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Open 7 days between 8am - 10pm

150 Yarra St, Geelong 3220 Ph: 5222 1977 Fax: 5229 0587

Website: www.stmarysgeelong.com.au

6th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year A - February 16, 2020

Readings for this week:

Sirah 15:15 - 20; 1 Corinthians 2:6 - 10; Matthew 5:17 - 37

Parish Priest: Fr James Clarke PP E-mail: frj@stmarysgeelong.com.au

Assistant Priest: Fr Joseph Panackal Email: j.panackal@stmarysgeelong.com.au

Business Manager: Mr Terry Philp Email: terryp@stmarysgeelong.com.au

Parish Secretary: Mrs Diane Read Email: dianer@stmarysgeelong.com.au

Pastoral Worker: Ms Anna Demetriou Email: AnnaMarieD@stmarysgeelong.com.au

RCIA Coordinator: Mr Kevin Mark Email: Kevin@stmarysgeelong.com.au

Bulletin Notices: Due by: Thursday 1.00pm Email: rhay@stmarysgeelong.com.au or call Parish Office: 5222 1977

MASS TIMES

MONDAY NO MASSES

TUESDAY

10.00 am and 7.30pm

(ROSARY prior to 10am Mass)

WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY

(ROSARY prior to both Masses)

7.00am; 10.00am

SATURDAY

9.00am; 6.00pm (Vigil)

SUNDAY

7.30am; 9.30am; 11.00am;

12.15pm (Polish); 5.30pm

RECONCILIATION

9.30am Saturday

NOVENA to OUR LADY of

PERPETUAL HELP

Wednesday at 10.30am

NOVENA to ST. ANTHONY

Tuesday after 10.00am Mass

ADORATION OF BLESSED

SACRAMENT & DIVINE

MERCY CHAPLET

Thursdays at 9.00am

REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES © Diane Bergent CSA

Jesus continues to instruct the disciples in the mysteries of the kingdom of

heaven. The readings for today focus our attention on the nature of true

wisdom. It is this true wisdom which prompts us to choose the right course

of action. It is true wisdom that directs us in our interpretation of the law.

The longer we live, the more we realise that life experiences open up for us

a series of choices. With these choices we chart the path that we will take.

Circumstances might be thrust on us, but we can still make choices about how

we will deal with them. Obedient people do what they are told; wise people

choose what good they will do. True wisdom calls us to choose life and

whatever enhances life. If we are truly wise, we will come to realise that what

was acceptable and life-enhancing in one situation may not be appropriate in

another. Life is fluid, and our thinking and acting must be flexible enough to

adapt when necessary.

True wisdom, which comes to us through the Spirit, will enrich us with insight

into life in ways we never thought possible. We will realise where and how we

fit into the vast and interrelated ecosystems of the universe, and we will be

overawed with the majesty and intricacy of its workings. We will understand

once and for all that the value of anything is determined by its capacity to

enrich life, and we will commit ourselves to and cherish every manifestation

of that life.

ST MARY’S PIETY STALL is open weekdays (Mon-Fri) from 10.30am - 1.00pm; Sunday 10.30am - 12.15pm.

IT IS NOT OPEN ON SATURDAY.

PARISH FOOD PANTRY The Pantry is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

from 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

172 Fyans Street, South Geelong

Phone: 5221 4222

165 West Fyans St, Newtown VIC 3220

Ph: 5221 2511

Fax: 5221

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5273 5273 Level 1, 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong

coulterroache.com.au

ASH WEDNESDAY MASSES FEBRUARY 26th Mass Times for Ash Wednesday are: 7.00am; 10.00am; 12noon - All Schools Mass; 7.30pm.

PARISH LENT PROGRAM 2020 "Grace" - the Lenten Program for 2020 Booklet, is now available at a cost of $8.00 per copy. Produced by the Diocese of Wollongong, the full-colour book includes reflections for each day of Lent and Easter, and additional materials for personal use. It is available from the Piety Stall and Parish Office. During Lent small-group meetings will be offered in the Parish Meeting Room on Wednesdays after the 10am Mass, and possibly, another at 7pm, commencing Ash Wednesday. We have made available sign-up sheets in the Narthex, the Piety Stall and Parish Office, or you can call the Parish Office to register your interest or email: Kevin@stmarysgeelong.com.au

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2020 ENROLMENTS for all 3 Sacraments, for children attending non-Catholic Schools, are currently being taken. Please contact Anna Demetriou on: 52221977 or email: AnnaMarieD@stmarysgeelong.com.au. It is most important to enrol for Confirmation classes now, as the classes start this week on Wednesday February 19th at 4.00pm.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY LEADERS We are looking for a few more people to assist the team who lead “Children’s Liturgy” every Sunday at the 11.00am Mass during the 4 School Terms. Leaders are required to be to be over 18, have a current WWC (Working with Children) check, and will be rostered on approximately every 6 -8 weeks. There will be ongoing and comprehensive support offered to you, and you will always be rostered on with an assistant to help. Please contact the Parish Office 5222 1977 for more details or to register your interest in this important and rewarding ministry.

PARISH PIETY STALL Is seeking TWO reliable persons to join the Tuesday team of volunteers from 10.30am - 1.00pm. This is a not too demanding way to meet people in the Parish and take part in a vital service we offer to the many Christians in Geelong. Please contact Mary Stow 5221 3349 or leave your details at the Parish Office: 5222 1977.

FOUND St Benedict Rosary beads on Sunday February 2, 2020, in a seat in the Northern Transept (right side when looking at the Altar). These can be collected from the Piety Stall during open times. (see front page)

CAFÉ LIGHT VOLUNTEERS We are looking for 3 or 4 extra volunteers to help keep the Café a success. Are you able to join the Roster for the 9.30am Mass (from 10.15am - 11.00am) and after the 11.00am Mass (12noon - 1.00pm)? If you are able to help, this commitment will involve 1 hour every 4 weeks. Please contact Margaret McTernan 5275 1221.

SENIORS’ SOCIAL GROUP Film and afternoon tea. $5.00pp. Wednesday February 19th - 1.30pm. With respect for the bushfires we are showing the classic Australian film “Smiley” - the mischievous boy from the outback. Starring Chips Rafferty, Ralph Richardson, Bud Tingwell and Colin Peterson (starring as Smiley). There will be door prize and raffles. Please contact Marg McTernan 5275 1221.

‘YOUNG ADULT’ GUITAR/VOCAL GROUP Keyboard and other instruments also welcomed. If you are interested in becoming a part of this group which will eventually sing at the 5,30pm Mass on Sundays. please contact the Parish Office: 5222 1977 and leave your details or send an email to: rhay@stmarysgeelong.com.au.

BELMONT SENIORS CONCERT HALL Proudly presents - Direct from Melbourne - Margaret Dennis. This concert will be held on: Monday February 24th - 1.30pm. This talented and versatile performer will present music and song to brighten your day. Entry is: $10.00pp. Aged Care Residents: $5.00pp. Afternoon Tea is provided. Phone: 52411 776.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED A client of “Lifeboat Geelong”, which provides practical and pastoral support for victims of church-related sexual abuse, is seeking affordable accommodation in the Geelong region. e.g. a “Granny flat”, self-contained bungalow or small one-bedroom unit. He is tidy, has a good rental payment record and good references. Further information: Fr. Kevin Dillon – 0421 777 360 or frkd@stsimonsparish.com.au.

CLONARD OPEN DAY Friday March 13, 2020 Information sessions followed by tours 1.00pm - 4.30pm. Enrolments for Year 7, 2021 close on Friday May 8th, 2020. Pre-register online: www.clonard.catholic.edu.au.

MERCY PILGRIMAGE WITH OBERAMMERGAU This 16-day pilgrimage led by Fr. Patrick Jackson is departing on August 8th, 2020. This pilgrimage features Warsaw, Krakow, Prague, Munich, and Oberammergau. Witness the famous Passion Play, which takes place once-a-decade for an all-inclusive price of $7900 + Tips. The fare includes Return Economy Airfares + Local Transfers in Deluxe coaches + Stay in Premium Hotels + All Breakfast & Dinners + Catholic Priest + English speaking professional guides + Entrances as per itinerary and more. For inquiries & bookings call 03 8839 6615 or email: info@magiholidays.com.au.

CAN YOU HELP US? We are in urgent need of dedicated volunteers to assist with the running of the AV Computer /Sound and Powerpoint slides

during Mass, especially at the 6pm Vigil, 7.30am and 9.30am Sunday Masses. If you can help, please call

the Parish Office 5222 1977 with your details. TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED

CENTRA (PREVIOUSLY ‘THE CARRINGTON HOTEL’)

MULTIPLE SIZED FUNCTION SPACES PERFECT FOR PRE & POST WEDDINGS /

CHRISTENINGS / WAKES etc.

OPEN LUNCH & DINNER

Tues-Sun from 12pm.

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MUSIC AT THE BASILICA Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels,

136 Yarra St, Geelong.

ADMISSION FREE. ALL WELCOME.

Friday February 21, 5.30pm - 6.00pm Theme: WATER

Gillian Turner (texts & poetry) Vicki Hallet (Clarinet)

Friday February 28, 5.30pm - 6.00pm Theme: FIRE

Helen Seymour (poetry) Tom Healy (Organ)

Friday March 6, 5.30pm - 6.00pm Theme: EARTH

Alison Wong (poetry) Prue Farnsworth (Flute)

Friday March 13, 5.30pm - 6.00pm Theme: WIND

Rosemary Blake (poetry) Frank DeRosso (Piano)

Friday March 20, 5.30pm - 6.00pm Theme: LIGHT

Gillian Turner (texts & poetry) Maximillian Rudd (Guitar)

ST MARY’S BASILICA CHOIR INVITATION We invite you to join St Mary’s Basilica Choir. This choir sings at 9.30 Mass each Sunday, and weekly rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings (7.00pm to 8.30pm) in the Parish ‘Pioneer Room’. (150 Yarra St, Geelong) For more information and details come see us after any of the 9.30am Masses on Sunday morning.

QUOTE OF THE DAY Self awareness is only powerful

when knowledge is understood and applied, only then

can it manifest into true wisdom! - Martin R. Lemieu

JOKE OF THE DAY

A generous elderly lady brings a bus driver a bag of

peanuts every single day.

At first the bus driver really enjoys this act of generosity,

but after a couple of weeks of constantly eating them,

carefully asks the lady to stop doing this.

"I really appreciate the bag of peanuts, but I can’t take

them from you anymore. It’s too much for me. Why don’t

you have them instead?"

The lady smiles and replies, "Well, that won’t do. I don't

have any teeth left. So all I can do is suck the chocolate

off from around them."

COMING ATTRACTIONS

@ ST MARY’S “PLAZA” THEATRE A donation of $5.00 pp. is expected and appreciated.

Sunday February 16th, 1.30 pm “Mother Teresa” Inspirational portrayal of Mother Teresa, a simple nun who became one of the most significant personalities of the 20th Century. Armed with a faith that could move mountains, Mother Teresa followed her calling to help the poor, the lepers, the dying and the abandoned children in the slums of Calcutta. Stars Olivia Hussey.

Friday February 21st, 7.30 pm “Judy” Set in late 1968 and early 1969, we meet Judy Garland hustling in Swinging London after she successfully secured a five-week engagement in Talk of the Town. Behind the scenes, she battles her own management and prepares to fight her ex-husband and ex-manager, Sidney Luft, in court for custody of their children. Starring Renee Zellweger, Jessie Buckley & Rufus Sewell.

Sunday February 23rd, 1.30 pm “A Foreign Field” Veterans return to Normandy on the 50th anniversary of D-Day for their own special and poignant reasons, among them are two looking for an old love who turns out to be for the same woman. Stars Alec Guinness, Leo Mckern & Lauren Bacall.

For more details please visit St Mary’s Parish website: www.stmarysgeelong.com.au

GEELONG INTERFAITH NETWORK CHOIR has come together and is singing at Pako Festa February 29 2020 and Harmony Day March 21, 2020. Practices are on Mondays in Café Light (Hibernian Hall)leading up to the events - from 5pm - 6pm. The next practice is Monday February 17. If you wish to join in, or need more information regarding the choir, or events, please contact Vanessa Woolley via email: geelonginterfaith@gmail.com.

INVITATION TO DEAKIN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS As the Catholic Chaplain at Deakin University (Waurn Ponds and Waterfront campuses), I am seeking to form a Catholic support group to help me run a couple of programs at the University. It is also hoped that this group might develop to provide mutual support and friendship. Please contact me if you are interested or would like further information. Len Monk on: 0402082937 or lenjmonk@gmail.com.

KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS Monthly meeting next Tuesday February 18th - 7.30pm, St Bernard’s Church Foyer area. Please endeavour to attend and bring a plate for supper.

AS A COMMUNITY WE PRAY FOR :

RECENTLY DECEASED: Francesco ‘Frank’ Preiato, Filippo Orifici,

CURRENT ANNIVERSARIES OF DEATH: Hazel Abley, Dermot Jerinic, Antonino Zavaglia, Nora T. Doolan, Jenny Oliver, Milka Kustera, Jacqueline O’Toole, Jeanette Devon, Vilma Cioch MONTH MIND: Maria Marino

THOSE IN OUR PARISH WHO ARE UNWELL: Eneas Connolly

BAPTISMS: Estelle Calabrese, Patrick Minney, Max Davidson, Eliza Davidson, Ethan Dillon Dear God, Please keep these children of yours safe & happy, and surrounded by your everlasting love.

Guide them every step with your wisdom and your grace. Amen.

St. John of God Hospital Chapel Mass: Thursday - 11.30am

Radio Mass: Sunday 7am on Light FM, 89.9 and 10am on The Pulse 94.7 FM

ROSTERS FOR NEXT SUNDAY - February 23, 2020

7th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year A Readings for next week: Leviticus 19: 1-2, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 3: 16-23; Matthew 5: 38-48

TIMES Readers Special Ministers AV Computer

6.00pm Kevin Mark

Gael Perry

Margot Jarman, Vicki & Vince Zavaglia David Bowman

(Recording: David)

7.30am Cheryle Douglas

Paul Buttigieg

John & Cheryle Douglas, John Caulfield Barry Leith

9.30am Michael O’Connell

Harry Webb

Des & Jennifer Guinane, Keith Vriens,

Erminia Ficca

David Bowman

11.00am

Kath Walsh

Shirley Carroll

Maureen Zampatti, Nina Tarsitano,

Irena Godlewski, Angelito Mercado,

Nilda Gilmore, Lina Sidoti

Joan Belleville

NO Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Junior Choir

5.30pm Jeanette Morton

Elizabeth Fleming

Elizabeth Fleming, John Morton,

Marita Fitzpatrick

Kevin Kleijn

PARISH PANTRY A news update from Gary McIlvena

Welcome to 2020. Since opening on January 13th we have served 252 people who have received 528 bags

of food. Last year, 2019, saw 2,421 clients requiring our assistance and receiving 4,842 bags of food.

Our devoted volunteers are once again rolling up their sleeves and helping in the many areas that need

their services. We have just purchased a cool-room which will assist us in keeping our fruit and vegetables

in fresh condition and lessen our wastage through spoilage. We have upgraded our security system

and our computer system to assist with record keeping, assuring client details are up to date and confidential.

We face a real need for more VOLUNTEERS on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

to assist us in serving and helping our clients quickly and efficiently.

Please call me, Gary McIlvena on: 0424 729 744

if you are interested and able to join the team for either, or both, of these days.