Under the Pastoral Care of the Augustinians

Worshipping communities of St Clair, Erskine Park and parts of Kemps Creek

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Yr A

11 December 2016 FIRST READING Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 The desert will rejoice and blossom. RESPONSORIAL PSALM Lord, come and save us.

Psalm 145:6-10. R. see Is 35:4

SECOND READING Be patient, even in suffering.

James 5:7-10

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Isaiah 61:1 (Luke 4:18) Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord now upon me has sent me to bring good news to the poor. Alleluia! GOSPEL Matthew 11:2-11 John asks, ‘Are you the one who is to come?’

The Voice From The Pews Holy Spirit Parish St Clair - Erskine Park (Parish Account)

Basicgift (Youth Ministry Account)

LITURGY TIMES Saturday Reconciliation, 5-5:45pm Vigil Mass, 6pm

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Sunday Mass, 8am, 9.30am and 6pm Youth Mass, 2nd & 4th Sun, 6pm Filipino Mass, 1st Sun, 3.30pm Monday and Wednesday Mass, 7am (except on Public Holidays which changes to 9.05am) Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Mass, 9.05am Anointing Mass, 1st Fri, 9.05am Friday Night Devotions (7.30pm) 1st Fri, Taize & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 2nd Fri, Praise & Worship 3rd Fri, Divine Mercy 4th Fri, Year of Mercy Catechesis Children’s Liturgy Sat 6pm and Sun 9.30am 2nd & 4th Sun of the month (during school term) Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals by appointment

The way we deepen our spiritual life at Holy Spirit The Spirituality Commission is an initiation of the Parish Pastoral Council to help foster the Spiritual growth, Faith and Family life of our Parish. We aim to bring about the Vision and Mission of our Parish, the Values and Teachings of the Catholic Church and our Holy Father's Call to "A New Evangelization". We do this through the various initiatives we undertake during the liturgical year. We encourage you, along with your family, to support our efforts by participating in the following: Blessing of newly baptized children: held once every 4 months at the 9:30am Sunday Mass. This is an opportunity for each one of us to Welcome, Support, Encourage young families to connect and feel part of this community. Wedding Anniversary Mass: Renewal of vows and blessing of wedding rings held once a month. This enables couples to Renew, Strengthen and Seek God’s Grace & Blessings in their marriage and family life. Fellowship with new RCIA members: this is a new initiative for 2017 and a great opportunity for us to get to know and make welcome the new members of our community by sharing an Agape meal with them and their families. Our aim is support and encourage them to use their Godgiven Gifts and Talents to serve in Parish Life and Ministry. Lenten / Advent reflection days: held during Lent and Advent. This is a wonderful time to

Pause, Reflect and Prepare our hearts both personally and spiritually, that we may deeply rejoice in the Birth and Resurrection of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Remembrance Mass: A Eucharistic celebration held in the month of November for those parishioners who have lost loved ones during the year. This enables us to Support and Journey with members of our community through their time of grief. Bible Study: We currently run 2 levels of bible study by Jeff Cavins (DVD), to provide us with a deep and clear understanding of the Word of God, the Mass as well as ways to enrich our lives both personally and spiritually. We work and support other commissions in the parish to fulfil our call to evangelize and come together as One Body, One Spirit united in Christ. Jesus said 'The harvest is plenty but the labourers are few', how true are these words! The Church needs “YOU” to spread the Good News of God’s Love. If you feel a tug on your heart to serve in the Spirituality Commission then feel free to contact one of the following members: Aggie- carvalhoaggie@gmail,com / 0419109706 Fleur – [email protected] Ivan - [email protected] Lisa - [email protected] Jenny - [email protected] [email protected]

The Spirituality Team wishes you a Joyful Christmas and a Blessed New Year 2017

 An initiative of the Parish Pastoral Council

The Holy Spirit Parish pays respect to the Darug People, the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather to celebrate our faith and worship God. We acknowledge with respect the elders past and present.

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH | 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Yr A

11 December 2016

WORD SEARCH

Reflection

J e sus is coming to save us

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Historical Context – Least & Greatest

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© 2004 Creative Ministry Resources Pty , Inc

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Jesus declares that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater even than John whom he has just finishing praising as greatest of all men. It is an indication that in the kingdom, things are not as they are on earth. The blind, lame, deaf, poor and lepers that Jesus named earlier would have been seen as the very lowest of society. Their afflictions were seen as punishments from God and so it was assumed that they, or their parents, had done something to deserve this punishment. Jesus rejects this interpretation and shows these people to be the most open to responding to his message.

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Scriptural Context – John the Baptist Jesus is not recorded as asking the messengers about John’s wellbeing. He doesn’t appear to express any concern about John’s imprisonment. Yet Jesus must have felt this situation very deeply. John the Baptist and Jesus were related; they were cousins. The depth of his feeling is reflected when Jesus speaks so positively and powerfully about John. It reads almost as a eulogy that might be given at a funeral; praising the greatness of the deceased. Yet regardless of John’s greatness, Jesus assures his audience that even the least in the kingdom is greater than John.

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ACROSS: 2: all the lands that are ruled by a king 6: where a king and queen live 7: having little or no money, food or possessions 8: someone who brings a message 10: less than anything else 11: he was in prison when he heard what Jesus was doing DOWN 1: people who follow 3: bigger, more impressive 4: the disease that afflicts lepers 5: turn away, discard 9: Jesus was spreading the ____ news 10: not able to walk

AUGUSTINIAN SPIRITUALITY

Living the Gospel – Gaudete! The third Sunday of Advent was traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday. The word, gaudete, (pronounced gow-daytay) is from Latin and means Rejoice! The name was given to this Sunday because the entrance antiphon for the day is: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.’ When Advent was observed as a more penitential season, this third Sunday was a break from the sombre mood and was more celebratory. The rosecoloured candle in the Advent wreath and rose-coloured vestments convey a mood of joy and celebration.

“See, the voice cries out in the desert; it breaks the silence. ‘Make straight,’ it cries out, ‘the way of the Lord.’ In other words, I vibrate in your ears only to let the Lord enter into your hearts. But He will enter where I am to introduce Him only if your ardent prayer invites Him.” Saint Augustine of Hippo 354-430 A.D. Sermon 293,4

Questions for Adults In what way were the signs Jesus described an answer to John’s question? What evidence can be found in this passage to indicate that Jesus admired John the Baptist? How might Jesus’ audience have responded to the idea of the least being greatest in the kingdom? In what ways does this final comment pose a challenge for us today?

ON A LIGHTER NOTE A teacher was testing her students' knowledge of words' antonyms. She asked, "What is the opposite go?" A student answered, "Stop." "Very good," the teacher replied.

© Greg Sunter. Creative Ministry Resources, Ltd..

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"What is the opposite of adamant?" Another student said, "Eveant." Worshipping communities of St Clair, Erskine Park and parts of Kemps Creek

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH | 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Yr A

11 December 2016

PARISH MEETINGS AND EVENTS

PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Mon 12 Dec

SICK Andrew Boulos, Peter Leano, Louis Tham Emilia Rose Moya, Robert Gurnett, Rosa Maria Santos, Juanita Jaramillo, Steven Moriarty, A.C. Francis Floro, Lori Van Vella, John Grompton, Toula Kavich, Munevera Sabovic

SVDP, Mercy Room, 7pm Baptism Preparation, Pioneers Rm, 7.30pm

Wed 14 Dec

Maria Micallef

Vinnies Christmas Hampers, Demountables Task Force Meeting for Fr Vincent Phu’s Thanksgiving Mass, Pioneers Room, 7.30pm BASIC GIFT, Augustine Rm, 7.00pm

Jeanette PAZ, Alberto Macadangdang Jr, Cyril Vernem, Marjorie Aucey, Anne McCarthy, Mary Micallef, Teresa & Rino Vella Names submitted to Parish for the sick list will show for 4 weeks at a time.

SAINTS OF THE COMING WEEK

Sat 17 Dec Deacon Vincent Phu’s Ordination, Manly Vale, 10am Sat Vigil Mass, Church, 6pm

Sun 18 Dec Sun Masses 8am and 6pm Fr Vincent Phu’s Thanksgiving Mass, Church, 9.30am

WELCOME TO HOLY SPIRIT PARISH Welcome to our Parish. If you are not already an active member of this Community, consider sharing in what we have to offer. We serve the Community through outreach, education, social activities, sacramental preparation, youth and comfort to the sick and mourning. In addition to our spiritual and outreach organisations, perhaps you have an interest in joining one of our many liturgical ministries as: Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, Usher, Greeter at Mass, or Choir. Persons are formally registered by filling out a form that is then entered into the parish data system (information supplied remains confidential). These forms are available from the parish office or in the church foyer.

REPORT OF PLANNED GIVING FOR WEEK ENDING 4/12/2016 $ 1,521.40 TOTAL PLEDGED nil $ 1,497.60

Thu 15 Dec Children’s Christmas Mass Rehearsal, Church, 4pm Christmas Midnight Mass Choir practice, Church, 7.30pm

Fri 16 Dec

Mon 12 Dec: Our lady of Guadalupe Tue 13 Dec: St Lucy, virgin and martyr Wed 14 Dec: St John of the Cross, priests & Doctor of the Church

2nd Loose Planned Giving Envelopes PG by Electronic Fund Transfer Total Collection

Tue 13 Dec

RECENTLY DECEASED: DEATH ANNIVERSARIES:

1st Collection - Augustinians

Trinity Year 6 Graduation Mass, Church, 7pm

TOTAL RECEIVED $ 705.50 $ 1,516.00 $ 2,221.50

PLEDGES NOT REC’VD nil $ 18.40 nil Thank You.

Parents wishing to have their child baptized are asked to contact the Parish Office prior to attending a preparation evening. Next Baptism Preparation Evening is on Tue 13 Dec 2016, 7.30pm, Pioneers Room. Presenter is Joyce McMahon.

We welcome into our faith community ISABELLA THERESE WORSLEY (Daughter of Troy & D’Anne) who will be baptised this Sunday

1ST COLLECTION: for the care of the clergy (Augustinians) 2ND COLLECTION: for the administration and maintenance costs of the parish Under the Pastoral Care of the Augustinians

Under the

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HOLY SPIRIT PARISH | 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Yr A

11 December 2016

PARISH NEWS AND NOTICES

Ministers Needed for Christmas and New Year Masses If you would like to volunteer for any of the Christmas and New Year Masses - kindly write your name on the sign on sheet in the Foyer.

Christmas Midnight Mass Choir Practice The next Choir practice will be at the Church from 7.30pm to 9:00pm on Thursdays on the 15th December.

Our 2017 Parish Calendar is now available

for sale at $5 each in the foyer. It contains the different Parish celebrations we will have for the year, feast days of saints, and public holidays. This is a fundraising initiative for any future parish projects.

CATHOLICISM is a groundbreaking Documentary Film Series and multi-media Study Program being released by Word on Fire in Sept 2011. The ten, 60-minute DVD episodes take viewers around the world and deep into the Faith, spanning over 50 locations in 15 countries – stunningly filmed in high-definition. CATHOLICISM illustrates the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Catholic Faith in an epic media experience. Viewers will witness a vision of the Catholic Faith that has never before been seen. From the lands of the Bible to the great shrines of Europe, from the heartland of America to the mysteries of Asia and the beating heart of Africa, see the passion and glory of the Faith that claim over 1.1 billion of the earth’s people. This magnificent television event is created and hosted by Bishop Robert Barron. Fr. Barron is the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and is recognized as “one of the Church’s best messengers.” He is a prominent theologian, author, speaker, and cultural commentator.

To be shown every 4th Friday, commencing in Feb 2017, at 7.30pm, Holy Spirit Parish. ALL WELCOME! An initiative of the Evangelisation and Catechesis Commission

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Worshipping communities of St Clair, Erskine Park and parts of Kemps Creek

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH | 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Yr A

11 December 2016

PARISH NEWS AND NOTICES

Coach travel to Manly Vale for the ordination on 17th December 2016 The coach is being provided by Compass Tours.

Dep: Holy Spirit at 8:15am, arr Manly Vale at 9:30am Dep:Manly Vale at 1:30pm, arr back at St Clair 2:45pm Please note Company policy states: Smoking, drug use, eating (including lollies and chewing gum) or drinking (including tea, coffee and alcohol) are not permitted, to be taken on, or consumed on the bus/coach. (The drinking of bottled water or eating strictly for the provision of legal medicinal purposes that cannot be performed during stops is exempt from this rule).

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR FIRST EUCHARIST We invite parents/ guardians of baptised children in Year 4 to attend an Information Meeting. This is a meeting for parents; you need not bring your child.

PARENTS INFORMATION SESSIONS: Mon 6 Feb, 9.30am Wed 8 Feb, 7.30pm “The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ’ cross, constantly invites us to rejoice… Why should we not also enter into this great stream of joy?” (Pope Francis) 4 Under the Pastoral Care of the Augustinians Under the

Worshipping communities of St Clair, Erskine Park and parts of Kemps Creek 5

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH | 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Yr A

11 December 2016

Y O U T H

C O R N E R

REFLECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE © Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart - St Mary's Press More than any other season of the year, the weeks before Christmas are a time when young people learn patience and hope. Imaginations run wild with visions of holidays and presents, and the weeks seem to take forever. Who is the most patient and hopeful person you know? What is she or he like? How does her or his patience and sense of hope affect others? How can you try to be like that person? What is something you are hoping for? What is something you are expecting, something that makes it hard to be patient?

THEMES FOR TEENS • Get ready for a radical change • Jesus is a servant Messiah • Jesus is not what anyone expected

• Save us Lord • Be patient

PARISH NEWS AND NOTICES SAINT OF THE WEEK

SAINT LUCY Feast Day : December 13th Patron Saint of Blindness

Saint Lucy, whose name means “light” was born in 283 AD in Syracuse, Sicily, and was killed there in 303 AD during Roman persecution under the Emperor Diocletian. Lucy is said to have been the daughter of a rich nobleman who died when she was young. Her mother was not a Christian and wanted to arrange a marriage between Lucy and a rich Pagan man. Lucy had committed her life to Christ and pledged to remain a virgin. She wished to spend the money intended for her dowry on alms for the poor. Lucy travelled with her mother to the tomb of Saint Agatha. As they prayed at the tomb, Lucy saw a vision of Saint Agatha

and her mother's longstanding illness was miraculously cured as Lucy had hoped it would be. Lucy's mother converted to Christianity.Lucy was then able to spend her money helping the poor, but her intended bridegroom was not pleased and denounced her to the Roman governor as a Christian. Lucy was put to death after suffering various tortures. She was burned alive and came out miraculously unharmed. According to the somewhat fanciful 13th century retelling found in The Golden Legend, despite being stabbed through the neck with a dagger she continued to prophesy the downfall of the governor, the emperor and his co-regent, all of which came to pass after her death. In other versions, Lucy's eyes were torn out and later healed by God, a legend that supports her association with the blind and explains why she is often pictured holding two eyes on a dish. Saint Lucy's Day or the Feast of St. Lucy is marked by Catholics and Orthodox Christians and also celebrated by members of the Lutheran Church. Celebrations take place in the USA and Europe, especially Scandinavia. Her major shrine is at San Geremia, Venice, Italy.

An initiative of the Evangelization & Catechesis Commission 6

Worshipping communities of St Clair, Erskine Park and parts of Kemps Creek

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH | 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Yr A

C H I L D R E N ’ S

© 2004, Creative Ministry Resources

11 December 2016

CO R N E R

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH | 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Yr A

11 December 2016

NEXT WEEKEND (18 DECEMBER): 4 TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 1st Reading Isaiah 7:10-14 Prediction of Immanuel, born of a virgin. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23:1-6. R. see vv 7. 10 Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. 2nd Reading Romans 1:1-7 Paul spreads the news of the Son of God.

17 DEC, 6PM

18 DEC, 8AM

18 DEC, 9.30AM

18 DEC, 6PM

Acolyte/Senior Server Lorensz Herft

Acolyte/Senior Server Gloria Slade

Acolyte/Senior Server Nono Gacis

Acolyte/Senior Server Peter Smith

Devotional Stall Margaret Herbert

Devotional Stall Carmel Zammit

Devotional Stall Marilyn Obciana

Devotional Stall Volunteer Needed

Eucharistic Ministers Fiona Ferreira Marion Durbin Lois Schleifer Anne Weir Jeanne Appleton Pat Dowd Margaret Herbert

Eucharistic Ministers Lou Szymkow Faye Aboghazaleh Annette Brackett Ron Brackett Lisa Brackett Peter Moriarty

Eucharistic Ministers Nilo Gajo Jenny Kyd John Shelley Marthese Grima Delia Santos Shirley Croning Lou de Guia

Eucharistic Ministers Danny Esguerra Olga Esguerra Bert Llamas Anabel Jader Hazel Bernaldo Romana Cunanan Pearl Joson

Music Youth for Christ

Music Peter Mercia

Music Laudate Choir

Music Esther Rose

Powerpoint Renee Ansell

Powerpoint Carol Vella

Powerpoint Volunteer Needed

Powerpoint Joseph Valladores

Reader 1 Fe Uy

Reader 1 Sarah Damole

Reader 1 Joanne Staunton

Reader 1 Olga Esguerra

Reader 2 Marinella Licuanan

Reader 2 Shirley Croning

Reader 2 Nida Hawley

Reader 2 Marty Facciol

Commentator Moira Rebello

Commentator Rick Di Cristoforo

Commentator Luchie Gacis

Commentator Volunteer Needed

Junior Servers Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed

Junior Servers Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed

Junior Servers Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed

Junior Servers Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed

Welcomers Anne Weir Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed

Welcomers Remia Morada Danny Puyat Elvira Puyat

Welcomers Eleanor Stuart Jenny Kyd Volunteer Needed

Welcomers Romana Cunanan Kriz Florido

Gospel Acclamation Verse Matthew 1:23 Alleluia, alleluia! A virgin will give birth to a son; his name will be Emmanuel: God is with us. Alleluia! Gospel Matthew 1:18-24 An angel visits Joseph, who takes Mary as his wife. FLOWERS: Group 3 (Purple) CLEANERS: Group 4 BANNERS: Purple

Holy Spirit Parish

Christine Younes

St Clair • Erskine Park • Parts of Kemps Creek

Under the Pastoral Care of the Augustinians Parish Office

Diocese of Parramatta

5 Todd Row (PO Box 103) St Clair NSW 2759 P 02 9670 8222 F 02 9670 4029 E [email protected]

www.parra.catholic.org.au

W www.holyspiritstclair.com.au

Office Hours

9.00am to 5pm (Monday to Friday)

Priory

3 Peter Pan Glen, St Clair

Parish Staff

Parish Moderator: Fr Michael Belonio, OSA P 9670 8201 E [email protected] Asst Pastor: Fr Peter Tangey, OSA P 9670 8202 E [email protected] Asst Pastor: Fr Sumesh Joseph Illikkaparambil, OSA P 9670 8204 E [email protected] Augustinian Brother: Vincent Phu Tran (Phu) P 9670 8222 E [email protected] Parish Secretary: Rosie D’Souza P 9670 8222 E [email protected] Parish Bookkeeper: Mila Llamas P 9670 8205 E [email protected] (Mon and Wed) SRE Coordinator (Catechists): Margaret Currie M 0411 468 921 E [email protected] Parish Youth Contact: Patrice Moriarty M 0423 968 054 E [email protected] Music Coordinator: Luchie Gacis M 0450 921 102 E [email protected]

Parish Council

Chair: Vasco Gil • Asst Chair: Fleur Mathias • Secretary: Janice Stuart Members: Ken Allen, Joanne Staunton, Nono Gacis, Ostonu Vaurasi, Allan Williams, Patrice Moriarty, Danny Esguerra, Dudley Littlewood, Fr Michael Belonio OSA, Fr Peter Tangey OSA, Fr Sumesh Joseph Illikkaparambil, OSA, Br Vincent Phu Tran, OSA

P 9834 2527

Schools/College Holy Spirit Primary School (7 Todd Row, St Clair) P 02 9670 5377 W www.hsstclair.catholic.edu.au Trinity Primary School (61 Bakers Ln, Kemps Creek) P 02 9834 3212 W trinitykempscreek.catholic.edu.au Emmaus Catholic College (87 Bakers Ln, Kemps Creek) P 02 9670 4588 W emmauskempscreek.catholic.edu.au Retirement Vill Emmaus Retirement Village (85 Bakers Ln, Kemps Creek) Under the Pastoral Care of the Augustinians 8

Under the

P 02 8804 0200

Worshipping communities of St Clair, Erskine Park and parts of Kemps Creek7