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First Sunday of Advent, Year C

Bridgeside Bulletin
The weekly Bulletin of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry
Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts

Sunday 29th November, 2015 First Sunday of Advent, Year C

Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in the Bridgeside Bulletin 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

REFLECTION from Fr Greg

Dear Parish Family,

Mass at Beaumont Terrace

Tuncurry 11am

NO Singing Practise
Tuncurry 5pm

Mass at Kularoo Gardens

Forster 11am

Parish Pastoral Team

Forster 4:30pm

4
4

No 9:30am Mass
Mass
Holy Name of Jesus School Hall
12:30pm

Jubilee Year of Mercy

begins

Mass at GLACIA
Tuncurry 11am

Singing Practise
Tuncurry 5:30pm

Finance Council Meeting

Forster 5pm

13 Filipino Christmas Party

Forster 1pm

14 Baptismal Preparation
Forster 7pm

15 Mass at Barclay Gardens

Forster 11am

15 Singing Practise
Tuncurry 5:30pm

Some of you by now may have heard the news that my mother, Helen was
diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer last week. Since then she has had major
surgery to remove the tumour and thankfully has bounced back remarkably
well. By the time you read this she will have been discharged from hospital
and starting the recovery process at home. As you may know with such
cancer there will be a period of ongoing treatment. The doctors are as
confident as they can be that the tumour was contained and that she will
make a full recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.
I read a news article recently, in the New York Daily News, of a newborn
baby with its umbilical cord still attached abandoned in a New York church's
nativity scene less than an hour after the nativity was set up. The full-term
baby boy was found beside a statue of Mary at Holy Child Jesus Church in
Queens. We have in recent times read of less fortunate abandonments so it
was nice to know, I think, that this little one has had a much better start
than some.
I smiled to read that the local Parishioners had alternately named the baby
either Jesus or John the Baptist. Appropriate perhaps on so many levels. The
local Parish priest hoped the baby would be adopted within the local
community and so stay within the parish community. There was such an
outpouring of sympathy for the mother and her situation, and an
outpouring of love for this baby. Babies and Christmas bring out the best in
us I suspect.
It was noted in the article that under New York's Safe Haven law, unwanted
babies less than one month old can be left at churches, police stations,
firehouses and hospitals with no questions asked. There has been a push
here in Australia to have places set up where babies can be left in safe and
secure environments when new mothers are unable to keep them. Senator
Helen Polley has lead an often unheralded push for these baby bins (Baby
Safe Havens) to be established in major hospitals and other secure places
around the community. It would be appropriate to pray for the success of
her initiatives. It is a much better option to abortion.
This time of year it is always good for us to remember that there are many
in our community struggling and Christmas may not necessarily be for them
a joyous time. We pray for them at this time of the year and we remember
to be generous in our care of the less fortunate, remembering it is not about
the size of the gift or its cost but the love that goes with it.

Best wishes,

Greg

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First Sunday of Advent, Year C

Opening the Year of Mercy

Pope Francis and Bishop Bill invite you
to the Opening of the Year of Mercy and
the launch of 150 year celebrations of
the diocese on Sunday 13th December.
Liturgy at 4pm, beginning at Victor
Peters Suite (near cathedral), food and
entertainment, and the sacrament of
penance will be available 'al fresco'.

Christmas Gardening Party

The 17th December will be the last
gardening day for the year. This final
event for 2015 will be followed by a
tasty BBQ and a few beverages at
approximately 10am. Please come
along, particularly if youre interested in
considering being involved in the
gardening and maintenance next year!

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is celebrated annually
in December. Great Lakes Rural
Australians for Refugees is hosting a
community event at 2pm on Sunday
6th December at Holy Name Catholic
School Hall, Lake Street, Forster. Guest
speaker, Mark Isaacs, who spoke at a
GLRAR public forum in 2014, is an
author and humanitarian and has
previously worked for the Salvation
Army on Nauru. Mark has written
articles about recent travels in Asia and
Iran and this event is a great opportunity
for the local community to hear of
current human rights experiences. Entry
is free, afternoon tea will be served and
all are welcome.

Combined Churches
Advent Prayer and Worship Evenings
Tuesday 1st DecemberCatholic
Church Forster @ 7pm followed by
supper in the Church Hall.
Tuesday 8th DecemberSalvation
Army, 7 South St, Tuncurry
Tuesday 15th DecemberBaptist
Church, Cnr Carawa & Maneela St,
Forster
COME AND WORSHIP
THE NEWBORN KING

Sacristans
The parish currently has a couple of positions
vacant for the role of Sacristan, particularly on
week days. If you feel that you are able to
arrive early to assist in the set up for Mass and
stay a few minutes after Mass to assist in the
clean-up, you may be the person we are
looking for. This rewarding Ministry requires a
sense of the liturgy and an eye for detail. Great
working conditions available and a
remuneration package literally beyond this
world. For details contact Fr Greg.

Flower Rosters
We are currently seeking people to assist in the
arrangement of flowers on the Altar in
Tuncurry and a number of people who may be
interested in a similar ministry in Forster, on a
more Ad Hoc basis. For more information and
to express your interest please contact the
parish office.

Recently Deceased
Sr Yvonne Wynn rsm (Sr Collette),
James McNeil.

Anniversaries
Janelle Carroll.

Sick in the Parish

Emily Wroblewich, Helen Barker.

SVDP Christmas Cards and

Columbian Calendars
At all Masses this weekend, we will be
selling Christian Christmas cards ($6 for
pack of 10) and Columbian Calendars
($9 each).

Household Items Required

Sr Kathryn requires 2 single beds, a set of bunk
beds and a refrigerator. If you can assist please
phone 6554 6470.

Chill-Out
Great Lakes College Forster Campus Breakfast
(Tuesday & Thursday) We need more
workers! Anyone interested in joining the team
contact Jose on 0431 434 553 Lynn on 0407 275
999 We have had a great year - thank you to all
our volunteers. What a joy to reach out to our
Forster youth! They really appreciate it.

Bette & Toby Williamson

A big congratulations to Bette & Toby
Williamson who celebrated their 60th Wedding
Anniversary last Thursday 25th November.
Please join me in wishing Bette & Toby many
happy returns on this very special occasion.

Natasha, Adele & Emily

This weekend, Fr Greg will bless the
ladies attending the Australian Catholic
Youth Festival. Their trip begins this
coming Wednesday 2nd December.
We pray they have a safe and enjoyable
trip and look forward to hearing all about
their adventure, on their return.

Advent Hymn by Paul Geraghty

Refrain
Your friends are waiting for You Lord,
Your friends are waiting here
We wait with quiet hearts and minds
With love and not with fear.
We call to mind your coming Lord,
Your coming long ago.
You came into the world you made
But You it did not know. Refrain

On 15th November, we Baptised Braxton

Thomas McNamara, son of Brett and Rachael.

We call to mind your promise Lord,

To be with us the same,
Whenever two or three or more
Are gathered in your name. Refrain

May the gift of Baptism Braxton receives

strengthen him for the journey of life and faith
he will share with us. Please remember the
McNamara family in your prayers.

We call to mind your promise Lord

To come to us once more
But will You come soft as the dew
Or with a thunder roar? Refrain

Baptism

RCIA Sean Hassett

We welcome Sean Hassett in to our community. Sean comes to the end of his journey in the
RCIA process with the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist this
weekend at 7am Mass. Please keep Sean in your prayers.

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First Sunday of Advent, Year C

Ministers this week

of Communion

6pm
Tuncurry

.of the Word

A: Geraldine Mullin
B: Jake Siddle

7am
Tuncurry
9am

A: Kay Griffiths
B: Tony Knight
A: Judy Harper

Edna Tucker, Fred Liackman, Lorraine Clark, Mark

Mowbray, Peter Wicks.

Forster

B: Marie Keep

Carolyn Olliffe, Margaret Smith, Maureen Pye, Maureen

Stevens, Michael Siddle.

Lorna Vidler, Sharon Fowle, Rhiannon Temesvary, Rob

Temesvary, Trevor Turner.

Ministers next week

of Communion

6pm
Tuncurry

.of the Word

A: Michael Siddle
B: Maureen Stevens

7am
Tuncurry
9am

A: Fred Liackman
B: Cecile Malone
A: Barbara Kermode

Genevieve Williamson, Graham Griffiths, Kay Griffiths,

Norm Chapman.

Forster

B: Kris Koch

Jake Siddle, Jeanette Goodacre, Kay Hall, Owen Carroll,

Tony Stevens.

Fay Harvey, Josie Beech, Maureen Visser, Michael

Amato, Natasha Brotherton.

Scripture ZoneThis week

First Reading

Jeremiah 33:14-16
The day is coming when the Lord
will fulfil his promises.
Responsorial Psalm
Response:
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Next Week
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
Lord, show us your mercy and
love, and grant us your salvation.
Alleluia!
Gospel

First Reading
Baruch 5:1-9
Second Reading
Philippians 1:3-6. 8-11
Gospel Reading
Luke 3:1-6

Luke 21:25-28. 34-36

Be ready for the second
coming.

Second Reading

1 Thessalonians 3:12 4:2

Conduct yourself in a way pleasing
to God.

Advent Chant

Christmas Rosters
Please advise the Parish
office if you are NOT available for
inclusion on rosters during the
Christmas season

(after the lighting of the Advent Candle each week )

Wait in joyful hope, a Saviour will come, Jesus Christ the Light of the World;
Wait in joyful hope, a Saviour will come, Welcome to the Word of God!

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.

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First Sunday of Advent, Year C

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.

Loretta Heffernan
SRE Co-Ordinator
loretta.heffernan@mn.catholic.org.au

Office Hours
Tues, Wed, Thurs
9:30am to 1pm
Fri
10am to 4pm

Baptismal Preparation
on 2nd Monday of each
month @ 7pm in Forster
Church Hall. Parish Office
6554 6304.

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.

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

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

First Wednesday of the month
after 9am Mass at Forster.

Baptisms
Celebrated most Sundays.

PARISH CONTACTS

Novena to Our Lady of

Perpetual Help
Every Wed, 11:14am at Forster.
Shioney 6554 9468.

Sacramental Preparation
Greg Byrne 6554 6304

Pastoral Team
First Wed, 4:30pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304

Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Parish Office 6554 6304

Finance Council
Second Wed, 5pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304

PARISH PASTORAL
GROUPS AND CONTACTS

Pastoral Council
Third Wed, 5:30pm at Forster.
Greg Byrne 6554 6304

Christian Meditation
Every Tues, 9am and 5:30pm.
Bob 6555 5914.

Holy Hour
Every Tues, 3:30pm at Tuncurry

Womens Bible Study Group

Every Thurs, 7pm to 8pm.
Natasha 0407 589 935.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

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

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

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

Singing Practice
Every Tues, 5:30pm.
Ken Heffernan 6557 6569.

SUNDAY MASS TIMES

Social Justice
Last Wed, 5:30pm at Forster.
Tim Prescott 6555 8517.

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

Intercessory Prayer Group

No meetings required.
Bob Cashman 6555 5914.

WEEKDAY EUCHARIST (subj. to change)

Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry
Sat 6pm, Sun 7am
Tues 4:30pm, Sat 9am
Holy Name of Jesus, Forster
Sun 9am

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

Holy Name of Jesus, Forster

Wed 9am, Thurs 9am, Fri 12:30pm

AGED CARE MASSES (subj. to change)

Beaumont Terrace 1st Tues , 11am
Kularoo Gardens 1st Wed, 11am
GLAICA House 2nd Tues, 11am
Barclay Gardens 3rd Tues, 11am

(Friday Mass at Holy Name of Jesus School)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

RECONCILIATION

Mary Star of the Sea, Tuncurry

Holy Name of Jesus, Forster

Saturday 8:30am

Saturday 4:45pm