NERANG CATHOLIC PARISH

Serving the areas of Advancetown,

Beechmont Carrara,Clagiraba,Gaven,Gilston,Latimer,Maudsland,Mt Nathan,

Natural Bridge,Nerang,Numimbah Valley and Worongary.

Postal Address P.O. Box 196 Nerang QLD 4211 (07)55 961111

"The Cross Behind The Coast"

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PASTORS PEN

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A 9^th/10^th OCTOBER 1999

Scripture References:- Isaiah.25:6-10; Philippians.4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew.22:1-10.

This is the 3^rd and final parable of Jesus directed at the Chief Priests and the elders of the people. The scene is of a wedding banquet or feast given by a King on behalf of his son. The image of a banquet or feast is one of Jesus favourites when speaking about the Kingdom of God/Heaven. The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah makes it clear that this image also predated Jesus. The difference is that the Old Testament or Hebrew scriptures portray the Kingdom feast as something far in the future. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom feast as something happening now, something which begins immediately with our response and yet still a Kingdom which will only be fulfilled in the future. It is Now, but not yet! When Jesus healed and preached and when he shared meals with people he inaugurated or began the Kingdom. His words and deeds not only announced the Kingdom or Reign of God they actually began that reign amongst us.

The Chief Priest and Elders of the people are represented by those who were invited to the feast of joy and the celebration of harmony but refused to come and went so far as to maltreat and even kill the Kings heralds, who historically were the Prophets. They are not interested, we are told, in coming to the feast as they have become absorbed in the daily routines of their roles. They have lost the vision of God that they were called and appointed to serve. They have surrendered to the rituals of their roles and positions, becoming mechanical in their dealings and so forgetting the very spirit and purpose they were meant to serve and promote.

Hence, the invitation to join the King’s (God’s) banquet is now given to anyone who will respond, bad and good alike.

The invitation to participate in and share Gods abundance is given to us now, in this moment and on this and each day. It can be hard for us to notice these moments and to share in this abundance because we, like the Chief Priests and elders of old, get caught up in our own worry’s and the demands and pressures of every day life. We can easily, for the sake of security and comfort, settle into habits and patterns that bind and blind us to the wonder of all that God is doing for us and offering to us right not.

Our faith in God’s fidelity to God’s word and in the ultimate victory and fulfillment of the emerging Kingdom can give us very real consolation, hope and energy to keep on striving in the midst of our lives and of a world that all too often seems far away from God’s Reign. After all, if, as the parable tells us, the bad and the good are invited to the feast, then there is hope for all of us and reason to be grateful and rejoice in God’s decision to rescue and redeem us all. What we have to do is say Yes to God’s invitation and live out our Yes with the help of God Spirit by fostering lives of faith, hope and love.

Let us keep encouraging one another in these days.

At your service in Christ. Fr. Mark.

(NEW Parish and School internet site at http://stbrigids.tripod.com)

PARISH CONSULATION EVENING… Re: our new Pastor. Monday 18^th October, 7.30pm – St. Brigid’s Church. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

PARISH DIARY ....

WEEKDAY MASS TIMES (11^th,12^th,13^th & 15^th October 1999)

Monday 9.00 am Tuesday 7.00 pm

Wednesday 7.00 am Friday 9.00 am

•  
• NB: Friday. St. Teresa of Avila

RECONCILIATION 11am Saturday or any time by appointment. Phone 5596 1111.

WEEKEND TIMES... 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. 16^th/17^th October 1999

St Brigid’s Nerang Saturday Vigil 6pm. Sunday 8.30am.

St Johns Beechmont 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10.30am.

Next masses 24^th October & 14^th & 28^th November 1999

BAPTISM PREPARATION AND CELEBRATION NOTICE ..... Enrolments for the celebration of Baptism in July are closed as preparation is now under way. Parents and families are now invited to enrol for the next celebration of Baptism on 21/11/99. The important preparation gathering for this celebration is on Monday 1/11/99 at 7.30pm, in the Parish Centre, McLaren Rd. Please direct all enquiries and bookings to the Presbytery on Ph 55 961111.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL…The society meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Monday of every month at 6pm at the Parish Centre, New member always welcome, Phone 5578 2706. Next meeting 11^th October 1999.

SOLO CONNEXIONS… Is a support group for widowed, separated or divorced persons looking to build friendships. The group has respect for the Christian tradition. The group meets twice monthly (public holidays excepted) at 2 venues. They are on the second & fourth Mondays of each month at 7pm at The Sacred Heart Church meeting rooms at 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, and , on the first and third Mondays at 7pm in the Hall adjacent to St. Augustine’s Church, Tweed St. Coolangatta. Information on 5526 1959.

FINANCE COMMITTEE…next meeting Tuesday 12^th October 1999, at 7.45pm at the Parish Centre.

LITURGY PLANNING GROUP… meets Wednesday 13^th October 1999 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.

ST. BRIGID’S OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE…our monthly meetings are held on the 2^nd Monday of every month. Our next meeting will be conducted on Monday 11^th October at 7.30pm in the OSHC room, classroom Block B, St. Brigid’s Primary School. All welcome.

ALTAR SERVERS …… Please attend a practice in the Church Friday 15^th October, 5-6pm.

ROSARY.....The Rosary will be prayed on Mondays after Mass in the Prayer Chapel. All welcome.

PRAYER GROUP..... meets every Tuesday night for prayer and praise in St Brigid’s Church after 7.00pm Mass. Place your prayer requests in the box marked St Brigid’s Prayer Group at the Church entrance. Pencil and paper attached. Names not necessary. Confidentiality respected by Prayer Group.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH ..... An invitation during each Mass is extended to you to let your children join with others so they can hear and learn about God’s word at a level suitable to their age. Children’s Church is Not held during school holidays. NOTE: Children’s church is for pre-schoolers (4 years old) to grade 5 (10 years old) ONLY!

J HAPPY HOUR ..... (Religious Education Hour State School Children) meets each Wednesday in the Parish Centre from 3.30 to 4.30pm. Enquiries Brenda Farrugia - 5539 2688 or Sr. Mary - 5596 4883. Note: Attendance at Happy Hour for a period of 12 months is essential if a child not enrolled at a Catholic School wishes to celebrate & receive one of the sacraments in our parish.

BIBLE STUDY …. Mondays at the Parish Centre from 9.45am to 10.45am. Morning tea and baby sitting provided. An informal and pleasant way of sharing Scripture and understanding God’s message. All welcome! Enquiries Debbie Black on 5527 3643.

JOURNEY TO EASTER 2000

Wednesday 13^th October 7.30pm Parish Centre. – Jesus as fulfillment of revelation; Jesus as sacrament.

CHURCH CLEANING…..Thank you to Tony and Marlene for this week’s effort. Norma and Dorothy are rostered for next weekend 15/10/99.

OTHER NOTICES . . . . .

PARISH INCOME ..... is from the 2nd collection and is used to pay all debts, bills, maintenance and running costs of the parish including all loan repayments. The 2nd collection planned giving is NOT tax deductable.

Parish target to fully meet expenses is $1,600.00

This figure does not include $200/week from direct debit contributors.

AN INVITATION TO THE RITES OF RECONCILIATION….The Sacrament’s history …Meaning and Purpose… and its celebration today, with Fr Mark Percival in the Meeting Room, Sacred Heart Church, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. 7.00pm Friday 22^nd October. Contact Mel Funk on 5527 2405

1^st RECONCILIATION (INDIVIDUAL 1^ST RITE) PROGRAMME 1999

The gift of First Reconciliation will be offered by Nerang Parish through our Parish Preparation Programme with Information Sessions on Saturday 16^th October at 4.30pm or Tuesday 19^th October 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. This gift is offered to children who were at least 10 years of age by 1/1/99 or older as per Archdiocese of Brisbane Sacramental Policy, who have celebrated Confirmation and First Eucharist and have not yet prepared for or celebrated 1^st Reconciliation (Individual 1^st Rite). It is essential that one parent of eligible children participate at either of the information sessions offered before proceeding with the programme.

SOUTH COAST DEANERY HEALING MASS ….Our Lady of the Way Church 11^th Avenue Palm Beach. Wednesday 13^th October. Celebrant Fr Kevin Smith, Praise 7.00pm, Mass 7.30 pm. Everyone welcome. Cuppa afterwards. Enquiries Norah Ziph 55351993.

PREPARE FOR THE GREAT JUBILEE WITH ST. TERESA OF JESUS - Teacher of Prayer and Mother of Spirituality…..Archbishop John Bathersby will celebrate the Eucharist. Sunday 17^th October 2pm. Carmelite Monastery 287 Wellington St. Ormiston. Enquiries: 07 3286 1401.

SELF ESTEEM COURSE…. Presented by Warren Martin, Senior Counsellor, Centacare. 19^th & 26^th October 1999 7.30pm-9.30pm at Centacare 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.

Bookings 5527 7211

CCI INSURANCE ….Catholic Church Insurance Limited is now offering Residential

Insurance to all members of the church community. Its role is to provide honest protection for families and their homes with personal caring service and competitive premiums. Benefits includes replacement values on most items and a no claim bonus. Reduced premiums apply to retirees 65 and over. The parish receives commission on each policy written or renewed. Telephone 1800 011028 Toll Free Call for further details and make sure to nominate Nerang Catholic Parish & quote our agency number 041038.

SCRIPTURE READING FOR THURSDAY ..14^th October Romans.3:21-30; Luke.11:47-54

DECEASED RELATIVES AND FRIENDS This week we remember in our prayers with fondness, all those who have gone before us in faith.

PLEASE NOTE ..... all groups wanting meetings and/or activities in the Parish Newsletter need to pass on their details to Fr. Mark or Srs. Margaret or Mary on 55964883 or fax 55963669 by the Monday before the weekend they wish the notice to appear

ST. VINCENT de PAUL .....The society meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at 6 pm at the Parish Centre. New members always welcome. Phone 5578 2706. Next meeting Monday 15^th October, 1999.

SOLO CONNEXIONS ..... Is a support group for widowed, separated & divorced persons looking to build friendships. The group has respect for the Christian tradition. The group meets twice monthly (public holidays excepted) at 2 venues. They are on the second & fourth Mondays of each month at 7pm at Sacred Heart Meeting Room. 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, and, on the first and third Mondays at 7pm in the Hall adjacent to St. Augustine’s church, Tweed St. Coolangatta. Information on 5526 1959.

LITURGY PLANNING GROUP ..... meets Wednesday 10^th November, 1999 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.

FINANCE COMMITTEE ..... next meeting Tuesday 9^th November, 1999, at 7.45 pm at the Parish Centre.

ST. BRIGID’S PLAYGROUP ..... every Wednesday morning from 9am to 11.30am in the Parish Centre. All welcome! Enquiries phone Lee Milner on 5578 4283.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION & LEARNING FORUMS ..... open to all parish members for 1 hour (9.45am - 10.45am) 1st Sunday of each month. Questions for discussion & learning are welcomed in a spirit of mutual respect & openness to shared wisdom in the Spirit of God. Next forum, Sunday 7^th November 1999.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL ..... Councillors are reminded of our next meeting 1st Tuesday of the month at 7.45pm (after Mass) in the Parish Centre, Tuesday 2^nd November, 1999.

STATE SCHOOL R.E. TEACHERS MEETING ..... in the Parish Centre at 4.30pm on Monday

ST. BRIGID’S OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE .....our monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month. Our next meeting will be conducted on Monday 8^th November at 7.30pm in the O.S.H.C. room, classroom Block B, St. Brigid’s Primary School. All welcome!!

1^st RECONCILIATION (INDIVIDUAL 1^ST RITE) PROGRAMME 1999…. The gift of First Reconciliation will be offered by Nerang Parish through our Parish Preparation Progamme with Information Sessions on Saturday 16^th October at 4.30pm or Tuesday 19^th October 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. This gift is offered to children who were at least 10 years of age by 1/1/99 or older as per Archdiocese of Brisbane Sacramental Policy, who have celebrated Confirmation and First Eucharist and have not yet prepared for or celebrated 1^st Reconciliation (Individual 1^st Rite). It is essential that one parent of eligible children participate at either of the information sessions offered before proceeding with the programme.

PARISH CONSULTATION EVENING….Re: our new pastor. Monday 18^th October 1999 7.30pm at St. Brigid’s Church. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

PARENTS & FRIENDS ....of St Brigid’s Parish Primary School meets 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7.30pm in the parish centre. Next meeting 19^th October 1999.

ON GOING FORMATION GROUP MEETING .....at the Parish Centre, 7.45pm on.......

MARTIN STREET COMMUNITY LONG DAY CARE CENTRE ..... situated in Nerang has limited places available for children aged between 12 weeks and 5 years. The centre is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane and is a Government Funded non-profit Long Day Care Service providing care for children of workforce participants. Childcare Assistance is available. Hours of operation 7.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. Hot Lunches, Morning and Afternoon Tea provided. Priority of Access guide-lines apply to all families. Further details contact the Director, Mrs. Margaret Horton on 5596 3026.

CCI INSURANCE ..... Catholic Church Insurance Limited is now offering Residential

Insurance to all members of the church community. Its role is to provide honest protection for families and their homes with personal caring service and competitive premiums. Benefits includes replacement values on most items and a no claim bonus. Reduced premiums apply to retirees 65 and over. The parish receives commission on each policy written or renewed. Telephone 1800 011028 Toll Free Call for further details and make sure to nominate Nerang Catholic Parish & quote our agency number 041038.

REMEMBERING YOUR PARISH AND THE CHURCH...through a bequest in your will is a great way for you to continue to contribute to our future after your death. You or you solicitor can find out the correct wording for such a bequest by phoning the Diocesan Bequest Officer Mary-Anne Roberts on 07 3224 3282.

OTHER NOTICES... TEA BRIGADE

PARISH DIARY.. YOUTH MINISTRY

CHOIR PRACTICE… Thursday 4^th November 7.30pm in the Church. All welcome.

SOUP KITCHEN…. Operates from the Nerang Neighbourhood Centre (opposite Nerang Swimming Pool) in Martin St every Wednesday 12-1.30pm (except during school holidays) Phone 5578 2457 for more information.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE. Losing a spouse either through separation or death is a traumatic experience. Beginning Experience programmes help people to deal with the grief of that loss in a caring and constructive way. They are run in the strictest confidence by a group of trained caring people who have themselves lost a spouse.

The programme offered is the Beginning Experience weekend for people who have been separated or widowed for more that 12 months. The weekend is a live-in one running from Friday evening, 5^th to Sunday afternoon 7^th November 1999.

For further details and application forms please ring:

Weekend coordinators Jane 3392 7471 Jackie 3355 6589 Julie 3856 0080.