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May 4th
Ascension of the Lord
The Ascension of our Lord
Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles is most significant for more than one reason. Jesus explains to his faithful followers that they had only been baptised by John the Baptist with water, but soon they would be baptised with the Holy Spirit. This we know happened to them, as well as to thousands more, at Pentecost, which we too will celebrate next week.
There is another reason why this reading is significant. In a very few weeks Australia will be hosting World Youth Day 2008 when thousands and thousands of Christian pilgrims from all parts of the world will come together to share their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pope Benedict XVI has chosen as the theme for this event the very same passage (verse 8) in chapter 1 of the Acts of the Apostles: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses”.
How privileged we Australians are to be given this tremendous gift – the bringing of so many young people together from around the world to our shores. But with this gift goes a great responsibility. It’s said that faith is caught, not taught. Would you not therefore agree that it’s the duty of us all to show our visitors the depth of our faith by the way that we act, letting everyone know without doubt that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour?
Changes in the Celebration of the Mass
On Pentecost Sunday, May 11th of this year, Catholics in Australia will be asked to make two changes in the way we celebrate Mass.
The first change relates to a Posture
From Pentecost Sunday, after the priest invites the people to “Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father,” the people STAND and respond “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands to the praise and glory of His name, for our good, and the good of all His Church.”
Why stand? The posture for prayer whether it be standing or kneeling reflects something of our relationship with God and helps define that relationship.
To stand in response to the priest’s invitation is a sign of our readiness to enter into the great prayer which will follow, i.e., the Eucharistic Prayer which the priest prays on behalf of the gathered assembly. To stand is to make a formal recognition of that invitation.
The second change relates to a Gesture
This gesture will be in the way we are to reverence the consecrated Bread and Wine when we approach the minister of Holy Communion.
When approaching to receive Holy Communion, we are to bow in reverence of the Mystery that we are to receive”.
The way of giving reverence to the Mystery is first to bow our head before the minister who presents us with the Body of Christ and then move to the minister of the Chalice and similarly bow in reverence before the Blood of Christ. In order to “highlight more clearly the ‘communitarian’ nature of the procession to receive Communion” we use the same gestures.
We receive Communion standing, and we reverence by bowing. The communicant might bow just before receiving Holy Communion or perhaps while the person in front of them is receiving Holy Communion. It is no longer appropriate to genuflect as part of the procession.
With these two simple changes, which will require attentiveness on the part of all, we are invited to enter into the great Mystery that we are celebrating for “the Eucharistic celebration is an action of Christ and the Church”.
Fr Joseph news
Whilst in India Fr Joseph was present at the ordination of five of his previous students.
A draft copy of parish welcome book
A draft copy of the parish welcome book will be available this week from the parish office to look at. Please check your groups’ details; contact names and numbers. Any inquiries contact Toni Byrne 9401 6355 email:tbyrne01@optusnet.com.au.
Morning tea for Cancer Research
The Catholic Women’s League morning tea for cancer research is on this Sunday May 4th after the 8am & 10am Masses.
Family groups
The Orana group had a great camping weekend at Narrabeen lakes.
Byrnellifav family group
Are having a games night this Sunday night May 4th after the 6pm Mass in the meeting room. If you would like to come down and join us you will be very welcome.
Sorry Day 2008
Sorry Day 2008 is an aboriginal cultural event at Bilarong Park Scout hall Wakehurst parkway, North Narrabeen, Saturday May 24th 3-5.30pm. Clap stick painting for children, didgeridoo playing, aboriginal dancing and free sausage sizzle.
Baptisms
This weekend we welcome the Bartlett family with their child Monique, the Rivera family with Christian, the Harris family with Addison. Congratulations!!
Spaghetti & Bingo night
Friday June 27th we are having a spaghetti & bingo night. More details to follow soon.
Planned Giving Envelopes
It’s almost that time again!
If you no longer wish to receive planned giving envelopes or if you would like to change to credit card or direct debit giving, could you give the office a call so that we can prepare for this busy time. This also assists in the reordering of stock and can cut down on waste as a result.
Face to Face Retreat 23-25 May
The Face to Face retreat is the youth ministry event for students in years 7, 8 & 9 in the Diocese of Broken Bay, by the team who runs the Lighthouse Festival. It is an exciting weekend full of inspiring talks, group activities, friendship, fun and our super physical challenge. The weekend is held at Challenge Ranch and is aimed at the students who are too young to register for WYD or Lighthouse.
To find out more after Wednesday 6th May contact the parish office, visit our website www.narraweenacatholic.com/youth_ministry.htm or pick up a rego form from the Church
Don’t miss out on one of our 15 available places, get in early so you can come Face to Face with your friends, inspiring leaders and Jesus.
WYD UPDATE!
It is important that EVERY pilgrim who is registered as part of a Broken Bay Cluster (week or weekend package) fills in the PRE-REGISTRATION FORM on our website at www.wydbrokenbay.org.au as soon as possible.
Unfortunately there are problems with the Egeria payment system. Please ensure after making payment that your name and amount you paid appears on a list. If your name and amount do not appear, the Sydney WYD08 Office has instructed all people experiencing difficulties with registration and/or payments to call 1300 993 793
WYD REGISTRATION AND SUBSIDIES FOR YR 10-12
Students in Yr 10-12 (regardless of age) can now register for WYD and obtain a subsidy but they must fill in the pre-registration form on the broken bay website and make payments by 9th May. The subsidy of $135 (leaving the student $200 to pay) will reduce to $100 (leaving $235 to pay) after this date.
The World Apostolate of Fatima
May celebrations in honour of Our Lady and to Intercede for Peace in the World and the Welfare of Australia will take place at St Dominic’s Church Flemington (St Mary’s Cathedral unavailable due to renovations) on Saturday May 10th, commencing at 11.30am with an entrance procession. The program includes Rosary, Litany of Loreto, Consecration and conclude with Mass celebrated by Spiritual Director Rev. Anthony Robbie.
Serra Club & Catholic Vocations Ministry Australia (CVMA)
Sister Veronica McCluskie sgs, Executive Officer of CVMA will be the guest speaker for Serra at Sacred Heart Church 2 Richard Porter Way Pymble on Wednesday 14th May 2008. Her topic is “A need to create a vocations culture in the Church today”.
The evening will commence with Mass at 7.00 pm, celebrated by Father Martin Aye Ngwe, Assistant Priest of Corpus Christi Parish, followed by a light meal and the talk by Sister Veronica commencing at 8.00 pm in the Marian Hall.
For more info please telephone Kevin Fellew 9144 7156 or Terry Scanlan 9488 7295 or 0438 887 295 for catering purposes.
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