Dear Parishioners,

Christmas is fast approaching. I hope you can remain calm and peaceful as we prepare for Christmas. Remember to “ Keep Christ in Christmas”. I pray you and your family will have an enjoyable and holy Christmas.

We have lots of people attending Mass at Christmas. This is a good opportunity to be welcoming to those who don't come so often. Please say hello and make the person sitting beside you feel welcome in Church at Christmas - it could encourage them to come more often.

We are still looking for some Ministers for the different Christmas Masses (especially Midnight Mass). The “sign-on sheets” are available on the back table of the Church.

The Pope has begun the “Year of Mercy”. You will notice in our newsletters, there is a prayer for the “Year of Mercy” and a few words from the Pope's document on the ”Year of Mercy”.

Our Deanery will have a pilgrimage through the different Parishes of our Deanery on the Thursday nights of Lent next year. The pilgrimage is called Faith 16 and speakers including Archbishop Coleridge have been organised for each Thursday evening of Lent to talk on Mercy in our daily lives.

Our architects are drawing the detailed plans now for the extension and refurbishment of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. We will be putting the project out to tender in February. We have already raised $77,269 over the last 5 weeks and we have received promises of another $50,500 to contribute to the costs of the project. There are some substantial costs involved in the project including $133,000 for demolition and asbestos removal, $148,000 for plumbing and electrical works, $58,000 for 4 new toilets and $300,000 for the air-conditioning, insisted on by the Brisbane City Council. I am very grateful for all the financial assistance we receive particularly each week in our Sunday collections. Possibly this time next year our Church reconstruction could almost be finished. We live in exciting times!

Happy Christmas to everyone from our Priests and Parish staff. Fr Dan

Monday 21st December

8.15 am Morning Prayer S/bank 8.30 am Mass - Sunnybank Tuesday 22nd December 8.15 am Morning Prayer S/bank 8.30 am Mass - Sunnybank 7.00 pm Silent Adoration S/

Bank Wednesday 23rd December

8.15 am Morning Prayer -S/bank 8.30 am Mass - Sunnybank 9.00 am Rosary - Sunnybank Thursday 24th December 8.45 am Morning Prayer -S/bank 9:00 am Mass - Sunnybank 9.00 am Mass - Acacia Ridge

See Christmas Eve Mass

Times Front Page Friday 25th December The Nativity of the Lord

See Christmas Mass Times Front Page

Saturday 26th December St Stephen

8.30am Mass - Acacia Ridge 11.00am Reconciliation - S/bank 5.00 pm Reconciliation - S/bank 6.00 pm Mass - Sunnybank 6.00 pm Mass - Acacia Ridge Sunday 27th December

6.30 am Mass - Sunnybank 8.00 am Mass - Sunnybank 9.00 am Mass - Acacia Ridge 9.15 am Mass - Sunnybank 10.30am Mass - Sunnybank 11.30am Mass - (Spanish)A/Ridge 6.00 pm Mass - S/bank Youth

This week’s diary

Priests

Fr Dan Ryan (Parish Priest: Sunnybank) Fr Terence Nueva (Parish Priest: Acacia Ridge - 3277 2252 Email: grinkoop@live.com) Fr Ladu Yanga (Associate Pastor) Fr Dominic Orih (Associate Pastor)

Parish Office (adjacent to OLOL Church, Sunnybank)

Monday to Thursday, 8.30 am - 4.00 pm; Friday 9.00am - 4pm. Ph: 3345 3766 Fax: 3344 3343, Mass Times: 3345 1831

Post: PO Box 32, Sunnybank, QLD 4109.

Web: www.olol.com.au Email: sunnybank@bne.catholic.net.au

Deanery website: http://www.parishes.bne.catholic.net.au/south/

Fourth Sunday of Advent - 20th December

Next Sunday - Holy Family: Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; John 3: 1-2, 21-24; Luke 2: 41-52

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Sunnybank & Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Acacia Ridge

Acacia Ridge, Algester, Archerfield, Calamvale, Coopers Plains, Kuraby, Macgregor, Parkinson, Robertson, Runcorn, Stretton, Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 121 Mains Road, Sunnybank Our Lady of Fatima Church, 350 Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge

Please note that Reconciliation at Our Lady of Lourdes Church will

continue only while there are

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Sunnybank Acacia Ridge

Christmas Eve - 4.00 pm (Children’s Mass) 6.00 pm (Children’s Mass) 8.00 pm (Youth Mass) 10.00 pm 12.00 midnight

Christmas Day - 6.30 am 8.00 am 9.30 am

Christmas Eve - 2.30 pm (Spanish) 7.00 pm (English) 11.00 pm (English) Christmas Day - 9.00 am (English) 11.30 am (Spanish)

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Year C

Introduction:

Today’s readings point us to the coming of the Lord at Christmas through a reminder of God’s partiality for the ‘little’ ones of our world - in people and places - as the focus of his presence and action.

First Reading: Micah 5: 2-5

From the least of the clans of Judah will be born the ruler of Israel.

Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5-10

Jesus is the one whose perfect self-giving response is embodied in his desire to do his Father’s will.

Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45

Elizabeth’s moment of recognition: she is honoured with the visit of her cousin Mary who believed in the Lord’s promise to her.

MEN’S JOURNALING GROUP

We meet every second Wednesday night, 8.00pm. We catch up to see how everyone’s been going since last meeting, pray, break open the Word then have a cuppa and go on our way till next time. For more information please contact Louis Lamuri Lamuri@yahoo.com.au or myself Cameron Carroll cameron.carroll@health.qld.gov.au

A VOCATION VIEW:

Can you honestly pray: "I have come to do your will, O God"? Blessed are they who trust that the Lord’s words to you would be fulfilled.

MOOROOKA SALISBURY CATHOLIC PARISH

PARISH SECRETARY (Part-Time - 20 hours per week)

Specific responsibilities include the day-to-day running of the parish office including reception, general office responsibilities, banking, database entry, document preparation, photocopying & filing.

Knowledge of Business Activity Statement (BAS) reporting and accounting software packages preferably MYOB or Quickbooks (desirable)

To apply for this position, please email your current resume and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the position to hroffice@bne.catholic.net.au Applications should include the name of two (2) referees one of which preferably should be a Parish Priest.

For more information contact Cindy Hayer on 3367 6332 or hroffice@bne.catholic.net.au Applications close on Friday 22

nd January 2016 YEAR OF MERCY

FROM POPE FRANCIS

St Thomas Aquinas wrote: “ it is proper to God to exercise mercy, and he manifests his omnipotence particularly in this way”... Throughout the history of humanity, God will always be the One who is present, close, provident, holy, and merciful. (Misericordiae Vultus no.6)

YEAR OF MERCY PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, You have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Send your spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this through the Intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen

Advent Reflection

In today’s Gospel many lovely and profound events take place. Two women, made mothers by God’s own intervention, meet. As proper, the younger one greets the other. But this greeting is not just customary, verbal and superficial. It has power, creative, divine dynamism. The one who greets, carries within her the Creator. This creative dynamism powerfully impacts Elizabeth’s baby and it dances in the mother’s womb. And the mother is filled with the Holy Spirit and cries out loudly in a hymn blessing Mary and her baby. Beautiful and wonderful things happen when one is open and submissive to the Holy Spirit.

Your Prayers Are Asked For:

the recently deceased: Mercy Nueva, Rev Fr Stephen Tam Kwan, Tommy Doherty, Ann Everett (Hanley).

those with anniversaries & others who have died: Laurel Bertram, David Despotovic, Adelaida Villaruel, Noemia Noronha, Emmanuel Cabezon, Kenneth Nolan, Elizabeth Sachthile, Melvin Joseph La’Porte, Rita Christian, Mary Allport, Syd Jen nings, Helen Jennings, Noemia Noronhna, Jan Hart, Harrison Kadell, Ben Raunik, Jennifer Cowling.

those who are unwell: Tony Jakovic, Armando Apostoli, Carol Grace, Darryl O’Leary, Adeline, Edna Ang, George Yap, Samuel Eastgate, Veronica Power, Gavan Duffy, Jason Carroll, Ray Greenwood, Diane O’Neill, Tiffany, Peter Tan, Danica Maydanski, Junel Noceda, Sonia Ambrosini, Armando Apostol, Reg Chapman, Helen Cho.

the Continuing Sick: Patricia Edwards, Sonia Ambrosini, Beverley Armstrong, Don Ayres, Peggy Ayres, Terry Barrett, Elizabeth Boase, Vaughan Boucher, Maxine Brady, Jeremy Carroll, Marcela Castino, Hilary Collins, Dennis, Mary Dixon, Brian Elliott, Winifred Elliott, Flora Ellis, Malcolm Ellis, Chris Le Fevre, Jan Fooks, Gerry, Mary and George Goode, Betty Grace, Ray Greenwood, Norma Ives, Stephen Ives, Marianne Kellett, Baby Luka Kello, Blanche Kiel, Ah Chan Lee, Brian Mann, Ronnie McGregor, Mika Matesa, Vlado Matesa, Dragica Matesic, Danica Maydanski, Bianca Miller, Catherine Miller, Trevor Muller, Jim Neehouse, Sulin Ngui, Alice O’Grady, Jenny Reed, Peter Ruhland, Robyn Scaysbrook, Noelene Schafer, Annaleese Stewart, Istvan Vadasi, Nicholas Valle, Rosemary Yow.

Remember Us In your Will

Preparing a Will is the best way to ensure that the people you care about are properly provided for. When preparing your Will, your heart and mind turn first to your family and loved ones. Once they are provided for, a Will is a unique opportunity to make a significant gift to the people and organisations you care about.

Please prayerfully consider including a gift to our Parish. Your gift will help carry forward the gospel message to future generations.

For more information about how you can leave a legacy to Sunnybank or Acacia Ridge Parish, please call the Parish Office on 3345 3766.

$500,000

$450,000

$350,000

$300,000

$250,000

$400,000

$200,000

$77,269 $150,000

Reshaping

The

Future

Sunnybank (Church Refurbishment & Renovations)

$100,000

$25,000

$50,000

FAITH 16

Pope Francis (2015) in announcing the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, reminded us that we need to “contemplate the mystery of mercy” as mercy is a source of peace, joy and serenity that our salvation relies on and is revealed in the Most Holy Trinity. Pope Francis continues telling us that mercy is God’s ultimate and supreme act in which God comes to meet us, it is the fundamental law that dwells in each heart and it connects God and man as hearts are opened by the hope of everlasting love despite our sinfulness.

Pope Francis calls us to recognise and live the season of Lent in this Jubilee year with greater intensity and to treat the season as a time to celebrate and experience God’s mercy. The Brisbane South Deanery, in listening to this call, will pilgrimage to Parishes in the Deanery every Thursday evening during the season of Lent 2016.

The Welcoming Committee would like to thank all parishioners who have assisted with Cuppa Tea Weekend, as well as either helping or providing food for other Parish events throughout this year. It has been greatly appreciated.

Following our recent meeting, we are now planning for 2016.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Feast Day will be celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2016 with Mass at 7.00pm. The Archbishop will celebrate Mass. After Mass, supper will be served in the Jacaranda Room and it would be appreciated if parishioners could bring finger food, e.g. spring rolls, mini quiches, sandwiches, or sweet treats, including slices, muffins, cupcakes, pikelets etc. Tea, coffee and cordial will be served.

Faith 16 will be celebrated in the Deanery. March 18, 2016 Archbishop Coleridge will be presenting “Mercy in Luke” at Our Lady of Lourdes Church from 7.00 - 8.30pm. All Parishioners are invited to attend and supper will be served. Additional information to be provided in 2016.

The First Cuppa Tea Weekend for 2016 will be held on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday February 7, 2016 at the usual Masses. Tea, coffee, cordial and biscuits are offered after each Mass. We encourage all parishioners to stay and have a cuppa after Mass.

PRACTICE FOR CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS MASSES

4.00pm Monday, 21 December 9.30 - 11.30am Mass Wednesday, 23 December 9.30 - 11.30am 6.00pm Tuesday, 22 December 10.00 - 11.30am Mass Wednesday, 23 December 1.30 - 3.00pm

$100,000

Christian Meditation Thursday Night at Sunnybank

The Christian Meditation group will have a break now and resume on Thursday January 21st, 2016. Will you please note this in the diary. Wishing you every blessing of joy, peace and hope for Christmas and a New Year of good health, great contentment and lots a fun! Gabby

PARISH STAFF & CONTACTS

Pastoral Associate Stella Noskoff rsj

pa.sunnybank@bne.catholic.net.au

Parish Office Staff Karrin Halliday Parish Manager

sunnybank@bne.catholic.net.au

Michelle DeAmbrosis Secretary

sec.sunnybank@bne.catholic.net.au

Tam Nguyen (Accounts)

accounts.sunnybank@bne.catholic.net.au

Caring Coordinator Bernadette Christian

carenconcern@hotmail.com

Unite Youth/Young Adults Coordinators

Steven & Eloise Bird 0403 182 617

youth.sunnybank@bne.catholic.net.au

Centacare - Sunnybank Aged Care Community Program Manager

Jennifer Vanarey 3216 9554

Paloma Reception Centre 3345 6666

www.palomacentre.com.au

OLOL School, Sunnybank Principal - Mark Badke

3345 0700

OLOL OSHC Co-ordinator - Sarubh Malviya

3344 3064 sunnybankoshc@bne.centacare.net.au

OLOF School, Acacia Ridge Principal - Warren Fields

3275 1152

St Stephen’s School, Algester Principal - Phil Manitta

3711 4911

St Stephen's OSHC Co-ordinator - Victoria Hickling

3711 9291 algesteroshc@bne.centacare.net.au

St Thomas More College, Sunnybank Principal - Peter Elmore

3323 4600

Soubirous Place Coordinator -

Sr Bridgid Courtney RSM 3344 3481

Sunnybank Parish Groundsperson Natalie Langer

Housekeepers: Therese Prygiel Louise Weston

Latino American Chaplaincy

Fr Martin Ignacio Gutierriez (Chaplain)

0481 118 521 Marina Castellanos (Secretary)

0481 168 748

office@hispanoamericancommunity. com.au

Office: Tuesday & Wednesday 9.15am - 3.00pm 3277 6367

Youth and Young

Adult Ministry

Every Wednesday during Advent there will be Mass at 6pm! We invite EVERYONE to please

come and join us to prepare your heart for Christmas.

Roster for the Next Youth Ministered Mass Sunday 27th December

MUSICIANS: K. O’Kelly, E. Dulay, J. Correia

SINGERS: L. Dulay, K. Dulay, B. Chong

READERS: C. Son, G. King, A. Finucane

OFFERTORY: S. Randle, C. Tran

ALTAR SERVERS: J. Randle SPECIAL MINISTERS: K. Lee, M. Henriquez, C. Ranatunga, K. Mann, N. Frassetto, S. Robb, S. Ranatunga

BBQ: NO BBQ Piety Store: CLOSED

Please note: there will

be no BBQ until the end

of January.

Stay connected!

Follow us! @UniteOLOL

Unite.sunnybank uniteolol

The Summit is a new small group program that will continue

THIS Tuesday the 22nd of December at 4pm at

THE COFFEE CLUB at Sunnybank Plaza.

All in grade 9-12 are invited to join Fr Dom and Eloise for this

exciting new group.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the

Bible and the Mass then this is the group for you!

Hope to see you there!!!

Youth Ministry Rosters for December-February are

available at the back of the church. We tried to make them as accurate as possible, if you are on the roster please check them and let

us know if there are any issues ASAP so that we can make changes as required. This will help the

Christmas and holiday season to be less stressful, thank you!!

There’s less than a week until Christmas… Are you ready?

Are you ready to welcome Jesus in a new way into your heart this Christmas?

What gift are you going to give to Jesus this Christmas? You can give the gift of

yourself, the gift of your finances, the gift of your time, the gift of your relationships…

what can you place at Jesus’ feet this Christmas? What can you surrender to Him?

Let’s try not to get caught up in the craziness of Christmas and stop and remember

what it is that we are really celebrating… the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ!