The disciples have socially isolated themselves because of fear and concern. They have received reports about the Resurrection of Jesus, and some have started to believe and come to faith in the Resurrection of Jesus. We see the doubt expressed by Thomas even in the face of the experience and testimony of the women and other disciples. This is a fearful and anxious moment in the life of the young group of believers and doubters. Into this complex situation comes the Risen Lord with the words “Peace be with you”.

It is surprising how appropriate the readings can be for the times. With all that is happening in our world at the moment – so much fear and anxiety, uncertainty about the future, the health concerns especially for those who are at risk, financial insecurity, employment instability, separation and social isolation, the break from routine and custom, family separation and in some places breakdown of social order. It is into this world that the Risen Lord comes and proclaims, “Peace be with you”.

I have seen so much good come from this difficult situation. People starting to talk to one another, people reaching out in concern for each other, countless acts of random kindness, old friends and acquaintances catching up and checking in, people realizing what and whom is important in their lives, people making time for others and being considerate for those who are in need. This time being for many a time to take a breath – a Sabbath rest, a time to take stock and reflect on their lives, a break from the frenetic pace of life in modern society. A time for the natural world to catch up with less pollution with fewer cars on the road and planes in the air – all with the change of season and the freshness of autumn.

Three times in the Gospel this Sunday Jesus says, “Peace be with you”. Peace – “shalom” has so many meanings, just google it or look it up a dictionary, and you will be astounded at the different meanings of this word. Our Christian faith fills us with confidence and trust even in difficult times in our lives. I pray that you will find some peace in the midst of this time of anxiousness and fear – somehow may the peace of the Risen Lord be with you, remembering the words of the opening prayer of the Mass this weekend: “increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed, that all may grasp and rightly understand in what font they have been washed, by

whose Spirit they have been reborn, by whose blood they have been redeemed” - Christ Jesus our Risen Lord’s.

May the Risen Christ shine upon you and those you Love - fill you with peace – shalom. Fr. Michael McLean, Parish Priest

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‘Alleluia’ He is Risen

Easter Table

Second Reading 1 Pt 1:3-9

A reading from the first letter of St Peter He has given us a new birth as his children, by raising Jesus Christ from the dead.

Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth as his sons, by raising Jesus Christ from the dead, so that we have a sure hope and the promise of an inheritance that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fade away, because it is being kept for you in the heavens. Through your faith, God’s power will guard you until the salvation which has been prepared is revealed at the end of time. This is a cause of great joy for you, even though you may for a short time have to bear being plagued by all sorts of trials; so that, when Jesus Christ is revealed, your faith will have been tested and proved like gold – only it is more precious than gold, which is corruptible even though it bears testing by fire – and then you will have praise and glory and honour. You did not see him, yet you love him; and still without seeing him, you are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described, because you believe; and you are sure of the end to which your faith looks forward, that is, the salvation of your souls.

Gospel Jn 20:19-31

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

After eight days Jesus came in and stood among them.

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you,’ and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. ‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him:

‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.

Entrance Antiphon C1 Pt 2:2

Like newborn infants, you must long for the pure, spiritual milk, that in him you may grow to salvation, alleluia. or 4 Esdr 2:36-37

Receive the joy of your glory, giving thanks to God, who has called you into the heavenly kingdom, alleluia.

Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

First Reading Acts 2:42-47

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

The faithful lived together and owned everything in common.

The whole community remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. The many miracles and signs worked through the apostles made a deep impression on everyone. The faithful all lived together and owned everything in common; they sold their goods and possessions and shared out the proceeds among themselves according to what each one needed. They went as a body to the Temple every day but met in their houses for the breaking of bread; they shared their food gladly and generously; they praised God and were looked up to by everyone. Day by day the Lord added to their community those destined to be saved.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 117:2-4. 13-15. 22-24. R. v.1

(R.) Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.or (R.) Alleluia.

1. Let the sons of Israel say: ‘His love has no end.’ Let the sons of Aaron say: ‘His love has no end.’ Let those who fear the Lord say: 'His love has no end.' (R.)

2. I was thrust, thrust down and falling

but the Lord was my helper. The Lord is my strength

and my song; he was my saviour. There are shouts of joy and victory in the tents of the just. (R.)

3. The stone which the builders rejected

has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes. This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice & are glad (R.)

Gospel Acclamation Jn 20:29

Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe! Alleluia!

Offertory Antiphon Mt 2 8:2. 5.6

The angel of the Lord came down from heaven and said to women: The One whom you seek has risen as he said he would, alleluia.

Preface of Easter The Paschal Mystery

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, but in this time (on this night / on this day / in this time) above all to laud you yet more gloriously, when Christ our Passover has been sacrificed. For he is the true Lamb

who has taken away the sins of the world; by dying he has destroyed our death, and by rising, restored our life. Therefore, overcome with paschal joy, every land, every people exults in your praise

and even the heavenly Powers, with the angelic hosts, sing together the unending hymn of your glory, as they acclaim:”

Communion Antiphon Cf. Jn 20:27

Bring your hand and feel the place of the nails, and do not be unbelieving but believing, alleluia.

Conclude: Our Father - Hail Mary - Glory Be Our Lady Help of Christians Patroness of Australia Pray for us

St Mark & St Mary of the Cross Mackillop Pray for us

The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer of the Faithful Leader: Trusting in the divine mercy of our creator and redeemer, let us bring our needs before the Lord.

Reader: We pray for the Church, that we be a visible sign of Christ’s presence. (pause) Lord hear us. All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for civic authorities at every level in nations around the world. May they guide their communities through the COVID-19 crisis with mercy, wisdom and courage. (pause) Lord hear us. All: Lord hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for workers putting themselves at risk by maintaining basic services. May they be valued for their dedication and kept safe. (pause) Lord hear us. All: Lord hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for most severely affected by the virus pandemic: the homeless, the mentally ill, the unemployed, the poor, detainees, and those without support. May they become the first to have their needs met. (pause) Lord hear us. All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for peace in our hearts, in our homes and in every war-torn land. May this year’s Anzac Day observance spur us on to work together for a just and peaceful world. (pause) Lord hear us. All: Lord hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for peace in our hearts, in our homes and in every war-torn land. May this year’s Anzac Day observance spur us on to work together for a just and peaceful world. (pause) Lord hear us. All: Lord hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for those who have died, including N……., that they will live forever with the risen Christ. (pause) Lord hear us. All: Lord hear our prayer.

Leader: Creator God, through your son, Jesus, you have gifted us with your peace and your Holy Spirit. Hear our prayers that we might bear your peace and mercy to all we meet. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Regina Coeli in LatinRegina Coeli in LatinRegina Coeli in LatinRegina Coeli in Latin

V. V. V. V. Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia. R. R. R. R. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.

V. V. V. V. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia. R. R. R. R. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

V. V. V. V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia. R. R. R. R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia

Oremus. Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu

Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae

capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen

The Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven ) in EnglishThe Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven ) in EnglishThe Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven ) in EnglishThe Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven ) in English V. V. V. V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.

R. R. R. R. For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia. V. V. V. V. Has risen, as he said, alleluia. R. R. R. R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. V. V. V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. R. R. R. R. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of

Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we

may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

In light of the closure of churches by order of the federal government, the Archdiocese of Sydney has this week decided to temporarily halt printing

Read The Catholic Weekly online www.catholicweekly.com.auwww.catholicweekly.com.auwww.catholicweekly.com.auwww.catholicweekly.com.au

Keep them in Keep them in Keep them in Keep them in Your PrayersYour PrayersYour PrayersYour Prayers

The Paschal candle represents Christ, the Light of the World.

Painted by parishioner Anne-Marie Bateman, the candle can be seen in this bulletin. We thank Anne -Marie for her creative skills and time in painting

our 2020 Paschal candle.

In your love and concern, please pray for the following ill

members of our community:

Judy Grace, Mario Di Palma, Thu Hoang (Deacon John’s

cousin), Fr. Emmanuel Seo, Fr Don Willoughby, Monsignor Bill Mullins, Patricia Ryan, Brian McCarthy, Eileen O’Neill, Meagan Ficarra, Brian & Ann Johnson, Sr. Carmel Clancy and Sr Claire Burgess & all St. Mark’s Parish community

members unwell at this time.

Anniversaries & those we are remembering at this time:

Caterina Lorizio, Sr Joan Sexton, Palmira D’Ettorre, Oliver Murphy, Rira Pereira, Pauline Brown, George Brown, Maria Zoccali, Martino, Cornelius and Agatha, Judy Moran, Helen Jones, Kevin Fahy, Rita Rota, Cynthia Avril and Michelle Crothers.

Recently Deceased: Mario Di Palma, Ray Gardiner, Bernice Minns, Shelia Orsborn, Victoria Sejkora, Maureen Hess, Fr Ray Farrell (PP Auburn) Antonio Scundi, Eluan (Celine Cheng’s cousin), Mother Isa Della Vicario and Margaret Maunsell. We pray for those who have died and offer our prayers

to their families.

Offering the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation | Confession)

1:1 appointments only (names not required)

Book a time with the Parish office or email the Parish Priest.

e: pp@stmarksdrummoyne.org.au

St Mark’s Anzac Day Mass St Mark’s Anzac Day Mass St Mark’s Anzac Day Mass St Mark’s Anzac Day Mass

Watch from 5:30am Watch from 5:30am Watch from 5:30am Watch from 5:30am Saturday 25 April 2020 Saturday 25 April 2020 Saturday 25 April 2020 Saturday 25 April 2020

Watch on demand Watch on demand Watch on demand Watch on demand or watch on our website or watch on our website or watch on our website or watch on our website

To Fr Denis, the Parish extends our deepest sympathy on the death of his mother Bernice Minns. In these days of celebrating the Death and Resurrection of Christ may his lead give the Minns family grace and peace in their time of bereavement. Our prayers and thoughts are with Fr Denis and the whole Minns family. May her soul rest in peace.

This Sunday is This Sunday is This Sunday is This Sunday is Divine Mercy Divine Mercy Divine Mercy Divine Mercy

Sunday.Sunday.Sunday.Sunday.

United in Baptism, Nourished by the Eucharist, Guided by the Holy Spirit,

We Form a Vibrant and Caring Community,

Living and Proclaiming the Gospel, Reaching Out to Those in Need,

Journeying Together, Growing in Faith.

Gospel Reflection

Because the focus of this week’s gospel passage is usually placed on poor old doubting Thomas, we sometimes overlook the way the passage begins. The disciples are huddled in a room, ‘for fear of the Jews’. Just a couple of weeks earlier they had been on top of the world. Jesus was enormously popular with the people, and the disciples, by association, were caught up in that affection. Their man, the one they had chosen to follow, was making waves and stirring the authorities – thumbing his nose at the rules. This, of course, made the disciples feel good to be around Jesus. However, in the space of just a few short days, their world had turned upside down. They’d gone from riding the crest of a wave to being utterly dumped! They were cowering in a closed up room, afraid for their lives in case those who handed Jesus over for death came for them as well. They’d already had an experience of the resurrected Jesus yet they were still hiding and afraid. Into this fear and uncertainty steps Jesus who says, ‘Peace be with you’. It is a reminder of Jesus calming the storm out on the lake – in the midst of turmoil and anxiety he brings peace and calm.

Thomas has received a pretty bad rap for the last 2000 years, forever labelled as ‘Doubting Thomas’ because he wasn’t prepared to take someone else’s word for the fact that Jesus had risen. However, despite his demand for evidence, once Jesus is before him, he abandons all his thoughts about placing his fingers in the wounds and proclaims, ‘My Lord and my God!’ This is an absolutely extraordinary statement of faith. For the very first time, someone recognises Jesus, not as Messiah, prophet or Lord, but as God.

Historical Context – My Lord and my God

This extraordinarily clear statement of belief about the divinity of Jesus appears nowhere else in any of the four gospels. Why does the Gospel of John make this statement and not any of the other gospels? It must be remembered that the Gospel of John was the last of the four gospels to be written – at least 20 years after the Gospel of Mark and some 60 to 70 years after the death of Jesus. The early Christians had been cast out of the Jewish tradition and were making sense of how their own beliefs could stand apart from Jewish tradition. With the break from Judaism, Christians felt able to express their developing belief that Jesus was God.

Have you thought? Those who have not seen

Jesus says to Thomas, ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ That’s us! Jesus’ words in the gospel are meant for people like us living today. We are not in the position of Thomas and the other disciples who were able to see the risen Lord face to face and so convince themselves of his rising. The gospel recognises that to believe in the resurrection without that physical, personal encounter with Jesus is to be celebrated even more. Happy are we – blessed are we – who have not seen and yet still believe!

Scriptural context – Not an ending?

The final two verses of today’s gospel passage (Jn 20:30-31) read like the conclusion to the whole gospel. They are a statement of finality about the purpose for writing the gospel and something of a blessing for those who read it. Yet, surprisingly, there is another whole chapter that follows this passage that deals with still more post-resurrection appearances. Most scripture scholars believe that the end of Chapter 20 was the original ending of the gospel and that Chapter 21 is a later addition – possibly added by the community for whom the gospel was originally written.

Questions for Adults

Q. Which phrase or word from this gospel passage particularly stands out to you? Why?

Q. Why does Jesus particularly focus the mission of the disciples on the forgiveness of sins?

Q. In what situations do you most need to hear Jesus’ words, ‘Peace be with you’?

Q. In what ways can you relate to Thomas’ experience?

Q. In what ways does Thomas personify elements of our own culture and society?

Learning moments

Read the account of Pentecost in the book of Acts (Ch 2) and identify similarities and differences between this account and today's gospel passage.

Compile a word and image collage of ways in which we can witness Jesus’ ongoing presence in the world.

Jesus breathed on the disciples and said ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’. Research the Greek word, ‘pneuma’, and suggest reasons why it was used to mean both ‘breath’ and ‘spirit’.© Greg Sunter

Greg Sunter has worked in Catholic Education (Brisbane) for many years, most recently as a member of the Religious Education team and Mission and Formation team. He has extensive experience of praying with young people and forming others to lead prayer with young people. He is the author of books on adolescent faith, is a regular speaker at youth and evangelisation conferences, and is a retreat and reflection facilitator and presenter. His areas of interest include religious education, theology, scripture, spirituality, Catholic ethos, prayer, and ministry with young people.

A message from the Archdiocese of Sydney: Child sexual abuse is a crime. The appropriate people to deal with a crime are the police. If you, or anyone

you know have been abused, please contact the police. Alternatively, you can contact the Safeguarding and Ministerial Integrity Office at (02) 9390 5810

safeguardingenquiries@sydneycatholic.org. You may also want to speak to your Parish Priest who will be able to provide support and guidance. The

Archdiocese has a legal obligation to report crimes to the police.