Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C Cyle l 24 February 2019

The Challenge for True Discipleship of Christ

A s Christians, we are expected to treat others well or avoid hurting them. We respect and do good to others.

It seems easy enough from our perspective. But what if we are the “beneficiaries” of evil deeds by others or

are the object of their persecution and violence?

It is rather “easy” to be Christian until violence or evil is done to us. The Gospel, however, challenges us at the

very root of our understanding of what it means to be Jesus’ followers. Jesus commands, “Love your enemies, do

good to those who hate you.” We are to lend without expecting payment; if struck on the cheek, we are to offer

the other.

Why are we not permitted to hate those who hate us, expect payment from those who have borrowed from us,

and retaliate when harm is done to us? Because the Father is like that, Jesus says. God is good to everyone, good

and bad alike. God is merciful to all, kind and merciless alike. We are to act against our natural wishes and

imitate our divine and loving Father in heaven.

Jesus says that if we love only those who love us, lend only to those who can repay us, or take revenge on those

who hurt us, we are no better than unbelievers who do the same. Jesus expects us to act differently or in accord

with who we are: children of God who are loved despite our unfaithfulness and wrongdoing. We Christians are

to live as children of light.

This is the heart of Christianity: to love even when we are hated, as Jesus has shown us. Admittedly this is very

difficult for most of us, especially when we are wronged gravely and we have done nothing to cause it. But as

our hearts are conformed more and more to Christ’s, this way of behaving will no longer be impossible. And so

we beg for this grace to be conformed to the heart of Jesus.

Do we have enemies whom we find very hard to forgive? Are our hearts open to receive God’s grace so we can

eventually forgive and love them?

365 Days with the Lord Renato R Repole SJ

St Vincent de Paul Members Appeal

T his weekend, we welcome Mr Peter Bonwick, Acting Group Manager in our State Support Office in

Lewisham. Peter will say a few words about our work in this Parish, and our need for new members to

ensure that work will continue.

Our Conference meets every second Thursday at 2.30pm in the Brennan Room behind the Church, generally for

45 minutes to 1 hour.

Could you please consider helping in this vital ministry to those in need in our Parish area?

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St Vinnies

Bible Café Join us for

Letter & Spirit with Dr Scott Hahn Wednesdays

10:30-11:30am and 7-8pm in the

Muldoon Room. I f you were looking for a good reason to become a Catechist try some of these:

10. The best way to learn is to teach. If your own faith education ended years ago,

the resources and materials you are exposed to as a catechist will surely refresh and

expand your own knowledge.

9. Catechists tell the truth. The world needs the message of the Gospel and the way to

true happiness; as a catechist, you offer a hungry world that sustenance.

8. Sharing the faith is an honour. It's estimated that fewer than 1 percent of Catholics

are catechists.

7. Your own faith will come alive. As a catechist, you will discover that prayer, liturgy

and your own relationship with God will become more vibrant and meaningful.

6. You become an active part of the most active part of your parish.

When you join the catechists in your parish, you enter into a community that will

support you on your faith journey, pray for and with you and encourage you in your

Catholic way of life.

5. A catechist is a role model. As a catechist, you get to model behaviours young

people might not learn anywhere else.

4. You will be practicing stewardship. Being a catechist is a way of being a good

steward by giving a bit of your most precious resource - your time.

3. You show your own family that you value religious education. Taking time out of

your life to teach the faith shows your own children, grandchildren, siblings and

family members that you put a high priority on religious education.

2. It's fun. Kids remind adults to live and laugh in the moment and get enthused about

things like holy days and stories of saints.

1. It's what we are called to do. At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus said: "Go,

therefore, and make disciples of all nations."

Our Catechists and Helpers will be commissioned to go into their schools next week-

end at the Sunday Masses. If you are interested in this wonderful ministry please give

us a call at the parish office on 4332 2216 for further information.

Gift Centre Volunteers

Needed Are you able to

volunteer monthly on a Sunday

morning for half hour after 8am & 9:30am Masses?

Please contact the office on 4332 2216.

Parish Pastoral Council Minutes

O ur Parish Pastoral Council met this week for their first meeting of the year.

Reports mentioned the upcoming final Parish Plenary Council Session to be held

next Friday 1 March in the Parish Centre; the Reconciliation Programme commencing

7 March, run by Br John with the assistance of 6 OLR Teachers and 7 parish volunteers;

and the beginning of a new school year with 480 students attending OLR School.

Members then discussed nominations for new members for the Parish Pastoral

Council; the sale of new 100 Club tickets after Easter; a Parish BBQ to be held on

14 April with an Easter Raffle; a retreat for Council members prior to the new elections;

St Vincent de Paul appealing for members this weekend and the Catechists being

commissioned to go into our State Schools the following weekend.

Thank you to our Council members for your dedication over the past years.

Top 10 Reasons for Becoming a Catechist

T he St Vincent de Paul Society aspires to be a caring Catholic charity offering “a

hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our

hope, and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny. Our volunteers, work

hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia.

The Ladies Craft and Friendship Groups are combining to meet on Monday

25 February in the Muldoon Room at

10am after 9am Mass. Come along for a

chat, cuppa and craft. All welcome!

Car Park Warning

The car park gates close after Mass and Baptisms on

Sundays. Be aware if locked in -the carpark reopens next morning.

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Final Plenary Council Parish Session

Please Note

Can you Handprint Legibly?

Can you give us an hour a week for a few weeks? Our Sacramental Registers now need

to be written up by hand. A few people who can print legibly would enable us to

update our registers that have been computer printed. As computer prints can be

changed, we are now required to update these by hand to protect their legitimacy.

With a few people this can be completed over a few weeks. Times at your convenience.

Please call the office on 4332 2216.

OLR Kids Club

Join us for lots of fun, activities, games and interaction! We meet on the third Saturday

of the month (16 March is next) from 4-6pm, in the Muldoon Room. It is for children

aged 5-12 years, younger children are welcome but a parent/carer must remain present.

All parents and carers are welcome to stay. Afternoon tea is provided. Then come

along to the 6pm Vigil Mass with the Children’s Choir. Enquiries to 4332 2216.

Mt St Benedict Centre Lenten Reflection Day

You are invited to our last ever Lenten Reflection day prior to the closure of the Centre

at 449D Pennant Hills Road Pennant Hills. Saturday 9 March 10-3pm with Sr Catherine

McCahill sgs and Sr Patty Fawkner sgs. Cost $30 includes morning tea. BYO lunch.

Bookings by Monday 4 March to mtstbenedict@goodsams.org.au or 8752 5390.

Choir Members Needed!

Singers and musicians from across the Diocese are warmly invited to lead the

congregation in prayerful song at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral 23 Yardley

Avenue Waitara for the following diocesan events: Rite of Election Sunday 10 March.

Rehearsal in the Cathedral from 12:45pm for 2pm start. Chrism Mass Tuesday 16 April.

Rehearsal from 6pm for 7:30pm start. RSVP to cathedral@bbcatholic.org.au

The Light is ON for You!

L ent begins on Wednesday 6 March, and is the season of the Church’s year where

we look to renew our relationship with God. To help us do this, during Lent our

Church will once again take part in “The Light is On,” an initiative where churches

throughout the Diocese will be open on Friday evenings, 8, 15, 22, 29 March and 5, 12

April from 7pm-8pm. A warm invitation is extended to everyone to drop in and visit

for some quiet time, prayer, and a space to take time out to reflect on faith and life.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be offered for the hour. Take time to

experience God’s light and peace in your life this Lent. The light is on for you. You are

very welcome! Please take some invitation cards from the information tables and invite

others also. For more information please visit www.thelightisonforyou.org.au

D on’t forget that the Listening and Dialogue session of the Plenary Council 2020

ends on Ash Wednesday 6 March. It would be great to see many of the OLR

Parish at the last general parish session for one last push to the end, next Friday 1

March 3-5pm in the parish centre.

It is ok to attend more than one of these sessions. It is ok to raise many questions or

concerns that are important to you. This is another chance to raise concerns, questions

and start dialogues for the future of the Church in Australia and it is a chance given

like never before.

God Bless

Carole Cogdon

Bible Study

Join Fr Kevin for a short Bible Study of the next Sunday’s

Gospel. Tuesdays in the Muldoon Room

after 9am Mass. All welcome!

We would like to thank all those who

assisted with the Parish Morning Tea:

Catechists and Helpers, it was

lovely. Thank you for all your hospitality!

Adoration

Adoration of the

Blessed Sacrament is

held on each first

Saturday (2 March)

in the Prayer Room,

following 9am Mass

and continuing

through the day

to Benediction

at 5:30pm.

Anointing

of the Sick will be celebrated

next Friday 1 March

during 11:45am

Mass for those over

65 or with serious

or long-term illness..

Serving the Catholic Community of The Entrance and extending the Kingdom of God

PARISH PRIEST & DEAN Fr Bill Stevens

SACRAMENTAL COORDINATOR Br John Verhoeven FSP

Office Hours Monday-Friday 9.30-5.00pm Tel 4332 2216 Fax 4333 5344

Postal Address PO Box 189 THE ENTRANCE 2261 Street Address 239-243 The Entrance Rd THE ENTRANCE 2261

Email info@ourladyoftherosary.org.au Website www.ourladyoftherosary.org.au

PROPERTY MANAGER Michael de la Motte Tel 4334 7600 (BH)

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY PRIMARY SCHOOL Tel 4332 5594

ST PETER’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE Tel 4351 2344 Fax 4351 2965

THE ENTRANCE PARISH DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY

Mass & Devotions in Ordinary Time Sunday Masses Saturday Vigil 6:00pm Sunday 8:00am & 9:30am

Weekday Masses Monday - Thursday 9:00am Friday 11:45am Saturday 9:00am

Reconciliations Saturdays 9:30-10am & 5-5:30pm

Liturgy of the Hours Saturday 8:40am Rosary Monday-Thursday 8:35am Friday 11:20am Saturday 9:30am

Cenacle Wednesday 9:30am Christian Meditation Group Friday 10:30am-11:30am Muldoon Room. Come & join us!

Our Lady of the Rosary

GIFT CENTRE

For all your devotional needs...

Welcome everyone to our Gift Centre. We have lots of lovely gift ideas and goods to aid your prayer life and devotions, as well as gifts for the Sacraments, including Baptisms, Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Weddings and Confirmations. Come in for a browse.

Opening Hours:

Sunday 9am-9:30am & 10:30-11am Tuesday & Friday 9:30am-1:30pm

Phone/Fax 4332 5997

Keep Us In Your Prayers There is no gift more precious than prayer - Fr Benedict Groeschel

Recently Deceased: Fr Graeme King, Chit Roberts, Maree Manohar, Fr Adrian Meaney, Edward Albee, Kevin Cassidy, Rosie Attard, Bill Steed, Laurie Anderson.

Funerals: The funeral of Edward Albee was held during the week. Please pray for Edward and his family.

Anniversaries: Isabelle Woodlands, Kathleen Hack, Bruce Hore, Alice Minogue.

Remembrances: Bruce Parry, Vincent & Dorothy Cribb, Noelene Corrigan, Maurice Cramsie, Maisie Gormley, Kathy Lowe-Scafidi, Bob Garnsey and all the Holy Souls.

Families: Bouchet, Cole, Attard.

Sick: Janette Nolan-Cronin, Raymond & Tim Baker, Ted Lintott, Pat Wade, Santos Munoz, Margaret Mack, Colleen Dunn, Genevieve Shedden, Maria De Sousa, Patricia Muscat, Lisa Hennessey, Patty O’Leary, Ann Minogue, Antoinette Grech, Peter Connolly, Linda Read, Kelly Will and all those with cancer and long-term illnesses.

7th Sunday of Ordinary Time Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12 Entrance Antiphon: O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me.

Responsorial Psalm: Lord, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, Alleluia! The Lord sent me to bring Good News to the poor and freedom to prisoners. Alleluia!

Communion Antiphon: I will recount all your wonders, I will rejoice in you and be glad, and sing psalms to your name, O most High.

Pearly

Gates