The Joyful Commission - January 2020

Christmas | 2019

Monthly newsletter of the Catholic community in Orange District

surrender discipleship mission

the joyful COMMISSION

The Parish of St Mary & St Joseph is a healthy, growing Catholic community that worships God, welcomes the searcher, and invites people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Members of our community surrender their life to Jesus through an experience of the Holy Spirit, commit to life-long discipleship, and joyfully accept the mission to go out and make disciples.

GOT QUESTIONS? EXPLORE LIFE, FAITH AND MEANING

VISIT OF THE RELICS OF ST THERESE AND HER PARENTS

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: CHRISTMAS APPEAL

IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION FOR SACRAMENTS

We would like to invite you to try ALPHA in 2020.

If you are searching or looking to deepen your faith: ALPHA is for you.

Make a change in 2020.

Claim the date: 28 & 29 February. The relics of St Therese of Lisieux and her parents St Zélie & St Louis are visiting from France.

This Christmas give the gift of education to the children of Kohima, Nagaland, through our annual Christmas Missionary Appeal

Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Do you have children wanting to do Reconciliation, First Holy Communion or Confirmation in 2020?

A Wo r d f r o m t h e P a s t o r

Rejoice! God-is-with-us Fr Greg Bellamy Parish Priest

opportunity to connect in a tangible way to three saints I would like to warmly welcome you to Church this whose lives have inspired people all over the world. The Christmas. Whether you are a regular, or come along details of the visit are in this magazine.

HELLO AND GOODBYE occasionally, or if this is your first time at a Catholic Mass - we are glad to see you. On behalf of myself, Fr Pius, Fr A number of staff are leaving us in 2020. I would like to Mathew, and all the parish team, we wish you and your thank Fr Pat Ruane who is moving to Bathurst to take family a blessed Christmas. up residency in a unit recently vacated by another WELCOME TO CHURCH

Christmas is a time of rejoicing because, in Jesus, God has become one of us: truly a member of the human family. Emmanuel means: God-is-with-us. We rejoice because we are not alone. The light has come into the world. The light is Jesus. There is nothing in life that can compare to the experience of being known and loved by Jesus and to know and love him in return. Let's pray this Christmas that many people will have this joy-filled experience.

priest. I would also like to thank our outgoing youth ministers Will Tracey and Sarah Zeigler for all their work this year and Vanessa Colquhoun who has been our sacramental coordinator for the last 6 months and who is moving to Dubbo in 2020.

In a special way I would like to thank Fr Pius Khaoya, who has been appointed ‘priest in charge’ in Coonamble, effective the third Sunday of Lent 2020. Fr Pius arrived in Orange at the same time as myself three years ago. He has given himself generously to the ALPHA In our parish, we want to provide Catholic community in Orange and Molong parishes. Fr spaces for people who are not Pius is a humble man with a gentle spirit who has a sure what they believe, or who special love for the sick and elderly. He will be missed want to deepen their faith, to ask by our local community. We will announce details of Fr questions and build relationships Pius’ farewell in the new year. w i t h o u t j u d g e m e n t o r In 2020, I would like to welcome Rev. Karl Sinclair who embarrassment. If you are searching has been appointed assistant priest in Orange and for something more, ALPHA is for you. I Molong from the third Sunday of Lent. Deacon Karl will would like to invite you to read the testimonies from real be ordained a priest at the Cathedral on 21st February people in Orange about their ALPHA experience in this together with Deacon Dong van Nguyen. magazine and consider giving it a go in 2020. I really I would also like to welcome Mathew Brown, our youth think you would get a lot out of it. minister for 2020, and Josh Dunn, our Family Educator, ST THERESE AND HER PARENTS VISIT ORANGE

who will work with the community at St Mary's and Catherine McAuley as well as the parish. In the new I am very happy to announce that year I will also announce our new sacramental early next year the relics of St coordinator.

THE BISHOP’S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS APPEAL Thérèse of Lisieux, ‘the Little Flower’ along with the relics of her I encourage you to support the Bishop’s Special parents St Zélie Martin and St Christmas Missionary Appeal. We have been raising Louis Martin will be visiting Molong funds to build St Paul’s School in Nagaland. We hope to on Friday 28th February and Orange on complete the project this year. Fr Mathew has written 28th-29th February as part of a national pilgrimage. The about the project in this magazine. Please give the gift relics are in Australia for several months and are a rare of education to the children of Kohima this Christmas.

NATURAL DISASTERS Australian communities continue to suffer because of the drought and bush fires. This season, please take a moment to stop and pray for those suffering the most from these natural disasters. And if you and your family feel like you can't take anymore, please don't carry the burden alone. Ring one of the helplines or come speak to one of the priests. Centacare offers free counselling for those effected by the drought: 1800 231 118.

BLESSING OF CANDLES On the weekend of 1/2 February we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also called ‘Candlemass’, 40 days after the birth of Jesus. During the presentation of the baby Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple, the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna recognised that the baby was the Saviour of God’s People and the Light to all the nations. The Feast of the Presentation is the day on which all candles used for Christian prayer are blessed. Each candle is itself a little symbol of the light of Christ. All our schools and other Catholic institutions in our parish will bring their candles to M a s s o n t h e w e e k e n d o f 1 / 2 F e b r u a r y.

Representatives of our Orange Catholic schools will be attending the 9.30am Sunday Mass. I invite all families and individuals to bring the candles you use for prayer to Mass that weekend for them to be blessed and ceremonially lit.

BLESSING OF THROATS On Monday 3 February we will celebrate the feast day of St Blaise. Blaise was a Bishop in Armenia in the 4th Century. He became famous because he was reputed to have miraculously cured a little boy who nearly died because of a fishbone caught in his throat. From the 8th Century, St Blaise has been invoked on behalf of all the sick. Traditionally, on the feast day of St Blaise two unlit candles blessed on the Feast of the Presentation are held in a cross shape to bless the throats of all the faithful, praying for healing and protection from serious illness. The blessing of throats will occur at the 5.45pm Mass Monday 3 February at St Joseph’s, Orange.

January & February 2020 1 January New Year’s Day - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - 8.30am Mass at St Joseph’s, Orange & 9.15am Mass at St Lawrence’s, Molong 4/5 January - Epiphany Proclamation of Easter and the moveable Feasts in 2020, all weekend Masses 19 January - Santo Nino Celebrations with the Filipino Catholic Community, including blessing of the statues of the child Jesus - 9.30am Mass at St Joseph’s 27 January - Australia Day, 8.30am Mass at St Joseph’s 28 January - Combined Catholic Schools Staff Mass, 9.30am at St Joseph’s 1/2 February - Blessing of Candles on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord at all weekend Masses (also called ‘Candlemass) 3 February - Feast of St Blaise: Blessing of Throats during 5.45pm Mass at St Joseph’s, Orange 5 February - First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Parent Information Meeting 21 February - Priestly Ordination of Rev. Dong Nguyen and Rev. Karl Sinclair 7.30pm at the Cathedral in Bathurst

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

26 February - Ash Wednesday

I pray that God will bless you abundantly this Christmas and into next year. It’s an exciting year ahead. May God continue to guide our local Catholic community in 2020. Happy new year!

28/29 February - Veneration of the Relics of St Therese of Lisieux and her parents, St Zelie Martin & St Louis Martin

M ak in g Dis c ip le s

Try Alpha in 2020 Carla Ghisla Director of Mission

Alpha is a great way to meet people, explore the Christian faith and talk about the deeper issues of life. Each Alpha evening starts with dinner, has a video session and has an opportunity for discussion. Everyone is welcome and no question is off limits. Alpha is completely cost free.

We had an amazing Alpha season in late 2019 and caught up with some of our guests to find out what they thought.

I’ve got post-Alpha withdrawal I really enjoyed Alpha. It was so great meeting the people in my group. Some of us were a bit unsure to begin but everyone really warmed up by the end. I’m suffering from post-Alpha withdrawal. I miss the Tuesday night meal, I miss the laughs with my group. Definitely looking forward to the next step.

- Martin Blumenthal

Alpha was like a Christmas present that came early I heard about Alpha from my friends who were going they invited me along. I had never heard of it, I didn’t even know what it was, but I came along with them and brought my husband.

You have to give it a go Leanne and Duncan came to Alpha in 2019 and they are excited to join our Alpha Team for 2020.

We came to Alpha out of curiosity - we had no idea what we were signing up for. I guess we considered ourselves Christian, our parents were Christian, we were brought up Christian, but we wanted to do something to deepen our faith.

We didn’t realise how big Alpha was; how many people had already done Alpha. It was great to sit down together before the sessions to get to know everyone. We really enjoyed listening to how meeting Jesus had changed peoples’ lives, especially people who had been in prison the changes were so dramatic!

A good aspect of our Alpha experience was that there was no pressure; if you didn’t want to say anything, you didn’t have to.

Alpha is for everyone, not just Catholics. I think everyone would get something out of it. You have to give it a go. We really enjoyed it and we recommend it to everyone.

- Leanne & Duncan Middleton

I loved being able to share about my faith. There were people with all different beliefs in our group and as everyone shared their view, each person was respected.

We got to know each other, hear about their families, we prayed for each other.

Alpha was free and easy - come and go; no pressure, no judgement. Doing Alpha with my husband was really special to me, like a Christmas present that came early.

Alpha ticked all the boxes.

- Grace Pereira

Strangers have become a community Alpha gave me the time and safe place to talk about deeper issues and to get to know the guests in my Alpha group.

I’m still meeting up with my Alpha group. It’s amazing - a bunch of strangers has become a community that really cares about each other. We encourage one another in life - it’s a real support network.

- Carmel Follent If you are looking for more from life, join us at Alpha, which launches on the evening of Tuesday February 18th 2020. Pick up an Alpha postcard from the cross-aisle of St Joseph’s Church and invite a friend along too or cutout the invitation on this page:

Register your interest today without obligation at:

www.alphaorange.org.au Stay up to date …

Our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ CatholicOrangeNSW

Read our monthly magazine on issuu: https://issuu.com/diobxobs

I would like to invite you If you are looking for more from life, join us at ALPHA, which launches on the evening of Tuesday 18th February 2020.

Register your interest today without obligation:

www.alphaorange.org.au Alpha is a great way to meet people, explore the Christian faith and talk about the deeper issues of life. Each Alpha evening starts with dinner, has a video session and has an opportunity for discussion. Everyone is welcome and no question is off limits. Alpha is completely cost free.

What our guests in Orange are saying: “Alpha is for everyone, not just Catholics. I think everyone would get something out of it.

You have to give it a go. We really enjoyed it and we recommend it to everyone.”

- Leanne & Duncan “I really enjoyed Alpha. It was so great meeting the people in my group. Some of us were a bit unsure to begin but everyone really warmed up by the end.”

- Martin “I loved being able to share about my faith.

There were people with all different beliefs in our group and as everyone shared their view, each person was respected.”

- Grace

The Diocese of Bathurst website: www.bathurst.catholic.org.au

“It’s amazing - a bunch of strangers has become a community that really cares about each other. We encourage one another in life it’s a real support network.”

- Carmel

28 & 29 February 2020 A Family of Saints Visit Orange & Molong For the first time in 18 years, the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the most popular saints of modern times, will visit Australia in 2020 on a four-month pilgrimage with her parents, St Zélie and St Louis Martin.

St Thérèse of Lisieux

Visit of the Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux and her parents St Zélie and St Louis Martin

Friday 28th February 2020 3.00 - 4.30pm at St Lawrence’s Molong: Welcome, Liturgy, Devotions, Veneration.

5.30pm Welcome at St Joseph’s, Orange and procession of relics into the church.

5.45pm Opening Mass with the relics at St Joseph’s, Orange, followed by veneration, devotions, readings, confessions, and silent prayer, concluding at 9.30pm.

Saturday 29th February 2020 9.00am - 3.00pm at St Joseph’s Orange: veneration, devotions, readings, confessions, silent prayer.

6.00pm Final Mass at St Joseph’s Orange followed by veneration till 8.00pm.

8.00pm Farewell relics from parish with procession from Church at St Joseph’s, Orange.

Blessed medals of St Thérèse will be available during veneration of the relics.

St Thérèse of Lisieux is one of the patron saints of mission. St Thérèse loved the work of mission and wanted to travel to spread the Gospel all over the world and show how Jesus loves all people. One of the famous things she said was ‘I would like to preach the Gospel on all the five continents...’ Though St Thérèse never actually went on mission, she is a patron saint of mission because what makes a missionary is not the legs but the heart! A missionary is a person whose heart burns with love for Christ.

Thérèse was born in France on January 2nd, 1873. She was the last of nine children born to Louis and Zélie Martin. However, only five of these children lived to reach adulthood.

Thérèse lived a very simple and holy life. At age 15, she entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux to give her whole life to God. She took the religious name Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Thérèse’s four sisters all became nuns as well, dedicating their lives to God. St Thérèse said: “I will seek out a means of getting to heaven by a little way—very short and very straight, a little way that is wholly new.” In fact, she asked special permission from the Pope to become a nun so young!

Louis and Zélie Martin were very proud of their daughters and showed them great love, but sadly Zélie, her mother, died when Thérèse was only four years old. Their mother never had the chance to see her daughters become nuns dedicating their lives to God. St Thérèse lived a simple life of prayer and was gifted with a great closeness to God. Through sickness and dark nights of doubt and fear, she remained faithful to God, rooted in His merciful love. After a long struggle with tuberculosis, she died on September 30, 1897, at the age of 24. Her last words were the story of her life: "My God, I love you!"

Thérèse was made a saint on May 17th, 1925 by Pope Pius XI, only 28 years after her death. All four of her sisters were still alive when their little sister Thérèse was declared a saint. St Thérèse of Lisieux is the patron saint of aviators, florists, illnesses and mission. She is also considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of Russia. Her feast day is October 1st.

St Thérèse of Lisieux is one of the most popular saints in the history of the Catholic Church. St Thérèse saw herself as a child of God. She liked to keep things simple and focused as a child does. Trust, especially trust in God, is a childlike virtue. Thérèse’s love for God was very simple and she called it her ‘little way.’ She teaches us that God is everywhere—in every situation and person—and in the ordinary, simple details of life.

It is because of this that so many people have followed her example and grown to love her because she shows us that we can love God in simple acts of kindness and love for others.

St Zélie and St Louis Martin When Louis Martin and his bride, Zélie, were married in 1858, they promised that they would “serve God first” together. They knew that putting God first in their lives would help them to always live with love. Louis was a jeweller and watchmaker. Zélie made beautiful lace to help support their growing family. They taught their children to know, love, and serve God. The Catholic Church was an important part of their family life.

St Thérèse of Lisieux ‘The Little Flower’

Like all married couples, they sometimes faced disappointments and sadness; four of their nine children died at a young age. They turned to God in difficult times and grew more deeply in love as they shared their sorrows and joys with one another. In 1877, when Thérèse, the Martin’s youngest daughter, was only four years old, Zélie became very ill and died. The family was brokenhearted, but they remembered that Zélie prayed with them to help them understand that her illness and death was part of God’s plan. Louis lovingly raised his daughters. He generously gave his permission as each one asked to join the convent. He saw this as a sign that God was pleased that he and Zélie had shared their faith and love with their children.

Zélie and Louis Martin’s lives show us that when we live with love, we grow in holiness. The Martins are such a wonderful example of holiness that Pope Benedict named them “Blessed” in 2008 and Pope Francis officially recognised them both as saints in 2015. They are the first married couple to ever be canonised together.

St Zélie and St Louis Martin St Thérèse’s Parents

B i s h o p ’s S p e c i a l C h r i s t m a s M i s s i o n a r y A p p e a l

Building St Paul’s School Fr Mathew Humtsoe Assistant Priest

This Christmas, Give the Gift of Education to the Children of Kohima The proceeds of Bishop McKenna's Special Christmas Missionary Appeal for 2019 will go to the completion of St Paul's School in Sanis, Diocese of Kohima, Nagaland, North Eastern India.

This is the fifth and final year that God's people in the Diocese of Bathurst have the opportunity to support the vital mission, giving much needed funds to complete the St Paul's School, providing education for the children of the Diocese of Kohima.

As you leave all our Christmas Masses you can contribute to this appeal in cash or at our Tap and Go points. Or you can contribute in one of these ways: Office

In Person: At the Bathurst Chancery or any parish office

Post: PO Box 246, Bathurst NSW 2795 Online: www.bathurst.catholic.org.au Phone: 1800 451 760

About Nagaland Nagaland is one of the 29 states situated in the northeast of India, bordering the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradest to the north, Manipur to the south, and sharing an international border with Myanmar to the east. Nagaland became the 16th state of India on 1 December 1963. The state capital is Kohima and the largest city is Dimapur. It has an area of 16,579 square kilometres with a population of 1,980,602, making it one of the smallest states of India.

Agriculture is the most important economic activity in Nagaland and the principal crops include rice, corn, millets, pulses, tobacco, oilseeds, sugarcane, and potatoes, which makes-up 70% of the state’s economy. Other significant economic activity includes forestry, tourism, real estate and miscellaneous cottage industries.

Nagaland is mostly mountainous except those areas bordering the Assam plain which comprises 9% of

the total area of the state. Mount Saramati (the last mountain range of the Himalayas) has the highest peak at 3,840 metres above sea level. The state is also home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Blyth’s Tragopan and Rhododendron are the state’s bird and flower respectively.

formation of the children. The teaching staff teach the children to love God and to love one another as brothers and sisters. They are also taught to love their culture, customs and the traditions of the land.

Nagas are musical by nature and so teachers encourage the children to realise this potential.

Nagaland is home to diverse indigenous tribes which celebrate many local festivals. Hornbill festival showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof and takes place between 1 and 10 December every year at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, about 12 km from Kohima, the capital city.

Our schools still lack proper infrastructure and trained personnel to facilitate quality education. In this missionary endeavour, the Bathurst Diocese, under the spiritual leadership of Bishop Michael McKenna, has extended a big helping hand. The Diocese of Kohima (Nagaland) is profoundly grateful to the Diocese of Bathurst, NSW for becoming a part of our mission strategy by sponsoring a school building at Sanis which now stands majestically on the top of a hill. This year 280 students were enrolled and are using the facility made possibly by the Diocese of Bathurst.

Christianity in Nagaland Before Nagas (the people of Nagaland) accepted Christianity, they practiced a religion called Animism.

It was in 1871 that an American Baptist missionary Dr Edward Winter Clark first set foot in Nagaland.

Christianity thereafter spread like wild fire. The Catholic Church came onto scene eight decades later. It was on 12th April 1951 that three men were baptised and received into Catholic Church.

The journey of the Catholic Church in Nagaland has not been without hurdles. Hostility and persecution from the Baptist Church slowed down the growth of the Catholic Church. With God’s grace, after sixty nine years, and against all the odds, the Catholic Church was firmly rooted in Naga soil. Today, the Catholic Church in Nagaland is strong and vibrant.

We are blessed with 45 Naga priests, 129 Naga nuns and many more young men and women are aspiring to respond to God’s call to embrace religious life.

Catholic Schools in Nagaland The Catholic Church in Nagaland has taken the motto, “Evangelisation through education.” Thus, every parish aims to have a primary or high school, where priests and nuns play a big role in the

A Helping Hand While the missionaries and lay leaders struggle to give it their all, so the present and future generations may receive a better education in order to have a brighter future, the Bathurst Diocese came as a ‘Simon of Cyrene’.

I would like to gratefully acknowledge the Christmas collection (2018) of St Joseph’s and St Mary’s Parish Orange and St Lawrence’s Parish Molong, which was a real pleasant surprise. The total amount collected by Bathurst Diocese was about $52,000 and out of which, Orange alone collected $17,730.

Thank you Fr Greg Bellamy for the inspiring Christmas appeal for Nagaland and drawing the hearts of the faithful with an attitude of sharing God’s blessings to those who are less fortunate. My heart can’t help but say with gratitude ‘Bravo!’ and a big thanks to all the parishioners for your love and support for Nagaland. May God bless you and your family for your generosity!

Pra yers & Ca ro ls

Celebrating Christmas Joy Pray and sing at church and at home to celebrate the festive season as a family

Pray around the Table as a Family

Sing together as God’s Chosen People

Family Prayer at Christmas

The Gloria

O Lord Jesus Christ, true God from true God, you became a little child for us so the world you made would be saved. Just as a child is born to us and a Son is given to us, may we be born again through you and always remain in the number of God’s faithful children; through your merits, O blessed Saviour, with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.

We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

A Christmas Prayer for Children Dear Jesus, I know I’m very blessed today, spending time with my family, having a yummy dinner, and getting to open presents, but I know there are many people who won’t get those things today. Please send them lots of blessings, and let them know that someone is thinking about them on Christmas. Help me see how I can bless other people, too! In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

A Prayer for Rain God our Father, You created our earth to nourish us and give us life and Jesus told us to ask and it will be given to us. We ask now in Faith, Hope and Love that you look with favour on our drought stricken land; our starving animals and failing produce.

Sustain, strengthen and give new heart to our farmers and all those affected by this drought. In your loving providence send abundant rain soon and renew the faith of your people and the face of our land.

We make this prayer with many, through Jesus Christ who gives new life to all living things. Amen.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us. St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, pray for us.

Response to the psalm (6:00pm Vigil Mass) Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

O Come All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant!

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels.

O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!

Glory to God, glory in the highest O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord!

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning: Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n Word of the Father Now in flesh appearing.

O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord!

18th Cent. Rr. F. Oakeley, 1802-80 & R.A. Knox Angels We Have Heard On High Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

Say what may the tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing, Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo See him in a manger laid, whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo Anon. French. Tr. J Chadwick, Music souce: L.P. C.H.

The First Noel The First Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

They looked above and there saw a star That shone in the east, beyond them far, And to the earth it gave a great light, And so it continued by day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star Three wise men came from country far; To seek for a king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, And o'er Bethlehem it seemed to rest, And there it stayed b y night and by day, Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord; That made both heaven and earth of naught, And with his blood mankind has bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Traditional Music Source: L.P., A.H.B., C.H. Hark the Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King!

Christ, by highest heaven adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, the incarnate Deity!

Pleased, as man, with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King!

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings; Mild he lays his glory by, Born that we no more may die: Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King!

C Wesley, 1748 Music Source: L.P., A.H.B., C.H. Joy to the World Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing Joy to the World, the Saviour reigns!

Let us, our songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love And wonders of His love And wonders, and wonders, of His love Traditional Music Source: A.H.B., C.C. Silent Night Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born Silent night, holy night!

Son of God love's pure light.

Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth Jesus Lord, at Thy birth J Mohr, TR J Young Music Source: L.P., C.H., A.H.B. O Little Town of Bethlehem Oh, little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, The silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above, While mortals sleep the angels keep Their watch of wondering love O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the king, And peace to all on earth.

How silently, how silently, the wond’rous gift is giv’n!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heav’n.

No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.

O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell: O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

Traditional Music Source A.H.B., C.H.

“He who sings, prays twice!”

- St Augustine

Celebrating the Mysteries

Sacraments in 2020 Important Dates and Information for Requesting Sacraments

Family Faith Meetings All families with a child requesting a sacrament in 2020 (Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation) need to attend a short individual meeting with a parish representative to help support you in your family faith development and to facilitate some real personal contact between you and the parish. We want to meet you! Only one meeting is required per family, regardless of how many children are requesting sacraments.

Families at St Mary’s or Catherine McAuley will be able to sign-up early Term 1 at school.

Families in other schools can sign-up at the parent information sessions. Families requesting baptism should arrange the meeting during the preparation process.

Baptism of Infants The first step for requesting your child be baptised is attendance at a parent meeting.

Parent meetings are held twice a month on a Sunday morning and a Wednesday morning. At the meeting, you will meet other parents who are also requesting baptism. You can expect to receive enrolment information at this meeting, including what dates are available for the baptism.

To complete enrolment, you will need: a copy of your child’s birth certificate, a copy of the Catholic parent’s baptism certificate, and a copy of the Godparents’ baptism certificate.

After confirmation of enrolment, by the

Sacramental Coordinator, you will be required to have a brief Family Faith Meeting with the priest who will perform the baptism.

To book into the parent meeting and begin the process of preparation for baptism, please email Va n e s s a Colquhoun sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au

Baptism of School-Aged Children and Teenagers For the baptism of school-aged children and teenagers, please contact the sacramental coordinator: sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Children requesting First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion must be at least in Yr 3 at school and be a baptised Catholic. This year, children will prepare for and receive both sacraments in one process. There will be one parent information meeting and online enrolment process to cover both sacraments.

Parent Information Session: Wednesday 5 February: 9.30am-10.30am OR 7.00pm-8.00pm in Kenna Hall. Families of children in non-Catholic schools will have an additional meeting of 20 minutes after the main meeting with the Missionaries of Charity, who will be conducting after-school preparation classes in 2020. Attendance at one of the

information sessions is obligatory. At the meeting, you will be given access to the online registration process.

Celebration of Reconciliation: Children at Catholic Schools will make their first Reconciliation during Lent on various dates. Children at other schools who are prepared by the Missionaries of Charity will make their first Reconciliation just before First Holy Communion.

Celebration of First Holy Communion: The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated at all weekend Masses in Orange and Molong Parishes on 27/28 June 2020.

Confirmation Young men and women requesting the sacrament of Confirmation must be at least in Yr 6 at school and be a baptised Catholic who has received First Holy Communion.

The request to be confirmed should be freely made by the candidate after a time of formation, which includes prayer and learning about the Sacrament, particularly the baptism promises which they will be required to answer for themselves on the day of their Confirmation. When the formation process nears completion, each candidate will be invited to write a letter to the parish priest requesting the sacrament. In the letter, the candidate will also explain what they understand Confirmation to be about and why they are freely requesting this sacrament.

Parent Information Session: Wednesday 6 May: 9.30am-10.30am OR 7.00pm-8.00pm in Kenna Hall. Families of children in non-Catholic schools will have an additional meeting of 20 minutes after the main meeting with the Missionaries of Charity, who will be conducting after school

preparation classes in 2020. Attendance at one of the information sessions is obligatory.

At the meeting, you will be given access to the online registration process.

Celebration of Confirmation: The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in Orange Parish on the weekend of 15/16 August and in Molong Parish on the weekend of 22/23 August.

Becoming Catholic Adults who would like to explore the possibility of becoming Catholic can find out about our process in 2020 by contacting our Director of Ministries, Amy Sullivan: ministries.orange@cdob.org.au

Getting Married If you would like to find out about how to be married in our parish, please contact our parish secretary Sandy Livermore: office.orange@cdob.org.au

Summary of Contacts For enquiries about Baptism of infants and school-aged children or teenagers; Reconciliation; First Holy Communion, or Confirmation, please contact the Sacramental Coordinator, Vanessa Colquhoun. By phone 6362 2378 or by email: sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au For enquiries about an adult becoming a Catholic please contact the Director of Ministries, Amy Sullivan. By phone 6362 2378 or by email: ministries.orange@cdob.org.au For enquiries about getting married please contact the parish secretary, Sandy Livermore.

By phone 6362 2378 or by email: office.orange@cdob.org.au

God is no Respecter of Personages

On the Crime of Abuse Homily at the Annual ‘Penitential Act for the Sins of the Church against Innocents’ during Mass on Sunday 27th October 2019 - Fr Greg Bellamy

What does it mean to say that someone is a person of good character? One answer is that a person of good character is the same person whether someone is watching them or no one is watching them: they are the same in public and in private. It’s easy to recognise whether I am a person of good character. I am of good character if I can honestly say: ‘I would be happy for everything I say and do in private to be said and done in public.’ Of course, most of us fall short of this ideal to some extent. There is a little bit of the hypocrite in all of us.

But besides that little bit of hypocrisy we all struggle with, in recent years our society and our Church have also had to face the terrible extremes of moral hypocrisy, particularly in the spectre of child abuse. A person who clandestinely preys on vulnerable people, whether they be children, spouses, the elderly, or the emotionally or physically disabled, is split in two so the respectability of a public persona is deliberately used to perpetrate and conceal a terrible moral evil. There can be no horrifically clearer example of what it means to be of ‘bad character’.

One of the reasons that abuse has been able to continue in institutions and in family homes is the difficulty people have had believing that respected people, who on the outside appear good and admirable, could commit terrible crimes behind closed doors. Brazen visible crimes are bad enough, but there is a particular repugnance and horror when respectability and positions of trust are used to perpetrate and conceal abuse of the innocent. There is a heavy burden of guilt on the shoulders of such people and this responsibility is shared by those who, through wilful ignorance or wilful concern for institutional reputation above all else, cooperate in concealing this evil and so enable the possibility of it continuing.

In the Book of Ecclesiasticus (35:15-17, 20-22) we are given a portrait of God as the one true judge to whom all will, one day, have to give an account of how they have lived their lives. We are told that God looks past the outside to judge the heart of the person: in other words, to judge the person’s character. “The Lord is a judge who is no respecter of personages … the man who with his whole heart serves God will be accepted”.

The author of Ecclesiasticus is being pretty clear in his warning: on the day we meet God, it will not matter if you were a respected personage. God is not going to be concerned with your outward position or how much public praise was showered upon you. God does not promise salvation to someone simply because they are celebrated as a businessman or an entrepreneur, as a philanthropist or academic, as a political leader or orator, as a lawyer, teacher or doctor, as a religious, priest or bishop, or even as a volunteer or charity worker. These things may be good in themselves, but behind all these public roles must stand an authentic person of good character whose heart and whose private activity corresponds to their public commitments.

Please God, all of us here are trying to be people of good character. That means, we may not be perfect, but we nonetheless try to bring credit to the roles we undertake through a real inner conviction, a willingness to change, to be corrected, to accept accountability, and to have healthy personal relationships. We should be trying to make sure that our public activities and positions are being performed and occupied by people with good hearts. That is what gives these activities and positions their true value.

But when public activities are performed or public positions are occupied by a person with a rotten heart, then no activity or position or the

public praise they might illicit can help that person one little bit. In fact, on the day of judgement those roles, activities and words of praise, that were misused to veil private sin, will stand witness against that person’s hypocrisy. God is no respecter of personages, rather he accepts the one who serves him with his whole heart.

Surely the pharisee and the tax collector in the temple is a suitable parable for us to reflect upon (Lk 18:9-14). The respected religious leader feels himself beyond reproach and has convinced himself of his moral impeccability.

This attitude opens up a large gaping space in his heart where pride and then all sorts of other sinful attitudes can make themselves at home and produce rotten fruit. All the public religious duties he meticulously performs are useless because they do not give flesh to the intentions of a good and humble heart, but rather conceal a heart grown cold through pride. Ironically, the very religious duties he performs in God’s name are actually doing him moral damage. They are designed to bring him closer to God, but they are actually causing him to be further away from God. It’s a truly bitter irony.

The tax collector, of course, has little to show in terms of public respect and meticulous performance of religious duties. But his heart is humble. There is no concealment of his brokenness from either God or other human beings. He may not be perfect – a fact he knows all too well – but because of his profound honesty he is actually closer than the pharisee is to truly being a person of good character. Humility is necessary to get on the right track. As we read in Ecclesiasticus, it is the humble man’s prayers who pierce the clouds. He is the one who goes home at rights with God. This is precisely what we are trying to do in the penitential act at the start of every Mass: not to tell God how great we are like the pharisee, but to humbly admit our fault like the tax collector and so go home at rights with God. I spoke about the horror of child abuse in the Church exactly one year ago this weekend, also the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. On that occasion I recalled that the sexual abuse crisis has effected many people: the majority of clergy who are innocent of such terrible

crimes, you, the people of God, who have been betrayed by some of your shepherds and others who ministered in the name of Christ, and most of all the victims themselves and their families. No one else can truly understand the pain and suffering that they feel. And of course, in some instances that pain and suffering has been magnified when people in authority disbelieved victims and their families and told them to be quiet. We must never get tired of listening, offering opportunities for healing and trying to do better. The needs of victims must always take first place. That means, besides a commitment to safe churches, that those in leadership must strive to follow the example of the tax collector rather than the pharisee: always trying to be humble and of good character, which means that what goes on in private corresponds to what we say in public.

Bishop McKenna has apologised to victims of abuse in our Diocese on several occasions and last year I took the opportunity to repeat a previous apology to victims who may have suffered here in Orange. No apology could ever be adequate. However, today I would like to repeat what I said publicly last year: “As your Pastor, as a priest, and simply as a disciple of Jesus Christ, I am deeply sorry for the suffering that has been caused because of our failings. Most particularly, I am deeply sorry for the suffering of survivors and their families not only because of the abuse itself, but also because of those occasions when you may have been disbelieved or told to remain silent.”

Ecclesiasticus tells us: “the Lord is a judge who is no respecter of personages … the man who with his whole heart serves God will be accepted”. The tax collector prayed with all humility “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.” As I did last year, I would like to again make a public penitential act in reparation for sins against the innocent in the Church. As I lay prostrate in silence, I will beg God for his forgiveness and mercy on the Church and particularly on priests who have grievously betrayed the sacred trust with which they were entrusted, and I will specially beg God to send his Spirit of healing upon those suffering because of abuse in the Church. If you would like to, please feel free to join me in this prayer, either kneeling or sitting.

Integrity in Ministry

Safe Churches Fr Greg Bellamy Parish Priest

Safe Churches: Development of Parish Policies and Procedures

Diocese of Bathurst: Child Protection and Professional Standards

This year the parish has been developing new policies and practices to ensure that we are a community safe for all, particularly children and vulnerable adults. In particular, we have been focusing on the following:

The Diocese of Bathurst is committed to safeguarding children, young people, vulnerable adults, and all who participate in the life of the Church at any level.

- we now ensure that our staff are provided with regular pastoral supervision - all staff have completed a Safe Church Awareness Workshop and their appropriate clearances are up-to-date - all involved with ministries that may bring them into contact with children have been cleared to work with children - we have begun Safe Church Awareness workshops for all parishioners in voluntary ministries, with the requirement that all volunteers will have completed a Safe Church Awareness Workshop by the end of 2020 in order to continue in ministry, with the requirement of a refresher every few years - we are reforming ministries to ensure ongoing formation, regular team meetings, and appropriate feedback on how a minister is performing in his/her ministry - we are finalising policies and procedures to deal with unsafe behaviour on Church premises so that any verbal harassment, name-calling, or bullying of paid staff, other parishioners, or the public will be dealt with promptly and professionally

The Diocese upholds the principle of shared responsibility and requires all of its personnel, including volunteers, to engage in behaviours that ensure the protection and wellbeing of all.

For further information, or to raise a concern about our people, parishes, schools, or social services and outreach, please contact any of the following Safeguarding Officers: Safeguarding Officer for Parishes: P: 02 6334 6400 E: safeguarding@cdob.org.au Safeguarding Officer for Schools: P: 02 6338 3000 E: safeguarding@bth.catholic.edu.au Safeguarding Officer for Professional Social Services: P: 02 6331 8944 E: safeguarding@centacarebathurst.com.au Other Support Services: Professional Standards Complaint Hotline: 1300 369 977 Centacare: 1800 231 118 Lifeline: 13 11 14

Forming Disciples

Ministries Update Amy Sullivan Director of Ministries

It has been a huge year in ministries. I would like to start by thanking the more than 200 people that are involved in ministry. From Mass, to nursing homes, people’s homes, schools, etc, it is wonderful to see so many people using their gifts and talents to live their baptism. In particular, I would also like to thank those that felt called to a change in ministry this year. Whether it was entering ministry for the first time or after a break, stepping into another ministry, or stepping back from ministry, it is my privilege to help you wherever you are on your ministry journey.

Excellence in Ministry My aim is for excellence in ministry, by making ministry accessible, and providing training and support. Many ministries now have a role description (available at the cross-aisle at St Joseph’s) and targeted ministries have documented processes and procedures and specially designed training and formation sessions. The targeted ministries for 2019 were the liturgical ministries of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass, and Reading and Commentating. 2020 will see consolidation of the changes to these ministries, including the roll out of a training calendar for ongoing formation in these ministries.

Targeted ministries for 2020 will include Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick and Housebound.

2020 Training Calendar I am anticipating that a training calendar will be released in early 2020 with formation sessions scheduled throughout the year. The training sessions are targeted at those undertaking specific ministries, but most are open to all. In particular, I invite everyone to attend the Safe Church Awareness Workshops, which will help us to make our Church the safest place it can be, for all its members, and especially its most vulnerable members.

Symbolon In 2019 we introduced the Symbolon course.

Over 20 weeks, a group of parishioners gathered together to discuss various aspects of the Catholic faith. With sessions including “The Story of Salvation”, “Who is Jesus?”, “Why do I need a Church?”, and “The Eucharist”, these sessions have been a wonderful way to unpack Catholic teaching and what it means for our lives.

The Symbolon course will run again in 2020, commencing 22 July. This course is open to anyone. If you are curious about your faith, and want to explore questions of faith in a safe and welcoming environment, keep an eye out for the commencement of Symbolon.

There are three members of our 2019 Symbolon group that have indicated their desire to become Catholic, through baptism and/or full initiation.

We welcome Sherene Gould, Ashlee Maguire and Trevor Baker to our community. Please pray for them, and their sponsors, as they continue their journey towards the sacraments at the Easter Vigil in 2020.

Get Involved If you are interested in being involved in ministry, or becoming Catholic, please contact me at ministries.orange@cdob.org.au or call me at the parish office.

Quote of the month (from an Encounter Evening participant): I felt as though I was certain of going to heaven!

Have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year, and may the peace of Christ always be in your home, your family and your heart.

Su p p ort i ng th e M is s io n

Capital Works Update Michael O’Mara Operations Manager

In our parish, as in a family home, we have an operating budget (day to day income & expenses), but we also have a capital works plan which provides for repairs to and restoration of our churches and other buildings into the future. Below is a summary of our planning to date.

This is an updated version of our first plan in 2018.

Parish of St Mary & St Joseph Orange St Joseph’s Church Restoration This year, 9 windows were removed from St Joseph’s as they were at risk of falling away from building. These windows are being progressively restored by a stained glass artisan in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Robin Seville. We are very fortunate to have Robin’s services: she is very committed to these works.

Her task is to completely dismantle each part of each window, clean the glass and in some sections repaint the glass, fire in a kiln, then reassemble the frame, and lead-line and stabilise each piece of glass with special putty.

The first 9 windows were an emergency first step in the restoration of St Joseph’s Church.

As recognised by the Parish Finance Council and recommended to Fr Greg Bellamy, there were numerous Capital Works Repairs and Maintenance projects which as Parish Priest he did not have the resources or time to manage. The Parish recruited and appointed me as the Operations manager to assist Fr Greg. One of my first tasks was to develop a capital works plan and budget from 2018 to 2022. This detailed plan was guided by the Parish Finance Council.

As St Joseph’s Church was a critical priority, due to its deteriorating state, a preliminary heritage assessment was conducted identifying many issues: all of the 39 stained glass windows need restoration, the bell is at risk of falling through the tower (which resulted in the closure of the access to the choir loft), there are broken and missing slate tiles on the roof, there is leakage in the gas heating system, the electrical wiring needs to be upgraded due to its age, and most significantly the issue of rising damp in all the walls causing decay of the mortar between the bricks and undermining of the wall structure needs to be addressed.

The complete restoration of St Joseph’s is a major project that will take 18 months to 2 years to complete. It will require the support and expertise of skilled specialist trades and fundraising. In July 2018 information sessions were held in St Joseph's Church with invitations and nominations received to form two committees: a project steering committee and a fundraising committee.

Thanks to these supportive parishioners, we are now seeking a specialist heritage advisor to prepare the heritage conservation plan. Meanwhile, the fundraising committee is investigating grants and other sources of funds, including some small fundraising activities. The conservation heritage plan will detail the restoration project, which aims to protect the historical integrity of the building. This plan will take approximately 8 to 10 months to be developed and will be the basis of a scope of works and approvals.

“The Wall” From as early as 2004 there have been indications that the Hill St retaining wall outside St Joseph’s was becoming an increasing safety risk. This wall is also a part of our heritage in Orange. Fr Greg was recently quoted in the Central Western Daily: “We want to protect this part of our heritage not only for the Catholic Community but for the whole community of Orange …this is the first step toward caring for St Joseph’s into the future”.

As you visit St Joseph’s Church over the Christmas period, it is pleasing to report that that major structural works on the wall have been completed and the end of January 2020 will see the full restoration of the original bricks in front of the new retaining wall and drainage systems.

It is further noted that, whilst our grant application to the Heritage Office NSW was unsuccessful, we are pleased to report that Orange City Council have granted us $4,000 to assist with the restoration works.

St Mary’s Church As noted above, the restoration of St Joseph’s Church will require a period of 18 months to 2 years.

Therefore the Orange Parish Finance Council

recommended to Fr Greg that St Mary’s be attended-to before St Joseph’s is closed for work. These works include fixing the obvious issues of broken windows and holes in the carpet, fixing the leaking roof, improving the lighting, and providing an improved the space for the choir and musicians. The Finance Council also advised that the state of the St Mary’s Confessional was an urgent Professional Standards issue. The parish therefore moved immediately to provide a compliant Confessional in which both the priest and penitent are protected.

This year, surveys on St Mary’s Church were conducted and a consultative committee met on a number of occasions to advise Fr Greg in the repairs and renovation. This provided the opportunity to investigate an improved gathering space for use prior to and following Masses and also to provide a welcoming and suitable area for other celebrations, particularly in winter.

At present, St Mary’s Church is temporarily closed for repair works to proceed and for the construction of the gathering area. A development application is with Orange City Council and tender documents are concurrently being prepared for the commencement of the gathering area works.

Parish of Sacred Heart & St Lawrence O’Toole Molong Molong Parish has similar issues as Orange Parish regarding the age of its churches and other buildings.

St Lawrence O’Toole The New Church This church is a beautiful and solid building with stained glass windows and fine timber work internally.

Unfortunately, the roof tile glazing has been eroded allowing dust and water to come into the body of the church. Also, it suffers from problems with electrical wiring, rising damp, and heating.

Unfortunately, the Parish has limited financial resources to progress a renovation of the building.

Therefore, the Molong Finance Council have been working hard to identify opportunities to generate longer term sources of income which will enable outside loans to fund the restoration of St Lawrence O’Toole’s. Currently, the Finance Council is reviewing plans for the renovation of the old convent and the old presbytery (new convent) with at least one building being available to provide rental income to support loans.

To date the church has been cleared of all items to allow for works to proceed. Many thanks to all the parishioners of St Mary’s that came to pack and store all the vestments, candles, kitchen items, music equipment, and statues. Window mechanisms have been repaired and engineering and surveyor reports have been completed. The rear sliding panels for use in winter can now be moved by one person with ease.

Roof repairs have been commenced, including replacement of the glass over the sanctuary with double glazing and tinting to reduce the glare and heat.

A number quotations for repairs to both buildings have been prepared to assess the best value options going forward.

These works will allow us to have a fully repaired and operational church by the time St Joseph’s Church is temporarily closed for restoration.

St Dympna’s Church & Presbytery – Cumnock

Kenna Hall Other works in our capital works plan include the renovation of Kenna Hall, the most pressing need being the upgrade of the toilets which includes the provision of a disabled access toilet.

Country Churches Cargo, Cudal and Mullion Creek churches have had engineering inspections with further consideration by the Orange Parish Finance Council in the early part of next year.

Old Convent The Old Convent in Byng Street is a longer term plan for 2022, with the hope that this significant building can be preserved into the future.

St Lawrence O’Toole The Old Church Currently used by St Joseph’s school and as a parish meeting room (the Jubilee Room), the old church building’s roof is in need of strengthening due to weathering and the weight of the tiles.

There has been much community consultation and discussion with the parishioners of Cumnock over the past 18 months with the current advice of the Molong Parish Finance Council to Fr Greg being the postponement of any decision regarding the future of this site for a further 18 months.

St Michael’s Church – Manildra Fortunately, this church is one of the most structurally sound buildings in the parish. However there is a requirement for some preventative maintenance.

Let’s pray that the Lord will bless and provide the skilled builders and workers to complete these many important works. Our parishes should provide safe and beautiful places of worship into the future, consistent with our vision of being a healthy growing Catholic community that worships God, welcomes the searcher, and invites people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Our Catholic Community The Parish of St Mary & St Joseph, Orange The Parish of the Sacred Heart & St Lawrence O’Toole, Molong Mass Centres: St Mary’s (Orange), St Joseph’s (Orange), Sacred Heart & St Lawrence O’Toole (Molong), St Michael's (Manildra), St Brendan’s (Mullion Creek), St Patrick’s (Cargo), St Columbanus’ (Cudal)

Orange City Weekend Masses Saturday 5.00pm (6.00pm during Daylight Savings) St Joseph’s Sunday 8.00am St Joseph’s 9.30am St Joseph’s 5.00pm (6.00pm during Daylight Savings) St Joseph’s Orange City Weekday Masses Monday 5.45pm St Joseph’s Tuesday 9.30am St Joseph’s

PLEASE NOTE: ST M A RY ’ S C H U R C H CLOSED FOR WORKS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Wednesday 5.45pm St Joseph’s Thursday 9.30am St Joseph’s Friday 5.45pm St Joseph’s

Orange District Weekend Masses Saturday 9.00am Cargo (Sunday Liturgy) 5.00pm (6.00pm during Daylight Savings) Manildra Sunday 8.00am Mullion Creek 8.00am Cudal 9.30am Molong Orange District Weekday Masses Wednesday 9.15am Mass at Molong Orange District Confessions Wednesday 9.45 -10.15am Molong Saturday 4.40-4.55pm (5.40-5.55pm Daylight Savings) Manildra Nursing Home Masses 11.00am on 1st Thursday of the month Benjamin Short Grove

Orange City Eucharistic Adoration Monday 5.00-5.40pm St Joseph’s Wednesday 5.00-5.40pm St Joseph’s Thursday Holy Hour 6.00-7.00pm St Joseph’s Friday 5.00-5.40pm St Joseph’s Orange City Confessions Friday 5.10-5.40pm St Joseph’s Saturday 4.15-4.45pm (5.15-5.45pm Daylight Savings) St Joseph’s

Public Holidays: Mass 8.30am at whichever Orange Church usually has Mass that day.

ANZAC day Mass is always St Joseph’s.

2.00pm on 1st Friday of the month Ascott Gardens Hostel 11.00am on 2nd Tuesday of the month St Francis Aged Care 11.00am on 2nd Thursday of the month Calare Nursing Home 11.00am on 3rd Thursday of the month Cherrywood Nursing Home 11.00am on 4th Tuesday of the month Gosling Creek Aged Care 11.00am on 4th Thursday of the month Wontama Hostel

Contact The Parish Team

PARISH CLERGY TEAM Fr Greg Bellamy Fr Pius Khaoya Fr Mathew Humtsoe

Parish Priest Assistant Priest Assistant Priest

PARISH MISSION SUPPORT TEAM Mr Michael O’Mara Ms Sandy Livermore Ms Anne Wykamp

PARISH MISSION TEAM Ms Amy Sullivan Ms Carla Ghisla Ms Vanessa Colquhoun Mr Josh Dunn Sr Frances McAleer rsj Mr Matthew Brown

Director of Ministries Director of Mission Sacramental Coordinator Family Educator Resident in Molong Youth Minister

For information about weddings, baptisms, funerals, and visits to the sick, please contact the Parish Office.

Operations Manager Parish Secretary Parish Receptionist

PARISH OFFICE Phone Email Address Facebook

6362 2378 office.orange@cdob.org.au 84 Hill Street (P.O. Box 44) Orange 2800 www.facebook.com/CatholicOrangeNSW

Office Hours Monday 11.30am - 4.30pm Tuesday - Friday 8.45am - 4.30pm