Praying at Home GOD’S WORD (For the Readings of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, see page 6) FIRST READING

From the prophet Isaiah Thus says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest. Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants – all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.

PSALM

R. O God, let all the nations praise you! O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help. R. Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations

on earth. R. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him. R.

SECOND READING

St Paul to the Romans Let me tell you pagans this: I have been sent to the pagans as their apostle, and I am proud of being sent, but the purpose of it is to make my own people envious of you, and in this way save some of them. Since their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, do you know what their admission will mean? Nothing less than a resurrection from the dead! God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice. Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom and healed all who were sick. Alleluia!

GOSPEL

From the Gospel of Matthew Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’ But he answered her not a

Download this newsletter from inghamcatholic.com

The scriptural quotations are taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Co Inc, and used by permission of the publishers. The English translation of the Psalm Response is from the Lectionary for Mass © 1997, 1981, 1968, International Committee on English in the Liturgy.. Art, Living the Liturgy and Gospel Meditation © LPI

INGHAM REGION CATHOLIC PARISHES

Parish Priest: Fr Damian McGrath Priest in Placement: Fr Vinoj Francis Parish Secretaries: Julie Nowak & Marcella Cantatore (also RE Co-ordinator) Bookkeeper/Compliance: Beth Ingegneri Pastoral Care: Sr Nina Barra Senior Adult Ministry: Santina Cross PO Box 375, Ingham Q 4850 4776 2600 parishoffice@inghamcatholic.com www.inghamcatholic.com facebook.com/InghamCatholic facebook.com/InghamMass Office Hours: 9am to 12pm Mon to Fri 1pm to 3pm Mon to Thu

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 2020 | 20TH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME

word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him. ‘Give her what she wants,’ they said ‘because she is shouting after us.’ He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the woman had come up and was kneeling at his feet. ‘Lord,’ she said ‘help me.’ He replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs.’ She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again.

INTERCESSIONS

We pray for Pope Francis: that by his conviction that ‘the name of God is mercy’, all people will be lifted up by hope. Lord, in your mercy….. Hear our prayer.

We pray in this Keep Australia Beautiful Week: that we will be responsible in the use of the world’s resources, recycle carefully, and refrain from littering. Lord, in your mercy…

We pray for the people of Lebanon: that with the after-effects of the Beirut explosion, the political crisis and religious tensions, together with the needs of so many refugees from Syria and Iraq, effective support will be given from around the world. Lord, in your mercy...

We pray that those preparing for their First Holy Communion may experience God’s love for them in the gift of Jesus in the Sacrament. Lord, in your mercy...

We pray that all working with heavy machinery during this harvest season in our district be kept safe until season’s end. Lord, in your mercy...

We pray for those who struggle at this time: that the determination of the woman of the Gospel will give hope where anxiety over the Covid 19 pandemic is causing distress and pain. Lord, in your mercy…

We pray for the dead of our parish and families: that they will receive the fullness of God’s mercy. We remember also… Lord, in your mercy… PRAYER IN THIS CRISIS

Almighty and all-merciful God, lover of the human race, healer of all our wounds, in whom there is no shadow of death, save us in this time of crisis; grant wisdom and courage to our leaders; watch over all medical people as they tend the sick and work for a cure; stir in us a sense of solidarity beyond all isolation; if our doors are closed, let our hearts be open. By the power of your love destroy the virus of fear, that hope may never die and the light of Easter, the triumph of life, may shine upon us and the whole world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy Mary, health of the sick, pray for us.

St Joseph, guardian of us all, pray for us.

16 AUGUST 2020

SANCTIFYING SUNDAY

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

REFLECT FIRST READING

After Israel’s return from their captivity in Babylon, Isaiah prophesied the Lord’s salvation to all people of faith and good will, not just Israel. Why do you think some people resist the idea of God’s impartiality?

SECOND READING

Paul sees the rejection of Jesus by the Jews as the vehicle for God’s mercy to all, both Jew and Gentile alike. When has God turned a negative into a positive in your life?

GOSPEL READING

Jesus initially reacts negatively to the Canaanite (Gentile) woman in a manner familiar to most Jews of that day. But Jesus showed the disciples that faith in him transcends the historic divide between Jew and Gentile. When have you allowed your faith in Christ heal a division?

SCHEDULE (17 — 22 AUGUST): Mon to Thu: 5.30pm (Rosary at 5.15pm) Fri: 7.00am Sat: 8.30am—The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Rosary @ 8.15am) Sat: 6.00pm (Rosary at 5.45pm)

facebook.com/InghamMass inghamcatholic.com/mass-live

20TH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME

Bugging Out A father was reading Bible stories to his young son and said, “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.” His son asked, “What happened to the flea?”

16 AUGUST 2020

SUPPORTING YOUR PARISHES Planned giving envelopes can be dropped off at the parish offices during hours or dropped into the letter slot to the left of the front door at any other time. For Direct Deposit enquires or changes, please contact Julie: parishoffie@inghamcatholic.com. For one off credit card donations: please use the secure form at inghamcatholic.com/donations.

20TH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME

MASS OFFERINGS Masses can be organised any day during office hours. You can also place names on an envelope with your offering and drop it into the letter slot to the left of the front door at any time. You can go online at inghamcatholic.com/donations.

16 AUGUST 2020

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

GOD’S WORD FIRST READING

From the book of the Apocalypse The sanctuary of God in heaven opened, and the ark of the covenant could be seen inside it. Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth. Then a second sign appeared in the sky, a huge red dragon which had seven heads and ten horns, and each of the seven heads crowned with a coronet. Its tail dragged a third of the stars from the sky and dropped them to the earth, and the dragon stopped in front of the woman as she was having the child, so that he could eat it as soon as it was born from its mother. The woman brought a male child into the world, the son who was to rule all the nations with an iron sceptre, and the child was taken straight up to God and to his throne, while the woman escaped into the desert, where God had made a place of safety ready. Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ.’ PSALM

R. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold. The daughters of kings are among your loved ones. On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir. Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words: forget your own people and your father’s house. R. So will the king desire your beauty: He is your lord, pay homage to him. They are escorted amid gladness and joy; they pass within the palace of the king. R. SECOND READING

From the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order; Christ as the first-fruits and then, after the coming of Christ, those who belong to him. After that will come the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having done away with every sovereignty, authority and power. For he must be king until he has put all his enemies under his feet and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death, for everything is to be put under his feet.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia, alleluia! Mary is taken up to heaven, and the angels of God shout for joy. Alleluia! GOSPEL

From the Gospel of Luke Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ And Mary said:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid. Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him. He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart. He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away. He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy – according to the promise he made to our ancestors – of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

20TH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME

Position Vacant

We are looking for expressions of interest for a newly created position. The person would be required to be available for and work with the equipment needed for streaming funerals. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. All training will be provided. Hours estimated would be a couple of hours per week. For how you would be supported and what you would earn, please call the Parish office during work hours.

A Message from St Vincent de Paul Society, Ingham If you or someone you know has been impacted by Covid-19 through loss of work or loss of hours etc., St Vincent de Paul is here for you now more than ever. It is OK to ask for help. Call 1800 846 643.

Catholic Youth Commission, Townsville Diocese

Bishop Tim is establishing a Diocesan Youth Commission and is looking for members. If you love God, care about young people, live in or beyond Townsville and enjoy working in a team to create and develop vision and strategies you may want to put in an Expression of Interest. Email youth@tsv.catholic.org.au to receive an Information Pack and register for an information session (dates: 18/08/20 or 29/08/20). For more information contact our Youth Office – 4726 3262. Closing date: Friday 4 September.

Alpha Online Youth Series

Join us for 8 weeks of Online Alpha. Every week we meet online to watch a video and have discussions about life, purpose and faith. During week 6 we go away on an Alpha weekend to continue Alpha, experience spirituality and deepen friendships through various activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, games night, campfire and many more activities. If you are aged between 15 and 25 years old, live in or beyond Townsville and want to explore questions about life, purpose and faith with other young people register for Alpha. Email: youth@tsv.catholic.org.au to register and receive more information. Alpha starts Tuesday, 25 August 2020.

The Pastor’s Pen This week I have to fly to Brisbane for a meeting with Seminary staff and QLD Directors of Clergy Life and Ministry and Vocations Directors. Two weeks ago, I was really considering pulling the plug on attending this meeting, with the threat of covid-19 breaking out in Brisbane. Thankfully, we have continued to record zero cases in QLD and the border has been shut again to the south. So, it is a flying trip which coincides with my mother’s birthday…

Fr Vinoj has to attend a meeting on Planning for Mission with the Bishop and other Priests of the Diocese. This is a discussion which began at our last Priests Council meeting. As parishes, we need to be mission focussed. What that actually means is not simple but we are not meant to be simply in maintenance mode.

Again, can I draw your attention to the upcoming changes to Mass times in Ingham. In only two weekends, we will be returning to just one morning Mass at the normal time of 8.30am. Mass time changes always create a bit of chaos! We had a beautiful Mass with the Abergowrie boys on Thursday—wonderful participation from musicians,

servers, readers and the College community in general. A visiting high school principal told me afterwards how uplifted he was by the experience and expressed more than a little bit of envy over how well the boys sang and participated in the Mass compared to the boys at his school. We are very blessed to have Paula Henderson as APRE and Vera Di Bella as music teacher. All of our staff are indeed a blessing. Work has sort of begun on the new live streaming project for St Patrick’s Church. The cameras and other equipment have arrived. I thought that the cabling of the Church may have been finished by now but the technicians need more equipment before carrying out the job. Over the coming school holidays, we will then be connected to Lourdes’ Fiber Optic internet connection which will solve some of our connectivity issues.

I have taken a little bit of time to play with one of the cameras and the picture quality is exceptional. This whole period has definitely been a time in which I have learnt lots of new skills. Hopefully they are being put to use for the building of the Kingdom.

God bless

“A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.” —Douglas Pagels

INGHAM REGION CATHOLIC PARISHES

REQUIESCANT IN PACE Please Pray For: Georgina Gravagna (Sicily) (died last week), Cecil Kraft, Fr Mark Nugent, Angela Pedersoli, Oreste Chinotti, Katie Spina, Giulia Guerra, Enrica Marbelli (annivs at this time), Elizabetta Guandalini, Alfie Di Bartolo, Magdalena Hiceta, Antonio Ficarra, Renzo Di Bella, Augustine & Mary Cauchi, John Biasi, Renzo Seri, Irene Bovero, Vittorio & Maria Cantoni, Baldo Fanti, Ron Hall, Frank Girgenti, Ernesto Marbelli, Lucia Muniz, Joe Spina, Lynette Donghi, Mick & Nellie Barberi, Mary Zampatti, Giovanna & Flaviano Antoniutti, Santo & Anna Giliberto

Please keep in your prayers:

Wayne Tagney, Belinda Milton

May the Lord’s healing hand rest upon them

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in

peace. Amen. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God,

rest in peace. Amen.

MASS SCHEDULE (15/16 AUGUST TO 22/23 AUGUST): This Weekend

Ingham: Sat 8.30am, 6.00pm, Sun 7.30am, 9.30am, 6.00pm Halifax: Sun 7.00am: Abergowrie 10.00am Weekdays

Ingham: Mon to Thu 5.30pm, Fri 7.00am Sat 8.30am (The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

Next Weekend Ingham: Sat 6.00pm, Sun 7.30am, 9.30am, 6.00pm

Halifax: Sun 7.00am

Upcoming Mass Schedule Changes for Ingham Commencing Weekend of 29/30 August

Saturday 6.00pm Sunday 8.30am & 7.00pm