Bridgeside Bulletin

The weekly Bulletin of the

Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry
Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church
33 Lake Street, Forster

St Mary, Star of the Sea Church

Cnr Kent & Peel Streets, Tuncurry

Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts

Sunday 1st March, 2015

Second Sunday of Lent, Year B
Parish
Fr Andrew Doohan (Parish Priest)
Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate)
Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration Associate/Bulletin)
Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is

normally staffed on Monday, Thursday and Friday
from 10am to 4pm.
Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin should be
received by midday on Thursday.
33 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428
PO Box 67, Forster NSW 2428
P:
F:
E:
W:

(02) 6554 6304

(02) 6554 6425
[email protected]
www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Fr Andrews email: [email protected]

Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of
Forster Tuncurry

Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic

Celebrating the Sacraments

Reconciliation is available on Saturday mornings at
Tuncurry from 8:30am until the beginning of the 9am
Mass, on Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:45pm
until 5:15pm.
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any
of our Sunday Masses or after the 9am Mass. The next
Baptismal Preparation meeting will take place in the
Parish Halls meeting rooms on Monday 9th March
2015 commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish
Office for more details, or visit the Parish website.
Weddings are celebrated by arrangement and with at
least three (and preferably more) months notice.
Please contact Fr Andrew for more details, or visit the
Parish website.
A Sacramental Preparation process runs each year in
the Parish for children wishing to complete the
celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation as part of
the Parish community. Please contact the Parish Office
for more details, or visit the Parish website.
The Parish hosts the Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults process for those adults wishing to be baptised
or be received into the communion of the Catholic
Church. Please contact the Parish Office for more
details, or visit the Parish website.

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

St Clares High School, Taree (7-12)

Mr Chris Waters (Principal)

Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)

41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428

PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428

Davis Street, Taree NSW 2430

P:
F:
E:
W:

P: (02) 6552 3300

F: (02) 6552 3656
E: [email protected]
W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au

(02) 6554 6504

(02) 6554 8895
[email protected]
www.forster.catholic.edu.au

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

Regular Activities in the Parish

Second Week of Lent.

Christian Meditation
Our Parish hosts opportunities for the practice of
Christian meditation on Tuesdays at two distinct
times, 9am and 5:30pm. Phone Bob on 6555 5914 for
further information.

Today1st March
5:30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction @ Tuncurry
Monday2nd March

Womens Bible Study Group

Our Parish hosts a Womens Bible Study Group that
meets every Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm. For
more information contact Natasha on 0407 589 935.

Tuesday3rd March
9am
Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
10:30am Mass @ Beaumont Terrace Nursing Home
3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Mass @ Tuncurry
5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
5:30pm Singing Practice @ Tuncurry

Holy Hour
The Parish community observes a Holy Hour each
Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from
3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm.

Wednesday4th March
9am
Mass @ Forster
9:30am Secular Franciscans meeting @ Forster
11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @
Forster
2pm
Liturgy @ Kularoo Gardens Nursing Home
4:30pm Parish Pastoral Team @ Forster

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The Novena is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster
church commencing at 11:15am and is followed by a
cuppa in the Parish Hall. For more information contact
Shioney on 6554 9468.
Singing Practice
Singing group will meet at Tuncurry Church on
Tuesday 3rd March at 5:30pm.

Thursday5th March
8am
Ecumenical Prayer Meeting @ The Tanks
9am
Mass @ Forster
7pm
Womens Bible Study Group (Natasha
0407 589 935)

The menALIVE Groups

Our Parish currently hosts rwo menALIVE groups. The
daytime group will next meet on Wednesday 11th
March after the 9am Mass and the evening group
meets on the last Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.

Friday6th March
9:30am Mass @ Forster
2pm
World Day of Prayer @ Forster Baptist
Church

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on
next Wednesday 4th March 2015, coming together
for Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and
then the meeting 10am to 12pm.

Saturday7th March
8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Tuncurry
4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15pm)
6pm
Mass @ Tuncurry

Maintenance & Gardening Group

The Parish is served by a very dedicated band of
volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds
and gardens of our two sites. Their next reunion will
be on Thursday 19th March. Contact Howard 6557
6826 for more information.

Sunday8th March
Third Sunday of Lent & Fr Andrews last day as Parish
Priest.
7am
Mass @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Forster

Evening Prayer & Benediction

The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday
of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It
will celebrated this evening, Sunday 1st March 2015.
All welcome.

Golden Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to Terry and Doreen Swann on the
occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary on 27th
February.

Childrens Liturgy of the Word

The next Liturgy of the Word for children aged 4-12
will be on today, Sunday 1st March 2015 at the 9am
Mass. A morning tea will follow Mass.

Weekly Ecumenical Prayer Meeting

An Ecumenical Prayer Meeting will be held at The
Tanks on Thursday mornings in the lead up to the
Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service, to pray for the
preparations and success of the Service. The meetings
will start at 8am.

Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase

The next collection of foodstuffs in support of
Homebase is today, Sunday 1st March 2015.
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From the Pastors Desk

Yes, the packing has begun, and so has the cleaning
out that traditionally accompanies a move.
In going through draws and files and cupboards, Ive
discovered what appears to be an inordinate amount
of stuff that has accumulated as part of my
possessions. Some of it is, to be sure, important stuff
but there is also a lot of stuff that can perhaps best
be described as clutter.
Possessing stuff is a necessary part of the human
conditionwe all have some stuff that is necessary
for us to live in the contemporary world. I have,
however, been reflecting over the last couple of
weeks on just why I have accumulated so much
stuffusually while I try to sort out what can be
done away with and be thrown out, handed over, or
otherwise removed from my stuff.
In one sense its a perfect activity for the Lenten
season (though I hasten to add I wouldnt recommend
having to move house to anybodyits one of my pet
hates in life).
During Lent each year we have the opportunity to
attend to the stuff that we have accumulated in our
spiritual lives over the last year, and, consequently, to
remove, hand over, or otherwise attend to, the stuff
that has become clutter. Clutter has a way of claiming
our attention, and shifting our focus away from the
really important things that should have a prior claim
on our attention.
It is important to avail ourselves of the opportunity
gifted to us by the Season of Lent when it comes
along, and to attend to the unhelpful clutter than can
get in the way of the really important stuff. Doing so
will help us prepare ourselves to celebrate the great
Festival of Easter refreshed, renewed, and revitalised.
Until next week
Fr Andrew

Farewell Fr Andrew
It is with mixed emotions that we farewell Fr Andrew
from our parish. We are saddened by the loss of his
guiding influence on our parish community and yet
grateful for the 3 years
he spent with us.

Guiding Childrens Faith Journey

We are also aware of

the Churchs need for
Fr Andrew in other
ministries
in
our
Diocese and we wish him well in his new position.

Are you interested in guiding children on part of their

faith journey? Catholic Special Religious Education
(SRE) / Scripture classes continue in this Parish
community
at
Forster
9.30

11.00am,
Tuncurry 11.20am 12.30pm and Pacific Palms PS.
Currently, because of family, health and work the
current SRE teachers require enthusiastic, caring,
supportive volunteers to help with classes on Fridays
of the school Term. All support will be offered to assist
the volunteer. Mentoring is offered to new recruits
also.
For
more
information
contact
[email protected] / 0408 895 951
or parish office 65546304.

Following Fr Andrews last Mass on 8th March, there

will be a cuppa in the Church Hall. Please come along
and bring a plate to
share.

Anyone
wishing
to
contribute to a gift for
Andrew should see Greg
or Sharon at the office.

Working with Children Checks

New Parish Formation Program

We have received instructions for the Diocese re

people who may need a clearance to comply with the
Child Protection Legislation. The law is determined to
cover workers in situations where children may be
present - even if the task involved does not appear to
be child related.

A Formation Program for Parish and other ministries is

running again in 2015.
The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation, supported by
Maitland-Newcastle Diocese and the Tenison Woods
Education Centre, is offering the Formation Program
in two locations this year: Muswellbrook from
February to April and Broadmeadow from August to
October.

For example, in our parish, parishioners who take

communion to the house bound will need a clearance
to cover them for times when a child may be present
during their visitation.

In the past, you may have attended a Safe

Ministry course, picked up a few units of
the Formation Program or maybe shown an interest in
doing the program at a later date. If so, you might be
interested in continuing with the program this year.

Lenten Program - Arise

Its not too late to join a Lenten Reflection Group in
our Parish to pray, share our faith and socialise with
other parishioners.
A list of groups are on the notice boards in the
churches next week. You may join an existing group or
even host one of your own. More information is
available from the Parish office.

Dont delay, register now at: Maitland-Newcastle

Diocese at [email protected]/02
4979 1134 or Tenison Woods Education Centre
at [email protected]/02 4930 9601.
Program details are as follows:
Spirituality for Ministry:
Saturday 7th March (Mrs Benita Tate/Ms Jan Craft)
9:30am12:30pm Call and Discernment
1pm4pm Human Relating and Pastoral Care

High School Chaplains

Motivated Christian Youth Workers are required, full
time and part time, to run High School programs in
association with local Christian Church groups in the
three campuses of Great Lakes College in 2015.

Integrity in Ministry:
Saturday 21st March (Ms Kim Bruce/Mr David Muxlow)
9:30am12:30pm Maintaining Right Relationships
1pm-4pm Protection of the Vulnerable

Minimum qualification is Certificate IV in Youth Work

or Pastoral Care, including competencies in mental
health and making appropriate referrals.
Experience in delivering programs for young people is
desired.

Saturday 28th March (Mr Ray Moos/Mrs Teresa Brierley)

9:30am12:30pm Workplace Safety
1pm-4pm Integrity in Service of the Church

Email [email protected] for an information

package. Closing Date: Wednesday, 18th March.

Formation for Leadership:

Saturday 11th April (Sr Patricia Egan)
9:30am12:30pm Leadership as Ministry
1pm-4pm Leadership Style and Dynamics

Are you House-Bound?

Cant get to Mass?
Would you like to be an active participant
in your Parish?

Saturday 18th April (Mr Sean Scanlon/Mrs Teresa Brierley)

9:30am12:30pm Management Skills
1pm-4pm Leadership of Foundation Areas

Then the Intercessory Prayer Apostolate is just for

you!!!
Members of this group simply receive a list of people
to pray for at home each month. There is nothing
more to do. No money to pay no meetings to attend.
Just pray in your own home in your own time for
those on the list. And of course, you can always add
your own private list.

Catholic Newspapers Available

If you would like to participate and pray for others,

and so play an active role in your parish, simply give
Bob Cashman a ring on 6555 5914 or 0418 207 981, or
leave your name and phone number with the Parish
Office.

Lenten Reflections

Both The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and The Catholic

Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at a cost of
$2 each from our churches.

Travel through Lent with a Little Black Book. Find six

minutes of quite time for the next 50 days (15th Feb
to 5th April) to work through the book one page at a
time. Cost $5 each at rear of Churches.
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Ladies High Tea Fundraiser

The ladies of Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish invite
you to a Ladies High Tea Fundraiser to be held at the
Forster Parish Hall on Saturday 14th March at
10:00am. Its a gorgeous way for us ladies to get
together AND raise funds for the Missionary Sisters of
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart who are trying to build
homes for AIDs orphans in Tzaneen, South Africa.
Humanitarian Projects International (HPI) is partnering
with the Sisters to raise these funds. So get together
with your mums, daughters, aunties and friends and
join us for some beautiful food and delightful
company. Tickets are $15 and are available at the
Parish Office or call Judy on 0448 660 858. They will
also be available to purchase after 9am Mass.
Bookings are essential. RSVP by Sunday 8th March.
Ladies High Tea-Fundraiser
Sat 14th March 10am
Catholic Parish Hall 33 Lake St, Forster

Tickets $15
Lucky door prize, Raffle, African stall &
Silent Auction
Enquires: Forster Judy 0448660858
Taree / Old Bar Linda 0408077089

We would be
most grateful to
receive vouchers
or items which
can be donated
for the silent
auction. Please
provide to parish
office or phone
Judy to arrange
collection. Thank
you!

A Reflection Day
On Saturday 14th March from 9:30am to 3:30pm, the
Tenison Woods Education Centre is offering a day
entitled An Autumn Invitation to Enter the Stillness
with Sr Colleen OSullivan rsj. Morning Tea provided.
Please bring your own lunch. Cost $20. Concession
$10. See flyer at rear of Church for further details.
Phone 4930 9601 or email twec@ssjl by 11th March.

Ignite Praise & Worship

We invite all young people and their families to ignite
their faith, inspiring a deeper understanding of being
in relationship with God by attending an Ignite
Praise and Worship evening. The event will take place
on Sunday 22nd March at 5.30pm at the Catholic
Church in Forster and will feature a young, local
Christian rock band. Under 12s must be accompanied
by an adult. The event will be followed by a BBQ. For
more information contact Sharon at the Parish Office
on 6554 6304/0407 006 666.

Youre invited to Family Group

There is a Family Group in our parish which has
operated for about 24 years. It consists of
approximately 30 individuals and families. Its purpose
is friendship and fellowship.

This year the annual world day of prayer will be

hosted by the Baptist Church in Forster on Friday 6th
March.

The Family Group gets together each month for an

activity such as picnics, movies, coffee, luncheons, etc.
at local venues. We would like to invite any person or
family, particularly new parishioners to join us at
Tuncurry Rock Pool at 5pm on Saturday 21st March.
Buy your fish and chips on the way; bring some easy
chairs or a picnic blanket and relax as the sun sets
over the water.

The service will begin at 2pm when representatives

from all churches in town will unite to pray for our
world.

The gathering may give us an opportunity to discuss

whether young families and individuals would like to
meet regularly and engage in more active pursuits.

The focus nation this year is The Bahamas. All

parishioners are encourage to attend this wonderful
ecumenical event.

For further information please contact Terry and Carol

Pearson on 6559 2550 / 0408 768 729 or the Parish
Office.

World Day of Prayer

This is my Son and I love him

Kids Corner
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Try to find these words:

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Mk 9:2-10

Opportunities Outside The Parish

Passionist Family Group Renewal Day

Presentation will be held on Sunday 8th March
beginning at 10am at Grace Cottage, 58 Grace Ave,
Frenchs Forest. Fr Peter McGrath and Peter Kennedy
will be the main presenters. All are welcome. Come
along and share your ideas and stories. How are
Family Groups faring in your parish? Cost is $5.00 per
person donation to defray costs. Please bring some
finger food to share for lunch. RSVP to John & Pauline
McGrath (Maitland/Newcastle Family Group Coordinators) E [email protected] or P 4946
7460.

Start the New Year off with a bang!

Spend a weekend with your spouse at a Worldwide
Marriage Encounter Weekend. The peaceful setting of
this weekend enrichment is a great way to rekindle
the romance in your marriage. Weekend date: 6th to
8th March at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville,
NSW. To apply contact Ardell & Bill Sharpe on 02 4283
3435 or [email protected], www.wwme.org.
au.
Overseas Stories of the Poor
Project Compassion 2015 Speaker Tour Dinner will be
held on Friday 6th March at 6pm at Victor Peters
Suite, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West. Help raise funds
for Caritas Australia. Jane Woolford, Caritas Education
Officer will share her stories of working overseas
helping the poorest of the poor and responding to
their needs. Cost is $40 pp includes dinner and
presentation (drinks can be purchased at own
expense). For information contact Brooke Robinson P
4979 1111 or E [email protected]

Catholic Schools Week Mass

Mass will be held on Tuesday 10th March beginning
at 11am at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Parishioners,
family and friends are welcome to join student and
staff representatives from the diocese's 56 schools at
Sacred Heart Cathedral for this joyous celebration.
Taste and See
Series on the Bible will be held on Tuesday 10th
March beginning at 4:30pm at St Laurence O'Toole
Centre, Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow. A new
series begins on Tuesday, 10 March, for all who would
like to deepen their love of scripture. Presenter is Sr
Pat Boland rsj. Cost is $60.00 which covers a unit of
five weeks. For further information contact Secretary,
Tenison Woods Education Centre, St Joseph's
Convent, New England Highway, Lochinvar. P 4930
9601 or E [email protected]

Living with UncertaintyRetreat

Eremos Retreat Day 'Living with Uncertainty' will be
held on Saturday 7th March from 10am at Bundeena
House, Bundeena Drive, Bundeena. Join us in the
beautiful bush and seaside setting of Bundeena for a
day of quiet reflection shared with others. Cost: $70
or $60 for members; concession $10 less. Morning tea
and lunch included. Visit www.eremos.org.au for
details and registration.

'Lents lavish larder'

Faith Enrichment Day will be held on Wednesday 11th
March beginning at 10am at St Joseph's Education and
Spirituality Centre, 8 Humphreys Rd, Kincumber
South. Sessions will begin each day at 10 AM and
conclude at 2.30 PM, with breaks for morning tea/
lunch. Morning tea and a sandwich lunch will be
provided. Cost $25 or donation. If you would like to
attend
you
are
asked
to
book
on
[email protected] or P 4368 2805.

Silence for Peace

Christian and Islamic Meditation Communities: Silence
for Peace will be held on Saturday 7th March at 10am
at St James' School Hall, Vista Parade, Kotara. The
Christian and Islamic Meditation Communities are
coming together to experience God in stillness and
silence. Cost is $10.00. Morning Tea Provided. Bring
your own Lunch. RSVP to [email protected]
or P 0407 436 808.
International Women's Day Mass
Mass will be held on Sunday 8th March beginning at
9:30am at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 841 Hunter Street,
Newcastle West. The Council for Australian Catholic
Women Contact Group in the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle cordially invites you to attend Mass at the
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. Mass will be
followed by morning tea in the Toohey Room. A panel
of local Catholic women will share aspects of their
lives followed by a question and answer session. RSVP:
Patricia E [email protected] P 4932 5601.

Mini Lunch
A lunch will be held every second Wednesday in each
month at the Anglican Parish, St. Albans Church Hall,
Forster at 12pm, cost $7. All welcome to attend. A
delicious meal and a warm and friendly greeting await
you. Includes lucky door prize and raffles. For further
information contact Helen Barber on 6554 5920.
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Ministers this Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Bob Cashman
B: Colleen Cashman

Jeanette Goodacre, Kylie Hall, Maureen Stevens,

Michael Siddle, Ruth Pearson.

7am Tuncurry

A: Edna Tucker
B: Maria Armitage

Alex Matuszny, Graham Griffiths, Lorraine Clark, Norm

Chapman, Peter Wicks.

9am Forster

A: Judith Shand
Barbara Dolahenty, Barbara Kermode, Elle CairnsB: Genevieve Williamson Cowan, Josi Beech, Shioney Neal.

Ministers next Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Monica Hunt
B: Valarie Ross

Carolyn Olliffe, Frank Hayman, Kylie Hall, Margaret

Smith, Owen Carroll.

7am Tuncurry

A: Anne-Marie Greene
B: Kay Griffiths

Cushla Drake, Edna Tucker, Mark Mowbray, Patricia

Cornish, Peter Wicks.

9am Forster

A: Sharon Fowle
B: Robyn Ryan

Alan McCarthy, Coral McCarthy, Genevieve Williamson,

Natasha Brotherton, Sharon Fowle.

Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as originally published,
and doesnt take account of any swaps that may have been organised between individuals.

Text: Excerpts from the English Translation of the Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL); Music: From the Mass of St Francis
2010, Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Australian AgentLicenSing Online Lic No. 624844.

Scripture Readings This Week

Today

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Todays Liturgy of the Word

Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18

Romans 8:31-34
Mark 9:2-10
Daniel 9:4-10
Luke 6:36-38
Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Matthew 23:1-12
Jeremiah 18:18-20
Matthew 20:17-28
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Luke 16:19-31
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Exodus 20:1-17
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
John 2:13-25

Responsorial Psalm
Response: I will walk in the presence of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Gospel Acclamation
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
From the shining cloud, the Fathers voice is heard:
this is my beloved Son, hear him.
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased.
Steve Went.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now.
Dale McCarthy, Ron Campbell.
All those in our community who are sick.
8