ENTRANCE ANTIPHON

O people of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to save the nations, and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard in the joy of your heart.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

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

and we shall be saved.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace, peace for his people. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land. R

Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven. R

The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps. R

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia, alleluia!

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God.

Alleluia!

PARISH PRAYER

Lord God, may we, as St Augustine’s Parish, be a united and welcoming community recognising the need for Christ in our lives and serving the Christ in others. May we, as community, continue to face challenges together serving and supporting individuals and our families through our own personal efforts and our parish support groups. Guide us with your patient love. Fill us with your infinite Wisdom. Pour out your rich blessings upon us as we reach out to one another to fulfil our spiritual and pastoral needs as One in Christ, in community, and in faith, hope and love. AMEN.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON

Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the heights, and behold the joy which comes to you from God.

.

Bowning, Breadalbane, Dalton, Gunning, Gurrundah, Murrumbateman, Wee Jasper and Yass

Meehan Street, PO Box 24, YASS NSW 2582 Tel: (02) 6226 1086 Fax: (02) 6226 2220 Mob: 044 8414 541

E-mail: sta.yass@cg.catholic.org.au Website: www.staug-yass.org.au

2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT – YEAR B –

Parish Priest: Father Mick Burke Pastoral Associate/Youth: Joshua Goldsbrough Chair Finance Committee Peter Doyle Chair Parish Council Joe Morrissey Principal of the School Gaye McManus School Board Joel Barry Sacramental Team Leader Dianne Carey RCIA Sister Aileen Parish Secretary Irene Carr Office Hours: Mon, Tue, Fri 9am– 4.00pm

Est ab lished : 1838

SUNDAY MASSES:

Yass: St Augustine

Vigil Saturday 6.00 pm

Gunning: St Francis Xavier

1st, 2

nd, 3

rd, 4

th Sunday 8.30 am

5th Sunday Liturgy of the Word and HC 8.30 am

Murrumbateman: Uniting Church Hall 1

st, 2

nd, 3

rd, 4

th Sunday 10.30 am

5th Sunday Liturgy of the Word and HC 10.30 am

Wee Jasper: Our Lady of the Rosary

5th Sunday 10.00 am

WEEKDAY MASSES

Wednesday Yass 5.30 pm Thursday Yass 7.30 am Friday Yass 12.00 noon Saturday Yass 9.00 am

Nursing Home/Hostel

Linton Hostel: 2

nd Tues (monthly) Yass 11.00 am

Horton House/Warmington Lodge

4th Tues (monthly) Yass 11.00 am

Parishioners are invited to celebrate Mass with the residents at both locations.

Exposition

Saturday after 9.00am Mass until 10.00am

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday Yass 10.00 am Saturday Yass 5pm - 5.15 pm Sunday Gunning 8am - 8.15 am At other times: On request

Baptisms Yass Saturdays 10.30 am 3

rd & 4

th Sundays 12.15 pm

Gunning Parish 1st Sunday 8.30 am & 12.30 pm

Book by ringing the Parish Secretary (Mon., Tue. or Fri.)

Marriages By appointment. Five to six months notice ideal.

School Enrolments Mt Carmel Central School: Kindergarten to Yr 10. Ring the School Secretary for appointment 6226 3357.

ST AUGUSTINE’S PARISH VISION STATEMENT St Augustine’s Parish is a community striving to be Christ to one another and to welcome and serve the Christ in those around us. We

seek ongoing spiritual formation as individuals, as families and as a community. We hope, through pastoral care, to strengthen, support and enrich one another and reach out to others in witness and evangelisation.

6th & 7th December 2014

......‘‘Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down

and undo the strap of his sandals ...... Mk 1: 1-8

+

Thoughts from the Presbytery

FEASTS OF THE WEEK:

Mon: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Thu: St Damasus I

Fri: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sat: St Lucy

PREPARE A WAY - John the Baptist is an interesting character. He wasn’t someone who kept up with the latest fashion. We are told he wore strange clothes, ate insects and lived in the desert. And yet John was very popular as we hear that ‘all of Judea’ came to him. There was obviously something very attractive about John. People could see something in him; something that inspired them; something that gave them hope. John is clear that he is not the one they are looking for; rather he is someone who is pointing to the one they are looking for. John shows the way for people, he is a signpost to God.

The world says to God, ‘we no longer need you, we know what is best’. And then we look at the wilderness of our modern world and hear the voice of one crying, ‘Prepare a way’. How do we prepare for welcoming God’s love into our hearts? God is crying out for us to welcome him again and again. It is us who are blocked; we put so many things in the way. John is urging us to clear the path, to let go of all the things that are preventing us from experiencing God’s love. John is calling people out from despair into hopefulness.

Jane Mellett

Printed with permission of Intercom

YASS CHRISTMAS CAROLS

THIS SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER AT VICTORIA PARK

Kids activities start at 5 pm Carols start at 6pm

Coffee Van and Sausage Sizzle

Bring your picnic blanket

Organised and run by the Ministers Fraternal of Yass

Two hydrogen atoms walk into a bar. One says, “I’ve lost my electron.” The other says, “Are you sure?” The first replies, “Yes, I’m positive …”

A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet and says, “My dog’s cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for him?” “Well,” says the vet, “let’s have a look at him.” So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then checks his teeth. Finally, he says “I’m going to have to put him down.” “What? Because he’s cross-eyed?” “No, because he’s heavy.”

Parish Finance Committee Members:

Peter Doyle (Chair) Father Mick Burke Bill Luchetti David Garland Stan Waldren Mark Valencic

Sam Longley Irene Carr (Minutes)

Parish Pastoral Council Members:

Mary Burt (Youth) Peter Cleary (Liturgy)

Bryan Coleborne (Ecumenism) Gaye McManus (School)

Joe Morrissey (Education) Maree Garland (Social)

Bob Nash (Maintenance) Vacant (Welfare)

Ex Officio member: Fr Mick Burke

URGENT CALLS: Mobile number: 044 8414 541

Medical science has advanced rapidly in the past two decades with wonderful achievements improving the quality of life for many people, especially for an ageing population. In some instances it leaves doctors and family members with a dilemma as to how much intervention is appropriate. This past week my brother-in-law had an operation on his heart which was more complicated than expected and he was alive but not living, surrounded by countless machines in an attempt to repair damage. As there was little progress, family members after hours of discussion took the decision to remove the ‘extraordinary means’ of intervention and commend him to his Creator. What would you want? This is a subject you need to discuss and your wishes need to be made clear to family members.

Envelopes for Sacrificial Planned Giving are available this weekend. I am extremely grateful to those parishioners who contribute to our SPG and give generously to the running of the parish. At the same time I am conscious of the increasing costs and the smaller number of contributors. Are you in a position to contribute more this year, or perhaps you are not in the SPG and could become a member? The answer is between you and God.

There have been significant additional costs associated with the development of the Dutton Street townhouses. Approval was given just this past week for another $150,000 for rock removal, fire hydrant and new fences.

Scholarship for the poor in Timor Leste would be a wonderful Christmas gift, see the message below from Leylann Hinch and Tim Matthews.

YASS/GUNNING BELUN OECUSSI SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM

Members of our parish family are invited to support the Oecusse

Scholarships program as part of the Yass Gunning Belun.

Scholarships are at all levels of education and costs are available,

no donation is too small. You could help Domimgas and Quella

who have recently commenced nursing studies. They have moved

to West Timor to attend Kupang University at a cost of $2500 each

year for study and living expenses. Domimgas and Quella will

return to Oecusse to staff the medical clinics which Yass Gunning

Belun have constructed. Jumito has commenced Engineering

studies at Dili University at a cost of $600 per year. Sergio and

Vladermiro are in secondary school in Dili at a cost of $300 per

year. At the Dominican convent in Pante Makassar, there are more

than 60 girls from the mountains of Oecusse who need support

throughout their primary school education. Education is a first

world expectation and an essential step towards lifting people out

of poverty. Please contact Tim Matthews at Gunning or Leylann

Hinch at Yass if you want to be a part of the program. Direct

deposits can be made to the following account.

BSB: 062 786 A/c No: 0000 28521

Account Name: Timor Leste - add comment “Scholarships”

Contact: Leylann 0422 251 632 or 6226 2857 __________________________________________________

This weekend we welcome into our Church community:

Aliahna Hogan daughter of David & Ashlee (Yass) Isabel & Hamish Viski children of Graham & Emily (Gunning)

2014 CATECHIST CELEBRATION MASS

The Northern Deanery Mass will be held on Wednesday 10 December at 12 noon at Crookwell.

ALL ARE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND

To be married next weekend:

Kristy Ann Wilson and Quentin Henderson At St Augustine’s Church

Mass at 12noon this Friday, 12

th December, we will give thanks

on the occasion of Ken and Pam Bell’s 50

th wedding anniversary.

Parish Pastoral Council will meet for the last time this year, Wednesday 7.30pm, followed by drinks and nibbles.

ALTAR WORKERS CHRISTMAS CLEAN

Monday 22ND

December at 10 am

Would as many as possible please help.

Thankyou – Kath Grace

YASS & MURUMBATEMAN CHRISTMAS CHOIR

Calling All Interested Singers And Musicians

All welcome and open to all ages. Singing ability not required. Musicians welcome. Choir Practice: Tuesdays 6pm, at 4 Canola Place Murrumbateman. Car Pool to practice from Yass available - phone Annabelle O’Connell 0412919856.

CAROLS IN MANUKA

Choristers, brass, organ and percussion

JOIN IN THE SINGING!

St Paul’s Anglican Church St Christopher’s Cathedral

Tuesday 9th December Thursday 11

th December

7.30 pm 7.30pm

Admission free – collection for The Christmas Bowl Appeal

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Wed 24th

December 5.30 pm Vigil St Francis Xavier Gunning 7.00 pm Vigil St Augustine’s Yass 8.30 pm Vigil Rec. Hall Murrumbateman

Thu 25th

December 8.30 am St Augustine’s Yass

Is there anyone who can assist at the Christmas Day 8.30am Mass by either playing music or playing CD’s?

If you can help please phone the parish office - 6226 1086.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

CHRISTMAS CARDS & CALENDARS

The Society has packs of assorted religious Christmas cards for sale at the back of the Church in packs

of 6 cards for $5 per pack.

Columban Calendars are also on sale for $9 each.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

“Almighty God and Creator, You are the Father of all people on the earth. I beseech You to guide all the nations and their leaders in the wayus of justice and peace. Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict and war. Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness and hatred. Teach us to cease the storing and using of implements of war. Lead us to find peace, respect and freedom. Unite us in the making and sharing of tools of peace against ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression. Grant that we may grow in harmony and friendship as brothers and sisters created in Your image, to Your honor and praise.” Amen.

Mt Carmel School Staff and Students

warmly invite you to attend a

Mass of Thanksgiving

to farewell

Year 6, 7, 8 & 9 students

and

Secondary Staff

followed by a

Morning Tea in the Lovat Chapel

on

Wednesday 17 December 2014 at 9.30am

St Augustine’s Church

RSVP to Rebecca or Kim on 6226 3357

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED

Recently Deceased

Bryan Docherty (brother-in-law of Fr Mick), Betty Barber, Greg Barton, Christopher Reardon,

Val Heffernan

Prayers For Sr M Thomasine

and all those whose anniversary occurs

at this time including:

Jessica Walker (1/12), Rae O’Brien (8/12), Patricia (Jeannie) Merritt (9/12), Joan Firth (15/12),

John Gray (21/12), Jessamine Williams (21/12), Michael Cooke (26/12), Patricia Townsend (29/12),

Nataline Parkin (29/12), Lorna Rhind (30/12), Gary Teale (30/12), William Jefcoate (31/12).

Always In Our Hearts Loved And Remembered

READINGS NEXT WEEK- 3RD

SUNDAY OF ADVENT YR B

First Reading Is 61: 1-2, 10-11

Isaiah proclaims the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading 1Thes 5: 16-24

Rejoice and pray always.

Gospel Jn 1: 19-28

The priests and Levites question John's identity.

Please reflect on these readings over the coming week

SAYG - St Augustine’s Youth Group

For those who are in Yr 7-12, we meet every 1

st & 3

rd Saturday of each month. We meet at

Mass at 6pm and follow up with a gathering involving sport/games, sharing a meal and breaking open key aspects of the Christian faith in a fun, relaxed and non-threatening environment. If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Pastoral Associate for Youth: Joshua Goldsbrough 0400 949 580 or email staug.youthgroup@gmail.com

COMMUNION REFLECTION

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT – YR B

The voice of John the Baptist was a lonely voice

which many contemporaries ignored.

There are many lonely voices in our world.

Somewhere, at this moment, a child is crying -

crying for love or maybe, simply, for bread.

Somewhere a young person is crying -

crying for a listening ear or an understanding heart.

Somewhere an old person is crying -

crying for a visit or a word from his/her children.

There are a thousand unheard voices in our world,

coming from victims of injustice and neglect.

Lord, help us to listen to these voices.

Above all, help us to listen to your voice,

whispering to us in the wilderness of our hearts,

telling us that we are loved by you,

and that we are to love one another.

Our Parish Bulletin is made possible each week by our generous sponsors please support them.

Yass Learners , B&V Engineering, Hume Dry Cleaning Service, Miller’s Pharmacy, Old Linton Medical Practice, Designing Windows, Woolaroo Merino Stud, Patrick’s Butchery, Bowning Antique Centre, Yass Earthmovers, Yass First

National Real Estate, The Yass Pharmacy, Yass Home & Garden, Anthony Rose Gallery and Yass Newsagency.

ROSTERS LITURGY

1 = Readings/Resp. Psalm/Gospel Acc. 2 = Prayers of the Faithful 3 = Offertory 4 = Acolyte

6 Dec YOUTH MASS 1,2,3 Chris Gold 4 13 Dec Diana MacQuillan 12 Sue Shepherd 2 Van WanRooy Family 3 Peter Walker 3

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – COMMUNION

6 Dec Joe Morrissey Steve Scroope Dianne Carey 13 Dec Debbie Valencie Michae Van Wanrooy Trish Gibbs

VISITS

7 Dec Dianne Carey Steve Scroope Joe Morrissey 14 Dec Peter Walker Michae Van Wanrooy Trish Gibbs

ALTAR SERVERS

6 Dec Patrick Dodd Gus Shepherd Wendy Morton 13 Dec Gus Shepherd Grace Garland Grace O’Connell

POWER POINT PRESENTERS

6 Dec Lauren Cleary 13 Dec Peter Gibbs

HOSPITALITY

6 Dec Youth Mass 13 Dec Cleary Family CARERS

8 Dec Kay Perceval TBA (Group 11) Kath Luchetti Julie Faulkner (Group 12)

ALTAR CLEANERS

6 Dec Irene Carr 13 Dec Kath Grace

CATHOLICCARE BETTER ACCESS PROGRAM

BETTER ACCESS offers bulk billed psychological counseling services to assist the wider community to access counseling at no cost to the individual. Dr Neil Harrigan, PhD, Dip Psych, MAPS, Registered Psychologist visits Yass on Tuesdays.

SINC – Seniors in Networked Communities is a program which offers both in home and out of home support to people who are aged. The program supports people to remain living in their own home and connected with their local community.

Enquiries/appointments for either of the above phone Zuzana on 0427 594 318 – if unavailable leave your details and Zuzy will return your call within 24 hours.

YASS LEARNERS Bernie Howe

RTA accredited older driver assessor

Dual Controlled Vehicles or your own vehicle

Email: bernieandyvonne@bigpond.com

Phone: 6226 3180 Mobile: 0409 616 914

MANUAL & AUTOMATIC

Credit and Debit cards welcome

L P