5th Sunday in Ordinary Time                                 5th February 2012

 

Next Weekend 11/12 February, there will be an Archdiocesan Appeal for Centacare

 

Good News: Prayer in time of stress.

The three readings of today’s Mass are about people Job, Paul and Jesus respectively, who are under stress. The reading about Job’s suffering does not easily link with the gospel until one recognizes that the context of Jesus at prayer is the stress of being misunderstood and being restricted by his own popularity.

            Mark has a habit of working with incidents in threes. Three times he pictures Jesus at prayer. Each instance occurs when he is under stress regarding the true nature of his messiahship. In this first instance the stress is caused by those who would pull him away from his true mission of service. Tress is the business of tuning a guitar or any stringed instrument. Too little tension on the string and the note is flat: it sounds dull and floppy. But too much tension and the note is sharp, grating on the nerves. When one is insufficiently stimulated and stretched, then life is flat, stale, boring and lacking energy. But if one is overstretched, the stress will be heard and seen in a life that is sharp on the nerves, brittle at the edges, agitated and ready to snap.

            Job’s strings had lost all zip and energy. His life is but drudgery and slavery, with months od delusion and nights of grief, days of heavy time and hours of restless fretting. There is no hope in hi heart and he never again see joy.

            In today’s second reading (1 Cor 9:16-19,22-23) we meet stress of a different kind, Paul, if anything is too wound up. Others found him a difficult companion. His apostolic energy is nothing he can boast of, as it comes from the press of duty which his agitated conscience lays on him. He is not untypical of the converted sinner … a bit overzealous. It is easier for him to preach that to be idle. The pains of the apostolate  trouble him less that would the frustrations of inactivity. Money or payment means nothing to him. Duty done is its own reward, But duty yet to be done puts pressure on him.

            Jesus is under stress to pray. He has been preaching and healing. He is involved in a great power- struggle for souls. These works take a severe toll on one’s inner reserves. I know from experience that the preacher works at a deep inner cost. I pity anyone who needs me as a companion before or after preaching a retreat. I suspect that the cost of the healer is even more demanding on the system.

            Jesus withdrew to pray. There he recovers his serenity with the Father. the parts of life come together in a totality and the strength of inner peace is restored. The best way to grow strong is to be deeply rooted, And the roots of Jesus’ ministry were deeply set in his prayer-relationship with his Father.

            Stress is an important part of our lives for it is necessary for our stimulation and flow of energy. But if we are overstressed and disregard it we will pay for it in frayed nerves, short temper, lack of concentration and various health problems. Sometimes the energy that is needed for life’s duties is no longer available because it has all gone inward to quieten the cries of pressure.

            When we recognize the source of our stress it is sensible to seek a diversion through the balance of an opposite occupation. If crowding is our problem then we need to seek solitude. If loneliness is the source then we need society and companionship. If our work is mentally pressurizing, then we need relaxed, physical playfulness. And physical tiredness loves to meet with mental stimulation as in reading and conversation.

            But beyond these ways of common sense is the way of Jesus. He leads us prayer in times of distress. Before God, get in touch with your stressful feeling. Listen to your body. Is it heavy mental pressure? Or is it restlessness, agitation and gut dissatisfaction? Is it an emotional disturbance?

 

Seek god’s light so as to discern where he is leading you through this situation. But be absolutely sure that God is with you all the way. Seek him in all things … for his will is our serenity.

Fr Silvester O’Flynn O.F.M. Cap  The Good news of Mark’s Year.  

 

Sacramental Preparation 2012 This is the last opportunity for parents to apply for their children’s involvement in the Sacramental Preparation Programme.

            On Wednesday 8th February, the parents are asked to attend an Introductory Meeting in the Parish Centre beginning at 6.30pm sharp. This will be followed by two other Talks for the parents, before the children and young people begin to attend the talks. Please make sure that only parents attend these talks.

 

Lent 2012  We are just emerging from the Season of Christmas, and one month ahead loom the prospect of Lent.

            There will as usual be the opportunity for small groups of people to join together for a Lenten Study Course. If you are interested in joining a group, please sign up on the list in the pergola.

The title of this year’s Archdiocesan Study course is: ‘Towards the Light.’

            Copies of the Book for the course #8.00     CD set # 16.00.

 

Rally for Life  Why should you attend? Because you do not want abortion in Queensland to be allowed up to the day of birth as it currently is in Victoria’s legislation.  Because you do not want our hospital to be forced to do abortions, traumatising their staff and clogging up our already over-burdened health system. But most of importantly because the unborn are dependent on YOU to protect them.

Keynote speaker: Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett Apostolic Administrator, Brisbane Archdiocese.

When: Saturday 11th February 2012

              1.15pm Roby Curtis Band

              2.00pm the main Rally for Life Event.

Where: Queens Park, cnr Williams, Elizabeth & George Streets, Brisbane CBD

What to bring: Your friends, relatives & children, hat, water, sunscreen, chair, rug, umbrellas & donation.

Note expected time of finish is 4pm Only official placards allowed.

 

Man Alive!  “TO THE MAX 2012” invites men to come together and explore issues that impact on their lives through talks, multimedia, workshops and small groups, fellowship and rituals. This is a National Catholic Men’s Event by menALIVE. Each man is challenged to explore how he will respond to God who calls us to be awake, aware, attentive, alert and alive—whom calls us to become fire in our world. This annual gathering is held in Brisbane between 24 and 26 February 2012 at Brookfield conference Centre, Brisbane. Contact Robert on 0412 745 734 or robber@menalive.org.au

 

St Vincent de Paul Appeal for help!

There are three ways that you can help with the appeal from the St Vincent De Paul Conference.:

By bringing contributions of non-perishable food to be distributed to people in need. A container will be located in the pergola outside of Church and all you need to do is to drop your contributions into the container. The goods will be made up into parcels which will be distributed by the conference members on their visits.

By contributing weekly through the SVP envelopes which are available at the tables as you enter the Church.

By becoming a member of the Conference, attending the meetings and helping with visits to people in their homes. If you would like to become a member or know more about what is entailed, please contact Brian Freeman or any member of the conference at Mass.

 

Pastoral Council Social Gathering

On Friday 10th February at 6.00pm a Social Gathering for Councillors from the various Parish Pastoral Councils is being held at Mater Dei Ferrett St Sadliers Crossing. Anyone who is a current member of any of the Parish Councils in the Deanery is encouraged to attend and spend some time with fellow Councillors from the other Parishes. For any information please ring Michael Bennett on 0409 891 442.

Certificate III Serving God’s People

Institute of Faith Education  Registered Training Organisation  National Provider Number 31402

 30771QLD Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology (Serving God’s People) 

This qualification is offered in partnership with the Institute of Faith Education.

This qualification will be issued by the Institute of Faith Education

This Certificate III course will be run in Ipswich starting in March this year. It is the primary qualification for service in the Archdiocese as well as being a great starting point for Adult Faith Formation. It can be done as a full course or simply as an attendance only course (without any Assignments).

There will be an information session at St Mary’s Parish Centre at 7.00pm on Monday 13th February to discuss any questions you may have surrounding this step in the faith journey.

 

 

Stewardship

“Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these varied graces of God, out it at the service of  others.”                            (1 Peter 4:10)

 

Stewardship and Prayer

 

“These linked realities, discipleship and stewardship, then make up the fabric of a Christian Life in which each day is lived in an intimate, personal relationship with the Lord.”

 

“Jesus is the supreme teacher of Christian Stewardship, as he is of every other  aspect of Christian life; and  in Jesus’  teaching and life-emptying is fundamental.”

 

     Private Prayer:

□  Pray the Angelus once daily

□  Read the Bible 15 minutes daily

□  Pray the Morning Offering once daily

□  Pray an Act of Contrition going to bed each night

□  Say and Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be before work each day

□  Spend time weekly in Eucharistic Adoration

□  Read the Scriptures before Mass

□  Pray a Rosary once per week

□  Make the Stations of the Cross once per week

□  Offer my suffering (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) as a prayer

□  Other……………………………………………………………….

How to use this sheet.

Read through the list of ways of praying.

Tick the boxes that correspond to your prayer pattern

Think about how you can increase your time in prayer

Mark the box nest to the one you are going to use to increase your prayer time.

 
 
     Public Prayer:

□  Attend Sunday Mass once per week:

            St. Francis Xavier’s                  __Sat 6.00pm

 

            St Francis Xavier’s                   __Sun 7.30am

            St Francis Xavier’s                   __Sun 9.00am

□  Attend daily Mass once per week:

            Mon                  9.00am

             wed                9.00pm

            Thurs         9.00pm

            Fri                  9.00am

□  Pray grace before meals once daily

□  Pray with my spouse once weekly

□  Join the Prayer line (call parish office  38180111)

□  Join a Bible Study  (call parish office  for details)

□  Go to confession once per month

□  Join Rosary group (7.00pm Wednesdays @ st Francis Xavier’s)

□  Other:  …………………………………………………………………

 

Dates for your Diary

Tues 31st January Divine Mercy Prayer Group (In Samoan) 6.00pm

Wed 8th February Rosary Group 6.30pm

Sacramental Preparation Meeting for Parents 6.30pm Parish Centre.

Thurs 9th Feb Parish Stewardship

                                    Committee 7.00pm

 

5th February  5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Job 7:1-4, 6-7; 1 cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39

Response of Psalm:  Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted.

12th February  6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lev 13:1-2, 44-46; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Mk 1:40-45

 

 

Services times this week:

 

 

Saturday Vigil 6.00pm Mass

Sunday      7.30am Mass

                    9.00am  Mass      

           

  Weekdays

     Monday                    9.00am Mass

  Tuesday                     No Mass

  Wednesday                9.00am Mass

  Thursday                    9.00am Mass

    Friday                       9.00am Mass in school Hall

                       

Sacrament of Penance: Sat 5.00-5.30pm

 

Cleaning

10.02.12 Lovemai Family

If you would like to help out on this roster, please contact Pam Dodrill on 3288 4594. (Roster approximately once every eight weeks)

 

 

We Pray for the Sick:

Shannon Cavanagh, Robert Snow, Elizabeth Carr, James Collinet, Louise Lebbers, Joy Auld, Audrey Congreve, Mary White, Colin Jackson, Sr Helen Stanley, Breda O’Sullivan, Gerard O’Halloran, Ellen Parker, Rose Logan, Pat & Len Solomon, Steve Ankans,  Lindsay Barry, Jane Browne, John Ward, Leonisa Dela Cruz, Neville Irwin Snr. May Irwin, John (Jack) O’Halloran,  Patsy Flynn, Ian Perkins, Natalie Barry, Neville Irwin Jnr. Edna May Tourney, Max Keen, Catherine Vaughan,    Anton Dupont, Lilly & Simone Dupont, Shane Uttenbosch, Pataine Toloafa, Lorraine Fisher, Joan Fisher, Christine Eustace, Harold Priebbenow, Gavan Clarke, Peter Drysdale. Doreen Grayson, Keith Auld, Taylah Mapes, (Please contact us when you feel it is appropriate to remove the name of a friend or loved one from the sick list).

 

Anniversaries:  5—11th February

Valda Ayoub, Zofia Grun, Cathy Ross, Michael Hansen, Stephen Cross, June Tunney, Hendrika Harbraken, Val Bird, Norma Finlayson, Brett Dyer, Luis Vela, Bernice Falvey, Kazimir Borowski, Allan butler, Paul Cortis, Sayong Ebias, James Edwards, John McCaughley, James Liddy, Neville Charman, Genowefa Podolak.