Paul's Reflections Seniors Week Ecumenical Liturgy 9.30am Friday the 19th August, 2011. St Mary's Catholic Church, Maryborough

SENIORS WEEK ECUMENICAL LITURGY. Homily by Fr Paul.

 

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to fulfil it" (Spanish philosopher, George Santanaya)

 

What our society needs more than ever at this time, is a collective memory….   Remembering the wisdom and the mistakes of the past. Fostering the values and principles and protocols learnt from generations of people, about how to do things and how NOT to do things.

 

There have been many versions of the next saying too….   I have adapted it…

 

A society can be judged by not only how it treats its most vulnerable…  but also how it regards and treats its most senior and junior members…. 

 

Even though this celebration is called seniors week…  it is truly an opportunity of people of every age to celebrate the gift and wisdom and contribution and value of our elder members of the community.  

 

In many cultures and countries, the senior members of the community are revered and deeply respected for their seniority and wisdom ..  and that shows through in the bible .. some passages of which we have shared today….

 

Jesus showed a deep respect for all people of all ages and criticised those who did not follow their duty towards their parents and older people.

 

When we speak of ‘respect’, I suppose there is a danger that in  ‘revering’ and ‘respecting’ our older members, there is a danger that those words and definitions can be used to put people in categories and leave them on a pedestal and not allow them to be themselves… 

 

The celebration today and this week are all about not being restrictive in our definitions or categorisation of people… and to keep fostering a society that never tries to marginalise or minimise the full participation of people of all ages in the community…  and for all ages to be open and listening to the truth of the people around us,…

 

 May God inspire us to respect, cherish, thank and be open to our senior members  ….    And may God bless you with health, happiness, vitality, protection and respect now and always.

 

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SENIORS WEEK LITURGY

Welcome:  (By Ann-Maree Hasselbach. MaDCOTA Project Co-Ordinator.)

Opening Hymn: Praise my Soul the King of Heaven (AOV 78)

Praise my Soul, The King of Heaven

 

1. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; To his feet thy tribute bring; Ransomed, healed, re-stored, forgiven, Evermore his praises sing: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.

2. Praise him for his grace and favour. To his children in distress; Praise him still the same as ever,  Slow to chide and swift to bless:  Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in his faithfulness.

3. Father like he tends and spares us;  Well our feeble frame he knows; In his hand he gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely yet his mercy     flows.

4.      Angels, help us to adore him; You behold  him face to face; Sun and moon bow down          before him,  In his holy dwelling place.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God

         of Grace.

Composer: H. Lyte/J.Goss. Traditional. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Copyright Word of Life Int. Licence 1948E

 

Fr Paul:  Let us together recite these Scripture passages:

·       ¹ The LORD said to Moses, ² “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. ³ “‘Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.³² “‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD. <Leviticus (19: 1, 3,12,15-18, 30,32,37>

 

 

·       A psalm.

¹ It is good to praise the LORD 
   and make music to your name, O Most High, 
² proclaiming your love in the morning 
   and your faithfulness at night, 
³ to the music of the ten-stringed lyre 
   and the melody of the harp.

 

⁴ For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; 
   I sing for joy at what your hands have done. 
⁵ How great are your works, LORD, 
   how profound your thoughts! 

 ¹² The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, 
   they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 
¹³ planted in the house of the LORD, 
   they will flourish in the courts of our God. 

¹⁴ They will still bear fruit in old age, 
   they will stay fresh and green, 
¹⁵ proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; 
   he is my Rock.”

·       “Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.” (Job 32:7)

·       I have created you and cared for you since you were born.  I will be your God through all your lifetime, Yes, even when your hair is white with age.  I made you and I will care for you.” (Isaiah 46:3b-4a LB).

 

 

Opening Prayer: (Fr Paul)

 

Loving God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

You are the alpha and the Omega.

You are the beginning and the end of all things.

Lord God, you have been with us always;

You walk along with us on our pilgrimage of life.

We thank you today for the blessing of the years.

Your grace has been with us from generation to generation.

We thank you for the life and renewal you give us in every decade.

Your love for us knows no bounds.

Graciously hear the prayers we make today, in this Seniors Week ecumenical celebration.

Bless all senior members of our community.

May they receive the respect and friendship and care that they need.

May they always know they are valued members of the community, whose wisdom we respect and for which we seek.

Grant them health, safety, care, vitality and continue to build them up into cherished, participating members of our wider community.

We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

A reading from the first book of Kings (3:3ff). (Read by Barbara Paterson)

                                  .

King Solomon loved the Lord and followed the instructions of his father King David, and he also made many offerings to God on various altars. That night the Lord appeared to him in a dream and asked him, “What would you like me to give you?”

 Solomon answered, “You always showed great love for my father David, your servant, and he was good, loyal, and honest in his relations with you. And you have continued to show him your great and constant love by giving him a son who today rules in his place.  O Lord God, you have let me succeed my father as king, even though I am very young and don't know how to rule.  Here I am among the people you have chosen to be your own, a people who are so many that they cannot be counted.  So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?”

 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this,  and so he said to him, “Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies,  I will do what you have asked. I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again. But I will give you more than you have asked for. I will make you rich and respected.

You will be the most famous king of your time.

And if you obey me and keep all my laws and commands,

as your father David did, I will give you a long life.”

The Word of the Lord.

 

All:  Thanks be to God.

 

 

Psalm:  (Read by Donna Suter)

R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.   

 

Lord, make me know your ways.

Lord, teach me your paths.

Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:

for you are God my saviour. R.

 

Remember your mercy, Lord,

and the love you have shown from of old.

In your love remember me,

because of your goodness, O Lord. R.

 

The Lord is good and upright.

He shows the path to those who stray,

he guides the humble in the right path;

he teaches his way to the poor. R.

 

 

From the Letter to the Colossians (3:8-16)  (Read by Pat Brown)

 

You have taken off the old self with its habits and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself.  As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all.   You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.  The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful.  Christ’s message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct each other with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.

The Word of the Lord.

 

All:  Thanks be to God.

 

 

From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew (5:14-16) (read by Fr Paul)

 

Jesus said to his disciples: You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lamp-stand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

All:  Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ.

 

Homily :

 

Reflection Hymn:  The Servant Song GA 487

 

The Servant Song

1. Will you let me be your servant? Let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

2. We are pilgrims on a journey, we are trav’lers on the road. We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.

3. I will hold the Christ light for you in the night time of your fear. I will hold my hand out

to you, speak the peace you long to hear.

4.      I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh I’ll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow ‘til we’ve seen this journey through.

Composer: R. Gillard.

 

 

 

Prayers of the Faithful:   (Read by Donna Suter)

·       For all senior members of our community. That they may be respected and valued and feel safe and cherished. Lord hear us.

All:  Lord, Hear our prayer.

·       For our older indigenous people in this land and throughout the world. That they may be respected and treasured for their wisdom, their culture and heritage. Lord hear us.

All:  Lord, Hear our prayer.

·       For our older members who are experiencing ill health or troubles in their older age. May they be given healing, strength and peace.

All:  Lord, Hear our prayer.

·       For young people everywhere. That they be filled with hope and wisdom by learning from their elders and listening to their wisdom. May people of all ages work in partnership and respect and learn from eachother. Lord hear us.

All:  Lord, Hear our prayer.

 

·       Let us pray for all who, after a long life, have now gone to their eternal reward in heaven. May the following generations continue in their good work, inspired by God’s grace. Lord hear us.

All:  Lord, Hear our prayer.

 

 

LORD’S PRAYER

 

 

CLOSING PRAYER (FR PAUL).

Lord,

bring to perfection within us the unity and friendship we share in this celebration of seniors week.

Bless all older people and give them health, wisdom, joy and grace.

May our celebration and thanksgiving of your gifts renew our hearts and minds and have an effect in our lives.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

·       Everyone is welcome to come to the Parish hall next door for refreshments.

 

Blessing prayer: (Fr Paul).

May the Lord bless you and keep you:

May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you:

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

 

And may almighty God bless us, now and always, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Recessional Hymn: May God Bless & Keep You (AOV 177)

May God bless and keep you.

May God’s face shine on you.

May God be kind to you and give you peace.

 

Music by Christopher Walker. © 1988. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Copyright Word of Life Int. Licence 1948E

 

 

 

 

Paul's Reflections ASSUMPTION MASS 9.30AM 15TH AUGUST , 2011. ST MARYS MARYBOROUGH. COMBINED SCHOOLS MASS.

ASSUMPTION MASS  9.30AM 15TH AUGUST , 2011. ST MARYS MARYBOROUGH. COMBINED SCHOOLS MASS.

(FEAST DAY OF ST MARY'S PARISH, MARYBOROUGH).

 

Today's feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven...  is the feast-day of the parish and the schools.....   

Mary, the Mother of God, is a wonderful example for us of Christian discipleship... of being a good follower and friend of Jesus...

It is fitting, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our parish...  that the first parish priest, was Fr Paul Tissot; a priest from the French religious order called the Assumptionists....  so the assumption feast day would be very special for his order...  and here we are 150 years later...  and more than 150 years after the first catholic school was started here in the parish.... continuing the wonderful tradition.

This year, we have had some absolutely wonderful celebrations of what makes our community so special.....

        April 1^st, blessing of the new Sacred Heart Science and Language Block. Bishop Finnigan conducted the blessing. Senator John Hogg

<    AUGUST 12TH, 2011.  JACK MCKAY CENTRE...   BISHOP FINNIGAN AND SENATOR JOHN HOGG

    July 24^th…….THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PARISH CELEBRATION...  THANKS TO STUDENTS AND STAFF FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT

 

<!    the parish Debutante Ball (form the past and the one coming up this FRIDAY .

All these events have evoked notable comment on how wonderful they were…  how memorable and truly beautiful………  They all displayed a  WONDERFUL SENSE OF JOY AND GENEROSITY....  AND POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT... IT’S WHAT MAKES OUR COMMUNITY...  ST MARY'S SCHOOLS AND PARISH..  REALLY SPECIAL...

 

I BELIEVE IT COMES FROM A CLEAR AND POSITIVE SENSE OF OUR MISSION TO BE INSTRUMENTS OF JESUS' LOVE, AND CARE IN THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE....

 

the gospel today is a little shocking at first hearing......     Jesus' family....   his mother and his brothers come to visit him while he is preaching...   and they can't get inside because of the crowd...  someone tells Jesus his mother and brothers are waiting for him outside and he says...  'who are my mother, my brothers ???? .. they are anyone who hears Jesus' words and follows them....

 

What would Mary's reaction be to that?????

 

(?)

 

I imagine Mary could be offended. What did your son mean? My mother and brothers are anyone who hears my words and believes them, but Mary is a wonderful example to us.  

 

Her reaction was clearly, "Okay, then I shall be his mother and his disciple and his friend....    I will be all...  and she was...  a wonderful mother, a wonderful disciple and friend to Jesus...   

 

and so, at the end of Mary's earthly life, Mary was given by God the immediate reward of being taken into heaven, body and soul ...  as a foretaste of what will be our reward at the end of time....

 

Let us ask Mary on this special feast day.. to continue to pray for us at St Mary's parish and schools.. that we may also be wonderful disciples, friends and brothers and sisters of Jesus..... 

 

 

Paul's Reflections 20th Sunday of the Year. - A

14th August, 2011      20th Sunday of the Year. - A

 

Save a tree. Don't print this e-mail unless it's really necessary

 

I invite the collectors to take up the ordinary first collection now. This collection coming around is for the support of the priests of the archdiocese…    , then at the gifts time, the offertory, we will be taking up the special seminary education appeal collection…  and after communion…  the collection will be the ordinary ‘’second collection’’ which is for the running expenses of this parish here and its mission.  

 

As the ordinary first collection is going around, I will just say a few words about the special Seminary appeal collection…..

There are envelopes on the seats, and if you could please pass those envelopes down to others on the pew..    any support you can give for the training of seminarians to the priesthood would be gratefully accepted.  It takes a lot of time and resources to train priests and with such a shortage at the moment..  the prayerful and financial support is as necessary as ever… 

 

There are currently 23 men in various stages of formation at Holy Spirit Seminary. The Holy Spirit Seminary Appeal covers needs such as building maintenance, insurances, cleaning, electricity, food, accommodation, and education.

Please give generously towards investing in the Queensland tradition of training priests for Queensland parishes.

 

All donations of $2- and over to the Seminary Building & Maintenance Fund are tax deductible. 

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The readings this weekend remind us of one of the key teachings and attitudes of Jesus….   Which reveal to us, a central value and attitude in the life of the Holy Trinity:  and that is openness, inclusion and welcome.  Love that reaches out and is always open to the other and to yet one more person being part of the family.  Jesus shows us God’s nature as inclusive, welcoming, compassionate, forgiving and flexible to be able to respond to the other and their need. God’s values are constant, eternal and powerful, and at the same time, God is open and responsive.  Wonderful!  

 

Whenever we come across situations that are restrictive, unlistening, unwelcoming and exclusive, then it is very likely that the value is not resonating with Jesus’ teachings.   The church,  in obedience and in imitation to the Lord, is always striving to be a welcoming, compassionate, open and inclusive community.

 

The faith of that lady who persisted in asking Jesus for what she needed is sadly in stark contrast with the response many of Jesus’ own people were giving him. Many of his own people were rejecting him.  And here was a lady from a different place and a different religion who knows she is taking a risk in even approaching him,  and keeps persisting even when she gets noticeable rebuff from the disciples and even by Jesus’ initial response.  

 

The lady persists because she KNOWS that Jesus is the one who can help. She knows that he is the messiah who will welcome the chosen ones to his table. And she hopes and prays that her faith in him and her proximity to the table will be enough to share in the blessings of the table.   And she is RIGHT.  Jesus does not merely say, you can enjoy the scraps that fall from the chosen one’s table…  you can join that.  What faith, what persistence! 

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REFERENCES:

 

·        FR. PAUL W. KELLY

·        MISSION 2000  – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR A. BY MARK LINK S.J.

 

 

Paul's Reflections Eighteenth Sunday of the Year - A

31st July, 2011      Eighteenth Sunday of the Year - A

 

P Save a tree. Don't print this e-mail unless it's really necessary

 

Twelve million people are facing a horrifying hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa, (Somalia and the surrounding countries), and they are in desperate for food, water and safe shelter.

One can't help thinking of the plight of millions of people there and in many other places in the world, when we hear this weekend's gospel.

The disciples come to Jesus to ask what they are going to do about meeting the needs of so many people.

Jesus tells them to do something about it themselves.

But, of course, they cannot achieve such a difficult job unless they stay close to Jesus and do what he tells them.

The gospel reminds us that, as followers of Jesus, we must always keep in mind the vision of Jesus: compassion and concern for people around us.

Two thousand years (and more) after Jesus walked the earth and preached the good news, it could be easy to forget that the church is never meant to be merely a sleek, mechanical business, efficiently providing needed services and assitance, (as if it were a carefully packaged product, perfected over the last two thousand years-  and after all that time, - and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, - the catholic church and its members does many (many) things very, very well and very effectively!). But we keep in mind, from today’s Gospel, that the church is, (first and foremost), an instrument of Jesus' love and compassion; which then flows out into practical action; to respond to the needs we see surrounding us.

Jesus was able to change direction and adapt to changing situations by always putting people first and 'processes' second.

What the world needs more than ever, is followers of Jesus who convey the inclusive, compassionate, forgiving love of God to everyone we meet.

It is true that the world has become very civilised in many ways, but you only have to turn on the TV to see examples (here and abroad) of baying crowds calling out for mob justice, based on simplistic, half-baked assumptions. I wonder what Jesus would say about that kind of behaviour?  Jesus' message didn't ever side with hysterical or simplistic mob mentalities. In fact, things were often to have gone right off the rails whenever people did resort to that behaviour in the scriptures.  Nothing has changed these many years later. 

Jesus is still at work in our lives and in the world; inspiring people of goodwill everywhere to respond with compassion and practical action to help the starving, the homeless, the guilty, the dispossessed, the ill.. and so many others in need.

Let us always remember Jesus advice... "YOU give them something to eat, yourselves!"

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REFERENCES:

 

·        FR. PAUL W. KELLY

·        Plus, Break Open the Word

 

Paul's Reflections 150th anniversary. (saturday night Mass) Seventeenth Sunday of the Year - A

24th July, 2011      Seventeenth Sunday of the Year - A

 

P Save a tree. Don't print this e-mail unless it's really necessary

 

150^th anniversary of St Mary’s Parish. (Saturday Night Mass: Homily by FR Paul Kelly)

 

On this very day, (the 23^rd day of July, 1861),  the newly arrived Bishop of Brisbane, James Quinn, and two French Priests,  Fr Paul Tissot and Fr Renehan, boarded the steamer named the Clarence en route to Maryborough, and arrived two days later, and stayed several days.  

 

In fact, this weekend celebrates that Fr Paul Tissot remained here from that time on and became on the 25^th July the first permanent Parish Priest of Maryborough.  Here we are 150 years later and what a joyous occasion we celebrate this weekend and in particular tomorrow when Archbishop John will preside at a Mass of thanksgiving.  

 

We thank God for the enormous blessingsn and graces he has poured upon generations of people in this town and the surrounding regions, through God’s action in the church and in the people who form the body of Christ in this place.   We humbly continue on this good work started so long ago.

 

In masses this weekend we give thanks for the countless blessings bestowed on this community and the many people:  parishioners, community members, fellow church denominations and their pastors, civic leaders, priests, religious and friends who have cooperated with what God has been doing in this place.

 

We ask for continued blessings upon our town and the people who live and work here. Lord, grant success to the work of our hands.

 

The readings are perfect for this celebration and ironically they are the ones set for this ordinary season of the year. But they could not be better chosen.  

 

In the first reading, God offers Solomon anything he desires.  We could think of many things we could ask of God if given complete freedom. Yet, al he asks for is an understanding heart: wisdom. And God readily grants it.  In the end, money, long-life, prestige, does not mean a thing if we live our lives in ignorance and without an understanding and lovingheart. Striving to do God’s will in this time and place, as our forebears did before us, with God’s grace.

 

Today, we continue to ask for this gift. Lord, above all, grant us wisdom of heart, so that we may serve you in faithfulness all our days, to your greater glory.

 

I love the gospel… the parable of the treasure buried in the field…     This parish, this church is a treasure planted in a field…   and of course as beautiful as it is, its much more than the beauty of the building… it’s the presence of God that it represents and it’s the symbol od Christian dedication and grace that it proclaims…    James Cleary and his fellow Christians believes so much in the gospel, and in Christian education and in the need for the physical presence of the Church community in the life of the city that they put their time, energy and money into working for God’s glory in establishing this catholic community which we are part of today…  

 

It was worth selling everything to obtain.. and the gospel continues to be priceless and precious and worth all our efforts to this day and beyond…

 

May God, who has so graciously accompanied and given success to our work so often in the past, continue this good work in us and bring it to perfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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REFERENCES:

 

·       FR. PAUL W. KELLY

 

 

Paul's Reflections Trinity Sunday 19th June, 2011 and also Body and Blood of Christ 26th June, 2011

Trinity Sunday - 17^{th June, 2011. (Saturday and Sunday Masses and Youth Mass Sunday night)}

The celebration of God as Trinity also reveals to us the true nature of God and the true meaning at the heart of the universe… community… communion… unity… sharing…. Giving and taking…. Harmony… LOVE…… the world cries out and hungers and thirst for that which God has in God's own inner nature! Jesus invites us to share in and participate in this wonderful relationship with God and with one another… and it (in turn) makes us more generous, sharing, community focused and serving and sacrificing… more loving… that is at the heart of the discipleship into which Christ calls us.

^{If we look at what Jesus hungered for and what he did not hunger for, it is very revealing… he did not hunger for money… in fact he warned us to be very wary of its hollow charms… we cannot serve both God and wealth…. He did not hunger for popularity.. and in fact by the end of his earthly life he was reviled, abandoned and condemned… the popularity contest was shockingly won by a theif and a brigand and a murderer… Barabass.. who was released instead of the innocent one!! The gospels reveal so many more thirsts and hungers of Jesus….and their opposites…. He longed to share… with others.. he thirsted for other's faith and participation…}

It breaks your heart doesn't it… seeing so many people searching for something that will truly satisfy their longings…. And yet… they go down paths that seem lifegiving.. seem attractive… but ultimately prove to be dead ends and unsatisfying…… but does it stop us…. No…. we rush down the path of the next attractive glittering possibility…. Whether it be pursuit of money, power, influence, celebrity, ….. so many things in this world and in this society cry out for our attention and invite us to get enmeshed in them…… May the Spirit of truth guide us as we discern, through the light of Jesus' words and actions, just what are the lifegiving treasures to put all our heart and soul into…

^{Can i just add, that in this parish, in so many ways, people have asked themselves "now that i am following Jesus, what shall I DO in practical ways.... to make a difference......" God has answered their prayers in many very satisfying ways that bring grace and benefit and service to so many.. people have joined the St Vincent de Paul society and done practical actions to make a difference.. others have joined the Catholic Women's League or so many of the ministries and activities of the parish's mission ... the list is wonderfully long./... there is so much to do.. and God is calling each one of us...}

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**Our archbishop, John Bathersby, has issued a nice message of encouragement and support to our young people

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THE FEAST OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST 26TH JUNE 2011

The world is hungering for what only God can truly and completely satisfy.

We see that so many people are hungry for something… in some instances it simply the necessities of life.. food, clean water, medical support, shelter, education, peace… others hunger for much more… many people seem to be hungry for and chasing their desire for things they can't have or don't really need… or else.. they just hunger for what won't really satisfy …**

(Quoting the reflection in the newsletter) ……"Hungry hearts are all around us. Those mourning the loss of a loved one, in need of a job, desperate for wise counsel, unable to curb an addiction, angry and bitter, unforgiven or unforgiving, in poor health, worried about finances, unhappy in a relationship, unsure of their commitments, hard on themselves, afraid of the world around them, and the list goes on and on. These are the people Jesus offers to feed—not with a temporary fix (which is usually what most of us want)—but an everlasting source of sustenance that can be found in the change of heart that happens each time we gather to share a meal in Jesus' name."

Jesus offers us himself – as real food for our lifelong journey….. and he offers us his word and his vision of the Kingdom… his values for living that will truly and completely transform us and satisfy us…. But it means a progressive changing of priorities and values to match with his values…

^{……Throughout all of time, including today, many of us experience a deep desire to develop personal relationships built on authenticity and common values. We do not want to settle for an average life. We want something that is great, that is new. This desire, which is a gift from God, evokes deep questions in our hearts and minds at all stages of our life journey. At times we will ask ourselves: What meaning does my life have? What purpose and direction should I give to it?}

^{Our identity is shaped through our parents, families, experiences, education, work, relationships, and the culture of our country. There will be times when we experience certainty that we are on the right path. These will be contrasted by times when we will try to recapture that certainty.}

^{Decisions that affect our lives require time and a great effort to discern. "Will I be able to live up to God's call in my life?" "Do I believe enough?"}

^{When we enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Christ makes known our true uniqueness. Jesus, "in the very revelation of the mystery of the Father and of his love, fully reveals humanity to itself and brings to light its very high calling" (Gaudium et Spes, 22). Having someone to journey with in faith, to talk about these deep questions and to share experiences, is vital if we are going to answer the question – Why am I here?}

^{…... At the core of what it means to be a Christian, at the very centre is the person of Jesus and what he has done for us ………../ We firmly believe that Jesus Christ offered himself on the Cross in order to share with us his divine life and give us his love.//………..We are invited to enter into a personal friendship with Jesus and to develop it in faith. //}

^{How do we do this?//}

^{When you want to build a friendship with someone you do this by spending time with them, getting to know them and their hopes and dreams for themselves and for you. We can get to know Jesus better by reading the Gospels and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You can speak about your life, share your feelings and reveal yourself openly with Jesus in prayer.}

^{Friendship requires listening also. You may not hear Jesus' voice in prayer but a word or phrase or image may come to you. It may be straight away or a few days later, through a conversation with a friend, a paragraph in a book, a line in a song, a feeling you notice or any number of ways. When you are open to listening, the response will show up. We also find support when those who are dear to us, share their experiences of faith, their moments of struggle and disappointment as well as their time of certainty and joy.}

^{Thank God for the faith you have received and do all you can to build up your friendship with Jesus. Spend time with him, trust in him and he will never betray you. Your friendship with Jesus will assist you to know – Who do I want to become?}

^{Remember too that you are not alone. Through Baptism we become members of this great family the Church. This is the gift of being Catholic. We carry each other, support each other and we are fed and nourished through the celebration of the Eucharist. We become who we receive and so are able to be spiritual/emotional nourishment for each other and we are sent to go out and transform the world.}

^{……if you believe, and if you are able to live out your faith and bear witness to it every day, you will become a means of helping other young people like yourselves to find the meaning and joy of life, which is born of an encounter with Christ!"}

^{Desire is a primary way that God leads people to discover who they are and what they are meant to do. An attraction to being a doctor, a farmer, a teacher, a priest or a religious, for example, helps us to discover our vocation. Discover what you desire in life. Our deepest desires, which lead us to become who we are, are God's desires for us. Expressing what you desire for your life brings us into a closer relationship with God and will ensure you know - How do I make a difference?}

^{….My young friends, ….Jesus Christ is calling on you to devote your lives to witnessing to God's love to all people, and in a special way to your contemporaries. The Church needs you to respond generously to this call to mission. Do not underestimate the incredible power you possess to do good. (Most Rev John A Bathersby DD. Archbishop of Brisbane).}

Paul's Reflections Sunday 12th June, 2011. Pentecost Sunday 2011

Pentecost Sunday 2011. Sunday 12^th June, 2011.

(Save a tree. Don't print this e-mail unless it's really necessary).

(Please note, due to various circumstances, including various parishioners being away and the weather and also the Maryborough events in town on Sunday evening, there will be no mass at Aramara this weekend. It is usually on every second Sunday of the month. We will be back to Aramara on the second Sunday of July. Sorry for any inconvenience). ///

This Pentecost, and for the last few months.... and in fact in the coming months, there is change in the wind! The new mass is slowly but surely being implemented, and has a lot of very beautiful aspects about it. I particularly like the fact that no matter where we are in the world... no matter what language the Mass is celebrated in, we will be worshipping with one voice... and with the same meaning..... we will be united and in communion with God and one another.. in Spirit, Truth and in the words for worship we use.

On a totally different tac, you know how some cars in this country have the indicator on a different side? Some European cars have the indicator on a different side; because (as we all know), they drive on different sides... In Australia, most indicators are on the right hand side of the steering wheel, to allow the gear shift to be on the left... but if you have a European car.. the indicator might be on the left... it causes some funny things... when you aren't used to it, you go to turn the corner and the windscreen wipers come on instead of the indicator... it can be frustrating until you get used to it...

Why am i saying this in mass??? Because, in my view, the same sort of thing is happening with the changes in the mass.. Things we have automatically gotten used to saying, are changing.. and we might find ourselves absentmindedly doing the "liturgical/ church" equivalent of "putting the windscreen wipers on when we were only intending to turn"... when we use the wrong responses..

I had a "V.W." for a few years (i loved that car!!) and then had to go back to a Ford (actually, i love that car too!!).... and the indicator for both of those were on different sides.. It was initially confusing..(and amusing)..... but i found a great trick to focus on what i was doing... i sat in my car before i drove it.. shut my eyes tightly and put my fingers to my temples and then said.... ... "left hand, left hand, left hand, left hand" and then... amazingly.. i drove without another worry.. with the indicators being used correctly ... (the only time it didn't work was ion rare occasions ui might have been a bit distracted and befuddled and the old habit came back.... but in the main.. that once or twice focus was enough..)...

I think the same or similar techniques can be used to get us into the changes...

To sit, to quietly focus and to repeat..

"the Lord be with you,/ and with your Spirit" ; "the Lord be with you,/and with your Spirit" ; "the Lord be with you, and with your Spirit"

The peace of the Lord be with you always/ and with your spirit....!!

Perhaps that will click us into gear... (but in any case, lets be prepared for a few gear crunches as we trip over a few new words or differently phrased sentences... I am almost halfway there... i have half of the new responses in my head.. so if i have to go back to the old ones (like i did for the nursing home masses last week... i could hardly remember the old way and had half the new/ half the old in my head... )

On this feast of Pentecost, it is really fitting to return to our ancient form the the Christian greeting... And with your Spirit. This will be an appropriate recognition that the Catholic church is a Holy-Spirit-filled church.. a "Pneumatoligical" or Spirit-filled people... We can't do a thing without the power and inspiration of God's Holy Spirit... We are a church filled and commissioned by the very breath of God.. a warm breath that gives life to all around it...

The Holy Spirit makes us disciples able to be the Warm breath of human kindness at a time of terrible coldness and need.....

Its also timely then, in this winter of cold and wet... that today out local Saint Vinnies people are launching their winter appeal... a wonderful and practical way of putting into action the warming breath of God's Spirit of justice, love and practical care...

"God breathed on us the first the day he created us. Genesis tells us that the Lord put his lips to ours and breathed in us and gave us his spirit of life. And so we became human beings. And John tells us that on the day of Pentecost, the risen Lord breathed on us a second time and gave us new life. Courage replaced caution and a fire was lit in our hearts that has scattered the darkness of fear forever. We, like those first disciples are new creations. We have been called to a heroic life, to be instruments of God's peace and mercy in his beautiful and broken world."

(St Mary's College daily diary, with weekly reflections).

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REFERENCES:

· FR. PAUL W. KELLY

· Also quoting from the St Mary's College daily diary entry on the Holy Spirit.

Paul's Reflections 6th Sunday of Easter, Year A. 29th May, 2011

29th May, 2011      6th Sunday of Easter, Year A

I ask if the collectors can take up the ordinary first collection now… as we have a special third collection this weekend,

The collection going round now is our ordinary one in support of the upkeep of priests in ministry throughout the archdiocese…. 

The special collection (at the gifts time) is in support of the Retired and Sick Priests foundation.. // after many years of dedication and care our retired and ill priests need the support of the catholic community..//there are brochures available around the church//…..   Donations over $2 are tax deductible//  Any support you can give is gratefully accepted.

 

If you didn’t come prepared and would like to donate…., please take an envelope home and consider anything you may be able to give.. thanks…..   As I say, the special collection will be at the offertory time…   and then after communion the ordinary collection will be taken up for the running expenses of this parish….   

Apologies for visitors and families who may be surprised by the two or three collections at mass..  but they are for different aspects of the church’s mission, and of course..   no pressure is intended…  people are invited to give to any or all of the collections if you are able…..…  

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The readings this weekend, are again perfect for our young one’s who are preparing to receive their confirmation…. And first holy communion….  They speak of the early church communities forming just after Jesus returned to his Heavenly Father…   and had sent the holy Spirit to the apostles and to the church….    Did you notice in the first reading how it says…. 

 

That is just like the order we are now used to…   the people had already been baptised, and now the apostles did that ancient sign of laying on of hands and prayed.. and then the Holy Spirit came down upon them…

//   wonderful!!! // 

And notice, in the gospel.. Jesus speaks about sending the Holy Spirit upon his followers…   the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth…  the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and makes us sons and daughters of God… and joins us to God.. so that we are in communion.. in union with God and with one another..  what a special gift…. 

 

The presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and in our church is absolutely vital.  Without the Holy Spirit of God, as we have been learning, we cannot do anything…. 

 

This truth was known right from the beginnings of the Church two thousand years ago… and so… the ancient greeting the early Christian communities gave to eachother reflected the presence and the truth of the Holy Spirit in their lives…  the priest or bishop would say “the Lord be with you”  and the people would reply.. “and with your Spirit”.,,,   this was a recognition and acknowledgement that the Spirit was present in us….    Rather fittingly.. the church is imminently about to go back to this ancient saying….    It actually never changed.. the English response we have been using for the last forty years…  the words.. “and also with you”  is actually a very loose translation and paraphrase of the latin master-edition of the Mass….    And Rome and the local bishops have decided that this translation does not capture sufficiently the recognition of the Holy Sprit, who is SO necessary for the life of the church.. so soon…  not yet.. but very (very) soon.. we will all be returning to the ancient words that say so much!!!

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I call forward to receive your sashes, the young people who are preparing to receive next weekend, their confirmation and first Holy Communion.

 

(give out sashes)

 

Let us pray…..

My friends… we give you this sash today to remind you of two things…

 

In your Baptism, your parents clothed you in a WHITE baptismal garment to remind you that (in Baptism) you have “put in Jesus Christ… and that you have clothed yourself in Jesus” (and YOU HAVE BEEN CLOTHED IN JESUS’ special message of love)….

May this sash remind you that (as Baptised Christians) Jesus is always with YOU to help YOU live his good news message.

 

THIS sash is RED.. to remind us of the fire of the holy spirit that came down upon the disciples at Pentecost….   In confirmation, you will have the gifts of the Spirit confirmed in you, to help you live as Jesus taught us… by loving, God loving your neighbour and showing love and care to yourself as well…

 

Lord Bless these sashes… may they remind us that we belong to you and you love us and care for us always…….

 

Bless these young people preparing for their confirmation and first holy communion as their time of preparation nears completion……  We make this prayer in the name of the + father, and of the son and of the holy Spirit.,

 

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REFERENCES:

 

FR. PAUL W. KELLY

 

 

 

 

Paul's Reflections 5th Sunday of Easter, Year A. 22nd May, 2011

22nd May, 2011      5th Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

P Save a tree. Don't print this e-mail unless it's really necessary

 

The preparation for Confirmation and First communion of our young candidates is coming along very nicely.  Once more in the preparation session, the good questions and answers are flowing…

 

The readings this weekend are rather handy…  we have been speaking to the children about how the church can do nothing without the power of the Holy Spirit activating and giving effect to everything we do.  We cannot live as disciples of Jesus without the Holy Spirit living in us….  We received the Holy Spirit in Baptism… and we get special gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation…..   

 

The students have been watching for the special sign that the church uses to show that we are praying for the Holy Spirit to come down and give effect to what we are doing… It’s called the “laying of hands” and its seen in each sacrament. In this case the priest lays his hands over the gifts of bread and wine and says word such as “Therefore, O Lord, we pray: may this same Holy Spirit graciously sanctify these offerings,

the Body and + Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,”  (as it says in the new translation of Eucharistic prayer iv which I will be using for the first time this weekend).

 

Notice in the first reading we heard today, it was about the Apostles, realising there was a need for special people to help the widows and the poor, and so they prayed to the Holy Spirit and called Stephen and other disciples to the special task of serving;  in the role we now call the Holy Order of Deacons, and the reading says…….the apostles prayed and then “laid their hands on them”, which shows the giving of the Holy Spirit for them in their special job.  See how this important sign was in the church right from the beginning two thousand years ago.

 

And in the second reading we see how God has set all of us apart to do his work in the world…   to be a royal people blessed and called to praise God and do his will.   And that, we are like living building blocks; and God is building us up to be a “spiritual house of God”…   a church, made (not of stones), but of living people… you and me….. in the world and filled with God’s Spirit, doing good work for God.  

The second reading says…  you are called out of darkness into God’s wonderful light…  In baptism we received the light of Christ….  And we became sons and daughters of the light…    with God’s Spirit living in us…  in confirmation we remember our baptism.. so that is why we feature the baptismal candle… which our candidates have brought with them today.. for a blessing….    Which we will now do.

 

(bless candles)

 

 Blessing of candles:

 

I call forward the young people who are preparing to receive their confirmation and First Holy communion…

 

Please come forward to HAVE YOUR BAPTISMAL  candle BLESSED….

 

 

Let us pray….

My friends…   this candle was given to you as a reminder of your Baptism…..   when you were Baptised, your parents were handed a special candle.. your baptismal candle, and the priest said as he gave them the candle to hold…

“Receive the light of Christ…

Parents and godparents.. this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly.. it is the light of faith that your child has received.. keep that flame alive in their hearts… always growing stronger..

 

This candle reminds us that in your Baptism, you became a child of God… and a light of Christ in the world…..   you are now preparing for confirmation.. where we seal and affirm that light you received in Baptism… and also first communion, where the light of Christ in you will be strengthened… by Jesus who comes to us in the bread broken and the cup poured out for us…

 

Lord… bless these young people and help them be a light of Jesus' love to all they meet….

 

We ask this in the name of the + Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit amen.

 

My friends…   let's congratulate these lights of Christ amongst us….

 

 

 

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REFERENCES:

 

FR. PAUL W. KELLY

 

 

Paul's Reflections EASTER WEEK FOUR. YEAR A. 15TH MAY, 2011.

EASTER WEEK FOUR. YEAR A.   15^TH MAY, 2011.

 

This weekend at the different masses, we have our young ones who have begun their preparation to receive their Confirmation and first holy communion …..  

 

this Gospel we heard today is very special because it shows us that we are all friends of Jesus….  He is our Good shepherd and he walks along with us along our whole life journey… He knows us by name….  he leads us by safe paths….  He cares about what happens to us……   He is always interested to hear us tell him of our hopes, our fears… our disappointments and our failures… and he is there to reassure us and give us strength and to assure us that if we keep trusting in him, the love of God has the final word in our life….    and that last word is the promise that we are beloved sons and daughters of God….   forever …..

Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit who gives life and effectiveness to everything we do…..    and this Spirit gives us special gifts to help us to achieve what God is wanting to build in our lives and our world.

 In our sacraments, there is a special sign of the giving and descending of the Spirit upon us and that is the sign of the 'laying of hands.'  where the priest or bishop holds his hands over the person or object to be blessed and prays that the Spirit may come down upon them to give them the effectiveness to do what they need to do, the become what they are called to be….   

 

Each sacrament of the church has this sign of the 'laying of hands, and the calling down of the spirit, and I do invite the young people to watch for when these signs occur in our prayers….    in confirmation, Bishop Finnigan will place his hands on your head… and pray that the Holy Spirit be poured down upon you, and give you special gifts… spiritual building blocks to help you live as good disciples of Jesus….   

 

Traditionally, the church sees that there are seven gifts of the holy spirit, and the young ones preparing for confirmation and first holy communion are learning about them: (in fact…   the answers given in our first class last Wednesday night was very inspiring…..  because the young people (in their answers to questions) reminded us that there are actually more than seven gifts that the Spirit gives us…  In fact….., God gives us the gifts we need to be good friends and disciples of Jesus…..    and the seven traditional gifts of the Spirit are the core of those gifts……  

the Spirit gives the gift of : 

·        wisdom - the gift of being able to see things the way God sees them. To accept my life from God and be able to learn and grow through all that happens to me.

 

·        understanding  - the gift of being able to capture the meaning of God's message. To listen, to think things through and to be able to put myself in others' shoes

 

·        right judgement - the ability to see what to do in a given situation. to be able to choose and act for what is right and good and true.

 

·        courage - the ability to be able to keep doing something we know to be right and good even when it is difficult. to accept difficulties and challenges in my life cheerfully and firmly and strongly.

 

·        knowledge - the gift of knowing that God is the Father and that Jesus is his son,  and knowing about what God teaches us. to willingly learn about and develop my relationship with God and other people.

 

·        reverence - a deep respect, gentleness and care shown towards God, God's creation and people.. To have respect and care for myself, all people and all things of our world.

 

wonder and awe in God's presence. Gift of being able to appreciate and enjoy and be aware of all the amazing beauty that is in our world and the ability to see that God is at work still in our world.. to be deeply impressed and in amazement about all the wonders God has done for me, and for others and for the world and for the things that happen in life, big and small.

May we all be open to the gifts of the Holy spirit, and say 'yes' to God building us up into living stones in God's house of kindness, practical action and love…

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(extra): 

This weekend, the gospel speaks of the image of the Sheepfold: That they may have life and have it to the full. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.  Christ’s offering of his whole self and even his life (down to the very last drop of his blood) is remembered by us at each and every Eucharist. In our Liturgy we constantly speak of this mysterious thing called the “Paschal Mystery”, which is actually about the mystery of Jesus’ life, suffering, death and Resurrection- All for the salvation of  people.  In every Eucharistic prayer, this Paschal Mystery is recalled and remembered. The word used for this remembering and for this living memorial sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, is the rather daunting Greek word: “anamnesis”, (which is a word that means …: “remembering”).

 

This weekend I will be using the new Eucharistic Prayer of Reconciliation  I. 

 

I have been speaking in the newsletter and in homily reflections about the new missal……. And its implementation…  (there is an extensive new and updated section on our parish website…    which is noted on the front page of the newsletter….  www.marycatholic.com..... Esp:  http://www.parishes.bne.catholic.net.au/maryborough/missal.htm . 

 

It explains in detail the changes and their history of development. It also has an extensive glossary of words and their meaning…..

 

Interestingly….  some of the changes turn out to be more corrections …  Since the introduction of the post Vatican II updated Latin version of the 1969 missal, we have been using the English translation of that Missal, for the last 41 years.  The new translation is actually a more strict translation of what was virtually all there in the Latin text of 1969. ….   They have simply gone back and translated what was already there! …   in a close translation rather than some paraphrasing that occurred in the previous version…..   As we mentioned in previous weeks, some of the language might be different in this new translation, such as the prayer to the Father that he will “spur us on to possess a more abundant life.”  But, really, this and many other sentences are really beautiful.   That sentence is is a beautiful and active request of God and it is at the heart of what we seek: that God will encourage us and inspire us and keep us going….  /…. May God “spur us on to possess a more abundant life” …. //.

 

Christ came to reconcile us to God and to one another. This is a major part of his mission. This Eucharistic prayer, (but also all the Eucharistic Prayers) touch upon this.

 

The beauty and the mystery of the Mass is that it is not just a meal of fellowship and unity, it is also,  (in a very powerful way),  a “Sacrifice”; Eucharist is the re-presentation of the once-and-for-all Sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

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