Serving The Communities Of

Star of the Sea, Crescent Head

St Patrick’s, Gladstone/Smithtown

All Saints, Kempsey

Our Lady Star of the Sea,

South West Rocks

St John’s, Willawarrin

Parish Office

52-58 Marsh Street (PO Box 3007)

West Kempsey, NSW 2440.

9.30am-3.30pm, Tuesday-Friday.

P: 02 6562 5182

E: pastoraloffice@mvcp.org.au

W: www.mvcp.org.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/

macleayvalleycatholicparish

Parish Priest: Fr James Foster

Schools

St Joseph’s Primary School, Kempsey

Principal: Guy Campbell

P: 6562 5501

W: www.kmpplism.catholic.edu.au

St Paul’s College, Kempsey

Principal: David Johns

P: 6562 7200

W: www.kmpslism.catholic.edu.au

Joey’s Out Of School Hours Care

Coordinator: Linda Lewthwaite

P: 0407 406 433

W: www.kmpplism.catholic.edu.au/

parents/oosh/

Aged Care: Vincent Court

Manager: Judy Van Tiggelen

88 Leith Street Kempsey, NSW 2440

P: 6562 6062

W: www.vincentcourt.org.au

Catholic Chaplaincy: Mid North Coast

Correctional Centre

Chaplain: Jill O’Dell

c/- Parish Office

NDIS: Centacare

Team Leader: Belinda Oldfield

123 Leith Street Kempsey, NSW 2440

P: 6562 3918

W: www.sacal.org.au

28 November 2021, First Sunday of Advent - Year C

Dear Parishioners, Confirmation Thank You! Last Wednesday 23 children celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a lovely evening filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Special thanks to Will Pollock and all the school teachers and other parishioners who prepared the children for the Sacrament of Confirmation and made the celebration such a wonderful occasion. Your hard work and dedication is very much appreciated! All Saints Day Colouring-In Competition Thank you to all the children and adults who participated in our recent colouring-in competition as part of our parish feast day celebrations. We had a number of prizes across various age groups, including a random prize draw for all those who entered. Some of the beautiful artwork in on display in Kempsey Church. Special thanks to Judy Brady, Secretary of our Parish Pastoral Council, for all her incredible work organising this initiative, including the prizes. Pictured below are some of our prize winners. Our Advent Journey 2021 Included as an insert in this week’s parish newsletter is our Advent and Christmas program. It is also available on our website. Please feel free to take some extra copies (available at the church door) and share it with your family and friends.

May we all continue to experience Jesus’ unconditional love for us and our families, Fr James

First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I am going to fulfil the promise I made to the House of Israel and the House of Judah:

‘In those days and at that time, I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David, who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land. In those days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell in confidence. And this is the name the city will be called: The Lord-our-integrity.’

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 24:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14, R.v.1

(R.) To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

1. 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.)

2. 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.)

3. His ways are faithfulness and love for those who keep his covenant and will. The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him; to them he reveals his covenant. (R.)

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.

Finally, brothers, we urge you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus to make more and more progress in the kind of life that you are meant to live: the life that God wants, as you learnt from us, and as you are already living it. You have not forgotten the instructions we gave you on the authority of the Lord Jesus.

Gospel Acclamation: Ps 84:8

Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.

‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

PREFACE I OF ADVENT

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II

MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION II

© The scriptural quotations are taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright 1966, 1967

and 1968 by Darton Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Co Inc. The Grail Translation of the

Psalms © 1962, The English translation of the Psalm Responses, the Alleluia and Gospel Verses, from

the Lectionary for Mass © 1997, 1981, 1968, ICEL. All rights reserved.

Following this sunday’s Missal: First sunday oF advent— YEAR c

PLEASE NOTE DUE TO FR JAMES’ DIOCESAN COMMITMENTS THERE ARE NO PARISH WEEKDAY

MASSES ON 1ST, 2ND & 3RD DECEMBER.

Kyle Family, Baldonado Family, Elizabeth Acopio,

Whiteley Family, Garing Family, Rose Family,

Muldowney Family, Cullen Family, Tedd Family,

Hanrahan Family, Farley Family, Graham Family, Galvin Family,

Bernie & Daphne Clarke, Margaret Frances Clarke, Anne Clarke,

Roger, Jack, Martin, Angie & Abbie Clarke, McQueen Family,

Mainey Family, Peter Mainey, Daisy Cavanagh, Powick Family,

Vale Family, Cullen Family, VanderVeer Family, Huisman Family,

John Harrison, Leila Harrison, Neve Brady, Patrick ‘Doc’ Brady,

Merle Brady, Brian Hinchcliffe, Paul Kerrison, Kerrison Family,

Wheelahan Family, Fr Eris Teirney, Marcelo Torres, Leonisa

Calderon, Archibald Collins, Elsie Collins, Mila Hooley, Bob Nicols,

Leonardo Antolin, Lorrie Basmayor, Lucia Gemobiagon,

Les Daxter, Bonner Family, Boss Family, Rowe Family,

Usher Family, Needs Family, Killmore Family, Orehovec Family,

Reisenbichler Family, Puttinger Family, Passmore Family,

Harding Family, Burge Family, Spry Family, Lockhart Family,

John B Mainey, Trevor Hile, Darryl Hile, Dave & Kitty Mainey,

Patrick Mainey, Linda Rowe, Ellen Selvey, David & Dorothy

Selvey, Sean Doherty, Bernard & Daphne Cross, Mertie Smyth,

Armadno Cruz, Arsenio Cruz Jnr, Gliana Cruz, Arsenio Cruz Snr,

Placida Gonzaga, Rufo Gonzaga, Capararo Family, Kit & Bede

Eakin, Eakin Family, Warwick Clarke, Clarke Family,Ena & Darcy

Clarke, Daley Family, Peters Family, Lawlor Family, Des & Clarice

O’Dell Family, Dorry & Roy McMaugh, Keith Forrest, Green Family,

Harris Family, Ryan Family, Sinclair Family, Ooi Family, Barbara

Allen, Darcy Clarke Family, Hollis Family, Lucas Family, Brian &

Mavis Hayes, Helen Griffin, Margaret Goodwin, Chris Haylor,

Stan & Elsie Kennedy, Phil & Edna Ellsmore, Joan Ellsmore,

Madeleine Hoban, David Hoban, Margaret Hoban, Brendan Reilly,

Elizabeth Reilly, Gordon & Molly Mainey, Josephine Grimaldi,

Claire Olsson, Bill Willis, Brian Thompson, Stephens Family,

Laverty Family, Col Clarke, Marilyn Caley, Barbara Brunsoon,

Mollie Channells, Vic Channells, Eva Cleary, Judy Cochran,

Barbara Hayes, Jean Clarke, Ray Clarke, Warren Flanagan,

Mick & Gladys Flanagan, Barry Telford, Elaine Tuckwell,

Lyn Flanagan, John Patterson, Molly Patterson, Alan Patterson,

Meagan Tuck, Leslie Patterson, Harold Price, Maurice Phillpott,

John Lunt, Kevin Lunt, Teodora Leyva, Elioio & Rafael Leyva,

Hector Caasi & Antonio Abe, Beatriz Palupit, Fabian & Florencio

Palupit, Nolan Family, Abbotts Family, Fletcher Family, Dunning

Family, Ellis Family, Henry Family, Quinn Family, Shirley Whalen,

Lily & Mick Whalen, Sam Fuller, Michael & Ian Richardson,

John Drew, Norman Wright, Mary Little, Gabe Clarke, Ken Clarke,

George Clarke, Adams Family, James & Ann Smyth, Kevin Smyth,

Clare Family, Purcell Family, Matt Lloyd, Richard Kesby,

Jan Clarke, Phonce & Joyce Clarke, Laurie & Mary Faulkner,

Brett Ward, Jan Wild, Michele Wild, Bill Ward, Francis Ward,

Bruce Morris, Bonney Thompson, Rhonda Henry.

BAPTISM PREPARATION NIGHT

Wednesday, 1st December 2021, 6.30 pm

Parish Administration Office

Please contact the Parish Office to advise

of your attendance

Our leaders for this meeting will be Karen & Louise Daley

POPE FRANCIS ON TWITTER

Those who are Recently Deceased: Rhonda Henry, Stella Viskauskas, Peter Hanrahan, Pat Kain, Sr Joan Reynolds PVBM, Sr Judith Quirk RSM, Margaret Watson, Joan Adderson, Bishop Bill Wright, Fr Frank O’Shea CSSR. Those whose Anniversaries are at this time:

Scott Magennis, Ken Parish, Bernard Kirkwood, Ron Kennedy.

Special Remembrance: Holy Souls in Purgatory

Special Intentions: Fr Anthony Lemon, Chris O’Dell, Tony Smith, Helen Brown,

Stan Thompson, Bede Mainey, Chris Middlemiss, Avice Vogel,

Jenna Cork, Robyn James, Judith Barker, Mavis Symonds,

Louise Pearsall, Phil Hughes, Tony Ward, Margaret Corley,

Margaret Henshaw, Terry Martin, all those affected by Covid-19.

The Lord puts people who suffer on our path, people who feel alone or have lost their strength and courage.

We must know how to recognize them and, with Saint Joseph's help, become their friends and their

support on the journey of life.

SOUTH WEST ROCKS

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S SOCIAL GROUP

First Wednesday of each month,

SWR Church Hall from 10.30am.

Please bring a plate.

Cancelled until further notice

FREDERICKTON CEMETERY MASS MONDAY, 29 NOV 5.30PM,

Please bring your own chair. If it is raining, Mass will be

celebrated in the Kempsey Church.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL JESSE TREE

Children’s gifts and donations of non perishable

goods may be left under the Jesse Tree. Please take

a leaf from the tree to attach to the gift and also write

a brief description on the leaf. The cut-off date for

gifts and donations is Friday 10th December.

Due to Covid rules we cannot accept any pre-loved

toys, books or clothes.

Kempsey Vinnies shop also has Christmas cards for sale at $4 for a

pack of 8 cards.

FAMILY GROUPS CHRISTMAS LUNCHES

The Magennis Family Group will celebrate

Christmas together at Bruce & Maureen’s home on

Saturday 11th December at 12 noon. If you are

able to attend and for more details please contact

Bruce or Maureen on 6562 7495 early in December.

The Moore Family Group will celebrate Christmas

lunch at Margaret Patterson’s home, 3 Jubilee Lane,

on Sunday 12th December from 11am onwards. Please join us

for a swim and BYO picnic lunch. Please advise Margaret on

6562 7980 of your attendance and could everyone also bring

along a Christmas gift to the value of $10.

ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD

Deacon Prodencio Bacuso Bognay will be ordained at St

Carthage’s Cathedral on Wednesday 8th December at 6.00pm

by Bishop Gregory Homeming OCD. We ask you to keep him in

your prayers. If you would like to attend the Ordination, rsvp is

essential due to COVID regulations to St Carthage’s Cathedral

Office 66260200 or email: office@stcarthages.org.au

ST PAUL’S COLLEGE

STUDENTS SUPPORTING

THE PARISH

In an exciting and

innovative program,

students from St Paul’s

Catholic College have

formed the St Paul’s

Clean Team to assist

the Macleay Valley

Parish to clean the

Church on a regular

basis. At the same time the St Paul’s College Green Team will be

helping senior parishioners with their gardens in 2022. The St Paul’s

Clean Team started cleaning the Church in Kempsey last week

and will be a regular team on the Parish cleaning roster. Assistant

Principal of St Paul’s, Mr Geoff Melville, who is the driving force

behind the program, said that this initiative by St Paul’s College

demonstrates the close bonds between St Paul’s and the Parish.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY 2021

FRIDAY 3RD DECEMBER

This day provides an opportunity to celebrate the lives,

contributions and achievements of the 4.4 million Australians with

disability. The day aims to raise awareness and take steps towards

a more inclusive and accessible community. For more information

and prayer resources visit:

https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2021/11/17/international-day-of

-people-with-a-disability/

PALMS AUSTRALIA - NEIGHBOURS WITHOUT BORDERS

A Palms’ Program ‘Nurturing Harmonious Communities’ draws on

60 years of preparing people for cross cultural engagement. This

dynamic program will help our community to embrace diversity,

build on strengths and grow community. Various courses in

January 2022. Contact 9560 5333 or email Robert@palms.org.au

POPE FRANCIS & BISHOP GREG INVITE US

ON THE SYNOD JOURNEY

Catholics across Australia are being

consolidated for the next international Synod

of Bishops, which has the theme: “For a

Synodal Church: Communion, Participation

and Mission”. Pope Francis asks us to dream

of a renewed church where all people feel that they have a home

and can participate.

We are encouraged to prayerfully reflect and make submissions via

a user-friendly online portal. All people are encouraged to meet in

groups or submit individually. Multiple submissions are welcome.

These submissions will comprise the report from the Diocese of

Lismore for the 2023 Synod.

See the process at: http://www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch

CHRISTMAS CHOIR PRACTICE SWR Choir Practice will be held on Friday 3rd, 10th & 17th December in the Church at 9.30am. Please bring along your music. If you would like to join us please phone Carmel 0428 465 639. Kempsey Choir Practice will be held in the Church on Saturday 4th & 11th December at 2pm and Tuesday 7th December at 2.30pm. Please contact Joan on 0437 038 479.

Mass and Devotions: 29 November - 5 December 2021 COVID Safe Practices Apply. Register at Church Door

Monday 29th

5.30pm: Mass, Frederickton Cemetery Our Lady of the Golden Heart

Tuesday 30th

5.00pm: Mass, Kempsey

Followed by Exposition & Benediction St Andrew, Apostle

Wednesday 1st

No Mass

4.30pm: Rosary Cenacle, Mercy Chapel

St Edmund Campion

Thursday 2nd

No Mass St Bibiana

Friday 3rd No Mass

7.00pm - 9.00pm: Exposition, Kempsey

St Francis Xavier, Our Lady of Victories

Saturday 4th

9.30am: Mass, SWR

6.00pm: Mass, Kempsey St John Damascene, St Barbara

Sunday 5th

7.30am: Mass, SWR

9.30am: Mass, Kempsey

The Catholic Diocese of Lismore Safeguarding Office If you or a person close to you has been abused by someone working or

ministering within the Diocese of Lismore, we ask you to contact us. We will

listen to you respectfully, offer support and discuss options you have

available to you. To contact the Safeguarding Office, please phone

(02) 6621 9444 or email safeguarding@lismore.catholic.org.au.

Our policies, procedures & resources are available on our parish website

and at the parish office.

DIOCESAN INVESTMENT FUND

PAYS 0.45%

No fees or charges on your accounts.

Phone: 1800 802 516

Website: www.dif.org.au

THE Parrot’S parable:

“A true friend never gets in your way

unless you happen to be going down.” - Arnold H Glasgow

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS

PARISH BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS FOR DIRECT DEBIT

Macleay Valley Catholic Parish

BSB: 704 189

Account Number: 11015646

Remitter Name: your surname and envelope number

Second Sunday of Advent - Year C

First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: The Lord has done great things for us;

we are filled with joy.

Second Reading: Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all

people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

The Mercy Chapel & Our Lady’s Grotto

Kempsey are available for parishioners

at all times for private prayer

or prayer groups. The access is by

combination lock and the code

is available at the Parish Office.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Times

Saturday Kempsey, 5.15pm-5.45pm

Sunday South West Rocks, 7am-7.20am

Tuesday Kempsey, 5.25pm-5.55pm

Wednesday Smithtown, Before Mass

SUNDAY MASS ROSTERS: 4 & 5 DECEMBER 2021

MINISTRY KEMPSEY SAT 6PM SOUTH WEST ROCKS SUN 7.30AM KEMPSEY SUN 9.30AM

Minister of the Eucharist Peter Scott Liz Picker Guy Campbell

Reader Judy Brady Sammy Walters & Paul Dickinson Maureen Richardson

Offertory Procession N/A during pandemic N/A during pandemic N/A during pandemic

Hospitality Frances Dykes Joy Rees Therese Tedd

Commentator Judy Brady Carmel Ball Maureen Richardson

Music Recorded Music SWR Choir Recorded Music

Cleaning KEMPSEY: Prasanth, Rijo & Sobin

SOUTH WEST ROCKS: C Coles & M Franklin

These are available at the

entrance and on the back seat

of the Kempsey Church

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY SHEETS & PENCILS

Our latest COVIDSafe Plan is

available at the entrance to

our churches and on the parish

website. Please continue to

support these endeavours. We

thank everyone for their

continued assistance and

cooperation, and continue to

pray for the end of this virus and for all affected!

LiveStream

Masses

continue with

Bishop Greg,

every Sunday

8am,

via the

Diocese’s YouTube

Channel