Bridgeside Bulletin

The weekly Bulletin of the

Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry
Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church
33 Lake Street, Forster

St Mary, Star of the Sea Church

Cnr Kent & Peel Streets, Tuncurry

Proclaiming Christ to the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and the surrounding districts

Sunday 8th March, 2015

Third Sunday of Lent, Year B
Parish
Fr Greg Barker (Parish Priest)
Mr Greg Byrne (Pastoral Associate)
Mrs Sharon Fowle (Administration Associate/Bulletin)
Sr Kathryn McCabe (Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

The Parish Office is at the rear of the Parish Hall and is

normally staffed on Monday, Thursday and Friday
from 10am to 4pm.
Items for inclusion in Bridgeside Bulletin should be
received by midday on Thursday.
33 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428
PO Box 67, Forster NSW 2428
P:
F:
E:
W:

(02) 6554 6304

(02) 6554 6425
forstertuncurryparish@gmail.com
www.forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au

Search for us on Facebook as Catholic Parish of

Forster Tuncurry

Follow us on Twitter: @ftcatholic

Celebrating the Sacraments

Reconciliation is available on Saturday mornings at
Tuncurry from 8:30am until the beginning of the 9am
Mass, on Saturday afternoons at Forster from 4:45pm
until 5:15pm.
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, either during any
of our Sunday Masses or after the 9am Mass. The next
Baptismal Preparation meeting will take place in the
Parish Halls meeting rooms on Monday 9th March
2015 commencing at 7pm. Please contact the Parish
Office for more details, or visit the Parish website.
Weddings are celebrated by arrangement and with at
least three (and preferably more) months notice.
Please contact Fr Greg for more details, or visit the
Parish website.
A Sacramental Preparation process runs each year in
the Parish for children wishing to complete the
celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation as part of
the Parish community. Please contact the Parish Office
for more details, or visit the Parish website.
The Parish hosts the Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults process for those adults wishing to be baptised
or be received into the communion of the Catholic
Church. Please contact the Parish Office for more
details, or visit the Parish website.

Holy Name Parish School (K-6)

St Clares High School, Taree (7-12)

Mr Chris Waters (Principal)

Mr Peter Nicholls (Principal)

41 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428

PO Box 243, Forster NSW 2428

Davis Street, Taree NSW 2430

P:
F:
E:
W:

P: (02) 6552 3300

F: (02) 6552 3656
E: admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au
W: www.tareesc.catholic.edu.au

(02) 6554 6504

(02) 6554 8895
admin@forster.catholic.edu.au
www.forster.catholic.edu.au

The Parish Diary(for the week ahead)

Regular Activities in the Parish

Third Week of Lent.

Christian Meditation
Our Parish hosts opportunities for the practice of
Christian meditation on Tuesdays at two distinct
times, 9am and 5:30pm. Phone Bob on 6555 5914 for
further information.

Please note that with the departure of Fr Andrew & Fr

Greg settling in this week, there will no weekday
Masses in the Parish.
Monday9th March
7pm
Baptism Preparation Meeting @ Forster

Womens Bible Study Group

Our Parish hosts a Womens Bible Study Group that
meets every Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm. For
more information contact Natasha on 0407 589 935.

Tuesday10th March
9am
Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
3:30pm Holy Hour @ Tuncurry
4:30pm Evening Prayer @ Tuncurry
5:30pm Christian Meditation (Bob 6555 5914)
5:30pm Singing Practice @ Tuncurry

Holy Hour
The Parish community observes a Holy Hour each
Tuesday afternoon in the Tuncurry Church from
3:30pm until the beginning of Mass at 4:30pm.

Wednesday11th March
9am
Morning Prayer @ Forster
9:30am menALIVE Morning Group @ Forster
11:15am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help @
Forster
5:30pm Finance Committee Meeting @ Forster

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The Novena is prayed every Wednesday in the Forster
church commencing at 11:15am and is followed by a
cuppa in the Parish Hall. For more information contact
Shioney on 6554 9468.
Singing Practice
Singing group will meet at Tuncurry Church on
Tuesday 10th March at 5:30pm.

Thursday12th March
8am
Ecumenical Prayer Meeting @ The Tanks
9am
Morning Prayer @ Forster
7pm
Womens Bible Study Group (Natasha
0407 589 935)
Friday13th March
9:30am Morning Prayer @ Forster

The menALIVE Groups

Our Parish currently hosts rwo menALIVE groups. The
daytime group will next meet on Wednesday 11th
March after the 9am Mass and the evening group
meets on the last Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.

Saturday14th March
8:30am Reconciliation @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Tuncurry
4:45pm Reconciliation @ Forster (until 5:15pm)
6pm
Mass @ Tuncurry

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

The Secular Franciscans Fraternity will next meet on
next Wednesday 1st April 2015, coming together for
Mass at 9am, followed by a cuppa at 9:30am and then
the meeting 10am to 12pm.

Sunday15th March
Fourth Sunday of Lent.
7am
Mass @ Tuncurry
9am
Mass @ Forster

Maintenance & Gardening Group

The Parish is served by a very dedicated band of
volunteers who tend to the upkeep of the grounds
and gardens of our two sites. Their next reunion will
be on Thursday 19th March. Contact Howard 6557
6826 for more information.

Weekly Ecumenical Prayer Meeting

An Ecumenical Prayer Meeting will be held at The
Tanks on Thursday mornings in the lead up to the
Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service, to pray for the
preparations and success of the Service. The meetings
will start at 8am.

Evening Prayer & Benediction

The Parish community celebrates on the first Sunday
of each month at 5:30pm in the Tuncurry church. It
will celebrated this evening, Sunday 3rd May 2015. All
welcome. (Not celebrated in AprilEaster Sunday)

Lenten Program - Arise

Its not too late to join a Lenten Reflection Group in
our Parish to pray, share our faith and socialise with
other parishioners.
A list of groups are on the notice boards in the
churches next week. You may join an existing group or
even host one of your own. More information is
available from the Parish office.

Childrens Liturgy of the Word

The next Liturgy of the Word for children aged 4-12
will be on Sunday 3rd May 2015 at the 9am Mass. A
morning tea will follow Mass.
Collection of Foodstuffs for Homebase
The next collection of foodstuffs in support of
Homebase is today, Sunday 5th April 2015.
2

A Final Word...
When I first arrived in Forster Tuncurry in January
2012, I thought I had landed on my feet in terms of
the locations I could be sent to within the Diocese of
Maitland-Newcastle. Living by the coast compared to
living in Singleton was heavenly.
Little did I know that I would grow to love more than
the location in which I found myself living.
Over the last three years I have come to love you, the
People of God to whom and with whom I have
ministered and proclaimed the Good News of the
Kingdom of God. Even though I knew that eventually
a long time in the future preferablyI would have
to leave Forster Tuncurry Parish, I had allowed myself
the privilege to love the people of the Parish and town
and to be loved by them (most of the time!) in return.
As I ponder my earlier than expected departure from
Forster Tuncurry, I am reminded of something I said
during the community meeting we had to discuss the
possibility of a new church building. At that meeting,
in response to someone asking me what I thought we
should do, I said something along the lines of Its not
about what I think. Priests will come and go; the
parish will continue. What is important is what the
parish community believes is necessary.
The truth of that statement has now come to pass. I
am taking my leave and Fr Greg will be arriving, but
the parish community remains.
And so does the fundamental reason for the parish
communitys existence. The mission of proclaiming
the Kingdom of God does not end with the term of
each Parish Priest. It is why the Parish exists, its very
reason for being.

Farewell Fr Andrew -

And so, as I leave the Catholic Parish of Forster

Tuncurryas I leave you, the People of God whom I
have come to loveI simply say thank you: thank you
for the privilege of being your pastor, thank you for
your willingness to love me despite my faults and
foibles, thank you for continuing to witness to me of
your faith in Jesus, and thank you for continuing to be
Gods clear presence in this place.

TODAY!
Fr Andrew celebrates his last Mass with us
today as Parish Priest of our community.

May God continue to bless you and inspire you.

Come to the hall after 9am

Mass to thank him for his
presence among us and to
wish him Fare Well for
his future journey.

Until we meet again, I am, and will remain,

Yours in Christ,
Fr Andrew
You might be the only Gospel people ever
hear

If possible, please bring a

plate to share.

Fr Rob Galea
3

Easter Glory

New Parish Formation Program

The beautiful season of Easter is fast approaching and

being the custom over the past 4 years, the Manning
Valley Christian Choir has designed a programme
to renew our wonder and thankfulness of Christ's
death and resurrection.

A Formation Program for Parish and other ministries is

running again in 2015.
The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation, supported by
Maitland-Newcastle Diocese and the Tenison Woods
Education Centre, is offering the Formation Program
in two locations this year: Muswellbrook from
February to April and Broadmeadow from August to
October.

Entitled 'Easter Glory', the reflection conveys the

indescribable sacrifice and glorious resurrection and
hope we have in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In the past, you may have attended a Safe

Ministry course, picked up a few units of
the Formation Program or maybe shown an interest in
doing the program at a later date. If so, you might be
interested in continuing with the program this year.

To be performed at St John's Anglican Church,

Taree, Sunday 22nd March at 2pm, 'Easter Glory' will
encourage and remind you of the gift of Easter
through its spoken word, song and music. The
presentation is free, but a retiring offering will be
available for those wishing to donate to the
continuing work of LinC Manning Valley.

Dont delay, register now at: Maitland-Newcastle

Diocese at sharon.murphy@mn.catholic.org.au/02
4979 1134 or Tenison Woods Education Centre
at twec@ssjl.org.au/02 4930 9601.

Thank You - Spectacles

On behalf of the many inmates at Silverwater
Womens Correctional Centre, Chaplain Margaret
Wiseman has passed on her thanks to the parish
community for donating reading glasses. Margaret
added that it often takes a long while before a doctor
or optometrist come to the centre and when they do
the waiting list is very long.

Program details are as follows:

Integrity in Ministry:
Saturday 21st March (Ms Kim Bruce/Mr David Muxlow)
9:30am12:30pm Maintaining Right Relationships
1pm-4pm Protection of the Vulnerable
Saturday 28th March (Mr Ray Moos/Mrs Teresa Brierley)
9:30am12:30pm Workplace Safety
1pm-4pm Integrity in Service of the Church

Catholic Newspapers Available

Both The Catholic Leader (Brisbane) and The Catholic
Weekly (Sydney) newspapers are available at a cost of
$2 each from our churches.

Formation for Leadership:

Saturday 11th April (Sr Patricia Egan)
9:30am12:30pm Leadership as Ministry
1pm-4pm Leadership Style and Dynamics

Vocation View
Jesus cleaned out the temple of money changers. He
was angry; He was zealous; He was authoritative. He
was doing what He had to do, even though it involved
risk, danger, insult and wonder. Such is a vocation. For
more information regarding Vocations contact Fr
Brian
Mascord
on
02
4979
1112
or
vocations@mn.catholic.org.au

Saturday 18th April (Mr Sean Scanlon/Mrs Teresa Brierley)

9:30am12:30pm Management Skills
1pm-4pm Leadership of Foundation Areas

Family Fun Day

The parish held
a family day
last Sunday at
the Boatshed
in
Forster.
Great weather,
great activities,
fun for all the
family. Check
out the photos
on the parish
website.

High School Chaplains

Motivated Christian Youth Workers are required, full
time and part time, to run High School programs in
association with local Christian Church groups in the
three campuses of Great Lakes College in 2015.
Minimum qualification is Certificate IV in Youth Work
or Pastoral Care, including competencies in mental
health and making appropriate referrals.
Experience in delivering programs for young people is
desired.

If you would
like to join us on our next adventure please contact
the parish office for more information.

Email gleccaglc@gmail.com for an information

package. Closing Date: Wednesday, 18th March.
4

Ladies High Tea Fundraiser

Working with Children Checks

The ladies of Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish invite

you to a Ladies High Tea Fundraiser to be held at the
Forster Parish Hall on Saturday 14th March at
10:00am. Its a gorgeous way for us ladies to get
together AND raise funds for the Missionary Sisters of
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart who are trying to build
homes for AIDs orphans in Tzaneen, South Africa.
Humanitarian Projects International (HPI) is partnering
with the Sisters to raise these funds. So get together
with your mums, daughters, aunties and friends and
join us for some beautiful food and delightful
company. Tickets are $15 and are available at the
Parish Office or call Judy on 0448 660 858. They will
also be available to purchase after 9am Mass.
Bookings are essential. RSVP by Sunday 8th March.

We have received instructions for the Diocese re

people who may need a clearance to comply with the
Child Protection Legislation. The law is determined to
cover workers in situations where children may be
present - even if the task involved does not appear to
be child related.
For example, in our parish, parishioners who take
communion to the house bound will need a clearance
to cover them for times when a child may be present
during their visitation.

A Reflection Day
On Saturday 14th March from 9:30am to 3:30pm, the
Tenison Woods Education Centre is offering a day
entitled An Autumn Invitation to Enter the Stillness
with Sr Colleen OSullivan rsj. Morning Tea provided.
Please bring your own lunch. Cost $20. Concession
$10. See flyer at rear of Church for further details.
Phone 4930 9601 or email twec@ssjl by 11th March.

Ladies High Tea-Fundraiser

Sat 14th March 10am
Catholic Parish Hall 33 Lake St, Forster

Ignite Praise & Worship

We invite all young people and their families to ignite
their faith, inspiring a deeper understanding of being
in relationship with God by attending an Ignite
Praise and Worship evening. The event will take place
on Sunday 22nd March at 5.30pm at the Catholic
Church in Forster and will feature a young, local
Christian rock band. Under 12s must be accompanied
by an adult. The event will be followed by a BBQ. For
more information contact Sharon at the Parish Office
on 6554 6304/0407 006 666.

Tickets $15
Lucky door prize, Raffle, African stall &
Silent Auction
Enquires: Forster Judy 0448660858
Taree / Old Bar Linda 0408077089

We would be most grateful to receive vouchers or

items which can be donated for the silent auction.
Please provide to parish office or phone Judy to
arrange collection. Thank you!

Youre invited to Family Group

Lenten Reflections

There is a Family Group in our parish which has

operated for about 24 years. It consists of
approximately 30 individuals and families. Its purpose
is friendship and fellowship.

Travel through Lent with a Little Black Book. Find six

minutes of quite time for the next 50 days (15th Feb
to 5th April) to work through the book one page at a
time. Cost $5 each at rear of Churches.

The Family Group gets together each month for an

activity such as picnics, movies, coffee, luncheons, etc.
at local venues. We would like to invite any person or
family, particularly new parishioners to join us at
Tuncurry Rock Pool at 5pm on Saturday 21st March.
Buy your fish and chips on the way; bring some easy
chairs or a picnic blanket and relax as the sun sets
over the water.

Guiding Childrens Faith Journey

Are you interested in guiding children on part of their
faith journey? Catholic Special Religious Education
(SRE) / Scripture classes continue in this Parish
community
at
Forster
9.30

11.00am,
Tuncurry 11.20am 12.30pm and Pacific Palms PS.
Currently, because of family, health and work the
current SRE teachers require enthusiastic, caring,
supportive volunteers to help with classes on Fridays
of the school Term. All support will be offered to assist
the volunteer. Mentoring is offered to new recruits
also.
For
more
information
contact
loretta.heffernan@mn.catholic.org.au / 0408 895 951
or parish office 65546304.

The gathering may give us an opportunity to discuss

whether young families and individuals would like to
meet regularly and engage in more active pursuits.
For further information please contact Terry and Carol
Pearson on 6559 2550 / 0408 768 729 or the Parish
Office.
5

Kids Corner

Do not make my Fathers house a marketplace

X Q D G T U L U C A G W M H F

Try to find these words:

I N R M Y M O W S L Q F A S I
X Q C T A B L E K U E L R H G

build
chased
Destroy
doves
house
marketplace
money
rope
sheep
table
temple
three

V P H A E R J Z X F X D K U P
X Y A H X W I S H E E P E W T
W O S P H R O P E F S H T Y O
Y M E M Y X S X T U H K P H E
A U D O D H O U S E E P L N P
L P H N E X K I Z A X D A E T
H V U E S D O V E S Z Y C Q H
P D F Y T S W Q P V J S E A R
K P R D R B O G T E M P L E E
V F E G O G E G O B T R Y P E
S H M W Y T R T Y V H X C Q S
C L U X B U I L D L L P M A D

Jn 2:13-22

Opportunities Outside The Parish

singalong, "Hymns We Used to Sing." For more

information contact Rev Stan on 4968 0196.

Catholic Schools Week Mass

Mass will be held on Tuesday 10th March beginning
at 11am at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Parishioners,
family and friends are welcome to join student and
staff representatives from the diocese's 56 schools at
Sacred Heart Cathedral for this joyous celebration.

Special Needs Information Day

Expo will be held on Tuesday 17th March beginning at
10am at St James' School Hall, Vista Parade, Kotara.
Other dates include 18th March (St Joseph's Primary
School, Taree) and 19th March (St James' Primary
School, Muswellbrook). Come along and hear Catholic
Schools Office representatives speak about support
available for children enrolled in our Catholic schools.
Morning tea and light lunch provided. Free of charge.
RSVP (for catering) Cath Garrett-Jones, Parent Liaison
and Resource Officer P 4979 1303 E cath.garrettjones@mn.catholic.edu.au

Taste and See

Series on the Bible will be held on Tuesday 10th
March beginning at 4:30pm at St Laurence O'Toole
Centre, Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow. A new
series begins on Tuesday, 10 March, for all who would
like to deepen their love of scripture. Presenter is Sr
Pat Boland rsj. Cost is $60.00 which covers a unit of
five weeks. For further information contact Secretary,
Tenison Woods Education Centre, St Joseph's
Convent, New England Highway, Lochinvar. P 4930
9601 or E twec@ssjl.org.au

Retreat
Be, Grow, Show Retreat 2015 will be held on Friday 20
March beginning at 7pm at St Catherine's Singleton.
For
more
information
E
youth.ministry@mn.catholic.org.au

'Lents Lavish Larder'

Faith Enrichment Day will be held on Wednesday 11th
March beginning at 10am at St Joseph's Education and
Spirituality Centre, 8 Humphreys Rd, Kincumber
South. Sessions will begin each day at 10am and
conclude at 2:30pm, with breaks for morning tea/
lunch. Morning tea and a sandwich lunch will be
provided. Cost $25 or donation. If you would like to
attend
you
are
asked
to
book
on
bookings@stjosephsretreat.org.au or P 4368 2805.

Ecumenical Accompaniment Program

Australian volunteer Ms Val Edwards from the
Anglican Church in West Wangaratta, Victoria is
currently serving as a volunteer with the World
Council of Churches EAPPI in the Palestinian West
Bank. She will describe her experience as an
Ecumenical Accompanier, talk about the struggles of
the Palestinian people and the movement for a just
peace in Palestine and Israel. No RSVP necessary. The
event will be held on Monday 23rd March beginning
at 7pm at Toohey Room, Cathedral House, 841 Hunter
St.

24 Hours for the Lord

24 Hours for the Lord will be held on Friday 13th
March beginning at 7am at Holy Spirit Church, Kurri
Kurri & St Josephs Church, Cessnock. Pope Francis will
preside at a penitential celebration in St Peter's
Basilica in order to place the Sacrament of
Reconciliation at the centre of the Church's mission of
the new evangelization. 7pm, Friday, 13th March until
7am, Saturday, 14th March Holy Spirit Church, Kurri
Kurri and 7am, Saturday, 14th March until 7pm,
Saturday, 14th March St Joseph's Church, Cessnock.

Ecumenical Way of the Cross

All are welcome to attend the annual Ecumenical Way
of the Cross at Kilaben Bay on Sunday 29th March
from 3pm at St Joseph's Church, 140 Wangi Rd,
Kilaben Bay. Picnic facilities are available from 1pm.
will be held will be held on Sunday 29th March from
3pm at St Joseph's Church, 140 Wangi Rd, Kilaben Bay.

Christian Life Centre Health

Wellness Event will be held on Saturday 14th March
beginning at 10am at Hunter Christian Life Centre.
Listen to guest speakers who are experts in their
fields. E hunterclc@bigpond.com P 0431 751 377.

Mini Lunch

Singalong
Seniors Week Sunday Afternoon Singalong will be held
on Sunday 15th March beginning at 2:00pm at St
Andrews Anglican Church, Mayfield. As part of
Seniors Week, the St Andrews Anglican Church in
Mayfield will be holding a Sunday Afternoon

A lunch will be held every second Wednesday in each

month at the Anglican Parish, St. Albans Church Hall,
Forster at 12pm, cost $7. All welcome to attend. A
delicious meal and a warm and friendly greeting await
you. Includes lucky door prize and raffles. For further
information contact Helen Barber on 6554 5920.
7

Ministers this Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Monica Hunt
B: Valarie Ross

Carolyn Olliffe, Frank Hayman, Kylie Hall, Margaret

Smith, Owen Carroll.

7am Tuncurry

A: Anne-Marie Greene
B: Kay Griffiths

Cushla Drake, Edna Tucker, Mark Mowbray, Patricia

Cornish, Peter Wicks.

9am Forster

A: Sharon Fowle
B: Robyn Ryan

Alan McCarthy, Coral McCarthy, Greg Byrne, Natasha

Brotherton, Sharon Fowle.

Ministers next Weekend...

...of the Word

...of Communion

6pm Tuncurry

A: Michael Siddle
B: Neil Pye

Kylie Hall, Maureen Pye, Neil Pye, Pat Hooker, Valarie

Ross.

7am Tuncurry

A: Maree Gapps
B: Tony Knight

Cecile Malone, Kay Griffiths, Maria Armitage, Norm

Chapman, Peter Wicks.

9am Forster

A: Greg Byrne
B: Marion ONeill

Anne Moloney, Greg Byrne, Natasha Brotherton, Robyn

Ryan, Trevor Turner.

Please note: The above information reflects the rosters as originally published,
and doesnt take account of any swaps that may have been organised between individuals.

Text: Excerpts from the English Translation of the Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL); Music: From the Mass of St Francis
2010, Paul Taylor. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Australian AgentLicenSing Online Lic No. 624844.

Scripture Readings This Week

Today

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Todays Liturgy of the Word

Exodus 20:1-17
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
John 2:13-25
2 Kings 5:1-15
Luke 4:24-30
Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Matthew 18:21-35
Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9
Matthew 5:17-19
Jeremiah 7:23-28
Luke 11:14-23
Hosea 14:2-10
Mark 12:28-34
Hosea 5:156:6
Luke 18:9-14
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21

Responsorial Psalm
Response: Lord, you have the words of everlasting
life.
Gospel Acclamation
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
God loved the world so much, he gave us his only Son,
that all who believe in him might have eternal life.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!

In your charity, please pray for:

Those recently deceased.
Brian McCabe, Pierre Stanuslas, Fr Vince Pedemont.
Those whose anniversaries occur about now.
Nathan Garth, Noel Copas, Lise Goetz, Robert
Calamatta, Carmelina Calamatta .
All those in our community who are sick.
8