebrew phrase "kethoneth pac" which in fact means "long sleeved tunic "and his Godgiven ability to interpret dreams. Cast into a pit by his jealous brothers, young Joseph pleads for mercy. Instead the brothers sell the terrified boy into slavery in Egypt for 20 pieces of silver. Eventually Joseph turns this agonizing betrayal into triumph. Academy award winners Ben Kingsley and Martin Landau highlight an outstanding cast in this beloved Biblical tale of treachery and redemption. Joseph uses his gift for divining dreams to rise from slave to Pharaoh's most trusted aide, saving Egypt from seven years of famine. Then his brothers travel to Egypt in search of food and right into Joseph's power. "Forgiveness is greater than vengeance," Joseph declares. "Compassion more powerful than anger." But can he forgive so grievous a wrong? Books and pious objects for sale. Refreshments provided. Everyone welcome. Enquiries Judy Chlebowicz 4936 6349. IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: (St Joseph’s East Maitland) There will not be any ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT on Friday 3rd April as it is Good Friday, and there will not be any First Saturday Devotions on Saturday 4th April as it is Holy Saturday. March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 7 What’s Happening in the Region PLANNED GIVING: Participants in the Planned Giving program wishing to receive a Tax Receipt need to collect the request form from your church porches. This form is required to be completed EACH YEAR. Only the parishioners who have this form returned to the Chisholm Office will receive a Tax Receipt. The form can be returned via the second collection, email or regular mail. If anyone wishes to join the planned giving program you are also welcome to complete the same form. Please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected] if you have any queries. ******** The Diocese currently has a policy that enables parents to contribute to their parish planned giving program and obtain a partial or full exemption from paying the Diocesan Family School Building Levy (DFSBL) at their children’s school. It is important to clarify the following matters regarding this practice: The payment of the DFSBL is not eligible to be claimed as a tax deduction, as the levy is compulsory and not a voluntary contribution A percentage of the parent’s contribution to the parish’s planned giving program can be claimed as a tax deduction if no material advantage is received by the parents Material benefits to the parents would include a partial or full exemption from paying the DFSBL Therefore, if parents choose to contribute to their parish’ planned giving program, they will continue to receive an exemption from paying the DFSBL. However, those parents receiving the exemption are unable to claim a tax deduction for their contributions to the parish. CALLING for any interested parents/carers/ and0-5 year olds to form a playgroup - to be held in the Parish Rooms of OLOL Catholic Church, Beresfield. Playtime.....Craft.....Music/Singing/ Dancing.....Story Book.....Support for Mums/ Carers. Supported by Mrs Bronwyn Lowrey (Pastoral Care Worker). All enquiries welcome Ph: 4966 1302 (Tues or Wed). GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION 2015 The annual collection for the support of the church in the Holy Land takes place on Good Friday. This collection promotes the missionary work of the Church in the Holy Land by providing welfare assistance to local Christians in areas such as health, education, employment and housing. Parishes, schools, orphanages and medical centres throughout the Holy Land also rely on assistance from the Good Friday collection. The collection is also used to maintain 74 churches and shrines associated with the life of Jesus. Last year, Australian Catholics donated $1.3 million to this cause, despite tough economic times, natural disasters and increasing cost of living which put a strain on family budgets and financial resources. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please also pray that peace and harmony will become a reality in the birthplace of Jesus, the ‘Prince of Peace’. March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 8 What’s Happening in the Region Sunday 29th March - Sacred Spaces Fine Music Saturday 11th April - Formation Program for Parish Sunday 29th March - Ecumenical Way of the Formation for Leadership 9.30 am – 12.30 pm Unit FL1: Leadership as Ministry (Sr Patricia Egan) 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm Unit FL2: Leadership Styles and Dynamics (Sr Patricia Egan) These Units have been designed especially for members of Parish Leadership/Pastoral/Finance Councils and Teams as well as those involved in other parish groups and ministries. They are offered free of charge. Please bring your own lunch. Tea and Coffee provided. RSVP [email protected] / 02 4979 1134. Concert Series 2015 at 2:00pm at Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen St, Singleton. Tickets for each concert include afternoon tea: $25 (adult) and $5 (school student). Reservations recommended to guarantee seating. Tickets also available at door from 1.30pm on day of each concert (cash only). For tickets/ information, Sacred Spaces Office (open Mon-Thurs mornings) 6572 2398 / [email protected]. Details of concerts at www.sacredspaces.org.au Cross 3.00pm-4.30pm, St Joseph’s Church, 140 Wangi Rd, Kilaben Bay. All are welcome to attend. Picnic facilities are available from 1.00pm. Tuesday 31st March - Bishop Bill Wright invites you to the CHRISM MASS 7.00pm - Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West. This is followed by refreshments in the Davis Courtyard. Wednesday 1st April - safeTALK for SEASONS for GROWTH. Cost: Gold coin donation. Registration: Companions must register at www.goodgrief.org.au. All other participants please 4979 1355 or email [email protected]. Venue: Toohey Room, Catholic Diocese, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West. Thursday 2nd April. Watch and Pray will be held at 9:00pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. The Vigil will commence at 9pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral (841 Hunter St,, Hamilton) and will conclude at 9am on Good Friday. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoration throughout the evening and prayer stations will be set up around the Cathedral for you to visit at your own pace. To RSVP email [email protected]. Thursday 9th April - Mini Retreat and Healing Prayer will be held at 10.00am at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton TWEC Mum’s Night out Wednesday 6th May - 5.30pm West Wallsend Workers Club, Carrington St, West Wallsend. RSVP 30th April 4939 9601 or [email protected]. Friday 8th May - Annual TWEC Dinner with Phil Glendenning will be held at 6.30pm Therry Centre, New England Hwy, East Maitland. Phil Glendenning is the Director of the Edmund Rice Centre and is currently the President of the Refugee Council of Australia. RSVP by 30th April to Secretary 4930 9601 or [email protected]. Cost for hors d’oeuvres, drinks, main meal and dessert is $60 per person. Tables of 10 & individual bookings are available. 8th, 9th, 10th May - MAITLAND MUSICAL SOCIETY presents the production of “INTO THE WOODS” to be held at St John’s Hall (Pro Cathedral). Tickets on sale at www.maitlandmusicals.org or Phone: 0456 727 861. and Other Ministries (Spirituality & Faith). 9.30am St James’ Church, 4 Sowerby St, Muswellbrook. Saturday 18th April - Formation Program for Parish and Other Ministries (Spirituality & Faith). 9.30am St James’ Church, 4 Sowerby St, Muswellbrook. Formation for Leadership 9.30 am – 12.30 pm Unit FL 3: Management Skills (Mr Sean Scanlon) 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm Unit FL 4: Leadership of Foundation Areas (Mrs Teresa Brierley) These Units have been designed especially for members of Parish Leadership/Pastoral/Finance Councils and Teams as well as those involved in other parish groups and ministries. They are offered free of charge. Please bring your own lunch. Tea and Coffee provided. RSVP [email protected] / 02 4979 1134. Sunday 19th April - RCIA Mass of Celebration with Neophytes, 9.30am Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. Morning tea will be served after Mass. March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 9 Children’s Ministry News I have often been asked, “What do I teach the children, if I become a volunteer SRE teacher?” (catechist). The answer is, we use authorised curriculums, that take you step by step through each lesson. Children’s Ministry offers full training and support for the SRE teachers. There are a number of resources available to make your lessons engaging for today’s classrooms and children. Here is an account from one of our wonderful SRE teachers..... My name is Ailis, and I teach scripture at Morpeth Public School. I started teaching scripture last year, and I love it. The students I teach are so excited on Thursdays, and when I come into the year 2/3 classrooms, I am greeted with many “Ailis guess what I did on the weekend” and “my mum bought me a bible, and now I read it every night” and the ever popular “Ailis look at my…”. After the hubbub dies down, we get to the “bible stuff”, which today consisted of us learning about forgiveness, and what it means, and the way that we can apply it in our lives. After hearing our story of forgiveness, the students and I discuss what this will mean in our own lives, and many resolutions are made to forgive siblings or friends. The depth of the children’s understanding, and power of the things they say never ceases to amaze me. After given a colouring sheet to complete the class is over, and I leave with many heartfelt “see you next week Ailis”. Every week in scripture is different, but it is always rewarding to hear the students start to understand what you are telling them and watching them begin to unfold their own faith. No two days of scripture teaching are the same, some are harder than others, but when you have children learning more about our faith, there is no greater joy than being the one teaching it to them. If you are interested in becoming an SRE teacher or an assistant please contact Jennie Nolan (Children’s Ministry Deanery Co-ordinator) 0408 796 252 / [email protected] March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 10 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Executive Summary There has been a document prepared for those in our community who are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. This is an important ministry in the life of our parishes; it enables members of the community to assist the Priest in the distribution of the Blessed Sacrament. There is however, a varied standard of practice and habits around the performing of this ministry throughout the region. As such, following discussion with the clergy and the liturgy team this document has been prepared. This is the summary of the wider document that will be given to all extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion of the next few weeks and Fr Paul as the parish Priest of the parishes will be conducting formation sessions after Mass over the next month. The points raised in this document are in line with the rubrics of the Mass and the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. As such this is how communion will distributed throughout the parishes after Fr Paul O’Neill has conducted the formation. All new people to this ministry will be formed using this document. All ministry is important. Everything we do in the Church is important, we do it for our loving God, and as such it should be done well and done properly. This may mean that some of the habits we have been using will change, that is ok because we do this for our God, and for our brothers and sisters in the faith community. As with any change this will take some time to get used to, again that is ok, because we do this for our God, and for our brothers and sisters in the faith community. I commend the summary of the document to you. The following are offered as guidance for those who participate in the liturgical life of the Parishes of the Chisholm Pastoral Region as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They have been formulated in light of the requirements of the General Instruction to the Roman Missal, sound pastoral liturgical practice, and the specific situations that exist in the Parishes. What name is correct in referring to this ministry? The formal title for those exercising this ministry is Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. When do I move from my seat? Extraordinary Ministers of Communion should move into the sanctuary as the Priest receives communion from the chalice (GIRM 162). What do I do if I notice there are not enough Extraordinary Ministers of Communion present? If necessary, move up to ensure that the correct number of ministers is available to assist in the distribution of communion. What do I do if Mass is concelebrated or there is a Deacon present during Mass? If there is more than one priest and/or a deacon is present, rostered Extraordinary Ministers are asked to either remain in their seats or, if necessary, return to their seats. How do I move from my seat? What and how do I reverence? After leaving your seat, move forward towards the sanctuary, and make a reverence to the Altar (since the Altar is the focus of our liturgy) before moving into the sanctuary and move to the side of the Altar to await communion. Why don’t I need to wash my hands before distributing Communion? There would be no need to wash your hands prior to distributing Communion, but if you should wish to do so please make use of the facilities in the sacristy before Mass starts. When receiving Communion, is there anything I should know? It is important that the Extraordinary Ministers of Communion model good practice in the reception of Communion to the Assembly. DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in this Newsletter are placed by independent third parties who have no legal relationship with the Diocese. The activities or services of the advertisers are not supervised or controlled in any way by the Diocese. The Diocese is not in a position to endorse the advertisers or the services provided and makes no representation about those matters. Accordingly, the Diocese cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisers or the activities or services that are the subject of these advertisements. March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 11 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Executive Summary If asked to retrieve the Blessed Sacrament from the Tabernacle what should I do? It is preferable that the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the Tabernacle not be used as a means of being able to provide Communion. When there are large numbers of communicants, the Presider will generally be the one who retrieves the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle. An Extraordinary Minister of Communion should move directly to the tabernacle, unlock it, remove the Blessed Sacrament, and then move directly to the Altar and place it directly on the corporal. How do I offer Communion to members of the assembly? Focus on what you are doing, and who it is you hold in your hands. In doing so, you are giving the proper reverence to the Eucharistic species. The reception of communion ought to be a dignified part of the celebration of Eucharist, not a mad rush. There is no need to include the name of the person in this statement, i.e. “The Body of Christ, Bill” or “The Blood of Christ, Mary”. “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ” are to be the only words used. What do I do if a child or adult asks for a blessing? When this happens, the generally accepted practice for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion is to trace the sign of the cross on their forehead. It is never appropriate for an Extraordinary Minister of Communion to make a sign of the cross with the consecrated host – this is a “benediction” and is strictly reserved to the ordained. I am ministering the chalice. What do I do if someone wishes to self‐intinct the Host? If people come and wish to self‐intinct, you are requested not to challenge them. What do I do if I drop a Host or spill some Precious Blood? If a Host is dropped, it should either be consumed or placed on the corporal. If the Precious Blood is spilt, this should be soaked up with purifiers as soon as practical. I am ministering the chalice. Do I assist with consuming the remaining Precious Blood? To avoid confusion, all Extraordinary Ministers are asked to place the Chalice with which they were ministering on the corporal in the middle of the Altar when their ministry is over. The Priest will consume the remaining Precious Blood (GIRM 163); the Priest may request your help to consume this; in which case the Chalice will be presented to you with the words “The Blood of Christ”. If I need to assist with purifying the vessels is there anything I need to know? You are asked that when you have finished distributing the Blessed Sacrament, to place your vessel on the corporal which will be in the middle of the Altar. Generally the Priest will then purify the vessels (GIRM 163). When do I return to my seat? After you have placed the vessel you were using on the corporal on the middle of the Altar, immediately move back to your seat, again moving deliberately. It is customary to again reverence the Altar (not the tabernacle) as you return to your seat. The ‘correct’ practice is to come up at the appropriate time, fulfil the ministerial role, place the vessel which you were using on the corporal in the middle of the Altar when finished, and then immediately return to your seat. I am taking communion to the sick. When will I be called forward? If you are one of the Extraordinary Ministers of Communion taking Communion to the sick, you will be called forward by the Presider before the final blessing of the Mass. March 2015 Chisholm Connection Chisholm Region Calendar Page 12 March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 13 April 2015 Easter Services Please note: All care and attention is taken to ensure that times and places of events are correct at time of publication. Wishing you a safe and happy Easter! Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 14 What’s Happening in East Maitland APOSTOLATE OF PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH OF THE ETERNAL FAMILY held at the home of Pat McPherson, 65 Brisbane St, East Maitland the first Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm. Next date: 1st April 2015. All welcome. Ph 4933 6635. IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: There will not be any ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT on Friday 3rd April as it is Good Friday, and there will not be any First Saturday Devotions on Saturday 4th April as it is Holy Saturday. ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: First Friday of each month from after Mass at 7am till 9am Mass on Saturday at St Joseph’s East Maitland. Next date: 1st May 2015. ALL WELCOME! FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS – 2nd May 2015 St Joseph’s Church, East Maitland & Therry Centre. 8.30am 9.00 9.30 10.30 11.00 11.30 12 Midday 12.30pm 1.15 Rosary & Confessions Mass Exposition/Benediction/Confessions Morning Tea Seminar DVD (School Library) Midday Prayer & Angelus LUNCH Cenacle Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet Everyone is welcome to come along for all or any part of the devotion. For more information please call Judy 4936 6349 or Marion 4934 1949. CENACLE & DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET PRAYER MEETINGS at the home of Pat McPherson, 65 Brisbane St, East Maitland, 7.30pm Wednesday evenings (excl first Wednesday of each month); 10.00am Thursday mornings. EAST MAITLAND CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE The next meeting at 7.30pm in the Catherine McAuley Rooms, King Street, East Maitland. The NEXT ANOINTING MASS will be 10.30am Tuesday 21st APRIL 2015! All welcome. ST JOSEPH’S CRAFT GROUP: Meet every Monday in the McAuley Room 9.30am to 1.00pm. For more information please contact 49331744 / 49335840 / 4933 4586; or just come along. EVERYONE WELCOME! SOCIAL GROUP - WIDOWS, SINGLES, DIVORCED - Next outing please contact Barbara 4934 3862. ST JOSEPH’S EAST MAITLAND PLAYGROUP 2015: Monday mornings in the Therry Centre. New families always welcome. We are a nut free zone! Cost is $3 and a piece of fruit to share. Contact Christine 0407 536 452 or [email protected] for more details. Looking forward to seeing you there. ROSARY ROSTER Monday 6th April Monday 13th April Monday 20th April Monday 27th April EASTER BREAK! 7.00pm B. Passfield, 24 Narang St, East Maitland 7.30pm J. O’Reilly Family, 7 King St, East Maitland 7.30pm PK. & H. Meyn, 6 King St, East Maitland What’s Happening in Maitland / Largs / Paterson SACRED HEART, CAMPBELL’S HILL: An update on the works on the Sacred Heart Church. The first stage will be commencing after Easter - this will be the repairs to the rafters and correction of the drainage problems which has caused the front stairs to separate slightly from the building. The work hopefully will be completed in one week so there will be no impact on our weekend mass. After this work is complete then the next stage can commence which will be the repairs to the stairs, driveway and disabled access. More detailed information will be in the next Chisholm. The community are most grateful to Mrs and Mrs Hinman for their generous bequest. CATHOLIC WEEKLY They are on sale before and after every Mass and only costs $2. PATERSON ACTiv8 Youth Group starts at 6.00pm on 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. (NOT IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS) Fun games...yummy food...good friends... and God too! LARGS: LARGS Weekly YOUTH Group 5.30pm ending with Mass at 7.00pm. Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 15 What’s Happening in Beresfield LITURGY OF THE HOURS Each Friday 9.30am, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Beresfield Each Friday morning we pray together the Prayer of the Church often called The Liturgy of the Hours. This is the prayer of the whole People of God, and we invite you to join us on Fridays at 9.30am in the Church, as we offer our praise to God, and pray for the needs of our world. POLISH MASS: Polish Mass is celebrated at OLOL Church at 8.00am on the 4th Sunday of each month. ROSARY: The parishioners of OLOL Beresfield pray The Rosary together at the Church each Saturday evening before Mass, commencing at 5.40pm. Everyone is invited to join us. EASTER SERVICES AT OLOL: Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper (2nd April) Good Friday, Stations of the Cross (3rd April) Good Friday, The Passion of the Lord (3rd April) Easter Vigil, (4th April) 7.00pm 10.00am 3.00pm 7.00pm LADIES SOCIAL GROUP: The ladies group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from February to November at 11.00am in the Parish meeting room. It has been decided to cease formal meetings, but to continue to get together on an informal basis commencing this month. The next informal get together will be on Tuesday 28th April 2015 at 10.00am. You are warmly invited to come along and join us. Bring a plate to share and we will all enjoy a friendly informal get together. OLOL PLAYGROUP: CALLING for any interested parents/carers/and0-5 year olds to form a playgroup - to be held in the Parish Rooms of OLOL Catholic Church, Beresfield. Playtime.....Craft.....Music/Singing/ Dancing.....Story Book.....Support for Mums/Carers. Supported by Mrs Bronwyn Lowrey (Pastoral Care Worker). All enquiries welcome Ph: 4966 1302 (Tues or Wed). AFTER MASS SOCIAL GET TOGETHER: Our next after Mass get-together will be held on Saturday 11th April. We hope you can come and join us for a chat, a cuppa and some tasty supper. PARISH TEAM MEETING: The March parish team meeting was held on Tuesday 10th. Following is a brief summary of points raised at the meeting: Easter services planned; events at OLOL school; reports from Regional Liturgy and Regional Finance Councils; maintenance matters. We were incredibly saddened to hear that our Music Ministry Team of Dennis, Paul and Kath have decided to resign. This team has given every parishioner a wonderful gift for which we will be eternally grateful. The PPT wish to thank each of them for the many years they lovingly served the parish. The next Parish team meeting - Tuesday 14th April Parish Meeting Room, beginning at 7.00pm. Everyone is invited to join us. What’s Happening in Dungog/Clarence Town DUNGOG: St. Mary’s is hosting a special Sunday Mass, ‘Remembering Your Child’s Baptism’. We are welcoming all the parents and children who have recently had their children Baptised and those who are planning to have their child Baptised. A morning tea will follow in the church’s hall. Catholic Scripture will be commencing in Term 2 at both Clarence Town and Dungog Public Schools. CLARENCE TOWN: We welcome the McBlane family of Grey Street, Clarence Town who are having their youngest son Gus baptised during our Easter Mass. Proud parents Yvonne and David, older brother Jack, grandparents and six (6) Godparents also join the celebration of Gus’ baptism and we welcome Gus to our Church family. Wishing all a Holy and Happy Easter. March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 16 What’s Happening in Morpeth March has been a very busy month commencing with our first Community breakfast on Sunday the first. Once again it was extremely well attended and provided an opportunity to welcome the families of the children who are participating in the Sacrament of Initiation program. We have six young people participating in the program which will culminate in them receiving their First Communion and Confirmation on Sunday 24th May. After a couple of date changes we were able to organise a Wednesday night showing of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which was enjoyed by all those who joined us on the night. A special thanks must go to Bev O’Toole who organised the World Day of Prayer and to all those who provided the delicious morning tea. This Ecumenical Service was very well attended by representatives from the three local Christian churches. Pam Tierney, our guest speaker presented an insight into the impact Domestic Violence has not only in the Bahamas but also in Australia. On Monday 9th March we celebrated the official opening of St. Aloysius School, Chisholm which of course is attached to the Morpeth Parish. We congratulate Suzanne Fern, the Principal, and her staff for hosting such a wonderful and joyous event. The parish of The Immaculate Conception, Morpeth look forward to building a strong link with the school community as the years progress. On the feast day of St. Patrick, the children from St. Aloysius were bussed to Morpeth to celebrate mass in their Parish Church. This was a special celebration for both the children and many of the Morpeth parishioners who joined them on the day. We have been seeking quotes for the mowing of the church grounds and the cleaning of the Corcoran Centre on a regular basis. A parish meeting will be called to agree on the successful tender as soon as all quotes are in. Consideration needs to be given to removing much of the garden adjacent to the church surrounds in order to allow better air flow and less water penetration to the sandstone at the base of the building. This will require a large scale working-bee which should be undertaken before the Chapel Jazz weekend on Saturday 16th May. Saturday is the preferred day for such a working bee as the green waste will need to be taken to the Maitland tip, which is free on week-ends. We will be looking for lots of help from as many as possible on the day to ensure we can complete the task in a reasonable timeframe. We will also be looking for trailers to cart the waste to the tip. Are you able to give us a hand on Saturday 11th or Saturday 18th April? Many hands make light work. What’s Happening in Gresford St Helen’s Gresford this year hosted the World Day of Prayer. It was a great example of ecumenism with many representatives from the local Anglican and Congregational Churches, as well as fellow parishioners. Guest speaker was Tracey Edstein, Editor of our Diocesan Magazine Aurora. Representing the clergy was Anglican Priest Fr Stephen Moore. Fr Stephen had held a large funeral and burial of a well-known local identity only a brief time earlier; we are grateful he could attend the Service. What was once the Community Health Centre and prior to that the Old Convent, has now been converted. The back section has a paying tenant and the remainder of the building will serve as parish rooms, allowing us to gather together for group sessions, parish meetings and social get togethers. On Saturday 28th March at the 5.00pm Mass at Sacred Heart Church Summer Hill, a special plaque will be affixed and blessed, celebrating the church’s centenary. Everyone is most welcome to attend. There will be no Mass at Gresford that weekend. Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 17 What’s Happening in Lochinvar LOCHINVAR JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP is now WEEKLY (during school term) on Mondays commencing from 6.00pm ending with LOW at 7.30pm. (Co-ordinated by Samantha Hill) What’s Happening in Rutherford A COLUMBARIUM: Ian 4932 8501; CRAFT GROUP: Dorothy 4932 7475; HALL BOOKINGS: Adrian 4932 5601; GARDEN VOLUNTEERS: Peter 4932 8117 Palms Australia: Opening our hands to the World Why we do The Things We Do? INTRODUCTORY RITES The introductory rites of the Mass are an important element in the Mass. They gather us together to prepare for the celebration; they unite us as the body of Christ and predispose us to participate in the sacrifice of the Eucharist worthily and well. The greeting of the Priest “the Lord be with you” and our response “and with your spirit” is a reminder of the presence of our Crucified and Risen Lord in our midst. We focus at this time on the importance of coming together to worship. PENITENTIAL ACT Far from being a negative thing, the emphasis of this rite is on the infinite love of God. He wants to forgive us, we say sorry to Him for the times we have not lived as Jesus taught us, and we say sorry to our Brothers and Sisters also. This part of the Mass contains one of the most ancient parts of the liturgy the “Kyrie Eleison” Greek for “Lord have Mercy”. The act concludes with the Priests absolution, which however, lacks the efficacy of Sacramental Confession. THE READINGS Every family has times when they look back at photos and tell the stories of times past to the next generation. The Scriptures are like the history book of our community. These are the inspired Word of God which makes known to us today the story of who we are as people of God. We hear about His promise to come among us and we hear about the fulfilment of that promise in Jesus. We also hear about the early Christians and the struggles they faced so long ago. When we listen to the readings proclaimed in Church we are listening to our story, and looking back into our photo album. March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 18 March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 19 March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 20 Saints and Feasts in April 2015 2ND APRIL - THURSDAY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER (HOLY THURSDAY) This Mass commemorates the night of Jesus arrest. During this Mass we celebrate the wonderful gift that Jesus gave to the Church at the Last Supper; the Eucharist. This is commemorated not only by the celebration of the Mass but also by the washing of the feet. The Eucharist we receive is Jesus Himself nourishing us to be able to go and to be of service to others. We receive Him to be strengthened to be His presence in the world today. After Mass the Blessed Eucharist is processed through the Church and is reposed on an altar so that we can keep watch with our Lord in His agony. Will you stay and watch one hour with Him after this beautiful Mass? 3RD APRIL - FRIDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION (GOOD FRIDAY) Today the Church is empty, it is stripped. We acknowledge that Jesus is going through His passion. The Sacraments are not celebrated today we are in mourning. We wait as Jesus hangs upon the Cross. We venerate the wood of that Cross, and we pause as our Saviour dies for our Redemption. By ancient tradition we receive communion from those Hosts which where consecrated on Holy Thursday night. 4TH APRIL - HOLY SATURDAY We are in mourning Jesus is in the Tomb. We await with joyful hope the experience of His Resurrection. EASTER TIME 5TH APRIL - EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD At the Vigil, this “Vigil of all Vigils” we mark with Joy the wondrous gift to us that is our Redemption. We celebrate with exuberant joy and wonder this event in history. We hear from the Bible God promising His people their redemption and we hear from the Gospel the account of the finding of the Empty Tomb! The fire is Blessed and the Paschal Candle is lit, the water of Baptism is blessed and those who are to be received into full Communion with us are brought into the Church of God. We renew our Baptismal promises, and begin again the new life of the Risen Lord. 28/4/15 ST PETER CHANEL; PRIEST, MARTYR MEMORIAL 1803-1841. was born to a poor family in France, as a young boy he was recognised for his unusual intelligence and piety and was made a pupil of his parish priest, he later went to the seminary and was a priest and joined the Marist missionary congregation in 1831. In 1836 he was sent to preach the Catholic faith in the islands of the South Pacific. He and his companions were welcomed by the people and learned the local language and began to spread the faith, however when the Chiefs son requested baptism the enraged Chief sent warriors with clubs to kill them. His martyrdom occurred on the 28th of April 1841. A year later the entire island converted to the Christian faith. 29/4/15 ST CATHERINE OF SIENA; VIRGIN, DOCTOR 1347-1380. was a mystic member of the Third order Dominicans. She was the youngest of about twenty children and was from an early age devoted to a life of prayer and penance. This was conducted at home in the face of strong opposition from both of her parents. Her love of God and the Gospel is evident in her Dialogue and in her 383 letters, all of which were dictated as she never learned to write. Her personal holiness was centred on Christ Crucified which she saw as the supreme sign of God’s love of man. In the last few years of her life she became embroiled in the politics of the Church and the State, urging the Pope (Gregory XI) to return to Rome from Avignon. This indeed happened, and when this pope died there were two claimants to the See of Peter, she worked tirelessly for Pope Urban the VI to encourage people to recognise him as the legitimate Pope. She worked so hard for this cause that she suffered a stroke and died on the 29th of April 1380. She was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970. 30/4/15 ST PIUS V; POPE, OPTIONAL MEMORIAL 1504-1572. was a Dominican Friar, bishop and was one of the most important popes of the counter -reformation era. Once elected pope in 1565 he made it quite clear that he intended to implement the degree of the Council of Trent in both letter and spirit. He was immediately loved by the Roman people for his holiness and for his radical reform of the morals of the city as well as for a drastic and dramatic purge of the Roman Curia. For the needs of the Church he made important decisions. Bishops were to reside in their dioceses, religious orders were to be reformed the Breviary and the Roman Missal where updated and made obligatory except where there was a prescription of 200 years in favour of local rites. The Roman Catechism was completed and translated into many languages, and catechetical instruction of the young made obligatory for all parish priests. He was well loved for his prayer life and his commitment to monastic austerity, personal devotion, and kindness to the poor and sick. He died in 1572 and was canonised in 1712. Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 21 ‘ANOINTED AND SENT’ An Australian Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry The National Vision for Youth Ministry provides a framework for Catholic Youth Ministry with three goals: To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. To draw young people into responsible participation in the life, mission and work of their faith community. To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the world today. It has 8 main focus areas: Advocacy Catechesis Community Life Evangelisation Justice and Service Leadership Development Pastoral Care Prayer and Worship To find out more about how YOUR faith place can better understand and implement a comprehensive approach to Youth Ministry contact the ACTiv8 Team Coordinator Stef Lloyd on 0422 500 429. SAVE THE DATE! After the DIOCESAN LICENSING WORKSHOP to be held on Sunday 1st May, we are looking forward to having a regional information session on “WHERE TO FROM HERE” as we transition from our current WOLI licence to LicenSing for copyright coverage in our parishes. We would like to invite anyone involved in music ministry throughout the Chisholm Region to come along to a local information session to be held on: Saturday 2nd MAY 10:00 -11:30am The venue is yet to be confirmed, but more information will follow in the bulletin and the next Chisholm Connection. Be assured that during this transition time, all our copyright responsibilities are being carried out as our WOLI licence has not yet expired. As a result, please continue reporting your use of songs to the regional office as normal. In preparation for this local information session on LicenSing, please email any questions you have about LicenSing to me at [email protected]. This will give us a chance to get all the necessary information we need to be confident to use this license in our region. In addition to any questions you might have, it would be beneficial to start compiling a list of the regular songs you use for worship at Mass. It will be useful to know which songs we use are covered by LicenSing, and which are not, as this will help us assess whether a second licence may be needed for your parish. To see for yourself if the song lyrics and the accompaniments are covered by LicenSing, you can search on the website at: https://www.licensingonline.org/en-au. If there are any concerns or anxieties that you have regarding this transition to LicenSing, please contact me here at the office on a Wednesday or a Friday. It is always better to tackle problems and change together rather than trying to do it alone. God Bless, Melissa Fenech Chisholm Pastoral Region, Administration Assistant Office Hours: Wednesdays and Fridays Phone: (02) 4933 8918 Email: [email protected] March 2015 Chisholm Connection Page 22 ACTiv8 Youth News - “Be, Grow, Show” Last weekend about 30 young people from across the Maitland Newcastle Diocese participated in the annual Diocesan youth retreat Be, Grow Show. This year the retreat was held at St Catherine's Catholic College Singleton starting on Friday night 20th March and ending on Sunday 22nd March lunch time. Participants ranged were aged18+ and included teachers, youth ministers, pastoral placement participants, members of the DCMYP and many more. We were very lucky to have our retreat facilitated by Sr Patricia Egan from the Sisters of St Josephs at Lochinvar. The focus of this year’s retreat was a “Lenten Journey”. As a group we started our journey at the beginning of lent with an ongoing online discussion group on social media via Facebook. Our discussion group has provided many inspirational moments and has caused some great discussions and interactions with each other about different challenges lent provides, the meaning of lent, the lead up to Easter and many people have shared bits long the way of their own Lenten journey. This group then used this online discussion to lead into our weekend retreat with each other. Sr Pat continued our Lenten journey with 3 sessions that not only challenged our perspective and understandings but created challenging and deep conversations between participants. As a group we were challenged to look past what we understand and look for deeper meanings beyond what we know. Sr Pat provided us with a wonderful insight on the mystery that is Christ's life, death and resurrection. As a group we celebrated mass with the community of St Patrick’s Singleton. This mass was a great experience to spend with each other as part of our journey. Fr George Celebrated mass with our very own Fr Peter Street concelebrating. From Mass we all enjoyed a formal dinner together before retiring to the site to engage in an evening movie. for those of us that could manage to stay awake we watched the recent movie Calvary which tied in well in some ways to the content we were learning about over the period of our retreat. The movie caused a great discussion afterwards that continued to rule conversation over breakfast and lunch on our final day. By the end of our retreat we all came away with full bellies, new connections and friends, and a lot of new knowledge as well as a deeper relationship with God. We were encouraged to continue to walk our journey with Christ and with each other. Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 23 Junior Youth Groups 2015 Our Junior Youth Groups are focused on providing a fun, positive community environment for Primary Schools kids in Years 3 - 6. Each youth group has yummy snacks, fun games, an educational input about the Catholic Faith, and a prayer experience. Junior Youth Groups run during the School Term and have a break in the holidays. ALL children are welcome throughout the school year! JUNIOR YOUTH GROUPS RETURN MONDAY 20TH APRIL 2015 Paterson Lochinvar 1st and 3rd Monday night of the month during school Term Every Monday night during school Term Where: Nara Meeting Room Cnr Prince & Church Sts Paterson Where: St Patrick’s Catholic School Hall 113 Gregory Rd, Lochinvar Time: Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm 6.00pm - 8.00pm Includes Liturgy of the Word 7.30pm - 8.00pm Includes Liturgy of the Word 7.30pm - 8.00pm East Maitland Largs Every Tuesday night during school Term Every Wednesday night during school Term Where: Therry Centre, Cnr New England Hwy & King St East Maitland Where: Largs Church Hall Cnr John & Church Sts Largs Time: Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm Includes Mass 7.00pm - 7.30pm 5.30pm - 7.30pm Includes Mass 7.00pm - 7.30pm Senior Youth Group 2015 SENIOR YOUTH GROUP COMMENCES SUNDAY 26TH APRIL 2015 For Teens in Years 7-10 Every 2nd and 4th Sunday after the 6.00pm Youth Mass at East Maitland. Have a sausage from the BBQ and then wander down to the Therry Centre to begin a night of fun, faith and fellowship! Where: Time: Therry Centre, Cnr New England Hwy & King St, East Maitland 7.30pm - 8.30pm ALL WELCOME! Chisholm Connection March 2015 Page 24 Thank you to this month’s sponsors To help us alleviate paper and printing costs, sponsorship is available at $50 per issue. If you are interested please contact us through the Regional Office, and we will help to promote your business within our Parish communities. Tony & Margaret Fry 61 Melbourne Street, East Maitland 2323 Facsimile (02) 4934 1850 Telephone (02) 4933 5977 Best Prices Alignments Prompt & Friendly Service Tickets And much more!! Rego Providing personalised legal services in: Conveyancing Powers of Attorney Business law Employment law Retirement housing Wills & bequests Insurance law Guardianships Mortgages Notary Public 467 High Street Maitland NSW 2320 Telephone: 4933 6344 email: [email protected] Proudly Supporting “News from the Pews” ….. at the Therry Centre NEW CHEF/CATERER CATERING FOR WEDDINGS, CONFERENCES, SOCIAL EVENTS, FUNERALS. We can cater for all occasions FOR BOOKING ENQUIRIES PH: 4933 8918 www.chardonnaycatering.com.au Sales: 4933 7855 Rentals: 4933 6685 www.petersrealestate.com.au PLEASE PATRONISE OUR ADVERTISERS And let them know you appreciate their support of the Chisholm Connection. That’s the best way to thank them for your monthly newsletter.