OUR LADY OF THE NATIVITY CHURCH LAWSON
All the News.
Sunday Mass is still 8.30am.
Weekday Masses are
Tuesday 5:00 PM,
Wednesday, 5:00 PM
& Thursday 9:00 AM.
We are (still) looking for readers, commentators and ministers of the altar.
If you are interested please call Len Blahut on 0405 916 326 to discuss this ministry.
Training will be given in our parish.
Holy Week Ceremonies.
Downloadable as a poster here -------------------------------------------->
OLN STA
Reconciliation, 2nd Rite 4th April 7:00 PM. 3rd April 7:00 PM.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 6th April 7:00PM. 6th April 7:00PM.
Stations of the Cross 7th April 10:00AM 7th April 10:00 AM.
The Passion of the Lord. 3:00PM. 3:00 PM.
Easter Vigil in the Holy Night 8th April 5:00 PM 8th April 5:00 PM.
Easter Sunday of
the Resurrection of the Lord 9th April 8:30 AM 9th April 8:00 AM.
9:30 AM.
Fr Paul. 24th March, 2023.
Lenten Events
Reflection on Sunday Gospels of Lent
On Fridays at 10:00 AM please join the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in the Parish Office, Mary St.
for the Sunday Gospels of Lent.
There will be a short video by Professor Mary L. Coloe pbvm, BA, B.Theol (hons),D Theol
followed by a 15-minute reflection & discussion.
This will be followed by an opportunity for sharing, if you wish, and finishing with a cuppa.
No need to book …… just come along.
The dates are Feb 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.
The starting time is 10 am.
As an alternative please go online to
https://onlineministries.creighton.edu or
Creighton University and St Louis University both have online resources so you can have your own Lenten devotions at home.
Journeying with Jesus
Ecumenical Prayerful Preparation for Holy Week and Easter
Led by Sr Jacinta Shailer SGS,
A time of prayer, song, sharing, silent prayer and blessing of palms.
Time: 10 am till 11 am followed by Morning Tea
BYO Plan branch and your Morning Tea.
Place: Catholic Church,
Wentworth Street,
Blackheath.
DATE: SATURDAY 1st APRIL
Sunday Lunch and the Sacred Scriptures
The Mountains Deanery Pastoral Council and Our Lady of Nativity, Lawson Catholic Community welcomes you to come to enjoy lunch together and where we can also share some food for our spirit.
See Brochure for more details ---------->
Our theme: Jesus and Forgiveness
Our keynote speaker is Dr Laurie Woods, Scripture Scholar
When: Sunday 2nd April, 12noon until 2pm. Please bring your own lunch.
Where: Our Lady of Nativity school hall at Lawson, Somers Street Entrance
RSVP Maureen Ryan maureenpr8@gmail.com or 0403 931 782 by Thursday 30th March
Consider your chocolate, your Easter eggs, your cotton AND Slavery
Challenging Slavery at Easter
· by harrison.pocknee@catholic.org.au
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Each Easter, millions of Australians will enjoy a chocolate egg or bilby, but few consider the dark reality of exploitation that lurks within its supply chains. The chocolate industry has long been tainted by reports of forced labor and slavery, particularly in West African countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast, which produce most of the world’s cocoa.
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The International Labor Organization says that an estimated 1.56 million children are involved in hazardous work in cocoa production in West Africa, with many forced to work long hours, use dangerous equipment, and endure physical and emotional abuse.
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“Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply an economic – act.” ( Pope Francis)
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Of the major supermarkets it seems that only ALDI has recently stocked Fairtrade Easter eggs.
Bennetto and Pico brands are Fairtrade Chocolate.
Cotton The fabric of everyday life
Unravelling the issues
Cotton really is part of our daily life (just check your clothes tag!) – and it’s also
the livelihood of 100 million rural households in 75 countries across the globe. But price-wars and a life below the poverty line means that in many countries, cotton farmers may as well be giving the shirt off their backs.
See brochures for more details ------------------>
Palms Australia: Change their lives and yours.
Communities in Africa, Asia or the Pacific are seeking Australians from a variety of professions and trades to share their skills with those who have less opportunity to develop their talents. On the Palms Australia website, you can also see news including stories from those currently supported in Timor-Leste, Samoa, American Samoa and Thailand. Please enquire further about potential assignments for you or someone you know: (02) 95605333 or 0422 472 567 or visit www.palms.org.au
Are You Interested in Learning about the Catholic Way of Life?
If you are interested, you are welcome to join a group of diverse interests and ages who meet each week for an hour to discuss some aspect of Catholic life on Fridays at 4pm.
Please call Len Blahut on 0405 916 326 to enquire and find out more about what’s happening.
Catalyst for Renewal Programme for 2023 is here
Please follow the link above for further details.
Blue Mountains Deanery Council explained here
Parramatta Diocesan Synod
Bishop Vincent has formally announced the convocation of the Synod in the Diocese of Parramatta. This will be the first Synod in the history of our young Diocese. Like the national and universal synods, ours will be also held in two phases. The first assembly will be held from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 October 2023 and the final assembly will be held near the middle of next year 2024.
Full details here ----------------------------------------------------------->
From the Bulletin.
Articles you may want to read recently published in the Bulletin.
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Supporting your Parish
Thank you for your contributions to both the first and second collections, credit card using the Tap and Go machine or by EFT to the Parish bank account. The First Collection is used by the Diocese to pay all Diocesan Clergy so that they are all supported equally.
The Second Collection is used to pay the costs of running our Parish. This collection now is 80% of the amount that was being collected before Covid 19 lockdowns. This means at that level (80%) the Parish is operating at a deficit. If that situation continues, we will not be able to continue long as a Parish.
It is appreciated that some Parishioners are on fixed incomes (pensioners, young families, etc.) are giving all they can . However, we ask those that can afford to, increase their support of the Parish.
The Parish needs to increase its weekly collections by about $400, which when split over the parishioners that can afford it is between $5 to $10 extra a week.
Please consider increasing your contributions to support the Parish so we can remove the deficit
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PARISH SENIORS' GROUP: On Wednesday, 29th March, the group will be enjoying a mini bus outing and a tour of the Margaret Whitlam Galleries and the Heritage Female Orphan School.
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Glenbrook Parish Good Friday Music and Meditation: 7 April.
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, is hosting a performance of the music of J.S. Bach and special meditations and reflections on Good Friday, 7 April, from 7.30pm in the parish church. Offering choral and organ music of J.S. Bach together with special readings and meditations, this annual service will feature several of the wonderful chorale settings from the Passions according to St John and St Matthew. Suggested donations for entry are $15 for adults, $10 for concessions. Any enquiries, please contact 0421 105 017.
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Lent 2023 With The Catholic Guy Bruce Downes
Lent is a time when we can grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for the true meaning of Easter. Be inspired. Be refreshed. Be renewed!
For 40 days you will receive a short, practical and inspiring video in your inbox every morning to help you make this Lenten journey more powerful and prayerful. This program is FREE and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org/Lent23
Go to BruceDownes.org for more information.
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Parish Seniors Group resumes Wednesday 25th January 10.30 Santa Maria Hall
see here for details
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Soul Food Podcast – Pastoral Formation.
Do you find life & faith inspiration by listening to the experiences of others?
Pastoral Formation’s Soul Food Podcast features life & faith stories of people from our diocesan family. Listen now, FREE via our website https://pfparra.org.au/soulfood/
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Catholic Earthcare Parishes Programs.
Catholic Earthcare Australia now makes it easy for parishes to take up the Australian Bishops’ invitation from the 2021-22 Social Justice Statement to join them in pursuing seven Laudato Si’ Goals towards more sustainability. The Earthcare Parishes Program offers ideas and guidance. Find out more and register for an Earthcare Audit at catholicearthcare.org.au/earthcare-parishes
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Preparation for the Sacraments of both Reconciliation and First Communion
will commence on February 16th 2023.
If you have not already registered your interest in the preparation program for your child (In year 3 or above) you are now welcome to register with the Sacramental Coordinator Maureen Ryan olon254@gmail.com as soon as possible, then you will receive a list of all the dates involved.
As resources and books need to be ordered early, it is important that each child's name be registered as soon as it is convenient.
All enquiries welcome.
Maureen Ryan,
Sacramental Co-ordinator. 0403 931 782
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2022-23 Social Justice Statement “Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse”
The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2022-23 “Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse” invites us to engage with a complex and challenging social reality: domestic and family violence and abuse. The Australian Bishops call for all people to take part in the individual and social transformation needed so all people can live in safety.
You can download the statement, listen to a podcast version and access many other resources at bit.ly/SJS22-23
Ellen and her sister Frances are adult survivors of abusive relationships in their Christian family during childhood. They share their experience through their research and writing:
“Domestic abuse is not restricted to Christian culture, but it is important that we realise the power of religious manipulation to keep people in abusive relationships. Abusers and survivors can use various religious lenses to justify their reasons. The Church must begin to recognise and condemn the use of Biblical refer- ences to justify abuse.....
Many Christian women who experience intimate partner abuse feel it is their duty as a Christian wife to sacrifice and forgive their spouse. The children in these relationships often feel... that they must respect the father and not say anything about what is truly going on in the home...”
From page 4 ACBC Social Justice Statement
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Masks are strongly recommended To quote the Diocese, "It's everyone's responsibility. Don't forget to wear your mask to Mass."
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Taize Prayer and Song.
You are warmly invited to Taize Prayer & Song at Leura Uniting Church, Grose Street, Leura.
All are welcome at Taize Prayer & Song for prayer, singing and meditation.
Taize Prayer & Song is held on the third Sunday of every month at 5pm.
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Refugee and Migrant Support.
One support is through the "Work and Welcome" program, which is a project of St Francis Social Services and the House of Welcome.
Work & Welcome assists people seeking asylum and refugees to be job ready by providing empowering work experience and employment opportunities in supportive host organisations. By creating structured, short term, paid job placements,
It also works through the generosity of the staff, themselves, who pledge a regular amount from their own pay towards sponsoring "Work and Welcome" in their own workplaces. -
Office Repair.
is continuing.
Work is finished on refurbishing the presbytery soon.
We will keep you informed of progress.
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Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal raising funds for Catholic Care’s Community Drop-In Centres’
Catholic Care is working hard to reach our neighbours in need and to reduce social isolation and loneliness throughout our community. Will you be a Good Samaritan and help Catholic Care reach our
vulnerable neighbours, so they have safe, welcoming places to connect with others and access support? Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal. Thank you for your heartfelt prayers and support
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Social Justice COVID-19 Food and Toiletries Drive.
Under the remaining influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and House of Welcome (HoW) cannot receive physical food and toiletry donations. However, many refugee families are still relying on their foodbanks or the provision of food vouchers. In this difficult time, please support JRS and HoW with a cash donation if you can. Find more information at parracatholic.org/diocesanfooddrive or call JRS on (02) 9356 3888.
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Caritas Australia responds to humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Lebanon and Tonga.
Visit www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/ or call 1800 024 413 toll free to make your donation.
We are (still) looking for readers, commentators and ministers of the altar.
We also need more commentators and readers so if you are interested please call Len Blahut on 0405 916 326 to discuss this ministry and training will be given in our parish.
We also welcome volunteers in a variety of other roles across the parish.
If you are interested in becoming a Lector(Reader) or Commentator
please speak to Fr Paul or Len
Safeguarding for Volunteers
If you would like to complete the training independently on our online training platform you can start these modules at any time and complete them at your own pace.
Sign up onto the platform by clicking on this link: https://learning.safeguarding.org.au
How can we support homeless people?
“To end homelessness we need a plan”.
Find out more at homelessnessaustralia.org.au and show your solidarity in ending homelessness, e.g., by attending or supporting Vinnies’ Community Sleepout supporting the Everybody’s Home campaign and signing their current petition for more social housing attending the National Homelessness Conference (8 –10 Aug in Canberra or online)
Vinnies also has some helpful information on homelessness in Australia on their website under
Sebastian Salaske-Lentern Diocesan Peace Justice and Ecology Co-ordinator.
Radical Inclusivity
On the 30th July there was Diocesan Meeting which included all the Deanery Pastoral Councils, the Diocese's Mission Enhancement Team, the Diocesan Pastoral Council and Bishop Vincent Long who was the keynote speaker. A highlight of the day came towards the end when the Diocesan Pastoral Council launched the Council's Radical Inclusivity Statement. This document, subtitled "Living the Call of the Gospel',' is firmly based on Pope Francis' exhortations to welcome our marginalised brothers and sisters into our Catholic Church community.
We are all called both within the diocese and in our local church communities to find ways of welcome and inclusion for everyone, including those who are alienated from our church family, such as those brothers and sisters in the LGBTQI+ community or those who have been divorced and remarried.
Please see the attached Radical Inclusivity Document here ------->
Vinnies need Volunteers.
Lawson Vinnies is in need of more Volunteers for our Community.
Blue Mountains Catholics take Action (previously Gathering of Talents) update is here
Sacrament Preparations 2022 is via this link
Our Parish's Over 50s Group
Our Parish's Over 50s Group will recommence this year with an initial meeting in the Santa Maria Hall on Wednesday, 25th January, commencing at 10.30am with morning tea followed by a BYO lunch, morning tea will be supplied. The meeting will finish around 1pm. If you would like to know a little more about our active group, please contact Paula Currie on 0416 185 651. See bulletin for further details.
Catholic Mission page is updated here
Deanery News is HERE
Masses online
Apart from the Mass at OLN published on this website each week, many parishes around the Diocese are celebrating Masses online. For more information, please visit the Diocesan website www.parracatholic.org/covid19.
The Parramatta Way of safeguarding is to ...
act with justice, and state that we have a zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm to children or any person. Act with justice and ensure that laws and obligations are upheld, and safety is paramount.
A poster detailing the rest of the Parramatta Way is here.
Refugee Support details are here
Donations to Refugees.
The need to help support refugees and asylum Seekers is now even greater during this current lockdown.
We cannot have a food drive, so donations of money is now our only option. Please see the flyer attached to the bulletin with information on how to make a donation. Please note that there is a pay by phone option for the House of Welcome as well as cheque or direct transfer. With so much bad news all around us, sometimes we feel that we are in the dark. We do not know what we can do! Or maybe, if we can, we can take this opportunity to help brighten someone's day. So let us all remember to
"Let your light shine before others " (Matt 5:16)
Maureen and Carol from the Deanery Pastoral Council.
Diocesan “Laudato Si’ Action Campaign”
On Friday 22 April, the annual Earth Day, the Diocese of Parramatta responded to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor by launching a Diocesan “Laudato Si’ Action Campaign”. Via a video message, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will invite all Catholic parishes, schools, families, and organisations across the Diocese to participate. Please visit parracatholic.org/laudatosi from 22 April to download the launch video and for further information. Also see the Video here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3YkNMuj7_0 Please also see the Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor document--->
Bishop Vincent’s pastoral letter on the proposed Parental Rights Bill.
Bishop Vincent has released a pastoral letter to the pastors, parents and the faithful of the Diocese of Parramatta on the proposed Parental Rights Bill. The letter can be read here
Bishop's Good Shepherd Appeal
Please support our seminarians to answer God’s call to the Priesthood.
At our Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park, young men are training to become future priests for the Diocese of Parramatta. Your caring gift and prayers are needed to support our seminarians to prepare for a life of service to our community. Please give generously via the Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal giving envelopes or online
at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal. Thank you for your kind accompaniment.
Please note most of the news is in the Bulletin available by clicking on the Bulletin link here
Older, Current News
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The Season of Creation is over, but there are helpful resources here Season of Creation
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Masses are being recorded each week and available by clicking on the Recorded Masses link
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Letter from Head, Religious Education commenting on changes in RE here
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Confirmation, First Communion and Preparations in Progress are here
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Cambodian Catholic Mission Project is here
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The Plight of the Afghan Refugees.
Last August Bishop Vincent urged us all to support the Afghanis in whatever way we can including asking government for an increase in our Afghani refugee intake."Catholic and other faith-based groups are joining with refugee advocates in calling on the Australian Government to respond humanely to the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan as the Taliban seizes power." Catholic Outlook magazine pub Parramatta Diocese.However, the government still needs to take significant action.
Afghani Crisis Fact Sheet is here -------------->
