Vol 40 No 10
6.11.11
ST.ALOYSIUS GONZAGA
Catholic Parish of Cronulla
Incorporating: Our Lady of the Way Church, Bundeena
Website: www.stalcron.org.au Tel: (02) 8522 0300. Email: admin@stalcron.org.au
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time … Year A
Prayer of the Church: Psalter Week 4
Wise Christians :::::
Entrance Antiphon: The Melbourne Cup stops the nation. But I do not know whether
Let my prayer come before you, Lord;
horse racing is more popular than motor racing. Grand Prix also
listen and answer me.
involves heaps of money and lots of people – though there may not be
so much betting on motor cars. With all the prestige and money
First Reading:
attached to it, imagine some drivers finding out at the last minute that they forgot to fill
Wisdom 6: 12-16
up their cars and their fuel tanks are nearly empty. There is no good in begging to other
Wisdom is found by those who look for it
drivers to share some of their fuel with them. If anyone makes such a mistake the only
term to describe them is a ‘stupid loser’.
Responsorial:
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord, My That is the kind of point Jesus is making using the parable of wise and stupid
God. virgins waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom.
Second Reading: We all are geared up for the race in life. But care needs to be taken that the
Thessalonians 4:13-18 enthusiasm is more than an initial flare. Like those virgins in the parable, we all take
Thgose who died as Christians, God will some oil in the lamp at the start of the journey. The oil of Spiritual life is the grace of
bring to life with Jesus. Sacraments. We receive the grace of Baptism. The parents make sure their children
have the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Some
Gospel Acclamation: even enrol their children in a Catholic Schools. The lamp of spiritual light is bright and
ALLELLUIA, ALLELUIA! Be watchful shining in the beginning of the race of life for these children. But unfortunately not many
and ready: you know not when the Son of them are wise enough to keep oiling the lamp to keep it burning through the wait in
of Man is coming. ALLELUIA! dark hours of life for the coming of Jesus our Saviour. Continuous practice of attending
Eucharist, going for Sacrament of Penance, and daily prayer and meditation on God’s
Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13 Word, are the ways we can oil the lamp of waiting in Spiritual Life. Faith and faith
practices are not something your friends can share with you at the critical hour of need.
Communion Antiphon: It needs to be fostered always in life.
The Lord is my shepherd, there is noth-
ing I shall want. In green pastures he We all need to expect critical times of need in our lives. It could be health
gives me rest, he leads me by the waters concerns, financial worries, letting down by friends, job losses, troubles in marriage,
of peace. and so on. At these times of troubles if we do not have oil in our lamps to receive Christ
into the situations, we can totally miss out.
Congratulations To
Sacraments are moments of God’s coming into the human story to make our life
Sinead Laney (Cronulla) and sacred. Through Baptism Christ has come into our lives to make us children of God. As
Pearl Heffernan (Bundeena) Christened people we are priests and prophets after Christ. The dignity of our status as
whom we welcome to our Cath- sons and daughters of God is kept up by partaking in the sacrificial prayer of Eucharist
olic community this weekend. and acts of Charity. It is also our commissioning to speak of behalf of Christ as
Through their Baptism we pray prophets. Any failure in this living out of our Christian identity requires reconciliation
they will love and serve the with God.
Lord always.
As wise Christians, let us always carry enough oil for the lamps in our spiritual
On the lighter side… A parish Blooper. awaiting for the coming of Christ in the dark hours of life. Let us not miss out on the joy
Weight Watchers will meet at 7.00pm. Please of having Christ with us, dispelling all despair.
use large double door at the side entrance.
Remember your Parish in your Will ::::::
To ensure your parish continue to grow, please consider a gift to your Parish in your Will. Contact the parish office for a
representative of the parish to contact you, to discuss confidently leaving a gift in your Will.
Page 2 St Aloysius Gonzaga Church, Cronulla is looped for better hearing
FESTIVITY OF OUR LADY OF THE WAY :::::
CALENDAR Last Sunday was a great day of celebration for its 60th Birthday, at
FOR Our Lady of the Way Church, Bundeena. A church full of faithful and a
concelebrated Mass were fitting for the occasion. Though the expecta-
THE COMING WEEK
tion was for more, the five Cronulla people who went over to Bundeena
St Aloysius Playgroup: This to join in the celebrations was a delight. I would like to thank all people
Monday: addition to the Wednesday who helped with setting up the liturgy, BBQ, bringing food, helping with
group will gather in Thornton catering, organised kids singing, children’s games, etc. A lot of
Hall at 10.00am. planning and effort have gone into the beautiful day’s success. Thanks
The St Vincent de Paul
to Margaret Baldwin for her leadership in all these. Roger Constable’s
Evening Conference will meet
reflection on the history of Bundeena Church will be posted on our new
in the Madden Room at 7.30pm
look Website soon.
Tuesday: The 55 and over Club: This
We shall mark this last Sunday as the Feast Day for Our Lady of
group of seniors will gather in
Bundeena and celebrate it as an annual event from now on. There is
Thornton Hall at 10.00am for
carpet bowls and other great potential for this Church in the Royal National Park.
activities. Come along and join …….. Fr Thomas
with them.
The Legion of Mary meet in
the Madden Room at 4.00pm. All Souls Candlelight Mass ::::::
The First Holy Communion On Wednesday 30th November, to conclude the
Sessions will continue in St month of All Souls Remembrance ,a special Mass will
Aloysius’ Church at 7.00pm be celebrated in St Aloysius’ Church for the souls of
and for Bundeena candidates our deceased relatives an friends commencing at
after Sunday Mass at Our Lady
8.00pm.
of the Way Church.
Please join us in remembrance of our loved ones
Wednesday: Feast of the Dedication of the who have departed this life and pray that they have received their
Lateran Basilica. eternal reward.
St Aloysius Playgroup: This
group of mums and dads will
NOT JUST A CUPPA, BUT A JUST CUPPA :::
gather in Thornton Hall with
their little ones at 10.00am Once again this weekend after all Masses in St Aloysius’ Church
Care and Concern: There will our Social Justice Ministry will have their Fair Trade Tea and Coffee
be a Coffee Morning at the table set up in the foyer of the church. Your support
Coffee Shop at Monro Park has been wonderful over the years this small team of
Lane (All Welcome) 10.00am. parishioners have been endeavouring to help those
The Rosary Guild will meet in farmers in disadvantage countries obtain a fair profit
St Aloysius’ Church Chapel at
on their products. Please continue your support in
12.30pm.
buying these products from them.
The Pastoral Council will meet
If only a few parishioners could help them each
in the Parish Centre at 7.00pm
month in setting up their stall before the Mass they
Thursday: The Memorial of St Leo the attend and staying after to assist, it would be gratefully appreciated.
Great, pope, doctor. Please phone Warren on 9527 9857 or (m) 0411442478 and say
St Al’s Kid’s Club will gather
in Thornton Hall for fun and
games at 3.30pm The Book of Remembrance :::::
November Envelopes are available at the
Friday: The Memorial of St Martin of
entrances of our churches. During the month of
Tours. bishop
The Youth Group will meet in November names of your deceased relatives and
Thornton Hall St 6.00pm. friends PRINTED on the front of the envelope will
Volunteers Thank You Dinner be written in the Book of Remembrance. This
In Thornton Hall at 7.00pm Book will be located near the Sanctuary at St
Aloysius’ Church.
Saturday: The Memorial of St Josaphat
The usual Mass Stipend is $20 for November Masses but you are
bishop, martyr.
Jubilee Mass for Fr John welcome to make an offering as you please
Knight at St Patrick’s Church. During the month of November only the names of recently
Sutherland at 10.30am. deceased and anniversaries of death will be published in the Parish
Bulletin.
Page 3 Our website is: www.stalcron.org.au St Aloysius Gonzaga Parish Cronulla
CHARITABLE WORKS APPEAL THIS WEEKEND
This appeal relies upon the generosity of parishioners to continue to assist more than 500,000 people
in the Archdiocese who use the services of the various agencies it supports. Your donation, no matter
how large or small is appreciated. Pick up an envelope today and return it next weekend if you were not
prepared for this appeal today. Just put your envelope on the collection plate.
Your donation over $2.00 attracts a 100% tax deduction.
First Eucharist Program 2011 ::::::::
Our First Eucharist program sessions will be completed as we approach week 5.
The Masses for First Holy Communion will be on Saturday 19th November during the 6.00pm Vigil Mass,
and on Sunday 20th November during the 8.00am and 10.00 am Masses.
Children at Bundeena will receive their First Holy Communion at Our Lady of the Way Church on Sunday
4th December.
We ask all parishioners to pray for these young children as they start to prepare to receive the Body of
Jesus Christ for the first time in their lives.
NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT Catechists Mass :::::
To celebrate another year of our
PARISH VOLUNTEER DINNER Catechists giving their time and talents,
and to give thanks especially for their faith.
INVITATION
All catechists are warmly invited to attend
a Mass on Tuesday 29th November at
Dear Parish Volunteer
6.30pm in the chapel of St Aloysius’
In appreciation for all
Church. Afterwards please stay for
that you do for our parish supper to have a cuppa and a chat.
please accept this invitation
New Website :::::
to join myself & all our parish volunteers A new look website is nearly ready for the
On Friday 11th November 2011 parish. Deanne Calderon has worked on it in
collaboration with the Catholic Communication
At 7.00pm Company of Sydney. The new site will have
At Thornton Hall Catholic News update each day, Youth
section, updated photo album and Video Clips
Please RSVP Kim on 85220300 or
of parish activities, rosters, Parish Bulletin,
Email: admin@stalcron.org.au
details on various ministries and so on. The
by 8th November for catering.
new website also will have a facility to make
(All food & drinks provided) donations directly to the parish by clicking on
the website. Catholic Development Fund has
Looking forward to your company.
helped to establish this new facility. It is hoped
Fr. Thomas Kurunthanam that this site can be launched in a fortnight.
By Then the new handbook will be available.
St Aloysius Parish Retreat …. Renew and Revitalise In Christ
The weekend of the 3rd,4th & 5th February 2012
The Hermitage, Marist Brother Retreat Centre, Mittagong NSW.
Lead by Fr John Sullivan
Cost: $190.00 per person inclusive of all meals and accommodation, linen etc.
The origin of Christian practise is to make a Retreat, to a beautiful quiet place,
to reflect on life and refresh ones Faith.
Please call Cathy at the parish office for bookings and further details, numbers are limited, bookings need
to be confirmed by the 18th December 2011.
Page 4 Check out our website: www.stalcron.org.au St Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Cronulla
THANK YOU :::: GOD'S WORD 2012
Three Sundays to the lead up to our DAILY REFLECTIONS BIBLE DIARY
celebrations in Bundeena a donation of
Liturgical Diary - $15
$50 was handed in for the support of
the children in East Africa. It was
decided to turn this $50 into a lot more. Designed to help you to keep the Word of
Our Dame Kath Harrigan set up a God close to your heart in your daily life.
raffle of a large basket of various products to be drawn on our Pray with it, share it and make your life a
church’s 60th birthday. In addition there was enough left over to daily celebration with the word of God.
offer 6 more prizes. The end result of this Raffle was $1000.15. Grow in God's love, being nourished daily
The names of the lucky supporters are as follows: by His word, the bread of life.
1st. Marissa Murray. 2nd. Paul Griffiths. 3rd. The Wynne
family, 4th. Alan Wells. 5th. Jo (from Bundeena Newsagen- God's Word 2012 - Daily Reflections brings
cy). you:
6th. Schastad Scaricamazza. 7th. Rebecca Bisley. Liturgical readings from the new Jerusalem Bible
THANK YOU KATH for organizing this Raffle and THANK Inspiring reflection of the Gospel of the day by
YOU all for your support, A cheque for $1000.15 was posted to eminent homilists
Caritas Australia East Africa Appeal during the week. * Liturgical information for the day
Space to note down important events and reflec-
PG, 100% Tax deduction ::::: tions of the day.
The Planned Giving to the Parish is now 100% Tax deducti-
ble. It may help you with your Tax Returns. The Parish is happy It is now available for purchase after weekend Masses
to hear from New Contributors wanting to join Planned Giving
Program. Your Contribution is the only income for the parish. Catechists for 2012 :::::
Therefore all your contributions are greatly appreciated. I thank Can you help, we need at least another 3 catechists to
all the present contributors for their generous support for the teach at our Primary Schools in 2012. We will be holding
parish and many ministries of the parish. Fr Thomas an information session for anyone who is just thinking about
the idea, just to find out what a Catechist does. A Catechist
here in our Parish will usually be required to take a class on
a Tuesday or a Wednesday, the classes only run for 30
From our Social Justice Ministry :::: minutes, all teaching manuals are provided, and the children
TIMOR LESTE FRIENDSHIP GROUP all work from their own program books which have a
different activity every week.
So if you have being toying with the idea and just aren’t
You are invited to join with the TIMOR LESTE FRIENDSHIP
too sure, please come along on Tuesday 29th November
GROUP and gain a better understanding of what life means for
2012 ,5-6pm in the Parish Centre, Denise Humphries from
one of our closest neighbours.
Just a short distance from Darwin, this newly independent CCD will be here to answer any of your questions. I urge you
country can provide a great inspiration to all Australians. all to have a think about giving up 30 minutes every school
week to teach these little children.
Initially visited by Portuguese traders from 1509, in 1556 a
”The pay is lousy but the rewards in heaven will be great”
handful of Dominican friars established the first Portuguese set-
……...Cathy Sammut Pastoral Associate
tlement at Lifauwill.
We will be working with the Sub-District of Hato Udo, two vil-
lages near the coast facing the Kimberley region of Australia.
This is a country where basic daily needs of food, health and
education are uncertain. Diane McInerney Retires :::::
We have been lucky to obtain a presentation on Timor Leste
It was with deep regret that we learnt of the retirement of this
by the St Mary MacKillop Sisters of St Joseph that will be
wonderful Principal of St Francis de Sales Primary School.
screened on Thursday 17th November at 7.00pm. in Parish Cen-
Diane McInerney will leave us at the end of this term after 30
tre Meeting Room. This is a great way to get an appreciation of
years in a full time position within Catholic schools in the
the history, culture and current way of life of the people of Timor
Archdiocese of Sydney. On behalf of our parish community
Leste.
we extend our grateful thanks to her for her leadership and
We will follow this screening with a cup of Timorese coffee
for the love and guidance she has given to our children un-
and a discussion on how the Parish Friendship Group can grow
der her care over the years she has been with us.
its relationship with Hato Udo.
We wish her every God’s Blessings in her future life in semi
Looking forward to your participation. Contact Warren
retirement ….. she will be maintaining a scaled back role in
Thomas on 0411 442 478 or John Fitzgerald on 0438527286
schools for some time in the future.—Ken Maughan
(tteatree@gmail.com) if you need further details.
Page 5 Check out our website: www.stalcron.org.au St Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Cronulla
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them forever…
Today’s reading from St Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians (the Second Reading of this
Sunday’s Mass), introduces for us the whole theme of November. While the Church is always praying and
interceding for those who have died, this month has, over many ages, always been more particularly
dedicated to prayer, penance and acts of charity, offered for their eternal salvation. St Paul, in his Letter,
comforts us with words of great hope, assuring us that those who have died believing in the Lord, and resting
securely in his love, will experience death, not as a process of destruction and annihilation, but as the
pathway to new and eternal life. He counsels us about how we should grieve for our loved ones who have
died: “We want you to be quite certain, brothers, about those who have died, to make sure that you do not
grieve about them, like the other people who have no hope”. While we always feel the pain and loss of those who have died,
we are encouraged to grieve for them with a profound belief and hope in their eternal salvation.
The fact that we are urged by the Scriptures and the constant tradition of the Church to pray for those who have died,
reminds us that while many have passed from this life desiring eternal salvation, they may not yet have experienced it. If we
consider that to dwell in God’s presence requires us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our might,
understanding and strength, many of us might reach the end of our life still heading towards this goal, rather than actually
having achieved it.
Consequently, the fact that we have a Requiem Mass offered for those who have died (a funeral Mass), is never a
declaration that they are definitely in heaven, but our prayer that God might be merciful to them, forgive them their sins, and
lead them into his Kingdom of peace and joy. Hence, the main focus of a funeral Mass is not to “celebrate the life” of someone
who has died, even though we certainly cherish beautiful and fond memories of our loved ones who have passed away, but
rather to pray for their soul, that spiritual reality of the human person that lives on past our death, that they may dwell with God
forever.
For this reason, the Church has always professed and upheld the truth of the teaching on PURGATORY, which is a
place of purification and preparation for those who have died with imperfect love. Those who experience Purgatory after their
death are certainly on the way to eternal salvation, but they need to be made ready and prepared before they can experience it
fully and completely. How are they made ready? By having their love for God purified and strengthened, so that no effect of
sin and human weakness remains within them.
Perhaps one day we might find ourselves in the state of Purgatory, relying upon the prayers and charity of our brothers
and sisters who are still alive, so that we too can be prepared for our eternal life. Our sins form a barrier between ourselves
and God and they weaken our response to his love in our life, and our willingness to express that love to others. We all
struggle with the reality of weakness and sin. The reality of Purgatory is therefore a sign of hope for us, that even though we
might struggle with our weakness and never seem to overcome it, our death does not mark the final point where we can be
prepared to live in God’s presence.
You may have lost someone who was very close to you to the reality of death: perhaps a husband or wife, a parent,
brother or sister, or a dear friend. We feel the pain and agony of being separated from them because we love them, and we
dearly miss the time we spent with them. Yet, in the liturgy of the funeral Mass we read those beautiful words “life has changed
not ended”, which reminds us that even though some of our loved ones might have experienced death, they are still alive; they
are not only a memory. We pray during this month of November that the life they still experience might be in God’s presence,
freed from weakness and sin, purified and enlightened by God’s all-embracing love.
……….Fr Andrew Benton
San Miguel Function ::::::: This Week in the Catholic Weekly ::::::
Win for yourself $1000 … and $1000 for your parish
Come along to a special luncheon at Gymea Tradies Club
Detention death – Govt policy ‘inhuman’ says priest
on TUESDAY 15th November at 11.00am. Proceeds from
Charitable Works Fund—Pastoral Appeal supplement
this function will go to the De La Salle Brother’s Richmond
Timor posting ‘a blessing in disguise’ for Fr Peter
Crisis Centre who always have an influx of families in special
Back to school for the Mullins boys.
need at this time.
The luncheon costs $28.00. Raffles, door prizes and good
The best Sunday Newspaper you won’t find in a Newsagency.
company. Book with Brian 9524 6527 or Ettie 9523 1373.
Pick up one from the entrance of your church. Only $2.00
Page 6 Check out our website: www.stalcron.org.au St Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Cronulla
Bundeena Church Celebrated 60th Birthday and Feast of Our Lady of the Way
Page 7 Check out our website: www.stalcron.org.au St Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Cronulla
Bundeena Church Celebrated 60th Birthday and Feast of Our Lady of the Way
Page 8 Check out our website: www.stalcron.org.au St Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Cronulla
Ministerial Duties Next Weekend 12th & 13th November DIRECTORY
Masses Vigil Mass 8.00 am 10.00 am 6.00 pm Bundeena Nursing Pastor …………….. Fr Thomas Kurunthanam
Cronulla Saturday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Home Email ………………thomas@stalcron.org.au
6.00pm 9.00am Assistant Priest …. ……….Fr Andrew Benton
Email …….. andrewbenton@stalcron.org.au
Acolyte R. Driscoll V. Steed F. O’Driscoll G. Alessi K. Maughan F. O’Driscoll Pastoral Associate.. …. ...Mrs Cathy Sammut
& Adult Server M. Baldwin Parish Centre ………………..18 Giddings Ave,
G. Radford I. O’neill R. Natoli C. Sammut CRONULLA 2230
Communion
J. McDonald F. Schembri A. Palumbo P. Neate Secretary …………………...Mrs Kim Plummer
Ministers
B. Kuschert R. Winton R. McCabe D. Gough Office Hours ……………... 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
A. Hale A. Cimino A. Zammit L. Overton Monday to Friday
Phone ……………………… ……. 8522 0300
Ministers of B. Kuschert M. Hennessy G. Hethering- P. Woods M. Hills
Fax …………………………… …….9544 1451
M. Tran F. Schembri ton L. Brbot B. Hoving
the Email…………………. admin@stalcron.org.au
WORD Internet Website ………. www.stalcron.org.au
A. Hale V. Rolland A. Zammit P. Woods J. Hills Bulletin……… ……………….Mr Ken Maughan
Commentator
Phone ………… …………..9523 1357
Email …………... bulletin@stalcron.org.au
Junior ChurchWork
B. Phillis
Altar Servers
SCHOOLS
The Prayer Tree
St Aloysius Primary ………………. 9523 2593
This Week Group 7 Next WeekGroup 8 Can you please pray
St. Francis de Sales Primary ……..9523 7323
Parish J. Keogh, J. Small, J. Downes, B. Laxton. for someone who
O.L.M.C Burraneer ……………… 9544 1966
Counting M. Remedios, B & P. Watkins, needs your prayers?
De La Salle, Caringbah …………...9524 9133
Groups M & S. Barlow. J. Cimino. Phone Jane
De La Salle, Cronulla ……… ……..85221500
on 9527 9964
Mass and other Liturgical Schedules
Sunday:
St Aloysius Church, Cronulla Vigil Mass: 6.00pm. (Saturday). 8.00am, 10.00am, 6.00pm
Our Lady of the Way Church, Bundeena: Sunday Mass 9.00am
Weekdays: This week:
St Aloysius Church, Cronulla: Monday: 7.00am
Tuesday to Friday: 7.00am
Tuesday to Thursday: 9.30am
Saturday: 8. 00am
St Francis de Sales School, Woolooware: Friday: 9.30am
Sacrament of Penance (Confession) St Aloysius Church, Cronulla: Saturday 5.00pm to 5.30pm
(or by appointment)
Our Lady of the Way Church, Bundeena: Before Sunday Mass..
Baptisms: By appointment. Morning Prayer: Monday to Friday 6.45 am,.
Rosary: After the weekday Mass
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction: First Friday of the month: 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm.
Anointing of the Sick in Mass: 1st Saturday of February, April, June, August, October, December. Mass at 10.00am
Anointing of the sick as required in the home or church. Please contact the Parish Centre.
We pray for the repose of the souls of our relatives and friends whose names have been entered in the Book of Re-
membrance for this month of the Holy Souls. This Book is located near the Sanctuary of St Aloysius’ Church.
MAY THEIR SOULS AND ALL THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED REST IN PEACE
Your Contribution to the Church is your appreciation for your Parish. To become a regular contributor please fill in
this slip and return it to the Parish Office or place it on the Sunday Collection Plate.
Planned Giving Envelope Request Form
Name………………………… ……………………………………….Telephone Number ……………………..
Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………