5th Sunday of Lent (C)

WEEKEND’S

READINGS

Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:8-14

John 8:1-11

PSALM RESPONSE

The Lord has done great things for us;

we are filled with joy.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!

With all your heart turn to me, for I am tender

and compassionate.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!

Respecting a traditional people of this land, the Bundjalung people

St Francis Xavier Church, Ballina Holy Family Church, Lennox Head

7th April, 2019

Love and encouragement

PRESBYTERY: Phone: 6686 2042 Parish Priest: Father Michael Nilon (on long service sabbatical) Administrator: Father Max Gow Assistant Priest: Father Wilber Tobe Email: wilber@sfxballina.org.au Assistant Priest: Father Emmanuel Okparanaku Pastoral Associate: Sr Kathryn Sweeney rsj, Email: kathryn@sfxballina.org.au PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: Email: parishcouncil@sfxballina.org.au

PARISH ADMINISTRATION CENTRE: Phone: 6681 1048; Fax: 6686 8774; Email: admin@sfxballina.org.au Mon to Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm - 53-57 Cherry Street - Postal Address: PO Box 46 Ballina 2478 \

PARISH LIBRARY: Library available to parishioners Mon to Fri 9 am - 4 pm;

SCHOOLS: St Francis Xavier Primary: 6686 3370 - Swift St, Ballina Holy Family Primary: 6687 5311- 40 Isabella Drive, Skennars Head Xavier Catholic College: 6687 6484 - 2 Redford Drive, Skennars Head St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre: 6687 5961- 42 Isabella Drive, Skennars Head

AGED CARE: Crowley Care Services: 1300 139 099 - 154 Cherry St, Ballina

www.sfxballina.org.au

Twitter @BallinaCatholic

A wise monk asked his students how they could tell when night ended and day began. One student replied, “When you see an animal in the distance and can tell whether it’s a sheep or a dog?” “No,” answered the monk. Another student said, “When you look at a tree in the distance and can tell whether it’s a fig or an apple tree?” “No,” answered the monk again. “So, when is it?” the students asked. “It’s when you can look on the face of any woman or man and see that it’s your sister or brother; because if you cannot see this, it’s still night.” Every person we meet is loved by God. It’s impor-tant to remember this when we are tempted to pass harsh judgement or con-demn. To “see” the face of a sister or brother we need “the eyes of mercy.” Mercy is at the heart of Pope Francis’ teaching and preaching. What “the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity … the Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encour-aged to live the good life of the Gospel.”

Pope Francis is saying that we are called to heal wounds not to make them worse through condemnation and excessive de-mands. He is challenging us to be hospita-ble and welcoming; with the doors of our hearts wide open to everyone, especially those most in need of mercy, forgiveness and hope. For Jesus, mercy is paramount. Unlike the Pharisees, Jesus doesn’t demand that peo-ple approaching him must be perfect, dis-play holiness or undergo formal and public

penance. In fact, Jesus often dines with sinners and s c a n d a l o u s l y touches or is touched by them. He lives that “nearness” and “proximity” of which Pope Francis speaks. In today’s gospel, a

story that begins with deathly accusation ends with lavish mercy. Where the commu-nity’s condemnation would have led the adulterous woman to death, Jesus’ mercy leads her to new life. A story that begins with human testing of the Divine ends with a Divine invitation to repent. Jesus saw people and had compassion for them. He wanted to make them healthy, restore them to their relationships and set them free from an understanding that God condemns. (Continued on page 4)

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR RECENTLY DECEASED: Nancy Grant, Paddy Cooney (IRE, Senan’s brother) Wally Strong, Linda Kerr (Syd) Carolina Bordin, Mary Waller, Lee Visco, Janice Hodgetts, William Reilly (Bris), Leo Rook, Judy Grosse, THOSE WHOSE ANNIVERSARIES OCCUR AT THIS TIME: Joan Allison, Bob Townsend, Margaret McNiff, AND ALSO FOR: Peter O'Connor, Armando Bordin, Mick & Gwynne Waugh, Rina, Charlie & James Volpatti, Thama Walker, Kathleen Kelly, Cath Waddell, James & Mary Rogers, C & S Hosie, Bill & Jean Shay, Cecilia & Bill Condon Snr, Stan & Mary McKeough, Members of the SVdP Conference & Auxiliary & for all faithful departed. AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE SERIOUSLY ILL: Joe Paolino, Jeanie Marie Curry, Fay Kerslake, Darryl Simpkins, Elva Kidd, Tania Pieters, Betty Albertini, Hilda Carter, John O’Loughlin, Rosemary Russell, Rose Norris, John Moreland, Bill Duffy, Dympna Sheehy, Paul Rix, Margaret Bermingham, Virginia Paden, Greg Shore, Darcy Martin, Margaret Pyne, John McNamara, Yvonne & Peter Thurtell, Noeleen Gillies, Mal Gillies, Cecelia Waldron, Helen Johnston, Louise Wilson, Michael O’Connor, Maria Gorton, Liz Phillips & family, Moore, Smith, McCowan-Dann, Webber Families, Layton family, Max Crosswell, Maria Hosking, Kaley Nobbs, Len Rix, Mick O’Brien, Mark Harris, Graham Robertson, Neville Johnston, Gregory Thomas, Gloria Greguric, Joy Hepworth, Ruth Anderson, Leo Lane, Mary Topham, Bob Grant, Leisa Wotton, Aunty Julia Paden, Michael Everson, Pat Evans, Virginia, Sarah and Peter Kolhbach, Samantha Anderson, Jonothan Paden, Tony Lannan, Kim del-Signore, Crowley Village, St Andrew’s Nursing

THE SACRAMENTS IN OUR PARISH

BAPTISMS: Will be held at any time in either Church on any day. A week’s notice prior to the preferred Baptism is essential for preparation and notification to the Priest. Please contact Parish Admin 6681 1048. CONFIRMATION: Wednesday 22nd May, 2019. Parent Meeting Wednesday 20th March.

RECONCILIATION: Wednesday 28th August, 2019. Parent Meeting Wednesday 31st July

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: 22nd March, 2020. Parent Meeting 19th February. Groups start 23rd February. WEDDINGS: by appointment with a Priest. Please allow at least 6 months for compulsory preparation. ANOINTING OF THE SICK: during Mass on dates to be advertised during the year, and on request; and at regular intervals at the hospital and aged care facilities. HOSPITAL: Catholic patients in Ballina Hospital are visited by a member of the parish team on a regular basis. Given the difficulty we have in obtaining names of those in hospital, a visit is made to those who tell us they are in the hospital. We will only know someone is in the hospital if we are told by family or friends. This is due to the Privacy laws that govern our nation.

DIF PAYS 2.15% PER ANNUM BALLINA AGENTS: Michael Shay, L J Hooker 87-89 River St Ballina 6686 2711 - Crowley Admin Office Cherry St Ballina 1300 139 099

THIS WEEK’S COLLECTIONS

First Collection Support of our Diocese Priests

$ 1,407.85

Second Collection Support of the Parish &

Ministries & School Building & Maintenance Fund

Loose Plate $ 492.90

Planned Giving Envelopes Collected

$ 1,829.50

Planned Giving Envelopes Weekly Target $ 2,009.00

ROSTER: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Year C: 13th/14th April, 2019

Readings: Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56

6.00 pm Vigil Ballina

7.30 am Lennox Head

9.00 am Ballina

Offertory Procession

9.00 am ~ Ballina

Readers Michelle Stock Carmen Stock

Passion - Narrator: Pauline Shay

Crowd/Other: Bryan Marriott Jesus: Priest

Tye Hetherington Marie Sullivan

Passion - Narrator: TBA

Crowd/Other: TBA Jesus: Priest

Margaret Tay Gemma Duffy

Passion - Narrator: David Eyles

Crowd/Other: Nicole Sullivan Jesus: Priest

Ext. Ministers Holy

Communion

Tess Colenso Anna Bonello

Monica Anderson Pauline Fingleton

Kevin Sullivan Leanne Robbins Denise Miller Mark Biddle

Cathy Campbell

John & Kay

Hayward

Monica Anderson Judy Conson

Lea Lane

Altar Servers

Liam Meany

Zayneb Hetherington Emily Comin Olivia Comin Cooper Cahill

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH BALLINA  ‐ PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM:  If you are a new parishioner to Ballina or an existing one and you would like to participate in the Planned Giving Program, cards are available for completion in the foyer of the Church. Please complete your details and place on the collection plate in the envelope provided, or contact SFX Parish Admin office on 6681 1048 Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.00 pm. For your con‐venience we have the option of Direct Debit and/or Envelope contribution.  

HOLY FAMILY COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING

The April meeting is on Thursday, 2nd May at 8.45 am in the

Sacred Heart Room at Holy Family Church, Lennox Head.

(due to ANZAC DAY holiday)

All Welcome.

$0.00

$500.00

$1,000.00

$1,500.00

$2,000.00

4th March 11th March 18th March 25th M arch 1st April

Targ et

Collections

Parish Notices

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

each Friday evening during Lent 7.00 pm - SFX Church Ballina.

2019 BISHOP GREG’S LENTEN TALKS ST CARTHAGE'S CATHEDRAL

LISMORE

Final Talk: Tuesday 9th April 6.00 pm

‘Jesus Christ and friendship with Him’

All are Welcome! The Lenten Talks will be recorded on the night and put

onto the Diocese website www.lismorediocese.org

2019/2020 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

CONFIRMATION Groups begin this week 7th April

SARCRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION WEDNESDAY 22nd MAY

AT 5.20 PM

St Mary’s Parish, Casino invites you to a REFLECTION DAY with Sam Clear

Where: Relihan Centre, Canterbury St, Casino When: 10.00 am till 4.00 pm Saturday, 13th April

Cost: $15 per person ~ Morning tea and lunch provided RSVP: by 6th April to Casino Parish Office Ph: 6662 1025

Sam Clear is from Tasmania, spent last 18 years working in mission and ministry in

Australia and New Zealand. He is an author, documentary producer and

has facilitated over 1000 reflection days.

More on Sam at www.walk4one.com

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS THIS WEEKEND

SUNDAY 7th APRIL Remember to turn your clocks back 1 hour

ANOINTING MASS FOR EASTER

This Friday 12th April ~ 10.00 am St Francis Xavier Church, Ballina There will NOT be a 12.00 noon Mass

or Adoration this day.

EASTER CEREMONIES: If you are currently an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or an Altar Server and would like to participate in the Holy Week ceremonies (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday), please register your name on the roster sheet at the back of SFX Church or contact the Parish Office on 6681 1048.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY ~ 28th APRIL

2.00 pm—3.30 pm, Holy Family Catholic Church, Lennox Head. Exposition, Benediction, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Rec-onciliation- DVD’s are available in the Foyer of

St Francis Xavier Church Ballina and Holy Family Church Lennox Head. You are invited to take, watch and return ASAP. 4 different DVD’s for adults and a 22 minute animated one for children. Enquires to Marie 6687 6910 and Parish Office 6681 1048

PALM SUNDAY RALLY 11.00 am ~ 14th April Welcome the Stranger Foreshore near bus shelter LENNOX HEAD

Enquiries to Sr Anne Phn: 0438 364 250

RECONCILIATION PRIOR TO EASTER

Tuesday 16th April 6.00 pm 2ND RITE

Wednesday 17th April 5.00 - 6.00 pm Ballina

Holy Thursday 18th April 11.45 am - 12.45 pm Ballina

Good Friday 19th April 10.30 - 11.30 am Ballina

Holy Saturday 20th April 9.00 - 10.00 am Ballina

All Saturdays 9.00 - 10.00 am Ballina

Low Gluten Hosts are available from the Priest at all weekend Masses.

REFLECTION: Lent ends on a note of wonder. In the face of all the mighty works that God has already per-formed for the people, God promises something even more magnificent. Throughout this season we have reflected on the marvels that God accomplished in the lives of the people, cutting a covenant with Abraham, leading the people out of bondage, revealing God's own personal name, bring them into a land that is bursting with life. Now God says: You haven't seen anything yet. The first reading proclaims that something new is about to appear. In the gospel, this new thing unfolds before our eyes. Here we see Jesus neither rejecting the law nor changing it. Instead, he shows that the law, as good as it might be, serves something higher. He shows that the mercy and compassion of God exceed the authority of the law. Once again we see that the readings of Lent are less concerned with mortification and penance than they are with divine graciousness and our response of joy and thanksgiving. Paul is not satisfied with the blessings of the past. In fact, he considers them rubbish when compared with knowing and being united with Christ. Life with Christ transforms us from people who are caught in sin to women and men who have been forgiven. Life in Christ is the new thing that God has fashioned for us. God is the one who creates something new; we are the ones who are re-created. © Dianne Bergant CSA Liturgy Help

FRIENDS OF THE CARMEL AUXILIARY MEETING

You are welcome to attend morning tea and the meeting at the Carmelite Monastery on Wednesday

24th April 10.00 am Phone Narelle for further information on 6624 1973.

Your support for our Carmelite Sisters will be very much appreciated.

All Welcome

MASS TIMES

St Francis Xavier Church Ballina

Holy Family Church

Lennox Head

SATURDAY 6.00 pm

SUNDAY 9.00 am

7.30 am

MONDAY 8.00 am

TUESDAY

5.20 pm

WEDNESDAY

10.00 am SMoC Chapel Crowley

THURSDAY

8.00 am

FRIDAY

10.00 am Anointing Mass

OTHER CEREMONIES THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY 8.00 am

Rosary & Chaplet of Divine Mercy

FRIDAY

11.00 to 11.45 am Exposition

7.00 pm

Stations of the Cross

RECONCILIATION

SATURDAY 9.00—10.00 am

Also on request

SATURDAY 9.00 am Prayer of the Church

Christian Meditation Group is held every Saturday at 9.30am in Anawim Room

Cenacle Marian Movement of Priests: Monday 11.00 am—12.15 pm at 3/21 Swift Street, Ballina.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Friday morn-ings from 11.00 to 11.45 am at SFX Church Ballina (except when there is a funeral that day).

Ballina CCR Intercession from 10.45 am to 11.45 am in the Anawim Room. Prayer Meeting: from Monday 4th Feb 2.15 pm to 4.00 pm in the Anawim Room

Prayer of the Church and Rosary Saturday at 9.00 am SFX Ballina

Parish Youth Group: Saturday 6.00 pm, Mass then to St Francis Xavier School Hall, Crane Street- 7.00pm to 8.30 pm. Sisterhood: Monday at 10.00 am in St Teresa Room, Parish Administration Building. All Welcome

PROJECT COMPASSION—WEEK 5

BANGLADESH You may remember Salma, who featured in Project Compassion 2013. At the time she was pregnant with her first child, sick and terribly frightened. In distress, she sought the help of a midwife trained

by Caritas' Safe Motherhood Program. Six years on, she's now a healthy mother of two strong, happy children. Salma is committed to giving her children the education they need to provide them with the future she hoped for. Please donate to Project Compassion 2019 and help

reduce infant mortality rates in countries like Bangladesh and provide hope to pregnant women in remote communities for happy and healthy families.

(continued from page1)Jesus' desire for people is not death but new life. It doesn't mean that Jesus disregarded the commandments or condoned inappropriate behavior. Rather he knew that true and lasting human and spiritual growth takes time and that people first need acceptance, love and encouragement. Grace comes before judgement in the Kingdom of God and hopefully in the Church also as Pope Francis challenges. It's often said the more one judges, the less one loves. Our task as disciples of the mer-ciful One is to strive to soften judgement and condemnation and widen mercy and to truly see people as our sisters and brothers.

David J Hore CSsR © Redemptorists 2019

CROWLEY AUXILIARY

MOTHERS’ DAY LUNCHEON

DATE: WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY

PLACE: CROWLEY ACTIVITY CENTRE TIME: 12.00 noon

COST: $28.00 per person ~ BYO Entertainment, Raffles, Lucky Door

RSVP: Please book and pay at Crowley Reception by Wednesday 1st May.

Phone 1300 139 099 for all enquiries.

EASTER SUNDAY ECUMENICAL LITURGY 7.00 am ~ In the park across from Holy Family

Catholic Church, Lennox Head. All welcome to attend before the 7.30 am Mass.

CATHOLIC DICTIONARY— GIFT OF WISDOM

Definition : The first and highest gifts of the Holy Spirit. It makes the soul responsive to God in the contemplation of divine things. Where faith is a simple knowledge of the articles of Christian belief, wisdom goes on to a certain divine penetration of the truths themselves. Built into wisdom is the element of love, which inspires contemplative reflection on these divine mysteries, rejoices dwelling on them, and directs the mind to judge all things according to their principles. www.catholicculture.org