St John’s Catholic ParishMullumbimby“I am here among you as one who serves.” Luke 22:2

Serving the Catholic Church in the Brunswick Valley

4th Sunday of Advent - Year C20th December, 2015

Liturgy this weekPsalm Response

Lord, make us turn to you: let us see your face and we

shall be saved.Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!I am the servant of the Lord: may his will for me be done.

Alleluia!

Mass Times this week:WEEKDAY MASS

MullumbimbyWednesday 9.30am

Adoration after Mass

WEEKEND MASSBrunswick Heads

Saturday Vigil 6pmMullumbimbySunday 8am

Reconciliation 7.30amPlease note there will be no midweek masses between Christmas and New Year.

A YEAR WITH POPE FRANCIS: Since faith is so revolutionary it will continually be tempted by the enemy, obviously not to destroy it but to weaken it, making it imperative by preventing it to be in contact with the Holy, the Lord of all faith and life.

On this the last Sunday before Christmas, our Gospel reading prepares us to witness Christ’s birth by showing us how Jesus was recognized as Israel’s long-awaited Messiah even before his birth. The Gospel turns our attention from the ministry of John the Baptist to the events that preceded John the Baptist’s birth. The story of John the Baptist and his parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, are reported only in Luke’s Gospel. Luke pairs the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, establishing John’s early connection to the Messiah.Our Gospel reading recalls Mary’s

actions after the announcement of Jesus’ birth by the angel Gabriel. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, who is also with child. Elizabeth greets Mary with full recognition of the roles that they and their unborn children will play in God’s plan for salvation. If we were to continue to read the verses that follow in Luke’s Gospel, we would hear Mary respond to Elizabeth’s greeting with her song of praise, the Magnificat. Both

women recall and echo God’s history of showing favor upon the people of Israel.In Luke’s Gospel the Holy Spirit

helps reveal Jesus’ identity as God to those who believe. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and sings Mary’s praise because she bears the Lord. We sing these words of praise to Mary in the Hail Mary. Even John the Baptist, the unborn child in Elizabeth’s womb, is said to recognize the presence of the Lord and leaps for joy.It is appropriate in this season of

Advent that we consider the role of Mary in God’s plan of salvation. Elizabeth describes Mary as the first disciple, as the one who believed that God’s word to her would be fulfilled. Mary’s faith enabled her to recognize the work of God in her people’s history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to everyone. Because of this, Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God’s plan for salvation.

Christmas Mass Times Christmas Eve

Brunswick Heads 5.30pmMullumbimby 8pmChristmas DayMullumbimby 8am

Prepare for the

birth of Jesus

Father Lyall with be taking some days off between Christmas and New Year. Father Bill will be for Emergencies only on 66843999

Let Us Pray FOR THOSE:Recently deceased: Stan Quinn, Louisa Steckenreuter (nee Carlin), Jean Nicholls, Wanda Davies, Patricia Tkachenko.

Whose Anniversaries are at this time: Alex Fenwick, Ellen and Ron Dennis, Patrick and Phoebe Gallen and their deceased children, Joseph Merlot, Sylvia Condon.

In their time of need at home, or in hospital: Terry Rahill, Cairo, Jim Mills, Gerard O’Dwyer, Stuart McKenzie, Melanie Bashforth, Sr Nola Riley, Dan Boyle, Doug & Joyce Spensley, Gerda Hughes, Brian Ringland, Peter Colville, Terrence Paterson, Pam Fraser, Pat Quinn, Anne Carolan, Fr Andrew Benton, Matthew O’Meara, Samantha & Kate Holley, Amy Poynting, Ron Knight, Mary Nicholson, Judy Mills, Stephen Buckley and Betina Abbott.

St John’s Catholic Parish, Mullumbimby

“I believe in God - not in a Catholic God; there is no Catholic God. There is God, and I believe in Jesus Christ, his incarnation. Jesus is my teacher and my pastor, but God the Father, Abba, is the light and the Creator. This is my Being. Pope Francis’ Little Book of Wisdom

Pope Francis: Hope in God’s mercy gives us freedomPope Francis says that it is hope

in God’s mercy that opens up horizons and gives us freedom.The Pope was speaking during the

homily at morning Mass in Casa Santa Marta. Reflecting on the first reading of the day from the Book of Numbers which tells of Balaam, a prophet hired by a king to curse Israel, Pope Francis said “Balaam had his faults, and he had sins as well, because we all have sins. We are all sinners”.But reassuring the faithful and

telling them not to panic, the Pope said: “God is greater than our sins”.At a certain point – he continued

- Balaam meets the angel of the Lord and has a change of heart. He sees what error is and what truth is and “he says what he sees: the People of God dwell in tents in the desert and beyond the desert are fruitfulness, beauty and victory.” Balaam opens his heart, he

“repents” and “sees the truth”, because “with good will one always sees the truth. Truth that gives hope” the Pope said. “Hope is a Christian virtue that

is a great gift from God and that allows us see beyond problems, pain, difficulties, beyond our sins. It allows us to see the beauty of God”.Pope Francis said that those who

possess this virtue of hope also have the freedom and the strength to see beyond the bad times whether they are to do with bad health or family problems.And reflecting on the fact that in

the Gospel the chief priests question Jesus and ask with which authority does he act, the Pope said: “they have no horizons, they are men who are locked in their calculations, they are slaves to their rigidity. Human calculations “– the Pope said – “close hearts and shut out freedom”, whilst “hope gives us levity”.Pope Francis remarked on the

beauty of freedom, of the hope of men and women of the Church.

On the other hand, he denounced the rigidity of men and women of the Church: “that clerical stiffness that contains no hope”.“In this Year of Mercy – the Pope

said - there are these two paths: one of those who hope in God’s mercy and know that God is the Father; and then there are those who take refuge in the slavery of rigidity and know nothing of God’s mercy”. Pope Francis concluded his

homily by recalling an event which took place in Buenos Aires in 1992 during a Mass for the sick. He said he had been confessing

for many hours when he received a very old woman “with eyes that were full of hope”:“I said: ‘Grandma, are you coming

to confession?’ Because I was about to leave. ‘Yes’ she answered and I said: ‘you have not sinned’. She said: ‘Father: we have all sinned – But God forgives all’. ‘How do you know?’ I asked, and she said: ‘Because if God did not forgive all, the world would not exist’.”So – Pope Francis said: “before

these two persons - the free one, the one with hope who brings God’s mercy, and the closed, legalistic slave of his own rigidity, let us remember the words of the old lady and the lesson she gave me: God forgives all, He is just waiting for you to get close to Him.”Linda Bordoni - from Vatican Radio

Prayer for the 4th Sunday of AdventJesus, the angel Gabriel announced your coming to Mary, your Mother, and at your birth the angels sang of peace and good will... Help us to be people of peace as we look forward to celebrating your birthday. Amen.

The Advent WreathThe Fourth Candle symbolises joy. As Christians, all our joy comes from our Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth we’re preparing to celebrate.

Sunday Mass ReadingsSunday, 20th DecemberMicah 5: 1-4Hebrews 10: 5-10Luke 1: 39-44Sunday, 27th DecemberSamuel 1: 20-24, 24-28John 3: 1-2, 21-24Luke 2: 41-52

St John’s Catholic Parish, Mullumbimby

Christmas Mass VolunteersParishioners who are available to assist with the various ministries during Mass at the two Vigils as well as at St John’s on Christmas morning and the following weekend masses are asked to add their name to the roster at the back of the church.

Christmas FlowersThose wishing to donate flowers for Christmas, please leave at the church early on Thursday Dec 24 (buckets supplied) or ring Bev on 66842951.

Invitation to ChildrenChildren celebrating Mass at the Christmas Vigil at Our Lady of Lourdes are invited to come dressed as shepherds or angels.

Finance CouncilIf parishioners would like to be considered for membership of the Finance Council would they please speak with Fr. Lyall.

Collection countersWe are in need of more counters on Wednesday mornings at 10am. If you can join the roster please contact the Parish Office.

Direct Debit GivingDo you have trouble finding cash on Sunday mornings for your planned giving envelope? Will you be away on holidays and have forgotten to organise your giving? Then why not organise a Direct Debit? The parish’s bank details are - Bank: NAB, BSB: 082-729, Acc: 509796718. Please notify the Parish Office if you start Direct Debit Giving.

Care and ConcernPhone: 66842106

Bradley Coach BaptismWith great joy the family of Bradley John Ivo Coach presents him for Baptism this weekend in the company of his extended family.

We pray for BradleyDear Father in Heaven, Bless Bradley todayand bless this day of new beginnings. Smile upon Bradley and surround him Loving God,with the soft mantle of your love. Teach Bradley to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, and to live life in the ways of Love, faith, hope and charity,(Source unknown)Amen.

Year of Consecrated Life InsertWith the Year of Consecrated Life ending on 2 February, 2016 and as we are into the ‘holiday’ season in January, this week will be the last insert for your reflection. This week’s insert is a personal reflection prepared by Sr Maureen.

Christmas Vigil Thanks to Janet and her Mum, Elizabeth, we will have ‘live’ music for our carols and the Eucharistic Celebration at the Christmas Vigil at St John’s. Carols will commence at 7.30pm.Dianne Holmes will be at Our Lady of Lourdes to ensure Christmas is celebrated in joy and song.

Catholic LifeThe latest issue of the Diocesan magazine, Catholic Life, is now available.

Morning TeaThere will be no morning tea on the first Sunday in January.

Name Badges Parishioners are reminded to wear their name badges to Mass, especially over the holidays. With many visitors attending our churches it would be nice for them to be able to identify the ‘locals’.

With GratitudeThe congregation at Our Lady of Lourdes, Brunswick Heads, would like to thank John Reynolds for repairing the side steps at the church and making them safe to use.

Carols at St Martin’sNine Lessons and Carols will be celebrated at St Martin’s Anglican Church in Stuart St, Mullumbimby on Tuesday, Dec 22 at 7pm. All are welcome at this non-demoniational celebration.

Missals Order is hereIf you have already received your 2016 missals order could you please let the Parish office know.Daily Missals cost $20, Sunday Missals $7.50. Envelopes are available at the back of the church to make your payment. Missals will be delivered with your receipt.

Priest: Fr Lyall CowellAddress: 15 Murwillumbah Road(PO Box 27,)Mullumbimby, 2482Phone: 6684 2106Parish email:mullumbimby@lismore.catholic.org.au

Parish Secretary: Michelle DaviesOffice: Wednesday 10am-2pmThursday 10am-2pm

Pastoral Associate: Sr Maureen McDermott rsjPhone: 6684 2131

CHURCHES:St John’s 15 Murwillumbah Rd,Mullumbimby

Our Lady of Lourdes50 Mullumbimbi StBrunswick Heads

PARISH SCHOOL: St John’s PrimaryPrincipal: Tim BleakleyPhone: 6684 2386

Contact InformationSt John’s Catholic Parish, Mullumbimby

19/20th Dec4th Sunday of Advent

WelcomerReaders

Offertory Procession

Ministers of Communion

Data Projector

St John’s Church cleaning this comming week - Team 3Collection Counters Wed 23th Dec - David Condon

BRUNSWICK HEADS

Janice BollandLisa RussellMark RussellMichelle DaviesVolunteer PleaseJohn HolmesKay HolmesVolunteer Please

MULLUMBIMBY

Liturgy GroupMarie WeddRuth Manley

Paul BrennanVolunteer Please

Anne ArcusSilvana SmithPam Lang

Nicci Nelson

www.mullumbimbycatholic.com.au

Update on VanuatuMany thanks to the St John’s Parish Community for making this possible - the container of supplies have reached the villages in the North of Efate, Vanuatu.Here is a photo of Paul &

Nellie Simbolo with some of the supplies. The map shows the villages around Epule where the container supplies have been distributed.The Simbolo Family live at Epule Tops above the main village of Epule, as they are further inland from the coast and river they will need more help to get re established and to supply running water to their village. Will keep you posted with more

St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas AppealWith your support, the St Vincent de Paul Society can make a real difference to the lives of people in the local community. Please donate using a Christmas Appeal envelope.

Cards and calendarsThe Vinnies Christmas cards are

on sale at both churches - a pack of ten costs $6. Also available is the 2016 Columban Calendar - $9 each. See Ann Arcus for both.

Volunteer Workers WantedKimberley Catholic Volunteer Service. The Diocese of Broome, WA, requires volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal Missions. There are various important voluntary tasks: administration, building maintenance, gardening, shop staffing, cooking, cleaning etc. Placements are preferred for a period of 6 months plus. For further details, and an application form, please contact:Volunteer Coordinator Anneliese

photos are they come through and what is happening with the rebuild projects

Mark Russell Good4Global Limited

Rohr: 08 9192 1060Email: volunteers@broomediocese.org Web: www.broomediocese.orgMail: PO Box 76, Broome WA 6725