Bonnyrigg Heights

(incorporating Bonnyrigg Heights, Green Valley, Edensor Park, Abbotsbury and Cecil Hills)

Mount Street,BONNYRIGG HEIGHTS 2177

Parish Priest: Rev Fr Kelvin LovegroveEmail: pp@johnthebaptist.org.au

Assistant: Rev Fr Epeli QimaqimaEmail: curate@johnthebaptist.org.au

Candidate for Permanent Deaconate: Mr Mervyn FrancisEmail: info@johnthebaptist.org.au

Youth Ministry Co-ordinator: Tomasz JuszczakContact: The Parish Office on 9823 2572 Email: tomaszj@johnthebaptist.org.au

Parish Pastoral Centre:45 Mount Street, Bonnyrigg Heights

Presbytery: 9823 2572Fax: 9822 9954Email: info@johnthebaptist.org.auwebsite: www.johnthebaptist.org.au

MASSES THIS WEEK

PSALTER WEEK 3

‘Prayer of the Church’ prayed at John theBaptist 10 minutes before weekday Masses

Morning and Evening Prayer

Monday - No MassTuesday - 9:10am

The Annunciation of the LordWednesday - 7:00pm

Thursday - 9:10amFriday - 9:10am

Saturday - 9:10am

SUNDAY 29/30 March(Fourth Sunday of Lent)

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30pmSunday Masses :

8:00am10:00am5:30pm

1st Sunday of Month:5:30pm Youth Mass

4th Sunday of the Month:5:30pm Mass in Tagalog

Reconciliation: Saturday 4.15 - 5.00pm

Third Sunday of Lent (Year A)22nd & 23rd March, 2014

What’s coming up in the Parish.....

Holy Hour after the 7pm Mass everyWednesday 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Stations of the Cross 7:00pm every Fridayevening during Lent

Baptism Preparation Meeting Sunday 6th April,2014 at 4pm in the Parish Hall

Reflection Questions….. I have encountered Jesus when….. These

encounters have transformed me in theseways…..

I attempt to deceive Jesus when I….. Hebrings me to face the truth of myself by…..

My words testify that Jesus is the “saviourof the world” when….. My actions testify toJesus as the “saviour of the world”when…..

Dear friends,

We welcome our speaker from Caritas Australia, who will talk to us this weekendduring the homily time about the work of Project Compassion, and how ourcontribution to their work is making a real difference to alleviating poverty anddisease in our world.

I also wanted to share with you some thoughts on the gospel of John this weekend,where Jesus engages the Samaritan woman at the well in a long conversation aboutliving water, which ultimately leads to her faith In Jesus. The gospel is about offeringthe promise of eternal life, in this gospel passage called ‘living water,’ to those whofeel burdened by sin.

There are many layers of meaning in this gospel which hinge upon our understandingof the relationship between Jews and Samaritans, religious and cultural practiceswhich form the basis for this conversation between Jesus and the woman.

The Samaritan woman goes to the well in the middle of the day, because she is asinner in the town, and no-one wants to associate with her. Normally the women ofthe village would go in the cool of the evening to the well and discuss the talk of thevillage. But this woman has had five husbands, now living with a sixth man who is nother husband, as Jesus points out to her. Jesus, is the seventh man in her life, and inJewish tradition seven is the perfect number. Likewise, the are in John’s gospel seven‘signs’ or miracles as they are called in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

The water jug she carries is a reminder of the burden of sin she carries around withher. Jesus, knowing everything about her doesn’t judge the woman, but ratheraccepts her as a person, and invites here to drink of the water of life, which is Jesushimself. It is this woman the sinner, who then calls the others in the village to believein Jesus as the Messiah.

Like the woman in the gospel Jesus wants us to be free of our burden of sin andshame, whatever may be weighing us down. He accepts our frailty and invites us todrink of him the water of life so we will never be thirsty again.

Lent is our time of prayer and drawing closer to God. It is about engaging in deepconversation with his healing love, and merciful forgiveness. Let us open our heartsand minds to receive his gift of living water, so that we will never be thirsty again.

SCHOOL ENROLMENTSI would invite all those parents wishing to apply for Primary and Secondary CatholicSchools to forward the Parish Priest Reference form to the parish office, and I willsend the forms when completed directly to the school for which you have applied. Ifyou wish to have an interview with me about your child’s enrolment, please make anappointment with Leanne the parish secretary on 98232572.

Fr. Kelvin.

IN MEMORIUM BLESSED JOHN PAUL IIOn his Death Anniversary - 7:00pm Wednesday, 2nd AprilYou are invited to a talk on The Great Mercy Pope’s Encyclical,‘Rich in Mercy’ by Fr Domingo Barawid, MI followed by Holy Mass

at the Good Shepherd Parish Church, 21 Twentieth Avenue, Hoxton Park.

YOUTH CORNER

GALILEE MEETING NEXT WEEK!

Galilee will look to answer all of your burning and

interesting questions on the faith in a way that is

very open, fun and interactive. The next Galilee

meeting will be held on Saturday 29th March from 6:30-

8:30pm and is open to anyone in years 7-10.

It will include: activities, games, prayer, talks, sharing,

presentations, food and music.

See you all then and have a great week!

AntiochCome and join us for our upcoming Antioch meeting onevery Sunday from 6:30-8:30pm to hear some greattalks, participate in sharing, music, prayer and more!If you are unable to stay for the whole meeting, feel freeto join us for Eucharistic Adoration every Sunday nightfrom 6:30-7:00pm in the Church.All young adults from 16-24 years of age are welcome.Hope to catch you all there!

YOUTH FAMILY MASSAttention all High School aged and older students

and their families!

The next Youth Group Family Mass will be held at5.30pm on Sunday 6th April , 2014.All are welcome to attend!

For more information on the activities and Youth Groupsbelow see the WYD/Youth Group bulletin board or call MaryFraser on 0403 647 399 or Tomasz on 9823 2572 or email

Tomasz at tomaszj@johnthebaptist.org.au

Jordan Youth

Anyone in years 5-6, please join us as

we continue on the journey of

growing closer to God and strengthening our current

relationships through fellowship, prayer, games, food,

DVD’s and other exciting activities. Jordan Youth

group is a lot of fun and a great opportunity to

experience the joy and love of our faith! The meetings

will run on Friday’s once a month from 3:30-5:30pm.

If anyone would like any further information, please

email Tomasz or simply turn up to our next meeting

on 28th March, 2014.

Your Prayers are requested for the

following, for whom Mass will be offered:

Sick: Violet CORDINA, Fr Epeli QIMAQIMA,Heather GOODWIN, Margaret O’DWYER, Justin ZERAFA (8 yearsold), Eugene KLEIBERT, Dora BADINO, Guido BADINO,Anne MIFSUD, Donatella BERGER-BADINO, Sue SHERMAN,Doris LIGHTOWLER, Lenard DEVIDSE, Emmanuel POLJAK,Kui LAI, Grace KENNY

Recently Deceased: Glory FERNANDEZ-ESMILLA, Jone DUASAVU(brother-in-law Fr Epeli), Giuseppe TOMARCHIO, Vincenza MICALI

Anniversary: Rita SALIBA, Daniel VELLAOther: Tony BUGEJA, Mary VELLA, Very Special Intention

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“My children, jump, run and play and make all the noiseyou want but avoid sin like the plague and you will surely

gain heaven”St John Bosco

World Youth Day Celebration in Sydney - This Palm Sunday, 13April 2014 from 12-4pm, join the young people of Sydney as wecelebrate together WYD 2014. The afternoon starts with lunch and livemusic at St Benedict’s Parish/Notre Dame Uni (104 Broadway)followed by a reflection on this year’s WYD theme, ‘Blessed are thepoor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven’ given by Sydney’sApostolic Administrator Bishop Peter Comensoli. We will then processwith a replica WYD cross from St Benedict’s to St Mary’s Cathedral(bring your walking shoes). We will conclude at the Cathedral withprayer and afternoon tea. This event is for all young people agedbetween 16 and 35. Visit www.facebook.com/catholicyouthservices.com for more info.

Third Sunday of Lent

Your donation to Project Compassion means vulnerablepeople can live in safe, supportive communities and havehope for the future.

For most of Archie’s life, he lived with his family beside the PlaridelRiver in the Philippines, and area prone to flooding and typhoons.An emergency resettlement program supported by Caritas Australiahelped the family resettle into permanent and secure housing awayfrom the flood prone river.

Please donate to Project Compassion and help vulnerablefamilies living in unsafe environments to resettle intosecure housing, where they can start to have hope for thefuture.

Y-Factor! These school holidays don’t just sit around at home,come to Y-Factor youth camp to have some fun, faith, food andfriendship! Y-Factor is the Archdiocesan youth camp run byCatholic Youth Services and is open to all high school students. Itwill be held at the newly renovated Benedict XVI centre in GroseVale from 23rd-25th April. For more information, contact Tomaszor email events@catholicyouthservices.org

Day of the Unborn Child – Sunday, 23 March

All are warmly invited to attend the celebration of the Day of theUnborn Child on Sunday, 23 March, beginning with 10.30 am Massat St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. Following the Angelus at 12 noon,a procession will be led through the CBD by the Maronite Bishop inAustralia, Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay. Afternoon tea willfollow in the Cathedral College Hall. Celebrated in many countrieson the Sunday closest to the Feast of the Annunciation, the Day ofthe Unborn Child is a wonderful opportunity to pray for the unbornand for a greater cherishing of the beauty and preciousness ofhuman life. Further information available at www.fli.org.au ortelephone 9519 9111.

AFTERNOON FOR COUPLES HOPING TO CONCEIVE:Married couples (Catholic or otherwise) who are hoping forchildren, struggling to conceive, or who wish to betterunderstand what the Church offers and promotes in regards tofertility awareness and assistance are invited to an afternoon ofinformation and discussion. It is also an important opportunityfor fellowship with other couples facing similar difficulties.WHEN: Saturday 12th April 2:00pm - 5:00pmWHERE: Catholic Adult Education Centre,

3 Keating Street, LidcombePlease direct RSVPs and inquiries toLMFevents@sydneycatholic.org or phone (02) 9390 5290

Prayer Candles

Apologies that a large number of lights are not working. A full Maintenance and Repairs will be made by the end of

March 2014. Please press only the Metal Button in front of Candle

Please DO NOT Place any candles or use any naked flames dueto fire risk.

Thank you for your understandingFr Kelvin Lovegrove

John the Baptist is now on Facebook and Twitter! Search 'John theBaptist Bonnyrigg' on Facebook and follow us onTwitter@jbbonnyrigg. Also links are on our website (bottom lefthand corner). We will be using these channels to advise theprogress of Fr. Epeli’s recuperation as soon as we are advised.

PARISH SACRAMENT INFORMATION

Baptisms are usually held on Sundays at John the Baptist,Bonnyrigg Heights. It is necessary to make a bookingthrough the parish office and attend a Baptism Preparationsession in the parish hall. All parents wishing to have a childbaptised in April, May or after, are asked to attend apreparation session which will be held on Sunday 6th April,2014, at 4:00pm. The Baptism will be pencilled in, and willonly be confirmed once you have attended the BaptismPreparation session.

Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation/Confession will takeplace on 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th November, 2014.Enrolments will be held on 23rd and 24th August and 30thand 31st August, 2014 at the conclusion of the Saturday5:30pm Mass and Sunday 8am and 10am Masses.

First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 7th,14th, 21st and 28th June, 2014 at 5:30pm and Sunday 8th,15th, 22nd and 29th June, 2014 at 10am.

Confirmation will take place on 6th and 7th September,2014.

Please keep watching this space for updates and changesto the dates and times.

We congratulate the family of Willow GAALwho will be Baptised here this weekend 23rdMarch.

BIBLE STUDY: Every Thursday 10:00am - 11:00am inthe Church Meeting Room (after the 9:10amMass and Rosary). For further information pleasecontact Meding on 9823 7121 or 0410 177 673.

Bereavement Support Group:Our parish has a group to assist people who have lost someonedear to them whether it has been recently or a while ago to helpthem cope with their loss. We will meet fortnightly on Tuesdayevenings at 7:00pm in the Parish Centre. This group will be fairlyinformal but we will have resources to guide us through.The group will meet again on Tuesday 25th March, 2014 at7:00pm in the Parish Pastoral Centre.If you need any information please do not hesitate to contactJosie on 9607 3973. You are able to join this group at anytime.FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Group Leaders Meeting - Tuesday 8th April at 7:00pm inthe Church.

Parish Envelope Donations

Payment by Credit Card Facility

To all parishioners who currently have their envelope donation deductedautomatically. Can we please ask you to update your credit card details ifyour card is going to expire in next 2 to 3 months or when you receiveyour new card.

Additionally some past credit cards have expired and we have beentrying to contact you. Could you please complete an updated deductionform which is available on table outside church or go to our websitewww.johnthebaptist.org.au tab Administration for forms.Please complete the form and deposit in 2nd collection or email back toinfo@johnthebaptist.org.au

For those parishioners who would like the convenience to save time andrushing to find the correct money for your envelopes we encourage youto convert to our regular credit card donation, please quote you currentenvelope number on form.

Many blessings for your generosity.Father Epeli

CATECHIST NEWS: Wednesday 26th March 10am in parish hall,catechist morning tea to introduce ourselves to Fr. Kelvin.Please bring a plate. Enquiries: Nina Laureti 0408465149

Stations of the Cross During Lent Fridays 7:00pm atJohn the Baptist Church.

ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Thenew Roster is now available for collection after all Masses

PARISH SUPPER AND MORNING TEAParishioners are invited to stay after all Masses nextweekend 29th & 30th March for a cup of tea orcoffee. Please bring a plate of food to share.

First Holy Communion Bonbonniere at the Piety Store

The Saint Vincent DePaul Piety Store will be offeringpersonalised Bonbonniere for First Holy Communion's.Orders need to be made at the Piety Store after the weekendmasses, before the 30th April. All proceeds will go towardshelping those in our Local Community through the SaintVincent De Paul Society. Please come and take a look at thebeautiful Bonbonniere and many other lovely HolyCommunion and Religious items available for sale.

BIBLE STUDY: It is regrettable, but unfortunately BibleStudies have been cancelled until further notice due toEpeli’s illness.

ATTENTION READERS: The new roster is nowavailable for collection after all Masses this weekend.

A NOTE FROM FR. EPELI

Dear friends,

I thank my God each time I think of you and when I pray for you, I praywith joy. (Philippians 1:3)These word from St Paul echo in my heart a deep gratitude to God foryour love, support and prayers. My sudden illness has given me longhours to reflect about things. I wish to thank you all for your prayers andwell wishes. I want to thank those who came to visit me at the hospitaldespite the long wait. You have been in my thoughts and prayers aswell. During times of pain the thought of all of you gave me encourage-ment and strength.

I wish to inform you that I was discharged from Liverpool hospital onWednesday 19th March. The infection has been treated successfully andI am well again. With Fr Kelvin's support and the Diocese, for which i amgrateful, I am now recuperating at a Church run facility and will return toparish ministry as soon as I regain my strength.

Please continue to pray for me and all the sick in our parish. I promiseyou that I too will be praying for you. Until we meet again may the Lordgrant you and your families peace and joy. Can't wait to see you allagain!

Sincerely in Christ,Fr Epeli

UPDATED HOLY WEEK TIMETABLE

Monday 14th April 9:10am Mass

Tuesday 15th April 9:10am Mass5:30-6:30pm Sacrament of Reconciliation(Several Priests)

Wednesday 16th April 7:00pm Mass

Thursday 17th April No Morning Mass, Chrism Mass atSt. Mary’s Cathedral at 10:30am.Everyone is invited to the Mass.7:30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday 18th April 10:00am Morning Prayer and Stations ofthe Cross3:00pm Commemoration of the Lord’sPassion

Holy Saturday 19th April 9:00am Morning PrayerEaster Vigil 7:30pm Mass

Easter Sunday 20th April 8:00am, 10:00am, 5:30pm

PARISH HOUSIE: Every Saturday between 2:00pm and4:30pm at the Liverpool Catholic Club.

BULLETIN EXTENSION NOTICES

JOHN THE BAPTIST

HISTORIC PIPE ORGAN

CD’s are available for purchase featuringmusic played on our Historic Pipe Organand four other Parish Organs. A bookleton the Historic Organ is also available.

Sponsorship of a Pipe is still available. These are agreat gift idea for First Holy Communion, Confirmation,Baptisms etc.

You can find Sponsorship forms, CD’s and the Bookleton a stand beside the Historic Organ.

If you require any further information please contact theParish Office on 9823 2572.

CARITAS KS KILIMANJARO 2014. Now is your chance tomake a commitment to social justice as you fundraise tohelp communities take control of their own futures byjoining the Caritas Ks trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro.Secure your spot today as spaces are filling fast.Dates: 21 Sep – 3 Oct 2014; Fundraising target: $4,000(excludes travel costs); Challenge grade: 5/5 (challenging).Caritas travel partner Inspired Adventures will support youthrough the whole process from fundraising, physical andtravel preparation, right up until you board the plane home.Visit www.caritas.org.au or ring 02 8306 3400 / 1800 024413 (Toll Free) for more information.

Palms Australia – Your Help, Our ValuableAsset. We need many more Australianssupporting Palms directly and through theircommunity so that we can fill more requests forvolunteers by communities in developing

countries. So today we don’t want you to donate, weare asking you to help us spread the word. You can dothis in many ways: Talk to your friends, family and workcolleagues about why you support Palms and use a profileof one of our volunteers to show how our volunteers helpfight poverty; Ask them to subscribe to Palms PostOnline to find out more about Palms; If they like coffee,tea or hot chocolate, recommend www.coffup.com.au – itis delicious as well as being Fair Trade and organic.Approximately half of all sales support Palms; Don’t be shyabout asking them to donate. Just 50 people donating $50per month funds a teacher, doctor, nurse or other skilledperson to devote 2 years to helping the poorest of the poor.They can donate online or call Palms on 02 95189551. Spend just 15 minutes and you could helpPalms raise thousands of dollars - Contact your localschool’s parents & friendsassociation or your parish priest and refer them towww.coffup.com.au . When they fundraise with CoffUphalf the profits will go to the school or church. Read ourHow To Guide for a suggested approach & moreabout CoffUP. Please remember that if your friends,family and work colleagues do not know about Palmsthey cannot help and so many of them will be seeking aworthy cause to support. Thank you again for your ongoingsupport of Palms.

Sisters of Charity Outreach needs volunteers for our Services.These include visiting the socially isolated, supporting mothersand children escaping domestic violence, or providing CourtSupport.For further information please contact Maria McNuff on8382 6437, 0404 861 523 or mmcnuff@stvincents.com.au

VIDEO: COMPEER FRIENDSHIP PROGRAM CHANGESLIVES. The Compeer volunteer friendship program of theSt Vincent de Paul Society have produced a short videowhich showcases the story of volunteer Ian, and hisfriendship with “John”, a man in his local community whoexperiences bi-polar and social isolation. This touchingshort film shows the profound impact a Compeer friendshipcan have for both the person needing assistance and thevolunteer.You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZppX9duqH0 . Compeer is looking forvolunteers right across Sydney.To find out more go to www.compeer.org.au or emailAlexandra.Irving@vinnies.org.au .

FAITH: SAVING OUR SOCIETY. 'Scholarship in theCathedral' is a series of talks on recent popes and theevangelisation of culture to be held in the Crypt of StMary's Cathedral from 6.30pm-7.15pm on the Fridaysin Lent. Speakers include Tracey Rowland, Robert Tilley andScott Stephens from the ABC. Organised by Fr RichardUmbers and the Centre for Faith, Ethics and Society of NotreDame University. For more informationvisit www.stmaryscathedral.org.au/events/scholarship oremail richard.umbers@nd.edu.au .

SEMINARY OPEN DAY (6 APRIL). Men seeking an insightinto seminary life & formation to the Priesthood are invited toattend this Open Day at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd,50-58 Abbotsford Rd, Homebush. 9.00am Morning Prayer,10.00am Mass, 11.30am brunch, followed by talks, guidedtour & time to chat with priests &seminarians. There’s no cost, but RSVP is essential forbrunch. Every enquirer’s details are kept confidential.Enquiries/RSVP: 9390 5970 orvocations@sydneycatholic.org .

BEING PREGNANT a time of real transitionsWe are here to support you 1800 063 510 Professional &Confidential Free. Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE - Pray to End Abortion5th March - 13th April

Daily prayer vigils 6am - 8pm outside Preterm abortuary(1 Randle Street, Surry Hills)

All night Adoration for LifeEvery Friday and Saturday 8pm - 6amSt Peters Church, Surry Hills

13th April Palm Sunday THE FINAL HOUR7pm Candlelit procession from St Peter’s Catholic Church toPreterm abortuary8pm Benediction followed by Victory CelebrationHosted by Family Life International (Australia) Ph: 9519 9111

10TH eCONFERENCE. BBI and the ACBC are delighted toannounce the 10th eConference entitled, Pope Francis:Modelling the Ministry of St Peter to be streamed live overthe internet on Wednesday, 11 June 2014 from 10am-3pm (AEST) for free. Anyone with a computer or a laptop canwatch live.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend(a marriage enrichment experience for marriedcouples)13-15 June at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre,Varroville, NSW

Bookings: 02 4283 3435 or wsharpe@bigpond.net.auwww.wwme.org.auwww.facebook.com/WWMEasternUnit

RETREATS & MEDITATIONS

GRACE & SILENCE RETREAT DAYS. We would like to inviteyoung women aged 17-30 yrs who are discerning theirvocation to marriage, single or consecrated life or who wouldlike to have a day of recollection to the Schoenstatt Shrine inMulgoa for a Grace & Silence Retreat Day on Saturday12 April; 24 May; 28 June; 9.30am-4.30pm; 230 FairlightRoad Mulgoa. Grace & Silence commences with a shortimpulse followed by Eucharistic Adoration; silent prayer andreflection and concludes with a group rosary and afternoontea. Cost $20 which includes lunch. For further informationand registration contact: Sister M Julie 0408 738 334or juliebrcar@gmail.com

ST BENEDICT’S MONASTERY ARCADIA. You are invitedto four Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Daysfor 2014 at St Benedict’s Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd,Arcadia Tel: 9653 1159Sundays: 18 May, 17 August and 16 November.Arrival: 10am for 10:30am. Presentations, Introduction toChristian Meditation, two periods of meditation, EucharisticCelebration and information exchange. Conclusion: around3pm. Books and CDs are available for sale, BYO picniclunch, tea and coffee provided. Self- catering overnightaccommodation may be available in the monasteryguest house and can be arranged through Br Terry on0438 282 318. Enquires to Ann Bergman:anniebergman@hotmail.com or 9498 2625or Ann Lomas: atlomas@bigpond.com or 9456 4775

City Silence - A weekly event for young adults

Catholic Youth Services is excited to invite allyoung adults aged 18-35 to a new event every

Tuesday evening (6.30-7.30pm) from February onwards at StMary’s Cathedral Sydney. City Silence is a weekly Holy Hourwhich will be led by a different priest or bishop each week, andanimated by different musicians; it will include times of silence,reflection, scripture, and song; confessions will also beavailable. Immediately following City Silence all are invited fordinner at a local restaurant. Hope to see you there! For moreinformation visit, www.facebook.com/catholicyouthservices

JOURNEY WITH XT3 THIS LENT . Xt3.com is excited toannounce the release of the Xt3 Lent Calendar 2014, inpartnership with The University of Notre Dame Australia.Journey though Lent with daily videos, podcasts andreflections. The Lent Calendar is also available as a FREE Appfor your iPhone, iPad and Android devices. The first calendarfeature will be available on Ash Wednesday, 05 March2014. Visit www.xt3.com/lent, or search for "Xt3Lent" in the App store or Google Play store.

DAY OF PRAYER AND DISCERNMENT FOR WOMEN –“My Grace is Sufficient for You” . Saturday, 12 April 2014from 9.30am – 4.00pm. This day of prayer is for womenwho are discerning a call to Religious Life or Married Life. Itwill include Mass, quiet prayer time, penance, Adoration ofthe Blessed Sacrament, guided reflections and opportunitiesfor chats. The day is free, and meals will be provided.Location: St. Joseph’s Convent, 2 Missenden Road,Camperdown NSW 2050. RSVP by 05 April to Sr Moira,RSM at stjoseph@rsmofalma.org or 02 9557 2398.

WHAT IS THE STATE OF YOUR SOIL? DiscernmentWeekend for Men Exploring the Priesthood (3-4 May).If you are discerning what ‘seed’ God has planted withinyou regarding the possibility that you are called to be apriest, then this free retreat is for you. It includes inspiringtalks, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, communal andprivate prayer, Confession and one-on-one spiritualdirection with a priest. Speakers include Bishop TerenceBrady, Fr Matthew Solomon, Fr Michael de Stoop, andSr Anthony Mary, RSM. There will be opportunities to meetor speak with students for the priesthood. Making time forGod can make all the difference in the world!Place: Seminary of the Good Shepherd, 50-58 AbbotsfordRoad, Homebush. Enquiries/RSVP to Sr Anthony Mary,RSM at vocations@sydneycatholic.org or 9390 5970.Every enquirer’s details are kept Confidential.There are no strings attached.

April 11-13 weekend retreatTaize retreat – ‘Wellspring of Hope’Preparing for Easter with prayer and the music of Taize.Trisha WattsCost: $250Where: Mt Carmel Retreat Centre,

247 St Andrews Road, Varroville, NSW, 2566Enquiries: 02 8795 3400retreats@carmelite.com www.carmelite.com

April 4 – 6

The wisdom of the Blesseds: John XXII and John Paul II

A preparation for the their canonization on the 2nd Sunday ofEaster.

Fr Gabriel Maliakkal OCD and Sr Nory Ordiz CM

Where: Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, 247 St Andrews Road,Varroville

Cost: $220

Enquiries: 02 8795 3400, retreats@carmelite.com

The Prodigal SonFr Paul Maunder OCDA presentation of sin, shame and divine mercy in the Gospel of LukeWhere: Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, 247 St Andrews Road, VarrovilleWhen: April 5, 9 – 4pmCost: $20 (donation)Inquiries: 02 8795 3400Email: retreats@carmelite.comWeb: carmeliteretreats.com.au

CorE Nights – If you are a youth leader or a young person aged18-35 who wants to get involved in youth ministry, you are invitedto the next CorE night on Monday 7 April hosted by CatholicYouth Services at Homebush. CorE is a new event which offersopportunities for fellowship, food, prayer, formation, discussionand resource sharing. The next CorE night guest speaker ispopular speaker Fr Richard Healy on the topic of “Technologytransforming hearts: What technology can teach us about creatingand sustaining a successful youth ministry”. For more informationor to register contact Tomasz@catholicyouthservices.org.

CATHOLIC YOUTH SERVICES NOTICES

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

We will be holding a Christian Meditation in the Johnthe Baptist Church Chapel , Bonnyrigg Heights veryTuesday at 8pm. The duration of the group would beapproximately 20 minutes plus a short introduction talk at thebeginning of each sitting. For more information please contactFrances on 0438 213 313 after 7pm. Thank you