Fourth Sunday of Advent 22-23 December 2018 Year C

Life in the Womb Have you ever seen one of those ultrasound photographs of embryonic life in a mother’s womb? For us men, it shows us how lively life in the womb can be. Women know this from the kicking and movement which must be an incredible sensation. This little gospel story tells us that ‘the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped’ and not merely leaped, but leaped ‘for joy’. Is this just poetic hyperbole? No, modern technology tells us what mothers instinctively know, that beautiful music can have a wonderful effect on that earliest phase of life. Here, the presence of Jesus, being carried by Mary in her pregnancy, had a wonderful effect on the life carried by Elizabeth. Good vibrations – very good vibrations. This is why this story is told by Luke. From the moment of the conception of Jesus, good vibrations reverberated out to all human beings. Even those carried in the womb can sense the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is why it is an especially beautiful thing when a pregnant mother receives Our Lord in Holy Communion. The good news is that you and I and every human life ever conceived is ‘visited’ by Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Risen Lord can be at any and every point in human history. He chooses to be at our very origins, at our conception. We receive that visit as Original Blessing. Whatever original sin is, it is not nearly as powerful as this Original Blessing which brings about a beautiful relationship with God overpowering any fracturing of that relationship by ‘original sin’. (Paul in Romans 8:15-21)

This gospel is good news for each one of us. Reflect on this for a moment. At your origin you received a Divine Blessing. This leads to a reflection on a further and consoling truth. Of course, no words can fill the emptiness, but I want every mother who has lost a baby too early, I want every father who has shared the anguish, to know with the confident trust that comes from hearing this story penned by St Luke, that . . . . . . the same extraordinary sense of Jesus’ presence which was felt by the baby in Elizabeth’s womb, that same extraordinary sense of Jesus’ presence was felt by your baby. That Divine Presence conferred an

Original Blessing on that life within the womb, and that same Presence accompanied your baby into the everlasting embrace of Divine Love in Heaven. This was so experienced by John that he kicked for joy in the womb. When John kicked for joy in the womb Elizabeth realised that it was the baby carried in Mary’s womb who was responsible! But it is to Mary that she exults: ‘Of all women, you are the most blessed

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’ We repeat this every time we recite the Hail Mary. On the eve of Christmas, let us join Elizabeth in celebrating Mary’s most wonderful pregnancy, by reciting the Hail Mary.

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

© Fr Michael Tate Liturgy Help

OUR VISION "Everything is to be oriented towards the praise and glory of God".

OUR MISSION

The St Agnes' Parish Community strives to make our Vision a reality by a commitment to:

holiness in the image of Christ.

proclaim the good news of salvation.

minister within the faith community.

the service of all, particularly those in need.

Christmas Rosters

Please see below the roster for Extraordinary Minsters of the Eucharist and Readers and

Commentators for the coming Christmas Masses in St Agnes’ Church.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Christmas Eve

6.00pm - St Agnes’ Church. Rod Smith, Jan O’Sullivan, Rudolf Szibrowski, Maureen Dick, Denise Smith.

6.00pm - MacKillop College.

Michelle Baird, Jason Gill, Vanessa Denham,

volunteer please.

Midnight - St Agnes’ Church.

Kay Fowler, Lesley Tierney, Lisa Toomey, Sue Williams, Gae Green.

Christmas Day

7.30am - St Agnes’ Church. Kevin Lewis, David Hogan, Beverley Arthur-Pfeil, Wendy Pfeil.

9.00am - St Agnes’ Church. Ann Thurgate, Betty Hodgson, Vanessa Denham, volunteer please.

Readers & Commentators Christmas Eve

6.00pm - St Agnes’ Church

Sarah Smith, Diana Smith, Bill Skane.

Midnight—St Agnes’ Church

Greg Grace, Robert Green, Narelle Panneman.

Christmas Day

7.30am - St Agnes’ Church

Sandy Luschwitz, Sonia West, Brian Tierney.

9.00am - St Agnes’ Church

Adelle Groenveld, Cathy Hawtin, Ann Thurgate.

Offertory Roster Should you wish to be added to the weekend Mass roster, or taken off the roster, please contact the Presbytery office on 6583 1024 by Monday, 7 January.

Diocesan Appointments

Bishop Greg Homeming OCD has made the following appointments: Fr Joe Holloway of Bellingen Parish has been appointed Parish Priest of the Clarence River Parish. Fr Paul Winter of Clarence River Parish has been appointed Parish Priest moved to Bellingen Parish. These appointments will take effect from

Thursday, 31 January 2019.

Catholic Life Magazine The Lismore Diocesan Catholic Life magazine is available this weekend. Please take a copy as it is free.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

Christmas Mass Times

Christmas Eve 6.00pm Family Mass at St Agnes’ Church. 6.00pm Family Mass at MacKillop College. 11.00pm Carols in St Agnes’ Church. Midnight St Agnes’ Church.

Christmas Day 7.30am St Agnes’ Church 8.00am Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Lake Cathie 9.00am St Agnes’ Church. 9.30am St Francis of Assisi Chapel, Lochinvar Place. No Mass on Christmas Night.

Reconciliation 3.30pm - 4.30pm Sunday, 23 December.

Weekday Masses There will be no weekday Masses or Reconciliation on the following dates in St Agnes’ Church or the Chapels: Wednesday, 26 December. Thursday, 27 December. Friday, 28 December.

New Year’s Day Mass - 1 January On Tuesday, 1 January, Mass will be offered at 9.00am in St Agnes’ Church, not the usual 5.15pm, as it is a public holiday.

Christmas - New Year Office Closures

Presbytery Office:

Close: Monday, 24 December at 1.00pm

Re-open: Thursday, 27 December at 8.30am.

Parish Administration Office:

Close: Friday, 21 December at 4.30pm.

Re-open: Wednesday, 2 January 2019 at 8.30am.

Diocesan Investment Fund:

Close: Friday, 21 December at 1.00pm.

Re-open: Wednesday, 2 January 2019 at 9.00am.

Property Services:

Close: Monday, 24 December at 1.00pm.

Open: Thursday, 27 December 9.00am - 1.00pm.

Friday, 28 December 9.00am - 1.00pm.

MacKillop Centre:

Close: Monday, 24 December at 12.30pm

Re-open: Thursday, 3 January at 10.00am.

Independent Living Village Opportunity St Agnes’ Village & Lourdes Village

CCA has a long and proud history of supporting residents of Port Macquarie through all stages of life to achieve their individual lifestyle goals. Independent living villa’s at Lourdes Village and St Agnes Village are a wonderful example of one such lifestyle choice in the full continuum of care the Parish offers. If you or someone you know is considering a move into an independent living villa we currently have a limited number available in Lourdes Village and St Agnes Villages for your consideration. If you have any questions or would like an information package, please contact Sue Reid, Client Relationship Officer Village Sales on: Phone: 5525 3600; Mobile: 0407 843 515 Email: villagesales@cca.stagnesparish.org.au Office: Donnelly House, 150-152 Horton Street.

Youth Volunteers - Thank You We wish to express our most heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful young people in our parish who have shown great commitment to participating in many ministries throughout 2018. Approximately 90 young people have assisted with altar serving, reading and commentating, music, children’s liturgy, hospitality and Year of Youth activities. In addition, staff and students from each of our parish schools have made valuable contributions to our Sunday Masses, particularly at the 5.00pm Youth and Family Mass. We thank all of these people for their generosity and enthusiasm and look forward to having them join us again in 2019.

A Journey into the Catholic Faith Will resume on Wednesday, 30 January 2019.

Baptism Information Night There will be no Baptism Information Night on Thursday 27 December. The next information night will be held on Thursday, 31 January 2019. Please contact the Parish Office on 6583 1024 if you have any questions.

From the Catacombs … Episcopuss Wisdom… From the Catechism…

Recently Deceased: Adam Triggell, Pat Francisco, Vencidor Andres, Mariana Dagasuhan, Apolinario Monte. Anniversaries: Elizabeth Clavin, Charlie Borg, Moira Jamieson, John Mullin, Jack Quinn, May Mellier, Bob & John Graham, Damian Byrne, Fay McGrath, Edith Adams, Dick Barry, Toby Gersbach, Maggie Smith, Jean Ulrick. Other Mass Intentions: Kathleen Connors, Marija Miller, Cyril & Eileen Bennett, John & Kathleen Carroll, Rita Warlters, Beryl Thomas, Michael Patrick Grace, donor intentions & masses of thanksgiving. Christmas Mass Intentions: Lloyd Perry, Blanche Perry, Phillip Perry, Steven Perry, Kathleen & Allen Woods, Susan & William Brooks, John A & John P Woods, William McGrath, Frank McGrath, Fay & Max McGrath, Noel Hope, Alan Fraser, Islet & Douglas Gaul, Marija Miller, Patricia & Kevin Chuck, Peter Chuck, Jeffrey Condron, Marjorie Carnie, Bernard Cavanagh, Richard & Constance Craddock, Collins, Trist & McKune families, Daphne DeZilva, Hilton Dodds, Minnie Downes, Nora Downes Roberts, Dulcie Ford, Lillian Glasheen, Mary Ann Healey, Norman King, deceased members of Lynch family, Patrick Murphy, Ellen Norman, Louisa Sweeney, Rita Warlters, Mary Walklate, Robert & Molly Friggens, Charles Harriott, Jane Harriott, Jean Harriott, Gerard & Francoise Cassegrain, Elizabeth Calvin, Beryl Margaret Thomas, Nell Sweeney, John Cain, Stan Condon, Helen Woolford, Hazel Stephens John Haxell, Kathleen Haxell, Myrie Haxell, Marjorie Vickery, Teresa Hickey, Jack Mooney, Mario Tomasovic, Pauline McLaren, Betty Rennie, Tony & Trudy Baker, Michael Patrick Grace, June Flanagan, Mary Shiela Moon, Mary & Tony Sarks, private Intentions.

Altar Servers’ Awards Congratulations to the following altar servers who have been recognised for their exemplary service in 2018: Jamie Vinod and Jiya Jamu (Andrew Turnham Award for Initiative and Cooperation); Georgia and Lucy Ryan

(St Agnes’ Commitment to Service);

Caitlyn and Liam Toomey

(Bill Hill Award for Consistency);

Don Bittu

(Terry McCoy Award for Leadership);

James Schumann

(Mary MacKillop Dedication to Parish Life Award).

We are most grateful for the way in which these young people along with the other 35 servers have actively engaged in this special ministry throughout the year.

PARISH NEWS St AGNES’ CATHOLIC CHURCH | PORT MACQUARIE

‘Failure will never overtake me if my determination to

succeed is strong enough’

‘If you find it in your heart to care for

somebody else, you will have succeeded.’

READERS AND COMMENTATORS

6pm Vigil: Margaret Donnelly Wayne Evans Bill Skane 7.30am: David Hogan Joanne Hogan Sue Williams 9.00am: Josephine Mockford Denise Puzas Ann Thurgate 5.00pm: Sarah Smith Diana Smith

GIFT BEARERS ROSTER

6pm Vigil: B Crozier & S Williams 7.30am: K Farrawell & J Dean 9.00am: L Fuller & J Howle

THE STATUE OF OUR LADY Mrs Zilla Tonks 2 Macquarie Place, Port Macquarie Ph 6583 4713

Parish Priest Father Paul Gooley

Assistant Priest Father Peter Wood Parish Office 47 Hay Street Port Macquarie PO Box 23 T (02) 6583 1024 E pastoraloffice@stagnesparish.org.au www.stagnesparish.org.au

Office Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST

6pm Vigil: Jason Gill Des Grissell Peter Brooks Gae Green 7.30am: Greg Grace Sandy Luschwitz Elise Gardiner Kay Farrawell 9.00am: Sue Williams Peta Rourke Mike Hawtin Cathy Hawtin 5.00pm: Denise Smith Rod Smith Jacky McCarron Chris McCarron

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS

Holy Family Year C I Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28 Psalm Isaiah 83;1 John 3:1-2, 21-24 Luke 2:41-52

ROSTERS 29-30 December 2018

FEAST DAYS Tuesday 25 December The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Wednesday 26 December St Stephen the First Martyr Thursday 27 December St John, Apostle and Evangelist Friday 28 December The Holy Innocents, Martyrs Saturday 29 December St Thomas Becket

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD ROSTER 5.00PM SUNDAY

30 December 2018

There will be no Children’s liturgy during school holidays

ST AGNES’ CHURCH | Hay Street, Port Macquarie Tuesday & Wednesday: 5.15pm Friday: 12.05pm Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am, 5.00pm Please note: Weekday Masses at 9.00am on Public Holidays Reconciliation: Friday 11.30am -12 noon, Saturday 11.30am - 12.30pm

ST FRANCIS CHAPEL | Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan Ph 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259. Communion Service or Mass: 9.30am Monday - Thursday Sunday Mass: 9.30am

CHRIST THE KING CHAPEL | Boronia St, Port Macquarie Contact: Sr Anne Hannigan Ph: 6589 9814 or 0419 243 259 Communion Service or Mass: 8.00am Thursday Mass: Saturday Vigil - 4.30pm Rosary: 1st Saturday of the month 4.00pm.

ST BERNARD'S, TELEGRAPH POINT | Rollands Plain Rd, Telegraph Point Thursday: 6.00pm.

STAR OF THE SEA, LAKE CATHIE | Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie Sunday: 8.00am.

DIOCESAN INVESTMENT FUND PAYS 2.15% There are no fees or charges on your account. AGENTS: Mrs Veronica Rinkin & Mrs Mary O’Brien

DIF Office, Parish Administration Centre, Phone: (02) 6583 7439 9am – 1pm Monday - Friday

PARISH MASSES