Entrance Antiphon:Cf. Ps 90: 15-16When he calls on me, I willanswer him; I will deliver himand give him glory, I will granthim length of days.

1st Reading:.Genesis 2:7-9,3:1-7The Creation, and the sin of ourfirst parents

Responsorial Psalm:Psalm 50(51):3-6,12-14,17

Be merciful, OLord, for we have

sinned.

2nd Reading:Romans 5:12-19However great the number of sinscommitted, grace was evengreater

Gospel Acclamation:Matthew 4:4Praise to you, Lord JesusChrist, king of endless glory!No one lives on bread alone,but on every word that comesfrom the mouth of God.Praise to you, Lord JesusChrist, king of endless glory!

Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11The temptation in the wilderness

Communion Antiphon:Mt 4: 4One does not live by breadalone, but by every word thatcomes forth from the mouth ofGod.

29 Feb / 01 March 2020St Michael’s Church - Meadowbank

Vol. 10 Issue 14

GospelJesus was led by the Spiritout into the wilderness tobe tempted by the devil. Hefasted for forty days andforty nights, after which hewas very hungry, and thetempter came and said tohim, ‘If you are the Son ofGod, tell these stones toturn into loaves.’ But hereplied, ‘Scripture says: Mandoes not live on bread alone buton every word that comes fromthe mouth of God.’ The devilthen took him to the holy

city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are theSon of God’ he said ‘throw yourself down; for scripture says: He willput you in his angels’ charge, and they will support you on their hands in case youhurt your foot against a stone.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Scripture also says: Youmust not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Next, taking him to a very highmountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world andtheir splendour. ‘I will give you all these’ he said, ‘if you fall at my feetand worship me.’ Then Jesus replied, ‘Be off, Satan! For scripturesays: You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.’ Then thedevil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.

The Parish Bulletin

Matthew 4:1-11

www.stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.au

1st Sunday of Lent Yr A/2

Reflection by Fr Epeli QimaqimaDear friends,My former Spiritual Director at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd wouldoften travel to South Australia during the holidays. He grew up on theirfamily farm just outside Adelaide. You would think that flying down to SouthAustralia is more convenient. But no! He would drive down to Adelaide thento the family farm. This long drives to and from Adelaide from involvedcarefully managing time, costs for fuel, some food along the way and if youwant to break the journey, hotel accommodation too. In the trunk it would bewise to have some water just in case it is needed on the way.Having done this trip with one of my mates, the 12th hour trip was nothing likeI have ever done before. Once the bright light of the city is behind you, thebreathtaking open outback lies before your feet (the tyres of your car rather).There is ‘nothing’ there we usually say. However, from the car one can seethe resilient Australian shrub waving at us ‘see ya later’ as we drove by.

The Parish BulletinAcknowledgement of the land

We acknowledge the traditional ownersand custodians of this land, theWallumattagal clan, part of the Dharugpeople of the Eoira nation. We walkgently on the land, sharing it with themas we now work and live on it.

Parish DirectoryParish Administrator: Fr Emmanuel SeoEmail: emmanuel.seo@sydneycatholic.orgParish address &contact number:45 Maxim St, Meadowbank, NSW 2114Phone: 9809-3536Email:office@stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.auOffice hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00am-4:30pmSecretaries: Lou Temprosa (Tue-Wed) Marilyn Vallejo (Thu-Fri)Sacramental Coordinators:Marisa Squadrito & Liz Mulcaresacraments@stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.auBulletin Editor: Meynardo TalisayonParish Bulletin email address:meynardo@laposte.netPlease submit requests for publication by12 noon Wednesday.Acolytes: Arthur LeeReaders & Special Ministers ofCommunion:Sue Metzmacher(Weekdays & Special Roster)Prescilla Luzon (Vigil Mass)Felicity Donnelly (Sundays Masses)Music MinistryCoordinators for 6pm Saturday Masses:1st Saturday - Richard Borges (FamilyMass)2nd Saturday - David Foong3rd Saturday - Prescilla Luzon4th Saturday - Aneela PereiraMusic Ministry - Sunday Masses:1st & 3rd SUN 8am - Marianne Goodyer2nd SUN 8am – Muntia Gouw2nd SUN 10 am – Peter & Jenchris1st & 5th SUN 10am – Mary Towers3rd SUN 10am – David Foong4th SUN 10am – Muntia GouwChildren’s Liturgy - Cindy FrancisOther Ministry LeadersUshers/Collectors - Michael WixtedAltar Society - Marie BennettLiturgy Committee - Sue MetzmacherFinance Committee - Stephen ToppleSt Vincent de Paul Society - Jim LemckeCatechists - Judith OrrockParish Safeguarding Support Officer -Lou TemprosaSt Michael’s Primary SchoolSchool Principal - Mr Brian Story53 Maxim St, Meadowbank, NSW 2114Phone: 9808 2658 Fax: 9807 2330Email:info@smpsmeadowbank.catholic.edu.au

Welcome to St Michael’s Church -Meadowbank! A warm welcome to all attendees &visitors to our church! May you find our parish communitya place where your faith life will be nourished and you willtake up the invitation to share your special gifts and talents.Your prayers, presence, talents & skills are most welcome.

St Michael’s Church - Meadowbank

Occasionally a ‘semi-trailer’ passed us by and we continued in the awe of thevast open land around us. Laughter, some prayers, music, potato chips etc.and conversation were often interrupted by the silence that the vast Austral-ian desert country draws out of you. For me, the vast open space of theOutback arrested my heart and the only response to this gaze of the desert wassilence.Lent is our journey that sets us on the road into the desert with Jesus our Lordand Teacher. It is along this road that we leave behind the comforts of the‘city of our wants and appetites.’ In journeying into the desert with Jesus andwith each other we can often at times be unsettled by what involves partici-pating well in this time of spiritual disciple. Lent is simply ‘the opportunityof charity’ which opens our hearts to pray a bit more, to detach from somepersonal comfort and to give to the welfare of the poor. But be not shocked,that at times during this ‘journey into the desert’ we will discover in ourhearts things that are rugged, dusty, ugly, hurtful. These are the very thingsthat we bring to Jesus during Lent and take that necessary stop from the buzzof daily routine to pray to him and receive from his merciful heart in theSacrament of Reconciliation, forgiveness, refreshment and peace.Let’s face it – We might think that Lent is not convenient probably becauseit takes us out of our comfort zones. On the contrary, Lent is a helpful timethat offers us poor sinners, the space to face ‘the desert of our need for God’.This we cannot drive around or fly over. It is the necessary road that we musttake and travel along in order to be with Jesus. What lies ahead is not just arefreshing drop of Penfolds Grange 2011 but rather the new wine of divinelove, joy and true happiness.As we embark on this journey into the desert within, I hope that we willdiscover there the animating presence of God who speaks to us in the silenceof our hearts. I pray also that Jesus will find you looking for him.Sincerely in Christ,Fr Epeli

Reflection Continued

Download/Sync Parish Calendar - view and download fromthe Parish Website. It is updated on a daily basis. If you use a google calendar, youcan easily add the calendar to your calendar by pressing the + button on thehomepage: www.stmichaelsmeadowbank.org.au

Silence in the church. Please maintain a respectful silence in the church atall times, knowing that Jesus is Really Present in the tabernacle. Also, let us bemindful that people are making their spiritual preparation and thanksgiving beforeand after Mass.No clapping after Mass. A reminder that clapping is the proper response toa performance rather than prayer. Please pray instead for whomever you wouldlike to thank. A word of encouragement may also be helpful.

St Michael's P & F Welcome BBQSt Michael’s School P&F will be hosting their traditional Welcome BBQfollowing the 5:30pm Vigil Mass this Saturday 29th February. The sausage sizzleis funded by the P & F and is complimentary. All parishioners and their familiesare warmly invited to attend. Drinks are available for purchase, raising funds forthe St Michael’s Night Patrol team.

Vol 10 Issue 14 29 Feb / 01 March 2020

Collections Update 23 February 2020Thank you for the generosity of all parishioners.1st Collection (assists clergy): $1,0302nd Collection (parish costs): $1,542DIRECT TRANSFER GIVINGPlease consider using a direct recurring automatic transfer forSunday offerings. It is a safe, secure process that each personcan easily setup via their own online banking to give to theparish on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.Parish First Collection Details: BSB: 062 784; AccountNumber: 04292002; Account Name: St Michael’s PastoralRevenueParish Second Collection Details: BSB: 062 784; AccountNumber: 04295003; Account Name: St Michael’s ChurchPlease use your envelope number (if you have one) as areference for the transaction.CREDIT CARD GIVINGPlease contact the Parish Office to setup giving via credit cards.

Visit Of The Relics Of St Thérèse Of Lisieuxand Her Parents

The National Pilgrimage of theRelics of Saints Thérèse, and herparents, Louis and Zélie, willvisit the Archdiocese of Sydneyin February and March. The schedule for our deanery is

as follows:NOTE: UPDATED ROUTE

Tue 17 March 2020• St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 582 Victoria Rd, Ryde9807 2966 office@rgcp.org.auArrival: 8:00 am Departure: 3:00 pm• St Kevin’s Catholic Church36 Hillview Rd, Eastwood 9874 2533parish@stkevinseastwood.org.auArrival: 4:00 pm - Departure: 6:00 pm• St Thérèse Catholic Church, 440 Blaxland Rd, Denistone 98092925 admin@sttherese.org.auArrival: 7:00 pm - Departure: 5:00 am Wed 18 March 202Please refer to the schedule for other churches in the bulletinboard - or go to: shorturl.at/fnFN9

St Michael's PlaygroupJoin us on Thursdays during school term time for a morning of freeplay, craft, song and story for you and your 0-5 year old! We meetin the Parish Hall between 9.15am- 11am. Everyone is welcome!Upcoming dates and themes:5 March- Blast off12 March- Dinosaurs19 March- Community Helpers (Visit by Gladesville Police)Bring a piece of fruit, hat, bottle of water and $2. Contact FamilyEducator Kirrily McDermott atkirrily.mcdermott@syd.catholic.edu.au for more information orcheck out the facebook page Family Faith and Wellbeing at StMichael's Primary School Meadowbank

PULPIT POINTS 01 March 2020• Eileen’s cause opens• Western civilisation scholarships commence• New VC sworn in• The doctor of miracles• Movie review: The Call of the Wild• Almsgiving: Not optional

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION – SALTTRAINING (Mandatory Training)

If you are a Minister, which includes Acolytes, ReadersCommunion Ministers, Wardens, Welcomers, Musicians, AVOperators, Catechist, Children’s Mass or a Volunteer or areconsidering volunteering you are required to complete thisParish Compliance. This includes• Obtain a Working with Children Check - this now includesReaders, Eucharistic Ministers, Wardens and anyone whovolunteers• Sign a Volunteers Form• Sign a Code of Conduct Form• Do an online Induction course on Safeguarding course (SALTTraining) or attend an Induction course at the Parish.Completing a Safeguarding course (Salt Training) online –please email office@stmichaelsatmeadowbank.org.au to set upan online account with the Archdiocese.To set up an account yourself see: shorturl.at/jAH45

World Day of Prayer FRIDAY, 6 MARCH at 11am - "Rise! Take your mat and walk!"This week Christians around the world will share in the WorldDay of Prayer service prepared by Christians in Zimbabwe.Come and learn about life for the people of that country as wepray for support of mothers and their children with a disability.Our service will be held here at St Michael's Church. Refresh-ments will be served after the service. (if you can bring a plate(sandwiches/slices) to share it would be welcome: please con-tact Marie Bennett on 0447 830 551).

Roster: 7 / 8 March 2020

The Parish Bulletin St Michael’s Church - Meadowbank

Prayer to St Michael theArchangel. Saint Michael the Archangel,defend us in the day of battle. Be oursafeguard against the wickedness and snaresof the devil. May God rebuke him, wehumbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of theheavenly host, by the power of God, cast

into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander throughthe world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Liturgy for this week (2 - 8 March 2020)

Time Acolyte ReadersExtraordinaryMinisters of HolyCommunion

5:30PMVigil Jim Lemcke

Aneela PereiraGlen Pereira

Brian MaherCarol Maher

8:00AM Meynardo Talisayon Jo-anne PetersAgnes Aldana N/A

10:00AM Joel Tabuso Leony HamorNelyn Gasataya

Devonna GonsalvesJoan D'souza

Weekday Services this week:9:15am - Monday: Communion Service9.15am - Weekday Mass: Tuesday to SaturdayWeekend Masses:5:30pm - Saturday Vigil Mass (AEST)8:00am & 10:00am - Sunday Masses(10am with Children’s Liturgy during School Term)

St Michael’s Church,Meadowbank Please follow us online

Consider becoming a Catechist Ring Judith Orrock on98742825 if you are interested. You will be trained in conducting aclass, what to teach and provided all teaching materials to make you asuccessful catechist.

Piety Stall is open on the 1st & 3rd weekends of the month. We willbe open again on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th March. EASTER CARDSwill be on sale then.

Church Cleaning, Altar Linen & Flowers We have a greatteam of helpers who arrange flowers, clean and vacuum the church on aweekly basis. We always need more help. Contact Marie Bennett on 0447830 551 to volunteer. Flowers cost about $100 per week. Please considerdonating to the Altar Society. Donation boxes are at the church doors orcan be made through the Parish Office.

Parish Weekly Mass OfferingsTuesday 3rd March 9:15am

Mass of Remembrance for Isabelita TemprosaWednesday 4th March 9:15am

Family Harmony & Well for New Year ofYayu Lin’s

Thursday 5th March 9:15amMass of Remembrance for Domingo Ponce

Friday 6th March 9:15amMass of Remembrance for Neville Gittany

Saturday 7th March 9:15amThanksgiving & Blessings for Tan Family

Kindergarten 2021 EnrolmentsEnrolment applications for next year's Kindergarten arenow being accepted. To obtain an application please callthe school (9808 2658) or download the application formfrom the school website:https://sites.google.com/a/syd.catholic.edu.au/stmmeadowbank/. Kindergarten enrolment interviews are nowbeing booked for April and May. There are also limitedvacancies in some of the other grades.

Important AnnouncementBlood of Christ will no longer begiven during communion due to

corona virus.

St Michael's Catholic Primary School OpenDay The school Open Day is being held this Wednesday,March 4, with sessions from 9:30am - 11:00 am and from5:30pm - 7:00pm. Each session will commence with a tourof the school led by our student leaders followed by apresentation by the Principal, Brian Story, on what theschool offers. If interested in attending please call theschool office (9808 2658) to book a school tour.

Sacraments:Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:45pm-5:15pm (AEST)Devotions:Prayer for Priests: Every 1st Saturday at 8:45amFirst Friday Sacred Heart Devotion: 1st Friday Mass at 7pmMorning Prayer: Every Sunday at 7:35amRosary: 8:50am on weekdays before the Mass (except Friday)Holy Hour and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:(with Reconciliation and Benediction)8:15am-9:15am every Friday & SaturdayDivine Mercy Novena & Chaplet - Wednesdays after AM Mass

Church Cleaners Roster for March Leeyah del Rosario,Gemma Martin, Constance Leung & Reny NgLINEN: Joan D’Souza Vacuum: John Abood

Lenten Stations of the Crosswill occur every Friday during Lentat 7pm.

Understanding Change, Loss and Grief Monday 16 March, 6.30 - 8pm Level 5, Polding Centre 133 Liverpool St, Sydney RSVP to Leonied@catholiccemeteries.com.au or for more information please contact Leonie Duck on 0412 497843.