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 1st February, 2015

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
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:
F:
E:
W:

(02) 6554 6304

(02) 6554 6425
forstertuncurryparish@gmail.com
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 Sacraments

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 9th February
2015 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)

Mr Chris Waters (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)

Regular Activities in the Parish

Fourth Week of Ordinary Time

Christian Meditation
Our Parish hosts opportunities for the practice of
Christian meditation on Tuesdays at two distinct
times, 9am and 5:30pm. Phone Bob on 6555 5914 for
further information.

Today1st February
5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction @ Tuncurry
Monday2nd February
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Womens Bible Study Group

Our Parish hosts a Womens Bible Study Group that
meets every Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm. For
more information contact Natasha on 0407 589 935.

Tuesday3rd February
9am
Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
10:30am Mass @ Beaumont Terrace Nursing Home
12pm
Funeral Mass for Michael Magann @
Tuncurry
3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Family Ministry Committee @ Forster
5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
5:30pm Singing Practice @ 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.
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.

Wednesday4th February
9am
Mass @ Forster
9:30am Secular Franciscans @ Forster
11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @
Forster
2pm
Mass @ Kularoo Gardens Nursing Home
4:30pm Parish Pastoral Team @ Forster

Singing Practice
Singing practice will resume at Tuncurry Church on
Tuesday 3rd February at 5:30pm.
The menALIVE Group
Our Parish currently hosts a menALIVE group. They
will next meet on Wednesday 11th February after the
9am Mass.

Thursday5th February
Memorial of St Agatha
9am
Mass @ Forster
7pm
Womens Bible Study Group (Natasha
0407 589 935)

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on
Wednesday 4th February 2015, coming together for
Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then
the meeting 10am to 12pm.

Friday6th February
Memorial of St Paul Miki and Companions
AMFr Andrew to St Clares High School for Mass for
the beginning of the school year.
9:30am Morning Prayer @ Forster

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. Their next reunion will
be on Thursday 19th February. Contact Howard 6557
6826 for more information.

Saturday7th February
8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Tuncurry
4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15pm)
6pm
Mass @ Tuncurry

Evening Prayer & Benediction

The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday
of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It
will celebrated this evening, Sunday 1st February
2015. All welcome.

Sunday8th February
7am
Mass @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Forster

Childrens Liturgy of the Word

The next Liturgy of the Word for children aged 4-12
will be on today, Sunday 1st February 2015 at the
9am Mass. A morning tea will follow Mass.

Renovated Parish Website!

Our Parish website has been given a makeover and
relaunched. The same information is to be found on
the website, just in a more visually pleasing
presentation.

Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase

The next collection of foodstuffs in support of
Homebase is today, Sunday 1st February 2015.

Visit the website and have a look around at the new

lookwww.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au.
2

From the Pastors Desk

Items required for the needy

Being a disciple of Jesus can at times be a difficult

prospect. Trying to be authentic in our relationship
with Jesus, living our lives in a way that gives due
honour to that relationship, can sometimes be a very
lonely journey. This is particularly true when being an
authentic disciple of Jesus requires us to swim against
the tide of public opinion or the latest thought
bubble of contemporary society.

Sr Kathryn requires a washing machine in good

working order, a lounge and 2 single beds for a family
in need. Please phone 6554 6470 if you can assist.

If we are honest with ourselves, there would be times

when it might just be easier to go with the flow or
bend with the trend. There are times when trying to
be authentic disciples of Jesus seems too damn hard.

A prison chaplain has made a request for second-hand

spectacles for the use of prisoners. You may have a
pair or two at home that are no longer in use. There
will be a collection box clearly marked in both
churches from mid February. Alternatively they can be
left at the Parish office.

Sr Kathryn would also like to express her sincere

thanks to the generous people who have already
promised single beds and other items.

Spectacles required

The good news is that an authentic disciple of Jesus

is never ever alone.
Firstly, the deeply personal relationship with Jesus
that lies at the heart of authentic discipleship is our
guarantee that we will never be alone. Because we
know Jesus, because we are in a personal relationship
with him, it is also true to say that Jesus knows us.
Deeply. Personally. Intimately.

Friendship Group (Seniors)

A warm welcome to all involved in our Friendship
group for 2015. We will recommence our lunches next
Tuesday 3rd February at 12pm at Club Forster. For
more information please contact Lorraine on 0409
494 652.

The very source of our discipleship is the promise of

Jesus that he will be with us, even unto the end of
the ages (Matt 28:20). In our darker moments, that
promise of Jesus can be the source of strength and
our determination to continue to live as authentic
disciples.

Lenten Program - Arise

You are invited to join a Lenten Reflection Group in
our Parish to pray, share our faith and socialise with
other parishioners.
By unpacking the Sunday Gospels during Lent, Sr.
Moya Hanlen has written 6 beautiful Gospel
reflections that invite us to deepen our understanding
of Jesus love for us unto death and to grasp anew the
hope his resurrection brings us. We are challenged to
arise from our complacency, grasp his outstretched
hand and accompany Jesus on his journey through
passion, through death and Resurrection.

Secondly, the authentic disciple will never be alone or

without support in their discipleship while ever there
are other disciples living the same struggle of
discipleship. We will never be alone while there are
others in this world who also have a deep and
personal relationship with Jesus, and who, in various
ways, also struggle with the cost of being a disciple.
These other disciples come in many different shapes
and sizes, ages and colours, but we all have one thing
in common: Jesus. Together, these disciples form the
Body of Christ, the Church, that continues to witness
to the presence of Jesus in the world because in the
very depths of their being they know and have been
known by Jesus.

A list of groups will appear in the churches next week.

You may join an existing group or even host one of
your own. More information is available from the
Parish office.

Ignite Praise & Worship

We invite all young people and their families to ignite
their faith, inspiring a deeper understanding of being
in relationship with God by attending an Ignite
Praise and Worship evening. The event will take place
on Sunday 22nd March at 5.30pm at the Catholic
Church in Forster and will feature a young, local
Christian rock band. Under 12s must be accompanied
by an adult. The event will be followed by a BBQ.
Please spread the word. For more information contact
Sharon at the parish office on 6554 6304 / 0407 006
666.

When the journey of discipleship seems difficult, and

we feel all alone, lets remember that a true disciple
of Jesus could never possibly be alone...we have our
relationship with Jesus, and we have each other!
When we can realise that the task of being an
authentic disciple of Jesus gets (a little) easier.
Until next week
Fr Andrew
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Homily by Fr Chris Hope, SJ

Jesus is present today in his body, the Church, through

the Sacraments, but also in the love, care and
compassion of every community of faith. We only
have to look around us when we are gathered for the
Eucharist to name it and accept it. It is when the
Church is able to back up teaching and doctrine with
the same concern for the troubled lives of ordinary
people that it is most effective in continuing the
mission of Jesus. That is why in the Gospels he is
always accompanied by followers learning how to be
genuine fishers of men.

Weve all had to put up with boring speeches or

sermons from time to time, whether it be from
politicians, preachers, at school speech nights or the
local service or sports club. Every now and then
though we come across someone who really arrests
our attention. It mightnt be only that he or she puts
words together well; its often a combination of that
and something in the content that strikes a chord.
Maybe we are even envious of the obvious gift that
person has. This is surely how Jesus came across to
those people in the synagogue. This was someone
quite different; they had had their share of the run of
the mill scribes with their tired old platitudes. Here
was someone who really meant what he said and was
able to back it up with fearless engagement with a
power from which they shrank in ignorance and
doubt.

Fr Chris Hope, SJ

Extraordinary Synod on the Family

The subject of the 2015 Synod of Bishops is The
Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and
the Contemporary World that is scheduled for 4th to
25th October. This follows on from the Extraordinary
Synod on the Family in Rome in October 2014 and the
responses from a global survey conducted at the end
of 2013 that was used to develop the preparatory
document for the Extraordinary Synod.

It is not without importance that this is the first public

appearance of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Over the
next few weeks we will witness the popular
acceptance of Jesus as he battles with a force that
takes various forms physical sickness, opposition
from entrenched mindsets, the accusation of collusion
with the enemy itself. This is the gospel, the good
news that Jesus invites the people to accept readily by
changing their lives.

Following the Extraordinary Synod on the Family in

October, Pope Francis and the Synod of Bishops are
once again seeking responses to questions as part of
their preparation for the 2015 Synod on the Family.
Engaging in this process will assist in shaping the
response that the Australian Catholic Bishops
Conference will send to Rome in April 2015.

The same gospel is offered to us for we are dealing

with a power that can change our lives, not merely a
set of nice, pious sayings. Too often we reduce the
gospels to that and so remain relatively unmoved by
the dynamic challenge they contain.

While not essential to be able to answer the

questions, you may wish to read the Relatio Synodi
the Lineamenta (final report of the Extraordinary
Synod in October 2014) before responding. It can be
found here together with a detailed consideration of
the questions: http://www.mn.catholic.org.au/newsevents/news/2015/survey-2015-synod-on-the-family

As we know, in that society possession by unclean

spirits was a general term that covered all kinds of
conditions for which we today have medical or social
explanations and sophisticated labels. We can
therefore approach these stories with a type of
superiority as if they either dont occur anymore or
are best left to experts to deal with. Yet isnt it true
that all of us are possessed in different ways by
forces over which we have to admit to having little or
no control? Some people are enslaved by addictions
to drugs, alcohol, food, gambling and so on. Many of
us suffer from more subtle addictions so that we dont
even want to admit to ourselves, let alone to anyone
else, that we are virtually powerless to control them.
All of us know deep down that many of our habits and
ways of dealing with others are so much a part of our
make up that we can do little to change them.

A series of 30 questions on this theme has been made

available by the Australian Bishops for further
consideration of the faithful. People are welcome to
respond to as many or as few of the questions on this
list as they would like.
You are invited to respond to the survey, or to
comment on the final report, or to attend a diocesan
discussions group to be held on 11th February from
7pm to 9pm in the Forster Parish Hall. Written
responses are due by COB 6th February 2015.

The people who acclaimed Jesus realised that he had

something special that could influence them to
change their lives. The authority and healing power of

Enquiries can be made to Catholic Diocesan Office on

4979 1111, chancery@mn.catholic.org.au or Teresa
Brierley on 4979 1157.
4

Old Testament Commentary by Mark

OBrien - Deuteronomy 18:15-20

responsibilities. It is not a matter to be treated lightly

as Gods response to such behaviour indicates. Once
again the text does not specify what kind of
punishment God will mete out to such people. For a
text that employs a number of the elements in this
chain of command, readers can consult Jeremiah 28,
the story of his debate with a rival prophet Hananiah.
The authoritative claims that this text and other
religious texts make only work of course when the
people believe in them. When they dont there is not
much that a prophet can do. For an example of this
read Jeremiahs exchange with the women
worshippers of the Queen of Heaven, an ANE goddess,
in Jeremiah 44.

All human institutions need some authority because

we are limited in our perspectives, in our ability to
prove a point, and we are prone to squabble.
Nowhere is this more evident than in religion, perhaps
because it deals with matters of ultimate import
truth and falsehood, my destiny as well as the destiny
of humanity, etc. A key authority figure in many
religions is the prophet who claims to speak a
message from God. Prophets can be a power for good
but also dangerous, particularly when they make
competing claims. A religion needs some kind of
structure or process to help separate the genuine
prophet from the fake. Todays reading from the book
of Deuteronomy seeks to do this. It is now thought
this book is a reform manifesto from the late
monarchical period (7th century BCE) and is drawing
on Israels long experience in dealing with prophets. In
order to enhance its authority it is attributed to the
great leader of Israels foundational period, Moses.
Something like our back to the basics in order to go
forward.

Mark OBrien

Healing and Support

A Zimmerman Services flyer can be found at the rear
of the Church which includes details on available
support resources for those affected by sexual abuse.

Student Accommodation Available

The reading establishes a chain of command/authority

that links genuine prophecy with the founding
prophet Moses who, according to the text, was
authorised directly by God. The word of the prophet is
a sign of the ongoing presence of God among the
people as guide, judge and comforter. As God
manifested this care of the people in the person of
Moses, so God will continue to do so with other
prophets that God will raise up. The text also assures
the people that this initiative of God is a response to
their needs, indicated by Moses report of what
happened at Horeb. God will personally put the words
in the mouth of the prophet or prophets, just as God
did with Moses. The text seems to leave it open
whether only one is envisaged or one for each
occasion that God decides to raise up a prophet. But
these subsequent prophets will not proclaim anything
that contradicts Moses foundational teaching as
expressed in the Torah. As the text says, God will
raise up for you a prophet like myself. This provides a
guide for the people to distinguish between a true
and false prophet. Anyone that does not preach or
advance what Moses preached is one who presumes
to say in my name a thing I have not commanded him
to say. This false prophet will die although the text
does not say how: presumably it is left to God. On the
other hand, anyone in the community who refuses to
listen to a true prophet is repudiating my words and
shall be held answerable to me for it. Being given the
privilege of hearing the prophetic word brings serious

Two bedrooms available in four bedroom house,

conveniently located within walking distance of
Newcastle University. 12 month lease. Please contact
Carmel Brown on 0425 214 609 for more information.

Jesus teaches with authority

Kids Corner

Across
2:
Jesus came from this town
5:
very surprised
7:
strong
9:
educating
10: the opposite of loud12: jerked, convulsed, rattled

1
2

4
5

7
8
9

10

Mk 1:21-28

Down
1:
Jesus was teaching in this town
3:
the possessed man said to Jesus, I know who you
are! You are Gods _ _ _ _ One
4:
ruin, break apart, wreck
6:
Jews taught the law of this man
8:
the day of rest
11:
a man with an _ _ _ _ spirit yelled at Jesus

11

12

Opportunities Outside The Parish

We are the Church

Since Vatican II we have been proudly professing that
WE ARE THE CHURCH. If we truly believe this then
we must ask ourselves, how am I contributing to the
life of the Church and is there more I could be doing?

The Christian Formation Course

Unit 1.3 of this course will commence on Thursday
29th January at the St Laurence Centre,
Broadmeadow. For more information contact the
Tenison Woods Education Centre on P 4930 9601 E
twec@ssjl.org.au.

There are many opportunities for service in our

Church community. In particular we are at present in
need of Sacristans to set up for our weekend Masses
and also for Funerals during the week.

A Journey in the Heart

Pilgrimage to India and Sri Lanka will begin on
Monday 2nd February, led by Fr Michael Whelan SM
(Aquinas Academy, Sydney). Itinerary includes
Mumbai, Coorg, Bangalore, Shantivanam (Fr Bede
Griffiths Ashram), Colombo, Kandalama, Kandy,
Colombo. For further details, please contact Marie
Fonseca on 0418 265 117 or Andre Rasquinha on 0403
569 079. Website: www.spiceodyssey.net.au.

Interested people will receive the proper formation,

training and support. Please rush to the Parish Office
to display your willingness to be involved.

Parish Intercessory Prayer Group

Our Parish is blessed to have an Intercessory Prayer
Apostolate. This group is comprised of a loose knit
group of parishioners who simply pray during their
normal daily prayers for people on a list updated and
distributed each month.

Start the New Year off with a bang!

Spend a weekend with your spouse at a Worldwide
Marriage Encounter Weekend. The peaceful setting
of this weekend enrichment is a great way to rekindle
the romance in your marriage. Weekend date: 6th to
8th March at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville,
NSW. To apply contact Ardell & Bill Sharpe on 02 4283
3435
or
wsharpe@bigpond.net.au,
www.wwme.org.au.

There are no meetings and no cost whatsoever and

each member may remain anonymous if desired.
Because there are no meetings this group is very
suitable for all parishioners, especially some of our
housebound or incapacitated folk enabling them to
play an important and active role within the life of the
parish community.

WantedVolunteer Workers

If you are interested in joining this group, just ring Bob

Cashman on 6555 5914 or leave your name and phone
number with the Parish Office. To request prayers for
someone in need of prayer please contact Bob on
6555 5914 leaving your name and contact details.

The Diocese of Broome, WA, requires volunteers to

assist with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal
Missions. There are various important voluntary tasks:
administration, building maintenance, gardening,
shop staffing, cooking, cleaning, etc. Placements are
preferred for a period of 6 months plus.

Catholic Newspapers Available

For further details and an application form please

contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Anneliese Rohr on 08
9192 1060, E volunteers@broomdiocese.org, W
www.bromediocese.org, M PO Box 76, Broome, WA
6725.

Both The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and The Catholic

Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at a cost of
$2 each from our churches.

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. This
money stays within the Parish.

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.

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). This money is
pooled across the diocese to ensure all clergy have
access to a suitable remuneration.

Rosters
Rosters for February and March are now available
from the rear of the Church.
7

Ministers this Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Kylie Hall
B: Maureen Stevens

Kathryn McCabe, Maureen Stevens, Michael Amato,

Michael Siddle, Pat Hooker.

7am Tuncurry

A: Bronwyn Morse
B: Anne-Marie Greene

Cushla Drake, Edna Tucker, Kay Griffiths, Lorraine Clark,

Mark Mowbray.

9am Forster

A: Genevieve Williamson Anne Hartman, Barbara Dolahenty, Elle Cairns-Cowan,

B: Barbara Dolahenty
Genevieve Williamson, Robert Moran.

Ministers next Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Frank Hayman
B: Kylie Hall

Jeanette Goodacre, Kylie Hall, Margaret Smith, Owen

Carroll, Ruth Pearson.

7am Tuncurry

A: Cushla Drake
B: Lorraine Clark

Graham Griffiths, Lorraine Clark, Maria Armitage,

Patricia Cornish, Peter Wicks.

9am Forster

A: Natasha Brotherton
B: Kyla Loring

Barbara Kermode, Josi Beech, Natasha Brotherton,

Sharon Fowle, 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

Todays Liturgy of the Word

Today

Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Mark 1:21-28
Monday
Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
Tuesday
Hebrews 12:1-4
Mark 5:21-43
Wednesday Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Mark 6:1-6
Thursday
Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24
Mark 6:7-13
Friday
Hebrews 13:1-8
Mark 6:14-29
Saturday
Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Mark 6:30-34
Sunday
Job 7:1-4, 6-7
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Mark 1:29-39

Responsorial Psalm
Response: If today, you hear his voice, harden not
your hearts.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
A people in darkness have seen a great light:
a radiant dawn shines on those lost in death.
Alleluia!

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased.
Edna McIntosh, Michael Magann.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now.
Andy Cross.
All those in our community who are sick.
8