12^th Sunday Ordinary Time A

‘Do not be afraid’ is one of the most commonly repeated sentences in the Bible. In one form or another, the command to ‘be not afraid’ or ‘fear not’ appears several hundred times throughout the Old and New Testaments. The message to not be afraid is as much for the original intended audience of the Gospel as it was for the Apostles. The community for whom this Gospel was written were on the verge of being ‘squeezed out’ and forced into secret. The passage reminds them to have courage and to have the courage of their convictions; to shout from the house-tops their message, not whisper it in darkness. It is a reminder of the abundant love of God who cares for them and sees all their efforts to continue to live out the message and ministry of Jesus. It is equally a message for us, today. We are called to continue the spread of the Gospel message; continuing the work of those early Christian communities, the Twelve and Jesus himself.

13^th Sunday Ordinary Time A

What must it have been like to be one of those disciples of Jesus? Having followed their Rabbi, or teacher, for some time, he sends them out to ‘have a go’ at doing what he has been doing: preaching; proclaiming the good news; healing; curing lepers and casting out demons. The focus of a disciple is to be like their Rabbi. This is their first real test of being a disciple … seeking to go out into the world without Jesus and do the things that they’ve seen their Rabbi do; to be like their Rabbi! Let us be the best missionary disciple we can possibly be this week!

Friday 19 June – Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

This feast day emphasises God’s love and mercy. In fact, that love and mercy is so intense that the symbol of the sacred heart is a human heart encircled with a crown of thorns, crowned with a cross, and radiating flames: this is how much Christ loves us.

Sunday Mass

In these restrictive times, we can still attend our regular Mass. The Parish Mass (with Fr Patrick inside St Joseph’s Parish Church) will be uploaded to the website at 5pm each Saturday. Gather the family and go to www.saintjosephsbulli.com and set your own time to view the weekend Mass. The Mass will stay on the website for the whole week.

Don’t forget Sunday Masses with Bishop Brian and Priests from around the Diocese are available online at www.dow.org.au or diocese’s Facebook page.

UPDATES:

• Church can only take 40 registered worshippers.
• It is essential that you register for each Mass you would like to attend (weekday and weekend Masses) through the office on 42843000 Mondays to Thursdays 9.30am to 3.00pm.
• No bookings will be taken after Thursday at 3.00pm. Please ring if you cannot attend!!!
• All registers will be cleared and you will have to rebook each week. This is to be fair and equitable to all who wish to attend Masses.
• Monitors will be in attendance at church to check names of those registered.
• Reconciliation, Baptisms and Weddings are by appointment only.

Sacramental Programs for St Columbkille’s

Earlier this year we scheduled and sent out enrolment forms for the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and Holy Communion. 

Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances, the directives from the Government and Diocese of Wollongong have meant that these have been postponed until restrictions have been lifted.

If you have filled out the enrolment forms, please send them into the parish office either by mail or email. That way we can create a data base, so as to contact parents and carers as soon as we are advised to go ahead with the Sacramental preparation classes and new dates are set. Parish details are:

St Joseph’s Church Bulli: PO Box 304, Woonona. NSW. 2517 or email bulli@dow.org.au

Thank you to those families who have already returned their forms.

Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong Live Online!

This is a creative, powerful show about faith in the life of young people. It is a new initiative featuring talks, worship music, fun games, guest speakers and testimonies. This is a great way for young people to not only build on their faith but also build friendships. To be involved simply follow the “CYMW” Facebook page or Instagram at “wollongongnetteam”.

Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator