YoursinChrist,

DeaconJohnPham

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A - 23 February 2020

"I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends" is famous statement made by Abraham Lincoln, the greatest President of the United States. This statement is a good example of how we should apply God’s words into practice as well as to show God’s love to others.

In our daily lives, there are times when people say or do something that seriously offended us and make us deeply hurt. As a part of our human weaknesses, we may response those who are involved with disappointment, hatred, or anger, and in worse case, we may end up with seeking revenge.

However, in our gospel this Sunday, Jesus asks us to “love our enemy”. He puts before us the question of what we should do when this happens to us. Do we return one painful word or action in the same manner? Or should we return it with forgiveness and love?

Although this may sound very naïve and unrealistic, Jesus did shown us that it is possible to do so. He illustrated it to us through his death on the cross when he said: "Father, forgive them because they do not know what they do" (Lk 23:34).

To love our enemy, we need to learn to forgive them first because without forgiveness, we are not able to love. Forgiveness is a necessary factor for a fresh start. To forgive is to remove the barrier that separate us, to reconcile and to establish a new relationship. To forgive is also to open the door of our heart and let the warm sunshine of love fill our soul. In other words, the level of forgiveness is a measure of the level of love we have for the enemy.

To love our enemy, we also need to acknowledge that there is goodness in everyone. In many cases, people offended or hurt others because of their fear, prejudice, misunderstanding or ignorance. That is why it is important for us to show them that they are still loved by us and by God regardless to all the bad things they have done.

We should be friendly, approachable to increase the understanding and sympathy towards the enemy. After all, we are all loved by God. The virtuous flower keeps spreading fragrant without any praise and a generous heart always encapsulates other hearts.

Take home your Lenten Bulletin, to

prepare for the season of Lent.

St Mark’s Parish is offering Lenten talks -

Lenten Reflection - groups - Lenten Youth

Group - Pre-Lenten preparation - Holy Saturday Retreat -

Today is Project Compassion Sunday. Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. This year, Project Compassion is built around the theme of Global Community – Go Further

Together. We’re at a time of increasing global change and tense dialogue, so the idea of the ‘common good’ is more important than ever. Please take home a Project Compassion box and/or a set of donation envelopes and support Caritas Australia this Lenten season available at Church entrances.

Today’s Liturgy.Today’s Liturgy.Today’s Liturgy.Today’s Liturgy. Entrance Antiphon: Ps 12:6

O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My

heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will

sing to the Lord who has been bountiful

with me.

First Reading: Lv 19:1-2. 17-18

Love your neighbour as yourself.

Responsorial Psalm:Ps102:1-4.8.10.12-13.R.v.8.

The Lord is kind and merciful.

Second Reading: 1 Cor 3:16-23

What is wise with the world, is absurd

with God.

Gospel Acclamation: 1 Jn 2:5

Alleluia, alleluia!

Whoever keeps the word of Christ, grows

perfect in the love of God. Alleluia!

Gospel: Mt 5:38-48

Turn the other cheek.

Offertory Antiphon: Ps 5:3 - 4

Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my

King and my God, for to you will I pray,

O Lord.

Communion Antiphon: Ps 9:2-3

I will recount all your wonders, I will

rejoice in you and be glad, and sing

psalms to your name, O Most High.

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.

The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with

the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of

the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was cruci;ied under

Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at

the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the

living and the dead and his kingdom will

have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the

giver of life, who proceeds from the

Father and the Son, who with the Father

and the Son is adored and glori;ied,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and

apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness

of sins and I look forward to the

resurrection of the dead and the life of

the world to come.

Amen.

Next Week: First Sunday of Lent

Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Rom 5:12, 17-19; Mt 4:1-11;

We welcome into our faith community We welcome into our faith community We welcome into our faith community We welcome into our faith community this Sunday through the this Sunday through the this Sunday through the this Sunday through the

Sacrament of Baptism at St. Mark’s:Sacrament of Baptism at St. Mark’s:Sacrament of Baptism at St. Mark’s:Sacrament of Baptism at St. Mark’s:

and we congratulate their parents.and we congratulate their parents.and we congratulate their parents.and we congratulate their parents. God Bless You!God Bless You!God Bless You!God Bless You!

Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.

What was the ceremony celebrated last Sunday?

Last Sunday we celebrated Rites of Initiation for inquires in the RCIA

process. The Rite of Acceptance into the Order

of Catechumen. The following Catechumen celebrated

the Rite of Acceptance

A very special thanks to all who helped in any way with the celebration. Please continue to pray for our Catechumen

as she enters into a period of deeper formation in the RCIA process.

Living the Gospel – Love your enemy Jesus tells us that it’s easy to love those who love us – anyone can do that. The test of Christian love is to love those who

seem unlovable or even seek to make themselves appear unlovable. It’s easy to stop saying hello to the person who never returns your greeting. It’s easy to avoid the person whose disability makes you uncomfortable. It’s easy to hate the person who’s nasty to you. But Jesus says that it’s these people who we must love. If we are only polite, pleasant and hospitable to

our friends then we are failing to follow the footsteps of Jesus.

Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of

ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's

forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Writings from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of

penance. Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Even non-

Christians and the excommunicated are welcome to receive the ashes. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches,

taken from the previous year's palm Sunday Mass.

Ash Wednesday at St Mark’s Ash Wednesday at St Mark’s Ash Wednesday at St Mark’s Ash Wednesday at St Mark’s 7.30am Mass & Blessing 7.30am Mass & Blessing 7.30am Mass & Blessing 7.30am Mass & Blessing with distribution of ashes 9.30am Mass & Blessing 9.30am Mass & Blessing 9.30am Mass & Blessing 9.30am Mass & Blessing with distribution of ashes

(St Mark’s Primary School Y3 - 6 attending) 7.30pm Mass & Blessing 7.30pm Mass & Blessing 7.30pm Mass & Blessing 7.30pm Mass & Blessing with distribution of ashes

Quinquagesma Sunday Quinquagesma Sunday Quinquagesma Sunday Quinquagesma Sunday

Today is the last Sunday before Lent. Ash Wednesday is only three days away. It is a good time to make sure that you

are ready for Lent. At some times, and in some parts of the

world, Quinquagesima had a semi-lenten character, because Lent started gradually rather than, as now, all at

once on the Wednesday. The liturgy also reflected the coming start of Lent, and the liturgical colour

was already violet. The modern calendar has curbed this tendency of Lent to spread backwards,

and there is no sign at all that this is the last Sunday of Ordinary Time for quite a

few months. Nevertheless, it is still worth reflecting that Lent is coming very soon and we should make our

plans for it. Incidentally, Quinquagesima means

‘fiftieth’, and indeed if you count Easter as 1, and count backwards, you will

reach exactly 50 when you get to today.

Lent Lent Lent Lent ---- Little Books Little Books Little Books Little Books Collect your Little Black Book Little Black Book Little Black Book Little Black Book for Lent.

This Little Black Book Little Black Book Little Black Book Little Black Book is your companion for Lent. It’s and old-fashioned “vade mecum”

(pronounced vahday maykum). Latin for “travel with me” and was used to

describe a book that was a constant companion, as your Little Black BookLittle Black BookLittle Black BookLittle Black Book can be

used anywhere. Little Purple Book for children Little Purple Book for children Little Purple Book for children Little Purple Book for children is a friend for children to guide them through the Lenten

season. Donations for Little Books can be placed on the

2nd collection.

Planned Giving Planned Giving Planned Giving Planned Giving ---- Card Expiry Dates: Card Expiry Dates: Card Expiry Dates: Card Expiry Dates: Are you are currently on our Planned Giving Program and paid by card, if you have a new expiry date could you please notify the parish office. If you have changed your card details please complete a new card with a signature so we can update our records. If you wish to join our Planned Giving Program please complete a new green card (cards can be found at the Church entrance) and return to the parish office. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

St Mark’s Parish Drummoyne, Youth Lenten Group

Deacon John will host our Youth Community Deacon John will host our Youth Community Deacon John will host our Youth Community Deacon John will host our Youth Community Year 5 students and above in the teachings and understanding of Lent Year 5 students and above in the teachings and understanding of Lent Year 5 students and above in the teachings and understanding of Lent Year 5 students and above in the teachings and understanding of Lent

WHEN: WHEN: WHEN: WHEN: every Friday from 28 February to 3 April 2020 every Friday from 28 February to 3 April 2020 every Friday from 28 February to 3 April 2020 every Friday from 28 February to 3 April 2020 TIME: TIME: TIME: TIME: 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm ---- 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

WHERE: WHERE: WHERE: WHERE: St Mark’s Parish Centre (upstairs)St Mark’s Parish Centre (upstairs)St Mark’s Parish Centre (upstairs)St Mark’s Parish Centre (upstairs) Light supper is included Light supper is included Light supper is included Light supper is included

REGISTER: REGISTER: REGISTER: REGISTER: email or phone to register or register on the evening email or phone to register or register on the evening email or phone to register or register on the evening email or phone to register or register on the evening

Come and share your stories, join Deacon John for Reflection, Prayer and Come and share your stories, join Deacon John for Reflection, Prayer and Come and share your stories, join Deacon John for Reflection, Prayer and Come and share your stories, join Deacon John for Reflection, Prayer and Adoration with games, music, food and fun. Adoration with games, music, food and fun. Adoration with games, music, food and fun. Adoration with games, music, food and fun.

St Mark’s Catholic Parish Centre 33 Tranmere Street Drummoyne NSW 2047 phone: (02) 9181 1795 email: admin@stmarksdrummoyne.org.au

Dates for the Diary Dates for the Diary Dates for the Diary Dates for the Diary

† Saturday | Sunday 22 & 23 February 2020 Project Compassion Project Compassion begins.

† Wednesday 26 February 2020 Ash Wednesday 7.30am Mass & Blessing with distribution of ashes 9.30am Mass & Blessing with distribution of ashes (St Mark’s Primary School Y3 - 6 attending)

7.30pm Mass & Blessing with distribution of ashes

† Friday 28 February 2020 CWL - First Meeting The Catholic Women’s League meet at 11.30am for lunch followed by their 1:00pm meeting Parish Centre - All Welcome.

† Sunday 1 March 2020 Baptism Gathering Book in for your Baptismal Preparation Community Gathering.

† Sunday 1 March 2020 Kindergarten Family Mass @ 9.00am followed by morning tea.

† Tuesday 3 March 2020 St Mark’s Primary School Open Day Morning Session 9:15am - 11:00am Afternoon Session 2:00pm - 3:00pm

† Friday 6 March 2020 World Day of Prayer Pray for Zimbabwe at St Andrews Anglican Abbotsford @ 10.00am followed by morning tea. Join our CWL members at the service

† Friday 6 March 2020 Autumn Ember Day A special day of prayer for the needs of all people, especially for the productivity of the earth and for human labour, and to give God public thanks.

† Wednesday 11 March 2020 Parish Committee Meetings Liturgy Committee meet @ 6.30pm Parish Pastoral Council meet @7.30pm

† Saturday 14 March 2020 Anointing Mass St Mark’s Parish Anointing Mass at 12pm followed by a light lunch. Bring a plate to share. All families and carers welcome.

† Sunday 15 March 2020 Year 5 Family Mass @ 6:00pm followed by Pizza in the Parish Centre.

† Thursday 19 March 2020 Sunshine Club Gather with fellow members for lunch

† Friday 20 March 2020 First Holy Communion Letters and applications forms for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be available.

† Wednesday 25 March 2020 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Lent's austerity is interrupted as we solemnly keep a feast in honour of the Annunciation.

Do you have a child on the Autism Spectrum or with diagnosed ADHD? What challenge are you faced with right now?

Finding help? Schooling? Accessing services? Finding therapists, working out what therapy you should try?

Do you have a milestone you want to share with people who understand.

Are you just exhausted and simply feel like having a chat with people from your parish community who share your faith and are

aligned with your morals. We are currently gaging interest for a Special Needs Family Group

over a casual cuppa. If you would like to join in, call Maria Di Giovanni on 0400 663 596 to register your interest.

Family Group

Calling For Parish Pastoral Council Members!Calling For Parish Pastoral Council Members!Calling For Parish Pastoral Council Members!Calling For Parish Pastoral Council Members! The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is a group of parishioners who are committed to our Parish Community. Duties include: 1. Participation in monthly, 1-hour meetings and assist with Parish events. 2. Contributing strategic input, advice and vision on parish matters. 3. Serving the parish as a representative to the council and upholding the parish mission.

This is an outstanding opportunity to make a real difference in our parish. All those who are interested in serving on the PPC are asked to be on our Parish Census and are to speak to Fr Michael or PPC Chair Celine Cheng.

Location: St Andrews Anglican Abbotsford Date: Friday 6 March 2020 Time: 10.00am Morning Tea Provided

*MeetthePhilosopherChef *FromIndiawithlove-andfaith

*LoveontheCamino

Only$2.00availablefromtheChurchfoyer

ST MARK’S PLAYGROUP EVERY FRIDAY DURING

SCHOOL TERM @ 9.00am - ST MARK’S HALL

ALL WELCOME.

School References: School References: School References: School References: If you require a high school reference from Fr Michael, please submit to

the parish office all of the following documentation.

1) The relevant part of the School Nomination Form to be filled out by

the Parish Priest with details - such as the name of your child, start year for the high school, Parish and Parish Priest;

2) A photo of your child who is being nominated, with the other

members of the family, if possible (family photo);

3) One-page biography of family’s major involvements and

commitments in the life of the parish and primary school, past and present, including membership in the Parish Planned Giving Program;

4) Other relevant information, e.g. community roles, other financial

commitments to the parish and schools;

5) A stamped, pre-addressed envelope addressed to the school.

The Parish Priest Reference is sent directly to the school. Thank you.

You are most welcome to attend our Open Day at

St Mark’s Catholic Primary School. If you know of anyone who

would like to come, please let them know.

We do take non-Catholics (numbers permitting).

No Catholic child will be denied a Catholic education so if

there is an issue with school fees, we are happy to help out so

that your child can attend a Catholic school

In your love and concern, please pray

for the following ill members of our

community:

Fr. Emmanuel Seo, Dan Willoly, Bill Mullin, Shelia Orsborn, Patricia Ryan, Brian McCarthy,

Eileen O’Neill, Meagan Ficarra, Brian & Ann Johnson, Sr. Carmel Clancy and Sr Claire Burgess RSJ & all

St. Mark’s Parish community members unwell at this time.

Anniversaries & hose we are remembering at this time:

Alan Gill, Domenico Bianca, Giovanni (John) Boccalatte, Fr Barnabas (Max) Brown O.F.M., Francis & members of the Uthappa family, Marguerite Wong, Stephen Wong and Van Wah Chan.

Recently Deceased: Paul McGoran, Paul Pastorrely, and Louise & Rowan Nelson. We pray for those who have died

and offer our prayers to their families.

Saturday Vigil 6.00pm Sunday 9.00am & 6.00pm

Weekdays: 8.00am Monday 9:30am Tuesday 7.30am Wednesday 9.30am Thursday 8.00am Friday 12 noon Saturday Morning Prayer of the Church 15 minutes prior to weekday Mass

Reconciliation: 11.30am Saturday

Adoration & Exposition: 11.00am - 12 noon Saturday

First Friday of the Month from the conclusion of morning Mass

St Mark’s Parish Mass Times

LITURGICAL MINISTERS - 01/02 MARCH 2020 First Sunday of Lent - Year A

NEXT

WEEK: WORD COMMUNION SERVER/

JEM Children’s

Liturgy

Saturday 6.00 PM

M Bullock T Pattenden

M Griffin N Duane

A Griffin

Sunday 9:00 AM

T Murphy N Rice L Boulos

E Harrison S Williams K Rowntree

K Cox / M Burges

Sunday 6:00 PM

L Robertson D Moiso

I Boccalatte J Dey

T Boccalatte

No Children’s

Liturgy Kinder Family Mass

BAPTISMS: are celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 10:30am. During Easter Tide Baptisms can be celebrated every Sunday. Parents, are asked to book in for their Baptismal Preparation Community Gathering by contacting the parish office. Come along to meet other young families and their children on the First Sunday of the month at 4pm, our next gathering is 1 March 2020. Fr. Michael, Sr. Antonia, and our parishioners are looking forward to welcoming you.

MARRIAGES: Parishioners intending marriage are asked to contact the Parish office. Weddings & Baptisms are not celebrated during Lent.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS - 22/23 FEBRUARY 2020 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

THIS

WEEK: WORD COMMUNION SERVER/

JEM Children’s

Liturgy

Saturday 6.00 PM

T Pattenden J Pattenden

M Hanvey S Uthappa

R Zoccali

Sunday 9:00 AM

M Fernon J Maniscalco E Chatterjee

M Griffin A Bateman M Di Giovanni

A Griffin / I Bannon

Sunday 6:00 PM

J Denehy D Wing

P Harrington M Harrington

T Griffin

Younger Group J Kong

& Older Group

C Costigan

Parish Priest: Very Rev Fr Michael L McLean PP EV Priest in Residence: Fr Denis Minns OP

Deacon: Rev Mr John Pham Pastoral Associate: Sr Antonia Nedu ISR

Chairperson Parish Pastoral Council: Ms Celine Cheng School Principal: Ms Rachel Bourke

St Mark’s Catholic Parish 33 Tranmere Street, Drummoyne NSW 2047

Tel: (02) 9181 1795 e: admin@stmarksdrummoyne.org.au vsit: www.stmarksdrummoyne.org.au

St. Mark’s Parish acknowledges the Wangal people, the traditional owners and

custodians of the land on which we stand. We pay our respects to them and for

their care of the land. May we walk gently and respectfully upon the land.

In our thoughts

We welcome new families & friends to our parish community. If you are new to our parish we ask that you take a Welcome Pack from the church foyer, complete, and return the Census form, so we can be in contact and assist with pastoral care.

THE SEASON OF LENT is the most appropriate time for celebrating the SACRAMENT OF PENANCE.

Already Ash Wednesday the people of God has heard the solemn invitation, turn away from sin and believe the good

news. It is therefore fitting to have several penitential celebrations during Lent, so that all the faithful may have

an opportunity to be reconciled with God and their neighbour and so be able to celebrate the paschal

mystery in the Easter Triduum with renewed hearts. The Sacrament of Penance is better celebrated before

rather than during the Easter Triduum.

The Sacrament of Penance is available at St Mark’s Every Friday night and Saturday morning or by

appointment during the season of Lent. See our Lenten Bulletin for times.

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.

© Creative Ministry Resources Pty Ltd

Hidden Words: Hidden Words: Hidden Words: Hidden Words: LOVE | PITY | ENEMIES | REWARD | PRAISE | JUDGE LOVE | PITY | ENEMIES | REWARD | PRAISE | JUDGE LOVE | PITY | ENEMIES | REWARD | PRAISE | JUDGE LOVE | PITY | ENEMIES | REWARD | PRAISE | JUDGE