THE MOST HOLY TRINITY – Sunday 7th June 2020

06/06/2020

INTRODUCTION – Fr Ian McGinnity

On this Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, we are once again reminded that God is present in our lives as God was once present to the people in the wilderness. Our own struggle in the wilderness of this pandemic will not have the last word. Perhaps, we are tired and frustrated or even scared during this unprecedented time of Covid-19. We might feel disconnected from our families, friends or even our church community but God’s promise remains and reminds us that we are not alone in the struggle nor do we go through it alone. The image of the Trinity offers us another understanding of who God is for us. It underscores God’s goodness and relational nature. God understands us and loves us and in that understanding and love, God is in relationship with us as we are with one another. Nothing is hidden from God. God is present.
Restrictions are slowly being eased with the Church opening this weekend for Sunday Eucharist with a maximum of fifty people via the booking system outlined below. We still have to be cautious with our social distancing and some people may find it difficult to attend due to their vulnerable health situations. For the next two weeks we will continue to web cast the Mass.
Many of us have been saddened by the events occurring in America (and in other parts of the world) related to the death of Afro-American George Floyd who died as a result of being taken into police custody. There is no doubt that this injustice has released widespread repulsion to the discrimination shown in some parts of society to people of colour. It has also brought up issues in relation to our own treatment of aboriginal people. One hopes that our period of lock down has given us time to appreciate the message of the gospel – that all lives matter!
We may want to return to what was familiar and normal. But if we are patient, trust in the God who loves, understands, and is in relationship with us, there is the possibility of a new normal in our future. A future where the words of Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians will greet us and remain for us a blessing:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” God is indeed present, today and always!

Stay strong and safe, Fr Ian

PARISH NOTICES

WEEKDAY MASSES

Wednesday to Saturday Mass at 9:00 am (note Friday Mass starts at 9:15 am)

As the limit is now 50, the reservation procedure for weekday Masses has been suspended, so there is no need to book for Mass Wednesday to Saturday mornings. This will be on a first-come-first-served basis so if we do reach 50, others will have to remain outside the church. Parishioners attending will be required to complete their details on the registration form provided in the church foyer.

SUNDAY MASSES

* Saturday 5:30 pm Vigil

* Sunday 8:00 am & 10:00 am

There is a limit of 50 people at each Mass, excluding the celebrants and assistants. All Masses are on a trial basis and we will evaluate the scheduling of these and any future Masses based on attendance. We have designated the Sunday 8am Mass for the Seniors of our parish but of course anyone may attend.

Do I need to make a reservation for weekend Mass? Yes

SUNDAY MASSES (including Saturday Vigil)

We have implemented the Eventbrite online booking system accessible at the link below. You will be able to select your Mass time and then the date. All reservations are to be made before Thursday 5:30pm.

https://northrockscatholicparish.eventbrite.com.au/

Volunteers are required for the Readings, please call Claudine, our Parish Secretary, on 02 9871 8710 after reserving a place at your selected Mass. Pre-recorded music will be used and a volunteer will be required to assist in operating the computer. Please call Claudine, our Parish Secretary, on 02 9871 8710 after reserving a place at your selected Mass.

IMPORTANT:

Please follow the instructions when making your booking. You need to separately book each person in your family and bring your ticket or mobile phone with your e-ticket to Mass. This system will be on a trial basis as we assess the numbers. Please consider others when making your reservations as we need to give everyone a chance to attend Mass. Please contact the parish office on 9871.8710 or via email: northrocks@parracatholic.org should you encounter any technical issues registering. Thank you.

PARISH DONATIONS: Parishioners who wish to make a donation to the parish, can access the facility on the front page of the Parish website by clicking “Donate Now” on the top right-hand side of the page or donating directly to https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/ChristTheKingParishNorthRocks via Credit Card. Should you wish to make a donation via direct debit, please use the following details:
BSB: 067-950
Account Number: 00000479
Account Name: North Rocks Catholic Church

FIRST COLLECTION: If you would like to contribute towards the support of the priests (First Collection), please use the following details:
BSB 067-950
Account No. 00004265
Account Name: Parramatta Diocesan Clergy
Reference Number: 6027

Thank you to everyone in the continual support of the parish and the clergy of the Diocese of Parramatta.

THOSE IN NEED: During this difficult time, if you hear of anyone in need of assistance from a priest or the Parish Office, please do not hesitate to contact us on 9871.8710 or via email: northrocks@parracatholic.org or requiring assistance from Vinnies, please call 13 18 12.

IN YOUR MERCY, PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE FOR WHOM PRAYERS HAVE BEEN REQUESTED:

THE SICK: Mary Magill, Joe Frare, Afifi Elchaar, Daniele Donu, Patrick Wheeler, Sylvette Marsh.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Emmanuel Gialanze (Father of Anne-Marie Makin & Vivien Brewer – Funeral Thurs 11.6.20 – 10.30am), George Rego.
ANNIVERSARIES: –
DECEASED: Giuseppina Cutrone, Carmelina Cutrone, Jimmy Cutrone, George Cutrone Jr, Beniamino Cutrone, Yvonne Boulous, Phillip Boulous, Charlie Karam, Leila Karam & All Souls.