The weekly Bulletin of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry

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

Sunday 6th September, 2015 Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
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REFLECTION from Fr Greg

Dear parish family,

September
Mass on FRIDAY ONLY this
week, all other weekday
Masses are cancelled
5/6 First Holy Communion
Tuncurry 6pm/Forster 9am
(Followed by morning tea after 9am)

Mass at GLACIA
Tuncurry 11am

Singing Practise
Forster 5:30pm

Finance Committee
Forster 5:30pm

11 Communion to the Sick

Morning Tea 10am

12/13 First Holy Communion

Tuncurry 6pm/Forster 9am
(Followed by ACYF Sausage Sizzle)

14 Baptismal Prep
Forster 7pm

16 Pastoral Council
Forster 5:30pm

22 Communion at GLACIA
Tuncurry 11am

27 ACYF Mini-Market
Forster 10am

30 Social Justice Meeting

Forster 5:30pm

October
4

Blessing of the Fleet

Tuncurry following 9am Mass

I will be away most of next week; my father, Charles Barker, died last Wednesday morning
and his funeral will be this coming Tuesday. You might keep the repose of his Soul in your
prayers as well as the rest of my family as the funeral celebrations unfold. We werent
close, his choice, but it is still a sad time as the death of any family member or friend is.
Your prayers are much appreciated. And my mother had her hip replaced a couple of
weeks ago. My job next week will be as carer for her so that my siblings can attend the
funeral. You know how sometimes the stars all seem to collide rather than align this is
one of those times.
I am hopeful in that vein to begin developing further our funeral and grief support ministry.
It really is such an important part of our life here together. All of us have been touched by
loss at some point and the death of loved ones is such a difficult time even for people of
immense faith. I would like to see us really proactive in this area. A number of our sister
parishes in the diocese and in other faith communities have some wonderful ministries
underway. I think we need to seriously consider looking at some of those and developing
something to support our own needs here.
What would I like then? In talking with Greg Byrne recently we thought that two areas
were essential. Firstly the support from the moment of death to the celebration of life and
secondly what happens after and beyond the initial weeks post funeral. I would love to
hear back from anyone who may have some suggestions for a way forward.
My initial thoughts: that we need a team of people formed who would, with the help of the
Parish Priest or Priest presiding, put the celebration together in conversation with the
grieving family. We need enough trained volunteers so that at least two people can work
as a pair to visit the family and manage the preparation of the booklet, help in choosing
music and readings and be a presence with the family on the day. These two people or
other members of the team would then have if possible the task of ongoing contact with
the family in a supportive and caring role.
Some families as we know will need more of this and some families less. Some families
simply appreciate a phone call with an opportunity unashamedly to talk about their loved
one with someone who understands. The preparation part would be a huge help to me and
any others who would be tasked with leading the funeral. We are after all a family.
As the priest involved I would still visit the family and with the support of the team still be
involved in the ongoing work of supporting families through grieving times. However the
team would be a great sounding board and link to the ongoing life of our parish community
for those who may not have had the graces and blessings that we know because of our
links to this worshipping family, or for those people whose extended family are elsewhere.
I would also be hopeful that a strategic times of the year, All Souls Day or May maybe, we
could gather to remember those who have died with a Memorial Mass and supper.
Let me know what you think, and particularly if you think that this is something you might
feel you can be a part of in some way.
Kind regards,

Greg

Page 2

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Catechist (SRE) Meeting

Morning Tea After Mass
Today!
First Holy Communion, Childrens
Liturgy and Fathers day3 great
reasons to join us for morning tea on
th
6 September after 9am Mass. Cakes
or other morning tea items would be
gratefully received. Do come!

Communion to the Sick

If you take communion to the sick or
would like to participate in this
important ministry you are invited to
an informal meeting and cuppa
following Mass on Friday 11th
September, approx. 10am. There will
be an opportunity to share the Graces
of the ministry and to work through
any issues people might be
experiencing. Morning tea provided.

Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF)

Fundraising events for those attending
the Australian Catholic Youth Festival
th
th
include a Sausage Sizzle on 12 & 13
September following the Vigil and
9am Mass. A great opportunity to fast
before Church!

ACYF Mini-Market
th

On Sunday 27 September, the parish

will be holding a mini market in
support of those attending the
Catholic Youth Festival, following 9am
Mass in Forster. Donations of cakes,
books, plants, white elephant and craft
items would be gratefully received. Or
just come on the day and have a
browse.

Parish Badges Now Available

Badges ordered 2 weeks ago are now
available to be picked up from the
Parish Office @ $8 each.

There will be an SRE meeting on Tuesday

6th October, 10am to 11:30am at Forster
meeting room. Anyone interested in
meeting the Catechists of this parish and
finding out about the ministry in local
government schools is welcome to attend.
Enquiries call Loretta 0408 895 951.

OUTSIDE THE PARISH - Manning

Valley ReachOut Conference

Recently Deceased
Charles Barker, Marie Diamond, Herbert
Thomas.

Anniversaries
Bernice Baragry, Richard Jones.

Sick in the Parish

Peter Wicks, Terry ONeill, Lauranne Byrne,
Emily Wroblewicz, Anne King.

th

On Saturday 12 September at 9:30am,

Taree Christian College will be hosting a
conference with guest speaker Bruce
Dipple. Through this event they will be
seeking to provide a solid biblical basis for
global mission, expose people to the
needs and opportunities for ministry
around the world and connect
participants to people and organisations
who will help them engage in global
mission. For more details visit
www.mvreachout.com.au

Do you drive from Hallidays Point?

A number of parishioners in the Hallidays
Point region are hoping to catch a lift to
Sunday Masses. This is a great opportunity
for you to do a good deed for someone
who loves coming to Mass, but is unable.
They are happy to share petrol costs.
Please contact the parish office for more
information.

Bill & Shirley Hartmann

Congratulations to Bill & Shirley, they are
celebrating an incredible, 65 years of
marriage. Thats got to be some kind of
record! Bill and Shirley will receive a
special blessing from Fr. Greg at 7am
Mass this weekend.

Cleaner Required
Cleaner required 8 hours a fortnight to clean
the Presbytery and Parish office. Can be
worked over the course of the fortnight or on
one day. Must be able to meet the
requirements of 'Working with Children' and
have a high sense of confidentiality. Please
include a simple letter of application
expressing interest in the position C/- Fr.
Greg at the Parish office by Tuesday 8th
September. Please mark letters confidential.
Award wages will apply.

Catholic Leader
The Catholic Leader is available from the
rear of the church. Always a good read.

Has not God chosen the poor of the world

to inherit the kingdom? Chosen to be rich
in faith. So take heart, be not afraid,
consider your par in Gods Kingdom. For
more information regarding Vocations
contact Fr Brian Mascord on 4979 1112 or
vocations@mn.catholic.org.au

Fulfilling International Mission for Skilled Volunteers

Communities in East Timor, PNG, Kenya, Kiribati, Samoa and elsewhere are asking for volunteers to mentor local workers and so
assist poverty reduction. They believe this approach promotes self-reliant, sustainable development and have asked Palms Australia
th
to recruit, prepare and support those who volunteer. Want to know more? Information Session will be held on Saturday 12
September at 11am, at Aquinas Academy, 141 Harrington Street, The Rocks. RSVP to leanne@palms.org.au or call 9518 9551.

Page 3

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

.of the Word

of Communion

6pm

A: Monica Hunt

Tuncurry

B: Clare Moulder

Carolyn Olliffe, Kathryn McCabe, Margaret Smith,

Maureen Pye, Ruth Pearson.

7am

A: Marie Gapps

Tuncurry

Cushla Drake, Edna Tucker, Genevieve Williamson,

B: Anne-Marie Greene Lorraine Clark, Norm Chapman.

9am

A: Trevor Turner

Forster

B: Robyn Ryan

Barbara Kermode, Fay Harvey, Greg Byrne, Michael

Amato, Natasha Brotherton.

.of the Word

of Communion

6pm

A: Clare Moulder

Tuncurry

B: Michael Siddle

Kay Hall, Lou Hope, Maureen Stevens, Tony

Stevens, Sr Kathryn.

7am
Tuncurry

A: Anne-Marie Greene Cecile Malone, Graham Griffiths, Maria Armitage,

Mark Mowbray, Peter Wicks
B: Mary Greig

9am

A: Sharon Fowle

Forster

B: Judy Harper

First Reading

Isaiah 35:4-7
God comes with vindication.

Responsorial Psalm
Response: Praise the Lord,
my soul!

Alan McCarthy, Barbara Dolahenty, Coral McCarthy,

Elle Cairns-Cowan, Josie Beech

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
Jesus preached the
Good News of the
kingdom and healed
all who were sick.
Alleluia!

Second Reading

Gospel

James 2:1-5

Mark 7:31-37

Do not judge by appearance.

Jesus heals the deaf man.

Children's Liturgy Roster

6/9/15 Amanda Collins and Gary Pomplun
20/9/15 Judy Tyler
4/10/15 Maureen Nicholls
18/10/15 Natasha Brotherton

First Reading
Isaiah 50:5-9
Second Reading
James 2:14-18
Gospel Reading
Mark 8:27-35

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 Agent
LicenSing Online Lic No. 624844.

Page 4

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Baptisms
Celebrated most Sundays.

PARISH CONTACTS
Fr Greg BarkerParish Priest
gregory.barker@mn.catholic.org.au

Emergency Contact 0417 321 209

Mr Greg ByrnePastoral Associate
greg.byrne@mn.catholic.org.au
Mrs Sharon Fowle
(Administration
Associate/Bulletin)
Bridgeside Bulletin
Items for inclusion should be
received by midday on
Thursday.

Marriage
Celebrated by arrangement
and with at least three months
notice. Fr Greg 6554 6304

Forster-tuncurry.parish@mn.catholic.org.au

Sr Kathryn McCabe
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry
Loretta Heffernan
SRE Co-Ordinator

Office Hours
Tues, Wed, Thurs
9:30am to 1pm
Fri
10am to 4pm
Parish Office
Located at the rear of
the Parish Hall Forster:
33 Lake Street, Forster
NSW 2428
PO Box 67
P: (02) 6554 6304
F: (02) 6554 6425

CHURCH
LOCATIONS
Mary Star of the Sea
15 Peel Street, Tuncurry
Holy Name of Jesus
33 Lake Street, Forster

Baptismal Preparation
on 2nd Monday of each
month @ 7pm in Forster
Church Hall. Parish Office
6555 6304

Sacramental Preparation
Greg Byrne 6554 6304
Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Parish Office 6554 6304

PARISH PASTORAL
GROUPS AND CONTACTS
Christian Meditation
Every Tues, 9am and 5:30pm.
Bob 6555 5914.
Womens Bible Study Group
Every Thurs, 7pm to 8pm.
Natasha 0407 589 935.
menALIVE Groups
Day group meet second and
fourth Wed after 9am Mass at
Forster. Evening group meets last
Thurs of the month at 7:30pm at
Forster. Michael Amato 6554 5284
Social Justice
Last Wed, 5:30pm at Forster.
Tim Prescott 6555 8517.
Singing Practice
Every Tues. Ken Heffernan
6557 6569.

SUNDAY MASS TIMES

Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry

WEEKDAY EUCHARIST (subject to change)

Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry

Sat 6pm, Sun 7am

Tues 4:30pm, Sat 9am

Holy Name of Jesus, Forster

Holy Name of Jesus, Forster

Wed 9am, Thurs 9am Fri 9:30am

Sun 9am

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

First Wednesday of the month
after 9am Mass at Forster.
Maintenance & Gardening Group
Third Thursday of the month.
Howard 6557 6826.
Childrens Liturgy of the Word
First and third
Sunday at 9am Mass.
Natasha 0407 589 935.
Novena to Our Lady of
Perpetual Help
Every Wed, 11:14am at Forster.
Shiony 6554 9468.
Pastoral Team
First Wed, 4:30pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304
Finance Council
Second Wed, 5pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304
Pastoral Council
Third Wed, 5:30pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304
Holy Hour
Every Tues, 3:30pm at Tuncurry

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Holy Name Parish School (K-6)
Mr Chris Waters (Principal)
41 Lake St, Forster
PO Box 243
P: (02) 6554 6504
E: admin@forster.catholic.edu.au
W: www.forster.catholic.edu.au
St Clares High School
Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)
Davis Street, Taree
P: (02) 6552 3300
E: admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au
W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au
AGED CARE MASS TIMES
(subject to change)
Beaumont Gardens - 1st Tues
Kularoo Gardens 1st Wed
GLACIA House 2nd Tues

PLEASE NOTE : Week Beginning 6th September

MASS on FRIDAY at 9:30am ONLY No other weekday Masses, Fr Greg is away.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
RECONCILIATION

Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry

Saturday 8:30am 9am

Holy Name of Jesus, Forster

Saturday 4:30pm to 5:15pm