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Sunday 10th January 2021 Issue 203/2022
Baptism The circumstances of the baptism of Jesus provide an immediate answer to this startling predicament. A voice emanating from the torn-open heavens declares Jesus to be son of God, beloved of and highly pleasing to the Father. In the ancient world with its very primitive understanding of reproduction, it was impossible to prove who was the actual father of a child. For this reason, only when a father acknowledged a baby as his own did that boy or girl become a son or daughter. We know that Joseph, by agreeing to marry Mary who was not pregnant by him, performed precisely this task on behalf of Jesus. Joseph accepted Jesus as his son and embedded him into the family to give him honorable standing and a secure setting in which to live. Now that Jesus has symbolically left family and village behind, none other than God personally acknowledges him as a beloved and obedient son. Still, one difficulty remains. Honor is a public proclamation of worth accompanied by a public acknowledgement of that worth. The torn heavens indicate that this is a public event. If not for that fact, Jesus’ experience would be quite personal and, in this society, meaningless. Yet the text does not mention crowds or other witnesses. Who else hears this statement? Who will acknowledge and confirm this public claim to honorable status for Jesus? Clearly, Mark expects those who hear and read the Gospel to recognize the eminent source of Jesus’ honor and provide the confirmation required. You and I are expected to recognize Jesus as the pleasing Son of God. In the ancient Mediterranean world, Jesus’ true identity was a critically important matter. A son of an artisan from a backwater village has no legitimacy as a public figure (“Where did this man get all this? ... and they took offense at him” [Mark 6:2-3]). But the legitimacy of the son of God as a public figure is incontestable. How do ... believers “fill in the blanks” of high context passages in the Bible, such as Jesus’ baptism? John J. Pilch
SECOND & FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
PLEASE TAKE THIS BULLETIN WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE HOLDER/STAND
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Parish Office 8 Villiers Street Chinchilla QLD 4413 Phone: (07) 4662 7031 or 0429 547 711 Parish Administrator Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran www.olhcchinchilla.org olhcchinchilla@bigpond.com Pastoral Parish Council Chairman Mr Bob Dickman Parish School St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Mrs Melissa Hobson School Principal Ph: (07) 4662 7850 chinchilla@twb.catholic.edu.au Parish Safeguard Representative Noelle Nevin Ph: 0428 197 132 Diocese's Professional Standards & Safeguard Officer Fr Peter Dorfield Executive Officer Ph: (07) 4638 1379 Mass Times Weekdays PARISH CENTRE: Tuesday 9 am WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NO MASS Friday 9 am Schedule Weekend Mass During January 2021: Saturday 2nd - 6 pm Sunday 10th - 9 am Saturday 16th - 6 pm Sunday 24th - 9am Sunday 31st - 9 am LayLedLit
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MASS READINGS First Reading - Isaiah 55:1-11 “For my thoughts are not your thought, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” According to Is 55:1-11, What should do to align our ways to God’s ways? What are ways you can help “establish justice on the earth’? Responsorial Psalm R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation. Second Reading - Acts 10:34-38 Compare Peter’s words in Acts, “He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil.” with Isaiah’s, “I formed you … to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” What was Jesus’ mission? What is the Church’s mission now? Gospel - - Mark 1:7-11 John the Baptist was the middleman. He pointed back to Isaiah and forward to Jesus, connecting the whole plan. What or who are the “middlemen” who connect you with God? In what way are you a middleman?
Prayers of the Faithful The Baptism of the Lord For Christians everywhere: through our common baptism, may we foster unity among the churches, so that we may live as one people and promote God’s love throughout the world. For church leaders: may they become immersed in the lives of the people they serve and support those who are vulnerable, poor and oppressed. For those who work for peace and justice: may we nurture the paths to peace among our neighbours and all nations. For God’s creation: that we may serve as protectors of the natural world given to us by God. For the ill and suffering: that God will sustain their spirits, relieve their suffering, and give them hope. Let us pray especially for those whose names have been placed on our altar. For all who have died: that God’s face will shine upon them and give them eternal peace. We pray especially for all who have died this past year.
MONTHLY ROSTER
JANUARY
Grounds
T Dwyer Team
Sanctuary Cleaning
L Gadsby
Floral
C Bidstrup
Meals On Wheels
L Gadsby, L Raftery, L Lauder, P Grambower
Bulletin Typing
Michelle Nitz michelle.nitz@twb.catholic.edu.au
Weekend Mass
Saturday 16th January 6pm
Welcome
P Gearon
Readers
P and N Gearon
Organist
A Gleeson
COVID Safe Helpers
S Wolski and L Gadsby
Church Cleaners
L Gadsby and A Gleeson
Sick: Gerald Collins, John Eley (Beenleigh), Sister Mary O'Sullivan OSU, Darcy Sheahan, Elaine Jahnke. Anniversaries: Hazel Rennick, Flo McCarthy, James Bourke. If you wish to add someone to the sick list, please contact the bulletin typist, after seeking permission from the person or a family member. Thank you.
Eternal God, in wisdom and love you created our earth to sustain and give us life. We turn to you now in faith, hope and love, asking you to look with favour on our drought-stricken land, on our starving animals, on our failing crops. Strengthen, sustain and give new heart to our farmers and to all who are affected by drought; be with those who support them. In your loving providence, send abundant rain and restore our parched earth. Father of all compassion, hear our prayer through Jesus Christ your Son, in whom the promise of new life has dawned, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord the giver of life: Renew your faithful people; Renew the face of the earth. Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Mary, help of Christians - Pray for us. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop - Pray for us.
Dear God, You created me with a specific purpose for my life; this is my vocation. Please help me to hear, understand, and follow Your call with my whole heart, especially when it seems most difficult. We ask that You inspire people whom You call to the priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow your will. Send workers into Your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
JANUARY Human fraternity May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.
Mass will be live streamed from St Patrick's Cathedral Toowoomba each Sunday at 9:00am. Facebook YouTube JOB VACANCY: DIOCESAN DIRECTOR CARITAS The Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba is seeking a casual Diocesan Director Caritas commencing January 2021 for 14 hours per fortnight, for a period of up to six months, to be appointed by the Bishop. For more details, please contact Andrew Knife atandrew.knife@caritas.org.au Resume and a cover letter to be sent to Andrew Knife atandrew.knife@caritas.org.auby Monday 8/1/21 JOB VACANCY: PART TIME PARISH SECRETARY (HOLY NAME TOOWOOMBA) Applications are open for the above position at Holy Name Parish , Toowoomba. The position is a part time role starting at 9 hours per week and will begin in February 2021. For additional information please email your CV to the Parish Priest atholynameparishtmba@bigpond.com The Diocese of Toowoomba has standards of conduct for employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct Working with Children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0-18years) and /or vulnerable adults. JOB VACANCY: CASUAL CLEANER (HOLY NAME TOOWOOMBA) An experienced cleaner is required on a casual basis for Holy Name Parish starting immediately. For more information please phone Holy Name Parish on 46321899. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR DIOCESAN OFFICE CLOSURES The Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba wishes everyone a joyous season. After a roller-coaster year, may we all be able to enjoy the gift of reconnecting with our loved ones. The following diocesan offices and ministries will be closed during these dates: Bishop's Office - Closed 24/12/20, reopen 4/1/21 Diocesan Finance Office - Closed from 12pm 24/12/20, reopen 4/1/21 Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office - Closed 24/12/20, reopen 4/1/21 CatholicCare Social Services - Closed from 12pm 23/12/20, reopen 4/1/21 Diocesan Archives - Closed 24/12/20, reopen 6/1/21 Diocesan Tribunal - Closed 24/12/20, reopen 4/1/21 Communications Office - Closed 25/12/20, reopen 4/1/21 Caritas - Closed 28/12/20, reopen 4/1/21 DATE CLAIMER: DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE ZOOM WORKSHOPS Dates: 25/2, 4/3 & 11/3/21 Queensland Churches Together are hosting a series of workshops designed for Church Leaders, Pastoral Carers and Laity.See date claimer flyer for details. WHAT'S ON AT SYCHAR Contemplative Sharing of "Radical Amazement" Dates: Wednesdays 10/2 to 31/3/21 (6 sessions) Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm Register for all sessions via TryBooking Sychar offers an opportunity during the first term of 2021 to participate in six sessions of a contemplative process based on “Radical Amazement” by Judy Cannato.See flyer for further details. Eight Week Mindfulness Course, Facilitated by Jo Cosgrove Dates: Thursdays 4/2 to 25/3/21 Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm Register for all sessions via TryBooking This 8 week course teaches practical tools and meditations that helps participants learn to live in the present and appreciate the daily gifts of their lives.See flyer for further details. PARTIAL SCHEDULE for Term1 2021- the schedule will be updated as more events are added.
Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran - 07 4662 7031 Vocation Directors for the Diocese of Toowoomba vocations@twb.catholic.org.au
NO ONE IS BORN A PRIEST...
EACH WEEK WE ASK THE PEOPLE OF THE TOOWOOMBA DIOCESE TO PRAY FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD, FOR OUR SEMINARIANS AND OUR CLERGY. THIS WEEK'S FOCUS IS FHEAR BRIAN REDONDO
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Every January in the central Philippines city of Cebu, 1.5 to 3 million people gather for a series of Masses, parades, water and land processions, beauty contests, street dances and concerts, fireworks and other events that celebrate the feast of the Santo Niño — the Holy Child — of Cebu. Drawing visitors from throughout the region, the city doubles in size for the celebration, which is the biggest event of the year in Cebu. The feast, known today as Sinulog, extends more than two weeks, culminating on the weekend of the third Sunday of January, and is one of the most well attended Catholic events in the world. The form of the devotion stands out in that it is often manifest in a very playful enthusiasm. In distinctively Filipino fashion, it incorporates a range of civic events like beauty contests and parades into the occasion. Grand Sinulog Parade, Cebu, 2017 The story of the Santo Niño, and its celebration today, reminds us that Filipino Catholicism begins with, and is still to a significant degree centered on, an image. The Santo Niño is small: a 30 cm tall image of a smiling, European-looking boy Jesus with curly locks, with a hand raised in blessing. During the feast, he is dressed in a crown and other regal insignia, including a red and gold cape. In central Philippines, statues of Santo Niño are very common in homes, on calendars and advertising, in businesses and at street-side shrines. In January, at the time of his feast, his image is ubiquitous in Cebu. The name sinulog refers both to a ritual dance (sinulog) inspired by and performed before the Santo Niño, reportedly for centuries, and, since 1980, to the annual citywide festival in Cebu (Sinulog) to celebrate the Santo Niño. Sinulog is two-step-forward, one-step-back dance step that is believed to predate Christianity and to take its name from Cebuano word for the way water laps on the Pahina river. History: Santo Niño as the original source of Philippine Catholicism As the history behind the arrival of Santo Niño is commonly told, a small Flemish statue of the child Jesus in royal pose was given in 1521 to the king of Cebu, Rajah Humabon, and his consort, Hara Humamay, by Ferdinand Magellan, leader of the Spanish expedition that first circled the globe. Delighted by the image, they were even baptized under the Spanish royal names Carlos and Juana. Soon after, though, Magellan died in battle on a neighboring island, and the Spaniards were forced out. When a subsequent group of Spanish colonizers returned in 1565 and did battle with the natives, the Santo Niño image was found in a hut in a wooden box, having survived the destruction of the village. Perceiving its survival as a miracle, the Spaniards adopted him as their guide and protector. On the site where the image was found, they celebrated Mass and later built the Santo Niño church, the first Catholic church in the Philippines. They also designated that the finding should be memorialized annually. Fr. Pedro G. Gallende, a historian of the devotion, notes that in the early years the feast was celebrated with a Mass, fluvial parade, feasting, bullfights and fireworks. Indeed, in 2017, the year described here, church posters referred to the Sinulog as the 452nd “Fiesta Señor” (or sometimes, in Cebuano, Senyor). Though the history of the sinulog dance is not entirely clear, a tradition of dancing to the sound of drums for the Santo Niño, including inside and in front of the church, is at least a century old. Locals believe that Hara Humabon herself danced a sinulog with the statue in her arms when she received it, and that she and others continued that form of devotion thereafter. Augustinian priests seem to have adopted the dance to Santo Niño devotion as an evangelization strategy. Awareness of devotion to the Santo Niño of Cebu and the Fiesta Señor spread beyond the Cebu area to the rest of the country after 1965, when the 400th anniversary of Philippine Catholicism was celebrated on a grand scale. The anniversary focused national attention on the site, the devotion and local practice. The Santo Niño church, where the original Santo Niño image is visible behind bulletproof glass, was designated that year as a minor basilica and the mother of all churches in the Philippines. CATHOLICS AND CULTURES
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Saturday 16th Jan 2021 6 pm
Santo Niño Feast Day
Our Lady Help of Christians' Parish is committed to supporting the right of everybody to be and feel safe. If you believe anybody is at immediate risk of harm you should phone 000 and report the matter to police. Other concerns about the safety of children or vulnerable persons may be raised with our Parish Safeguarding Representative (Noelle Nevin - 0428197132), with the Diocesan Professional Standards Office (07 4638 1379 or profstandards@twb.catholic.org.au), or with the Queensland Professional Standards Office (1800 337 928 or http://psoqld.catholic.net.au/).