Bulletin - 20250323 - 2153 - Parish of Baulkham Hills - Parish Share St Michael's Bulletin

Parish of Baulkham Hills

St Michael’s and Our Lady of Lourdes

Third Sunday of Lent – 23 March 2025

Baulkham Hills parish is committed to being a community of safeguarding with zero-tolerance to abuse of any form.

For details on safeguarding, please visit the diocesan safeguarding website: https://parracatholic.org/safeguarding

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Not Our Conversion That Makes Him Love Us

The Gospel of the third Sunday of Lent is accompanied by the horror of the people of Palestine over the Roman occupying power. In verse 1, we read: “At that time some people came and told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with that of their sacrifices.”

What had happened here? The event described here is not recorded for us from other historical sources. But it fits very well with what else is known about Pilate. Pilgrims from Galilee had offered sacrifices in the temple. For whatever reason, Pilate probably saw this as a threat. He sent his soldiers into the temple, and he had the pilgrims killed on the spot. In this way, the blood of these people was mixed with the blood of their sacrifices. Apart from being a violent crime, it was also a desecration of the temple. It was abhorrent in every way.

We can imagine how the people must have felt when they came to Jesus with this news: the horror, the anger, the powerlessness, and the hatred of the Roman occupiers. They came to Jesus with these feelings. They came to Jesus with a hunger for justice.

Jesus’ answer was completely unexpected and surprising. The people had come to him with a concrete need: blatant injustice. Jesus told them, “Yes, there are problems out there. But you know what? Your real problem isn’t out there. The problem is inside here, in every human heart. The line between good and evil doesn’t run between Romans and Jews. The line that separates good from evil crosses the heart of every human being.” That is why Jesus called for a change of heart from everyone. We turn to a Father who loves us. It is not our conversion that makes Him love us; it is His love, without which we could not turn in the first place.

The heart of our Parish life is the church where we can turn to God and experience His healing love. Hence, we need to maintain the church for this purpose. The repair work of the roofs of St Michael and Our Lady of Lourdes has commenced this week at a total cost of 42K. We still need to replace the carpet at St Michael’s for health and safety reasons. Also, we need to pay attention to the uneven surface on the driveway area at Our Lady of Lourdes to minimize the risk of incidents. There was an incident last week. As you can see, there are continuous works of maintenance and repair to be done.

The restoration of the old church built in 1844 will be a long – term project. I believe that it has great potential and value for our parish life and beyond since it can be used as a boutique place for weddings, smaller funerals, special Masses and for personal prayers and retreats. There is no similar place of worship in greater Sydney with such a historic and spiritual significance once it has been restored and consecrated to become the chapel of Our Lady of Ephesus.

Let’s give thanks to God and let’s pray for His blessing upon all our endeavours.

Have a good weekend

Fr Joe

We wish to thank our parishioner for their
donations towards the maintenance of the church’s building

We acknowledge the receipt of the following
donations:

DominicGomez (1000 AUD)
PatriciaP (100 AUD)
Anonymousdonor (200 AUD)

The total amount will be transferred to a special
account for the maintenance of the church’s building.

God bless and thank you

Fr Joe

LIVE STREAMING AND MASS LINK

This week’s live stream Mass link for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time on Saturday 01 March at 6pm from OLOL is

https://youtube.com/ live/_VpHjTYrzaw.

SUPPORT DONATIONS

We really appreciate your continued support.

Please follow the donation details provided on official website:

https://www.parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au/give/

Third Sunday of Lent

Readings: Ex 3:1-8, 13-15; 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9

Entrance Antiphon

My eyes are always on the Lord,for he rescues my feet from the snare.Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and poor.

Response to the Psalm:

The Lord is kind and merciful.

Gospel Acclamation:

Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!
Repent, says the Lord; the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!

Communion Antiphon

The sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for her young: by your altars,

O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

Blessed are they who dwell in your house,for ever singing your praise.

Next Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Lent
Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

LENTEN RETREAT FOR ALL!

We put our Cars in for Service: Lent is the time for us to put ourselves in for Service!

Let’s do it!

Check your Diary and Come along!

Saturday March 29, 2025. Time: 10.00AM till 3.00PM

St. Michael’s Church, Baulkham Hills

B.Y.O Lunch

The Theme is: ‘Speak Lord, your servants are listening’

This day will be very interesting, and too good to miss.

We can only accommodate 100 people.

So, get in first!

Your companion for the day is Fr Kevin Walsh an Experienced Retreat Giver and Missioner.

Do book in to the Parish Office ASAP via email: admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au

Altar Serving Training – Tuesday 25th March

We will be hosting an altar server training session for any child who is interested in becoming an altar server. The children must have made their First Holy Communion. Please complete the registration form using this link. This session will run for approximately 45 minutes. Information about the follow-up training sessions will be provided at the end of this session.

We want to congratulate the children who have recently completed their training and have taken the opportunity to trial serving during Mass. We would also like to thank the parents who have supported children throughout the training process.

We are in the process of constructing a formal Altar Server roster. A roster will help to ensure these children have ample opportunity to serve and to avoid too many servers turning up at the same Mass. Thank you to the parents who have already contacted the Parish Office to advise 3 Mass preferences for altar serving. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the parish office and notify us as soon as possible if you have not already done so.

For enquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Parish Office on 9639 0598.

IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS

During the Jubilee/ Holy Year, Pope Francis invites the whole Church to become “pilgrims of hope”.

To respond to his invitation, our parish is organising a pilgrimage from Baulkham Hills to the Cathedral St Patrick on
Saturday 5 April 2025.

We will start at 5am from St Michael’s and parishioners from Our Lady of Lourdes can join us from 5 Canyon Road at approximately 5.30am.

The entire walk is 9.1 km, or lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Once arrived at the Cathedral, we will go through the Holy Doors and then attend the morning Mass at 8am, followed by breakfast in the Cathedral Hall.

Walking through the Holy Doors and attending the Mass are essential parts of the plenary indulgence granted to pilgrims by Pope Francis.

Plenary indulgences are profound gifts offered by the Catholic Church, providing a path to spiritual purification and closeness to God. Rooted in the belief of God’s boundless mercy, plenary indulgences hold immense significance for believers seeking to deepen their faith and draw closer to their Creator.

Those with walking difficulties may also join in the celebration at the Cathedral by car or by other
means of transportation.

For catering purpose, please RSVP to admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au or via this link https://forms.office.com/r/dJRJc9kuuc and QR code by 28 March 2025

Holy Thursday Choir

You are invited to join a combined Holy Thursday Choir which will sing at the Holy

Thursday Mass on April 17th and Reconciliation Service on Wednesday April 9th. No experience necessary! Rehearsals on Tuesdays 25th March and 1st April at 7.30pm. For further information please contact Lise Rider on 0412 125 821

Congratulations to

WolfAdlam
DanielJohnson
SiennaMastrosa

who were baptised at St. Michael’s Church last week

We pray that their faith may be an important and integral part of their life.

The FaithFeed celebrates the life, faith and action of people in their 20s, 30s and 40s within the diocese. It is a space where all are welcome, questions are honoured and where stories reveal the divine. Through storytelling, The FaithFeed aspires to make life & faith conversations relatable, accessible and encouraging. The FaithFeed is a space facilitated by life & faith leaders in their 20s, 30s and 40s, whilst remaining open to adults of all ages to attend. Please join us on Saturday 29 Mar, 2025, from 6.30-8.00 for an unforgettable evening event with good food, uplifting conversation and sharing of faith. Please use https://parracatholic.org/events/the-faithfeed-29-march/ to RSVP for catering purpose.

PALM SUNDAY
In previous years we have requested assistance in providing palms to the parish.

We are happy to announce this year that we have already organised our palms for St Michael’s and Our Lady of Lourdes Palm Sunday Services.

Fr Joe has prepared a meditation booklet for Lent 2025
It has the title “Pilgrims of Hope”
If you wish to receive a copy, please email the parish office
admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au

Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal
– WEEKEND 29/30 MARCH 2025

Next weekend, our Parish will support
Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal. Your generosity will enable our Catholic Care chaplains to offer pastoral care, comfort and Christian companionship that can bring healing and transformation. Through their
ministries, chaplains embody Pope Francis’ call this Jubilee
Year to be “tangible signs of hope for our brothers and sisters who experience
hardships of any kind.”

Please give generously for the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal next weekend. Thank you.

Old Church Restoration Meeting

Do you have expertise in renovation and restoration of a heritage church?

At our parish, we would like to restore the historic old church built in 1844 .
We need all hands and expertise for this communal project.

I would like to invite parishioners who have expertise in building preservation and construction for meeting on Thursday 27th at 6.30pm to discuss about the restoration steps etc. The meeting will held on site of the old church.

PARISH OF BAULKHAM HILLS CONFIRMATION PROGRAM

If you haven’t registered your child/ren please do so
as registration will close on Saturday 22 March 2025

Registration link: https://forms.gle/Wdm2YsgejjHdYT447

Please also remember those for whom prayers have been requested, especially for:

Recently deceased: Patricia Price, Vince Ardill, Rolf Baitinger

Anniversaries: Michael Yuen, Lena Seb, Marian Bertas, Joe Sultana, Penny Vassett, Consolacion Erana-Malinis

Sick: Valentina Diaz Mendoza, Joshua McCarroll, Peter Maguire, Bill Rowan, Jo Khong, Natasha Leitao, Felix Melinz, Arlene D’Cruz, Judy Poon, Jacqui Sneesby, Rebecca Grech, Monera Obeid, Cathy Vella, Mary Burns, Margaret White, Tony Biddle, Debra Price, Connie Rivas, Joey & Noah, Greg Hopwood, Garry Eldersley, Marie Bolton, Katherine Izzo, Mimi Yeung, Nicholas Tadros, Judy Taylor, Kong Su Chong, Frank Jacobs, Jamal Kairouz, Greg Brown, Cynthia Gomes, Jacinta Hollins, Florgina Henry, Baby Carter McGhie, Richard Miranda, Bridgette & Gabriella Boldt, Jane Gibson, Mabel Yabsley, Joseph MacDermid, Violet Nehme, Catherine Hemmings, Young William Merhi, Benett Perera,Rev Dr. Richard Waugh QSM, Khyla Meighan, Lisa Middleton, Joel Uvero, Charlie Howell, Frankie Fernandez, Leonie Turner, Rod Johnson, Maria Roche, Melba Oki, Peter Dawson, Peter Campbell, Pablo Herrara, Philippa Ford, Honor Rosario, Harry & Pam Williams, Lavinia Costello, Anne Torina Wayman, Evan Garcia, Brian Roche, Warren Moses, Carmel Willis, Matthew Burke, Julie Bracks, Roumanos Nehme, Deba Beani, Edward Beani, Jenny Francis and all who are ill.

PARISH STAFF

Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Lam

Assistant Priests: Fr Thomas Bui

Assistant Deacon: Deacon Roque Dias

The Parish of Baulkham Hills (02) 9639 0598
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Office Administrator Monica O’Callaghan
Assistant Secretary Betty Cheung

ST MICHAEL’S
1 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153

OUR LADY OF LOURDES
1 Canyon Rd, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153

PO Box 702, Baulkham Hills 1755
Email: admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au
Website: www.parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au

CURRENT LITURGY SCHEDULE

ST MICHAEL’S WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil: 5.30pm
Sunday: 8.00am, 10.00am and 6.00pm
Mon – Fri: 9.15am Sat: 9.00am

ROSARY: Mon – Fri 8.50am, Sat 8.45am

ADORATION OF BLESSED EUCHARIST
Tuesday 9.45am – 10.45am

RECONCILIATION
Saturday 9.30am – 10.30am, 4.45 – 5.15pm

OUR LADY OF LOURDES WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am
Wed – Fri: 9.30am

ADORATION OF BLESSED EUCHARIST
Friday 8.50am prior to 9.30am Mass

RECONCILIATION
Saturday 5.00 – 5.30pm