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 12th January, 2014 The Baptism 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 2nd February. 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

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.

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. Patricia Johnson Those whose anniversaries occur about now. All those in our community who are sick.

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

Ordinary Time starts tomorrow Monday13th January 9am Morning Prayer @ Forster Tuesday14th January 9am Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) 3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry 4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry 5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914) Wednesday15th January 9am Mass @ Forster 11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @ Forster Thursday16th January 9am Mass @ Forster Friday17th January Memorial of St Anthony 9:30am Mass @ Forster Saturday18th January 8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Tuncurry 4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15 pm) 6pm Mass @ Tuncurry 6pm Mass @ Forster Sunday19th January 7am Mass @ Tuncurry 9am Mass @ Forster

Irregular Communion Practices

It has been brought to my attention that in recent weeks there have been a number of occasions in which members of the congregation have carried the Blessed Sacrament away from the point where they have received Communion. This practice is highly irregular, and is a very serious matter. There is a general expectation in the current discipline of the Church that the Blessed Sacrament is consumed at the very first opportunity after having been received. A small group of parishioners have privately let me know of their particular medical situations which requires a small delay between receiving Communion and consuming the Blessed Sacrament. The above notice should not be seen as impacting on the arrangements that have been put in place for them.

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, 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 2nd February 2014.

Parish Office Hours

A reminder that the Parish Office is not always staffed during January.

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 St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry Holy Name Church, Forster St Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Tuncurry Holy Name Church, Forster

This expanded timetable will continue until the weekend of Australia Day, 26th January 2014.

From the Pastors Desk

This coming week I will be absent from the Parish in order to attend the National Liturgical Conference in Wollongong in role as Chair of the Diocesan Liturgy Council. I am looking forward to the hearing the speakers (both from Australia and overseas) that have been secured for this conference, as well as connected with other members of the Church from around Australia for whom liturgy holds a particular interest. Ill provide some feedback on the conference once I return Elsewhere in this bulletin you will find the new arrangements for the distribution of Communion that are proposed to take effect from the weekend of 1st/2nd February. The diagram accompanying that article is not exactly a work of art (not one of my skill sets) but hopefully provides a general idea of how the Communion Procession will proceed in our church buildings from that weekend and going forward. The diagram will stay in Bridgeside Bulletin for the next weeks in order to assist in the introduction of these revised arrangements. In particular I would ask that our Ministers of Communion make themselves particularly aware of the new arrangements. And that provides a nice segue into the next item. As you will read elsewhere in this issue of Bridgeside Bulletin it is now imperative that any Minister of Communion (and Reader) who hasnt as yet let me know their availability to continue in their ministry during 2014 to do so. When it comes to the preparation of the new rosters in the coming weeks, I will presume that those who havent let me know of their availability are undecided as yetand will therefore honour that by NOT including those names in the next set of rosters. As the next set of rosters will not be prepared for another two months, your attention to this matter as a matter of urgencywould be much appreciated. I can be contacted as indicated elsewhere in Bridgeside Bulletin. If you would like to check if you have already responded, please do not hesitate to contact me. Until next week... Fr Andrew

Availability for Rosters

My thanks to those Readers and Ministers of Communion who have already let me know of their intentions to continue in their ministries during 2014. Your assistance is appreciated. It is now imperative that any Reader or Minister of Communion who hasnt as yet let me know to do so. It is my intention to finalise the next set of liturgical rosters on Friday 24th January. Those Readers and Minister of Communion who hasnt confirmed their availability will not appear on the roster for the two months commencing in February because it will not be able to confirm their availability. I can be contacted in a number of ways:

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. 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.

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.

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.

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.

New Arrangements for Distributing Communion

As I have previously announced, the changes to the rosters for Ministers of Communion beginning from the first weekend of February (1st/2nd). This change will see the number of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion reduced to a total of five (5) at each of our Sunday Masses. Along with this, will come a change to the places in our two churches where Communion is distributed. From the first weekend of February the two inside aisles will be used to process forward to receive Communion, while the centre and two outside aisles of the churches will be used to return to your seats. This can be seen best in the diagram below:

then come to you to facilitate your reception of Communion. This is in no way a demand; just an offeryou are free to decide for yourself what you believe to be in your best interest in this regard. Fr Andrew

Sanctuary
Please note the diagram is not to scale or accurate to layoutbut you get the idea The stars in the diagram above represent the locations from where Communion will be distributed. Each station will have one minister distributing the Host, accompanied by two ministers with the Chalices. The new arrangements are limited by the physical layout of our two churches: there is only so much space to work with, and so many ways that we can form a Communion procession within that space. I believe that the new arrangements represent the most effective means of distributing Communion within our churches. I would also like to extend an invitation to those members of our community who experience some difficulty in moving about the church to not join the Communion Procession, but rather to remain in their seats and stand in their place at the end of the Procession. The ministers distributing Communion will

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 Mary Greig Paul McFadden Geraldine Mullin Sharon Fowle Lou Hope Monica Hunt Maree Gapps Tony Knight Cushla Drake Marie Keep Greg Byrne John Simpson

...of Communion Barbara Dolahenty, Neil & Maureen Pye, Monique Piscopo, Margaret Smith, Glen Strong, Robyn Milligan (volunteers required) Owen Carroll, Sharon Fowle, Jeanette Goodacre, Monica Hunt, Carolyn Olliffe, Tony & Maureen Stevens (volunteers required) Tony Knight, Mary Greig, Robert Moran, Mark Mowbray, Edna Tucker, Kathryn McCabe (volunteers required) Greg Byrne, Lauranne Byrne, Viv Allen, Barbara Dolahenty, Michael Amato, Josi Beech, Elle CairnsCowan (volunteers required)

6pm Forster

7am Tuncurry

9am Forster

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.

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

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our Liturgy Today

Responsorial Psalm Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace. O give the Lord you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power; give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. The Lord's voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters; the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendour. The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: 'Glory!' The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as king for ever. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! The heavens were opened and the Father's voice was heard: this is my beloved Son, hear him. Alleluia! Today

Scripture Readings This Week

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17 1 Samuel 1:1-8 Mark 1:14-20 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Mark 1:21-28 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 Mark 1:29-39 1 Samuel 4:1-11 Mark 1:40-45 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22 Mark 2:1-12 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1 Mark 2:13-17 Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 John 1:29-34

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:

Behold the One of whom John said: I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.
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).