WELCOME TO ST MARTHA’S PARISH STRATHFIELD

‘He leased his vineyard to other farmers’ … (Matthew 21)

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CATHOLIC PRESS.

This week’s highlights: Don’t miss Renaissance of Marriage conference

ACYF ambassador looks forward to December

Death sentence for the vulnerable: euthanasia threat looms

Women’s fundraiser: a novel approach

New Mary book

All the latest marriage updates

Fun with Faith – Kids pg – Pg26

Copies of the Catholic Weekly $2 & Catholic Leader $2.50 are available at the Church Entrances

IMPORTANT NOTICE: IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MINISTRIES YOUR ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN IN - ACOLYTES;

READERS; EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS; CHOIR; ALTAR SERVERS; CHILDREN’S LITURGY (LEADERS & CHILDREN) & SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM (LEADERS & CHILDREN). SIGN IN FOLDERS ARE KEPT IN THE SACRISTY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION.

Please be aware that if you “TAG” St Martha’s in photos on your Facebook page, the images also appear on an “unofficial” St Martha’s Facebook page. This “unofficial” page was created automatically by Facebook and is not

controlled by St Martha’s. We kindly remind you to take care when uploading photos of any children without parent consent.

If you would like to buy a copy of the Parish

History Book ($20) please contact the

Parish Office.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: GLUTEN FREE HOSTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANY CELIAC

PARISHIONERS. IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION PLEASE TELL THE CHURCH WARDEN OR SEE AN ACOLYTE

IN THE SACRISTY PRIOR TO MASS.

Uncollected 2016/2017 Tax Receipts please contact the parish office.

Numerous Items have been found in the Church including Glasses, Keys, Sunglasses, Umbrellas & Rosary Beads.

Please check the Lost Property Box near the Rear Entrance of the Church.

Administrator: Fr Jacek (Jack) Cichy

Priest in Residence: Fr Telesphor Zenda

Diaconate Formation: Conti Rodrigues

Lectors/Communion Ministry: Helen Williamson

Administration Coordinator: Nicolle Mazzaferro

Sacramental Coordinator: Patricia Saad (Thurs/Fri)

Music Ministry: Marcella Ayoub & Jane Phillips

Parish Office: Mon- Fri 9.00am-3.00pm

70 Homebush Rd Strathfield NSW 2135

Ph: 9746 6131 Fax: 9764 3040

Email: office@stmarthas.org.au

Website: www.stmarthas.org.au

St Martha’s School: 9764 1184

Principal: Judy Gastin

Assist Principal: Caroline Boulis

Acting REC: Angela Smith

Vision:

Welcoming

Eucharistic

Transformed by the Word

Full of Grace

Proclaiming Good News

Mission:

Alive with the Spirit

Inspired by St Martha

We Celebrate & Witness

God’s love

Using our Gifts & Talents

MASS TIMES

Tuesdays: 7.30am Wednesdays: 9.10am

Thursdays: 9.10am Fridays: 9.10am

Saturdays: 9.10am, 5pm Vigil Mass

Sundays: 8.00am; 10.00am & 6.00pm

RECONCILIATION: Saturday after 9.10am Mass or by appointment.

BAPTISM:

2nd

& 4th

Sundays of the month at 11.00am

by appointment only. (One months’ notice is required).

Contact the Parish Office.

Next Preparation Session: 5

th November 2017 at 9.15am in Parish Hall

MARRIAGES: By appointment only.

(6 months’ notice is required).

ROSARY: Tuesday after morning Mass, Wednesday to Saturday

8.30am and 7.30pm on Fridays in conjunction with Marian Movement

of Priests Cenacle and Divine Mercy Chaplet.

LIFE ASCENDING GROUP:

Tuesday 17th

October at 1.30pm Marian Court

PRAYER GROUP / ADORATION AT

ST MARTHA’S CHURCH: Mondays 10.30am-11.30am

SYDNEY MALAYEALEE ROMAN CATHOLIC

COMMUNITY

Rosary, Mass & Adoration from 6.30pm to 9pm on

the 2nd

Saturday of each month. Rosary & Bible Sharing 6.30pm

on the 4th

Saturday of the month

ADORATION AT SISTER DISCIPLES

OF THE DIVINE MASTER: Daily from 2.30pm-6.00pm.

Ministry Coordinators and contact numbers

may be found on the Parish Website.

Please continue to support the St Vincent De Paul Society through

the Church Poor Boxes.

THE PARISH OF ST MARTHA’S ACKNOWLEDGES THE WANGUL PEOPLE AS THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND ON WHICH THE CHURCH IS BUILT

The Annual Catholic Mission Appeal is running this weekend.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

We warmly welcome the speakers at the 5pm, 10am & 6pm Masses.

OCTOBER - THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY

The Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council have organised a nationwide Month of Prayer and Fasting for Marriage and Families throughout October. Scripture & the Church’s history give us many

examples of the miraculous impact prayer & fasting have when the whole community undertakes it together.

Have You Ever Considered Creating A Prayer Table Or

Sacred Space In Your Home Or Garden?

We have a limited number of metal crucifixes on sale

$15.00 each

All proceeds will support the St Vincent de Paul

society.

Why do Catholics Pray the Rosary? Perhaps one of the most common and beautiful devotions practiced by Catholics is the recitation of the Holy Rosary. October is recognized as the month of the rosary, and, in honor of Our Lady’s prayer, this article is going to touch on the history of the rosary and its structure. This beautiful devotion has also been a source of some contention and confusion in our Protestant brothers and sisters. For this reason, we’ll close with some comments on we’ll close with some anwers to the question of "why do Catholics pray the rosary?" and and some of the spiritual benefits it offers.

Where Did the Rosary Come From? The origins of the rosary in the form we pray it today are a bit mysterious. St. Dominic (d. 1221) is often credited with its institution, since the first definite historical reference to the rosary as we know it today comes from his life and preaching. Some traditions hold that St. Dominic was asked by Our Lady herself to pray the rosary in his efforts to defeat the Albigensian Heresy in France. Many scholars question St. Dominic’s role in forming the rosary, however. Certain parts of the rosary are known to have been prayed before St. Dominic’s time. As part of their prayer and meditation, the early monks practiced the Divine Office, during which they recite all 150 Psalms throughout the course of the day. It is thought that the rosary was established as a similar meditation aide for the laity. This repetitious devotion would have given the lay community something that they could easily learn and practice in the course of their daily lives. As many of the lay community at the time could not read and had no access to a personal bible, the devotion would have to be made up of short, well known prayers (like the Our Father and Hail Mary). In fact, the first prayer to be commonly recited in this way in the private prayer lives of the laity was the Our Father. The faithful would recite between 50 and 100 Our Fathers (or Paternosters) using a set of prayer beads similar in concept to our modern day rosary beads. The use of beads in this form of meditation is ancient as well. Many cultures throughout history (including pre-Christian and non-Christian cultures) have used a form of “prayer beads;” and many still use them. The English word “bead” is actually etymologically linked to “bede,” an Old English noun meaning “prayer.” In their original Christian context, the beads were first called Paternosters rather than rosaries to reflect the prayer that was said with them. It is thought that the shift in use of these beads to say Hail Marys (or Ave Marias) began in the 12th Century. They eventually became know as “rosaries” from the Latin term “rosary”—which means “garland of roses”—and the recognition of the rose as a symbol of Our Lady. Over time, the rosary in the form we have it today—including Our Fathers, Glory Be’s, and meditative “mysteries” for each decade—was formed. Now we have this beautiful devotion to aide us in our prayer and meditation.

How to Pray the Rosary flyers are available in the Church Foyer.

Rosary Beads, Rosary

Bracelets, Devotional

Candles & Sacred

Space Crucifixes are

available in the

Church Foyer.

Let us keep the students and their families in our prayers during

their preparation for the HSC exams.

Today, let us pray especially for our young people. God we ask that they feel your closeness during the HSC exam period.

Give them calm hearts and quiet confidence in the knowledge that you hold them in the palm of your hand.

Bless them with keen understanding and retentive memory. Give them the ability to grasp things correctly,

be exact in their explanations And an ability to express themselves clearly.

Point out the beginning, direct their progress and help in them

in the completion of each of their responses. Holy Spirit send them your gifts of wisdom and knowledge

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Parish Staff Office Hours: Nicolle - Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 3.00pm.

Patricia – Thursday & Friday 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Attention All Readers – Lectern Microphone. Please do not try to adjust the microphone by its arm. The tip can be freely tilted or bent to suit individual heights.

PARKING - WE HAVE RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CHURCHILL AVE

RESIDENTS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH PEOPLE

CONSTANTLY PARKING ACROSS THEIR DRIVEWAYS TO ATTEND THE

WEEKEND MASSES. PLEASE DO NOT INCONVENIENCE OUR NEIGHBOURS

BY OBSTRUCTING ACCESS TO THEIR HOMES AND DRIVEWAYS.

URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN THE MUSIC MINISTRY

ORGANISTS & SINGERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED TO ASSIST AT ALL WEEKEND

MASSES. PLEASE CONTACT JANE PHILLIPS ON 0427 433 205

OR MARCELLA AYOUB ON 0411 247 393.

MOYA MARRIOTT – The Memorial Mass has been postponed until further notice!!

PASTORAL CARE OUTREACH NURSING HOME MINISTERS NEEDED We have a caring and committed group of people who visit the aged care facilities in our parish each

week. It is our privilege to offer care, comfort and spiritual support to the residents who reside there. We need more people to join this ministry to the people in aged care facilities in our parish. We provide

training and ongoing support. If you would like to know more about this special ministry please call or message Helen Williamson 0408970120. The usual working with children and vulnerable people check

will apply. You would be most welcome to attend the celebration of Word and Eucharist at the aged care facilities in the coming weeks.

SHARING OF THE WORD - Weekly meetings in St Martha’s parish hall commence at 7:30 pm,

everyone is welcome. We would love to see new parishioners. All Bibles are supplied.

WEEKEND RETREAT - Ageing and Awakening: God’s Surprising Gifts! DATE: October 27-29 - VENUE: Benedictine Abbey 695 Mountain Road, Jamberoo - TIME: 9.00 a.m.

commencing with Eucharist and concluding with Vespers at 5.00 p.m. on the 29th. PRESENTER: Sr. Kerin Caldwell sgs COST: $100.00 for the talks plus accommodation fees.

BOOKINGS: Petrina 0242360533 cottageretreats@jamberooabbey.org.au

THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST RECONCILIATION – 2017 A meeting for Sacramental Facilitators/Catechists will be held in the Parish Meeting Room on Tuesday 17

th

October at 7pm. Please contact Patricia Saad at the Parish Office (Thursday/Fridays) if you would like to

assist with the program.

Saturday 21st October Compulsory Parent Information

Meeting / Lesson 1

Commitment Mass

3:30pm

4.00pm

5:00pm

Saturday 28th

October Lesson 2 4:00pm

Saturday 4th

November Lesson 3 4.00pm

Saturday 11th

November Lesson 4 4.00pm

Saturday 18th

November Retreat & Practice 3.30pm

Tuesday 21st November Sacrament of Reconciliation 7.00pm

IMPORTANT DIARY DATES

22nd October World Mission Day

29th October Fr Telesphor’s Birthday

1st November All Saints Day

2nd November All Souls Day

4th / 5th November Charitable Works Fund Appeal

Cana Farm is located at 100 Kingswood Road Orchard Hills NSW. Cana Farm provides the

opportunity for people to learn from each other and to recreate themselves. Cana

Enterprises employs people who have lived on the margins and been severely

disadvantaged. Brochures on CANA Farm products are available at the Church Entrance.

Online ordering is available. Minimum order for delivery is $250. For smaller orders,

please return your order form ASAP to the parish office so we can arrange a

bulk/combined delivery. CANA farm products would make ideal Christmas gifts so please

consider supporting CANA this year.

Roster – 14th & 15th October

VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Special John Holt Georgette Sayhoun Meaghan Williamson Non Cue

Ministers Erica Hassett Gian Surjadinata Helen Williamson Rachele Cue

Czarina Mendoza-Cruz Artha Surjadinata Relyn Ponce Rhea Cue

VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Readers Julie Erskine-Henness Paulina Roncevic Mark Phillips Brigitte N.

Camille Kafka Greg Glass Merlyn D’Souza Theresa Kuk

VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Altar Nicholas E. Clair B. Kristen E. Matthew C.

Servers Kathryn E. James T. Aiden E.

Giselle C. Nathanial S.

Elizabeth C.

Wardens VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Phil Robinson Mary Cooke Tony Khoury / Trudie Phil Robinson

Music VIGIL 8AM 10AM 6PM

Marion Jane

Daniel Marcella Catherine

Children’s 10AM 10AM

Liturgy Sally McGhee Michelle McGhee

THE NEW ROSTER (OCTOBER 2017 TO APRIL 2018) IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE SIDE ENTRANCE OR VIA THE PARISH WEBSITE.

MASS INTENTIONS We pray for the victims, families and communities of Las Vegas.

Recently Deceased:

Gillian Sotatzis, Ray Roche, Eric Garayblas, Lydia B. Sereno, Carmela Vitale, Joan Dawson.

Repose Of The Soul:

Fr Adrian Horgan, Br Ray Dowding, Fr Frank Furfaro, Aldo Amarino, Salvatore (Phillip) Puglisi, Baby Havana Beger, George & Violet Bouffler, William Boulis, Frank Burton, John Carey, Francesco & Maria Colagiuri, Lisa Cooke, Alex & Eve Cummings, Sr Lydia Dal Pozzo, Edmund & Patrick Duggan, Ken Fraser, Anne Cecilia Glass, Reginald & Agnes Glass, Frances Gleeson, Michael Gereis, Margaret Gilroy, Judith (Killalea) Goodacre, Margaret & James Grady, Brian Edward Harrington, John Harrington, Mary-Anne Harrington, Salvatore Puglisi, Ooi Kok Leong, Lee Say Hun, Johny Khoo, Kim Hock, Dorothy Harris, Ruth Hayes, Kenneth Henderson, Jim Henness, Faado Herro, Ralph McKay, Des McNamara, John & Doreen McNamara, John & Clare Musso, Peter O’Reilly, Roger O’Reilly, Ken Rich, Tom O’Rourke, John Phillips, Sr Clare Quin, Patrick & Janet Reynolds, Jim Reynolds, Ken Rich, Douglas Rogers, Cornelius Ryan, Monica Ryan, Paulina Ryman, Elie & Joseph Sahyoun, Joseph & Suki Singarayar, Maureen & Don Spicer, Lois Walsh, Philip Winfield. Jerome Druart, Sr Patricia Murray OP. Eric Sidoti & Anne Sequoiah Grayson, Marjorie & Ralph Honner, Phyllis & Max Lewis, Dominic Wang, Maria Huang, Les & Roberta Young.

Anniversaries: Audrey Fitzgerald (Kay Stewart’s Mother) Stefano Colagiuri, John B Liu, Lawrie Soares, Hubert Saldanha, Francis Ng Tham Guan, Teresa Tan Swee Bee, Steve Hanzek, Frank & Kathleen Maynihan, Margot Lacey, Brian Edward Harrington, Mary-Anne Harrington, Joseph Singarayer, Mary Campion, John & Mary Liu, CC & Josey Varghese, Threseamma Michael & all those whose anniversaries occur at this time.

Sick Intentions: Giovanna Mannino, Rob Reberger, Anthony Chow, Nabeel Qureshi Formsr, Chan Chau, Estelle Thurn, Patricia Fraser, Caterina Genova, Hilda Reeves, Ma Concepcion Cue, Lazaros, Dorothy Starr, Cathy Young, Sara Michelle Francis, Tony Khoury, Gerald Gleeson, Tereza Marija, Joe, Clara, Michelle, Julie, Natalie & Ivan, Fayez Taouk, Merv Cooper, Francesco Risi, Catherine Lavercombe, Doris Hanna, Dr Ranjan Fernando, Freda Bracks, Francisca Mendoza, Rita Fragassi & Patricia Quinn.

Special Intentions:

Patrick, Elisa & Mereani Chang, Richard Jones. Chris Gooden, Massaad Family, Pauline & John Murphy, Katie Goodacre & Pat Killalea, Michael & Mary Cassar, Giuseppe & Romilda Reginato, Raffaele & Giuseppe Pagano, Giuseppe & Filomena Pagano, Matteo Genova & Family. Deceased Friends, Relatives & Benefactors of the Dominican Order, Deceased members of the St Vincent de Paul Society & Benefactors, Holy Souls.

Mass Intention Envelopes are available at the Church Entrances