July 12 & 13, 2014 - FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year A Issue Number 596

N ext Saturday night Bishop Anthony Fisher will celebrate the Vigil Mass at 6.00pm. The Bishop will bless our restored parish church and he is here

to celebrate Father Eugene’s 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the priesthood. It is always a great event when the Bishop comes to a parish. Bishop Anthony has been once before to St Bernadette’s to celebrate the Sunday night Lifeteen Mass. This time he comes with a two-fold purpose, to bless the restored and refurbished church and to mark a truly significant occasion for our parish, namely fifty years of service to God and God’s people by one of our priests, Father Eugene Szondi. I think this is really worth celebrating. We will celebrate with a supper and a cutting-of-the-cake ceremony following the Mass. Is it possible you could help with the celebration by bringing a plate (preferably with something on it)? This will also be an opportunity for you to meet Bishop Anthony. He is more than willing to be photographed with you. Our church was blessed and opened by Archbishop James Freeman on December 17, 1972. There was a make-over in the late 70s and this led to its consecration on Sunday December 14, 1997 when Bishop Kevin Manning came to solemnly dedicate St Bernadette’s church. Next Saturday night the Bishop will bless the restored church following the events of August 13 last year when part of the ceiling collapsed. Parishioners will recall their reactions to the events of August 13 when, around 1.13pm part of the ceiling in the church collapsed. Within hours our people worked to set up a temporary worship space in the hall which became a crypt. I

will always be grateful that there was no loss of life in that unexpected event. A security video shows a woman with a six-week-old baby in the church at the time. The school children had been in the church the day before and the teachers noticed that the wind was making the church roof almost roar. We are lucky that the ceiling failure did not occur during Sunday Mass. Perhaps the most joyful part of next Saturday evening will be a celebration to mark fifty years of Father Eugene’s priesthood. Father Eugene was ordained on July 18, 1964 so his Ordination Anniversary is this Friday.

This is the day following his 73rd Birthday, so we can combine two important celebrations on Saturday night, his Birthday on Thursday and his Ordination Anniversary on Friday. Father Eugene was born in Budapest, Hungary on 17 July, 1941. He and his sister, along

with his mother and father left Hungary as refugees in January 1945. After 3 years in Austria and Germany they arrived in Paris and, after fourteen months there, migrated to Australia, arriving in Sydney in September, 1949. Father’s school education was a year in Germany, three months in Paris, and when he arrived in Sydney, at the Daughters of Charity in East Sydney before beginning high school at Marist Brothers, Darlinghurst. He completed his Leaving Certificate in 1957. At the beginning of 1958, Father Eugene entered St Columba’s College, Springwood, where he began the study of Philosophy for three years. He began his theological studies at St Patrick’s College, Manly in 1961. He was ordained in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney on July

CELEBRATIONS AT ST BERNADETTE’S NEXT SATURDAY NIGHT

The Massabielle The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s

Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW

Father Eugene Szondi

18 (this Friday) in 1964. Following his ordination to the priesthood on July 18, 1964 Father Eugene was appointed to St Felix’s, Bankstown. From there his appointments followed to Auburn, Carlingford, Lurnea, Sutherland, South Baulkham Hills, Liverpool and Richmond. He was the Parish Priest of St Monica’s, Richmond when the Archdiocese was split into three and Father Eugene decided to stay in the newly-formed Diocese of Parramatta in 1986. Appointments then followed to South Blacktown, the cathedral at Parramatta and on February 13, 2002 he was appointed to St Bernadette’s, Castle Hill, where he has been ministering for the last twelve years, his longest appointment. Father Eugene’s special interests are in the study of the Bible, in History, especially Church History, and on a different level, tennis. He also likes a good movie or book occasionally. I am hoping that you can join in the celebrations next Saturday night at the 6.00pm

Vigil Mass.

Bishop Anthony Fisher

The leader of the Catholic Church here in

Western Sydney is Bishop Anthony Fisher who was appointed Bishop of Parramatta by Pope Benedict XVI early in 2010.

Bishop Anthony was largely responsible for the success of World Youth Day here in Sydney in 2008. He had been the Parish Priest of Watsons

Bay in Sydney Archdiocese before coming to us as Bishop of Parramatta. We are excited that he is joining us here next

Saturday evening and he will join us for the supper in the hall after the Mass. This is an opportunity for you to meet him.

Father John

Today’s Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11. God’s word succeeds in what it was sent to do.

Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23. The whole of creation hopes to enjoy the same freedom and glory as the children of God.

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23. The one who hears God’s word and understands it is the one who yields a great harvest.

Next Week: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A Wisdom 12:13,16-19; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43

Feast Day this Week

Tuesday 15 July - St Bonaventure

HOLY HOUR this Thursday from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, prayers, hymns and scripture reading. All welcome.

RETIREMENT VILLAGES SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Warrina - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Tuesday 15 July at 4pm in the chapel.

Nuffield & Hopetoun - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Wednesday 16 July at 4pm in the chapel at Farrer Brown Court.

Nordby - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Thursday 17 July at 4pm.

Wirreanda - Communion Service & Anointing of the Sick on Thursday 17 July at 11am.

Brian King Gardens - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Friday 18 July at 2pm.

Flinders - Communion Service & Anointing of the Sick on Saturday 19 July at 10am in Donnington Court.

REPARATION PRAYER GROUP meets Tuesdays in the Parish Office Basement from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Rosary and a cuppa. All welcome. THE ALPHA COURSE is happening now. For information check out the St Bernadette's website or phone Tony Muscat on 0499 771 394.

LITURGY CORNER

Jesus was a great story teller and he frequently told parables as a means of telling a simple story with a

profound meaning. He uses the image of the seed

(Matt 13:1-9 is the gospel for this Sunday) to help his followers understand something about the Word

of God. First, it is alive and active and capable of growth and productivity. Second, it requires us to be

open to receive it and we must not allow it to be

crowded out of our lives by other concerns or stolen away by those indifferent or hostile to Christ. Finally,

we must cultivate the soil of our lives so that the seed can take root and bear rich fruits. The Summit

WE NEED MORE CATECHISTS

Catechists will be handing out brochures after all Masses today and will be available in the Marian Centre to answer your questions about this vital ministry.

Into LIFE Friday for years 7-8: Family BBQ. We

want to meet the whole family. Bring your parents and siblings and we'll have a good ole Aussie BBQ (cricket

included). Don't forget your $2 donation!

Life NIGHT tonight for years 9-12: We follow in their footsteps. Come with us on a journey this term as

we learn about the biggest names in Catholicism. It’s

going to be an awesome term.

Young Adults: Didn't expect a change here did you? Love hanging out with cool people? Love Sport? Then

we have the thing for you. Soccer at Castlewood reserve on Monday 21st July at 5! Be there! Contact

our young adults group on

stbernadettesyag@gmail.com to find out more.

More information? Please contact James Hay on

0403 933 732 or ym@stbernadette.org.au. HOLY LAND & ITALY PILGRIMAGE: Journey with Father John Watkins from 28th August to 15th September 2014 - US $6899 p.p. For enquiries, please contact: Bernadette Tecson, 9622 7799 or bernadettet@breakawaytravel.com.au, Fely Watkins felicidadwatkins@yahoo.com.au or 0481 373 579. Details: www.margarettetours.com.

UNDERSTANDING FAMILY LAW: Each year CCSS Solo Parent Ministry offers a Seminar to assist those who have to deal with the Family Law System following separation or divorce. Amongst other topics the Seminar will cover information on how the Family Law Act applies to issues related to living arrangements for children and property settlements post-separation and divorce. Guest Speaker: Beth Jarman (Lawyer – Accredited Specialist Family Law). CCSS Centre, 51-58 Allawah St, Blacktown. Date: Tuesday 22nd July, 7.30-9.30pm Cost: $5.00. Bookings Essential: soloparentministry@ccss.org.au or Ph. 9933 0205.

ST BERNADETTE’S SOCCER CLUB MASS: All families involved in the St Bernadette’s Soccer (Football) Club are invited to gather with the community at the 9am Mass on Sunday 27th July to celebrate and give thanks for the 2014 Soccer Season. Children are invited to wear their St Bernadette ’s soccer jersey. Father JJ will invite all the players to gather at the end of Mass for a special blessing.

THE CHAT & CRAFT GROUP meets in the Marian Centre on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month with the next meeting this Friday, 11th July from 10am. You are welcome to join them for an enjoyable few hours of conversation and craft. For information phone Ellen on 9634 7276

OLMC INFORMATION EVENING on Wednesday, July 23 in the Edith Angel Hall at the school. Contact the College Registrar on registrar@olmc.nsw.edu.au or phone 8838 1222.

Youth & Young Adults Ministry

Leading Teens Closer To Christ

Leading Teens Closer To Christ

MISSION APPEAL NEXT WEEKEND

Next weekend our parish will be holding the annual Catholic Mission Church Appeal. This year we are invited to support the Church’s inspirational work to heal the broken-hearted in Rwanda following the horrific genocide. Please come prepared to give generously.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROGRAMME 2014: Parish families who wish for their child to commence preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation need to attend one of our Information Evenings held this Monday 14 or Tuesday 15 July. Both these evenings will commence at 7.30pm in the church. Children need to be in at least Year 6 and have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist (Holy Communion). For more information contact Alice Bradshaw on 9634 2622 (Mon/Tue) or sacraments@stbernadette.org.au.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS AVAILABLE from the Parish Office. Sydney and Sydney North come together in one big book for the price of just $70 and Greater West books are still priced at $65. This year digital membership is also available and can be ordered online. Phone the parish office for the link. Books are available at the Bookshop after Mass.

BOOKSHOP HELPERS NEEDED: Our Parish Bookshop is once again open for business but we need more people to help, particularly at the Vigil, 7.30am and 6.00pm Sunday Masses. It involves giving just 20 minutes of your time once every 4 to 6 weeks to sell our beautiful religious goods, books and missals. If you would like more information please ring Christine Jenneke on 0433 183 322.

VOCATION DISCERNMENT AFTERNOON: 27 July All young men who feel God might be calling them to the priesthood are invited to the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta’s Vocation Discernment Afternoon starting at 2pm and concluding with pizza at 6pm at Holy Spirit Seminary, 31-33 Allen Street, Harris Park. For information contact Fr Warren Edwards – Vocations Director: vocations@parra.catholic.org.au 0409172700 or www.parra.catholic.org.au/vocations.

CRAFT STALL COMING SOON: The Chat and Craft Group will have a sale of Craft Goods after the Vigil, 7.30, 9.00 and 10.30am Masses on the weekend of 26 & 27 July. All profits will aid the St Vincent de Paul Society.

A MESSAGE FROM FR EUGENE

Dear Parishioners, I would very much welcome it if you were able to come to the 50th Ordination anniversary celebrations of my Priesthood but please don’t give presents. At this stage of life I am trying to ‘down-size’.

Have you considered leaving a gift to the parish in your will? If you would like further information please phone 9634 2622 for a confidential discussion.

THE BISHOP VISITS ST BERNADETTE’S

Bishop Anthony Fisher is coming to the parish next Saturday, 19th July to honour Father Eugene Szondi’s 50th Anniversary of Ordination and to bless the restored church. The Bishop will celebrate the Vigil Mass that night. There will be a celebration in the hall following the Mass. All parishioners are warmly invited. If you can help with catering by bringing a plate of finger food to share it would be greatly appreciated.

St Bernadette’s Parish Community

Parish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154

Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: admin@stbernadette.org.au

Web page: http://www.stbernadette.org.au

Parish Staff Mass Times for this Week Fr John Boyle, Parish Priest Sunday Sat 6.00pm Fr Eugene Szondi, Assistant Priest Sun 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am & Fr John Watkins, Assistant Priest 6pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth Mass Sr Judy McLeod, rsm, Pastoral Associate Weekdays Mon 6.45am Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator Tue 6.45am Mr James Hay, Youth Minister Wed 6.45am, 9.15am Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager Thurs 6.45am, 9.15am

Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu) Fri 6.45am, 9.15 am Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance Sat 8.00 am

Reconciliation Sat 8.30am - 9.00am, 4.30pm - 5.30pm Mass on Public Holidays at 8.00am

Baptisms and Marriages: By appointment only. Contact the Parish Office. Please note the Church law: Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. [Can. 867 §1]

St Bernadette’s Parish School: Mrs Leanne Nettleton (Principal) 9634 2898

Acting Parish Council Administrator: Peter Grace 9659 5350

Sacramental Programme 2015 Information Nights - 13th & 14th October, 2014

Please pray for Oswald Darmenia, Nathan Jeffery, Jack Padwick, Genia Olszewska and Celia Estacio who have died recently and for the anniversaries of Neville Jack and Katarina Antic.

Prayers for the Sick: Bethany McMahon, John Mulholland, Robert Ison, Elaine Rowe, Michael Lopez, Sandra Watson, Robert Teoh, Sophie Maher, Dorothy Barbour, Sr Bridie O’Connell and Marianne Hearn.

ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 18 & 19 July, 2014

ACOLYTES/ SERVERS LECTORS MINISTERS OF COMMUNION

VIGIL Zeno Hong, Vince Connelly

S11

Patricia Williams John Geoghegan Kathrin Nathan

Bernadette Schweda, Cynthia & Charles D’Emanuele, Alf Jacobs, Raymond Raad, Julie-Anne Navybox,

Raphael, Don & Remie De Leon

7.30AM Budi Kawiadji, Roque Dias

S1

Catherine Seddon Paul Hennessey Sue Pinkerton

Vince Connelly, Annemarie & Daryl Hill, Jennifer Wakeling, Matthew Troy, Fran Mulcahy

9.00AM Edy Kesuma Dennis Frketic

S2

Sharon/Edwin Rogers Aida Pereira

Hubert Jenneke

Rudy Suwandy, Howard Woodward, Chris Clancy, Marcia Bosen, Shane Robinson, Rosalind Yeo,

Elizabeth Vasta, Angela Stenglin, Patricia Williams

10.30AM John Maker, Joseph Frketic

S3

Michael Abrahams Kerry Myers

Anthea Hannan

Sneha Sawtell, Campion, Rani & Cherani Fernando, Kerry Myers, Elena Neira, Joyce & Bernard Wrightson,

Rosary Roco

6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 19 July

Adult Server Cassie Holden

Ministers of Communion

Musos

Lectors Janina Cejka

Mystique Nelis Patricia Wibisono

Altar Servers S4

Projectionists Josh Becker

Welcomers Ben Mules

Gift Preparation Amy O’Connell Veronica Ward

Ushers Paul Musgrave

Phillip Smith

Johan Nelis Tony Muscat

Stef Musgrave Jeremy Smith

Martin Collins Matt Ashton

Piano Dominic Jones

Guitar

Martin Abeleda

Bass Erich Gracias Flor

Drums Justin Abeleda

Horns

Singers Cassie Knezevic Jacqui Holden Natalie Jones

Nicholas Holden Jamison Bonifacio

Darian Jessup-Lonsdale

Kristen Mathias

Lauren Fernandez

CHILDREN’S LITURGY Madeleine Hoang Nguyen

Pauline Andrew

FLOWER ROSTER Sandra Fernando

CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING Maria Mochnik, Kathy Habek

Adelina & Ronald Tabila

COUNTING (1st Collection) Howard & Marie Woodward

COUNTING (2nd Collection) Campion Fernando, John McDermott, Barrie Waters,

Audrey & Sarah Markowskei, Emelie De Leon

BOOKSHOP Paula Boyd / Rose Huby / Karen Askey /

Josie & Seng Yeoh / Giuli & Serge Dogulin