THE MOST HOLY BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST – Sunday 14th June 2020

13/06/2020

REFLECTION – Dianne Bergant CSA

This feast harkens back to the celebration of Holy Thursday. By way of the metaphors of food and drink, its readings provide us with a look at the mystery of divine presence. They first provide a picture of a God who feeds us. In the past God set a table in freedom, and then provided food that enabled our ancestors to survive. God fed those who were needy, not those who were worthy. Jesus offered sustenance to the crowds that gathered around him. It was not manna from heaven that he offered but his own flesh and blood as food and drink. This food and drink are the pledge of eternal life.

Those who eat this bread and drink this cup are caught up in a profound unity with God, a unity not envisioned in the wilderness experience. There is a new overlay of significance. Jesus’ claim to give his flesh and blood was a bold one, Paul’s seems even bolder. He states that partaking of the bread and the cup not only joins us with Christ, but actually makes us participants in the body and blood of Christ. Humanity and divinity are joined as one. The Eucharist is a sign of unity in another way. Joined to the body and blood of Christ, we are joined to each other. We are one body and that body is Christ. The Eucharist is truly a celebration of thanksgiving: thanksgiving for our transformation and thanksgiving for our unity.

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 and to assist in operating the music PowerPoint. Please email the parish office: northrocks@parracatholic.org or phone 9871 8710 after reserving a place at your selected Mass. Thank you for your assistance.

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.

REFUGEE WEEK 14 – 20 JUNE

HOW YOU CAN HELP IN THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY

COVID–19 has affected so many within our community, but has greatly impacted people seeking asylum within our diocese. Many have no access to any safety net of support.

This Refugee Week, you can make a difference and support people in desperate need.
Many seeking asylum and their families:

* Are excluded from JobKeeper, JobSeeker, Medicare or income assistance

* Have lost their jobs

* Cannot pay their rent and are facing homelessness

* Struggling to feed their families

* Facing a winter without heat

* Are facing destitution

WE ARE CALLED TO ACTION:

“In the faces of the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, strangers and prisoners, we are called to see the face of Christ who pleads with us to help,” Pope Francis – Message of His Holiness Pope Francis, for the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2020

For more information, log on to the following websites:

HOUSE OF WELCOME: stfrancis.org.au/house-of-welcome/makedonation-house-welcome
JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE:

Donate Now

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: Leila Safy, Mary Magill, Joe Frare, Afifi Elchaar, Daniele Donu, Patrick Wheeler, Sylvette Marsh.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Alice Nelson, Emmanuel Gialanze, George Rego.
ANNIVERSARIES: Rita Bellemore.
DECEASED: Tony Khalife, Soraya Khalife, Morrie Kahlife, Yvonne Boulous, Phillip Boulous & All Souls.