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Mount Carmel Church

Fourth Sunday of  Lent

14 March 2021 - Year B
Reflection

This weekend marks the halfway point of the season, with just three weeks until Easter.  Traditionally this fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday, symbolised with a rose coloured candle. Laetare means rejoice and the day originally provided an opportunity to pause, and to relax Lent’s austerity in readiness for the dark days which precede our celebrations of the resurrection.  In the UK, it is also Mother’s Day - Mothering Sunday once called Refreshment Sunday because of the relaxation of the rules for Lent. A day to take the foot off the pedal.
But the readings we hear do not suggest as much. They appear rather bleak and certainly not congruent with the above. Sin, that three letter word which I suggest makes us all feel decidedly uncomfortable, features prominently. How then do I reconcile the Word of God with the intended lightness of this day? Recognising that a second and third reading of today’s scripture was obviously required, I called to mind the Lectio Divina experience we shared on the first Sunday of Lent.  I re-read the readings seeking the words or phrase which spoke most powerfully to me.

Whoever lives the truth comes to the light.

The powerful message of all three readings captured so succinctly in Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, the Pharisee who had sought Jesus in the dead of night.  Choose truth and come to the light or remain in darkness by choosing actions which don’t stand up to scrutiny. 

Light will be a focus in our prayer during the weekend liturgies. We will use the time honoured symbol of lighting candles.  Candles have always been a significant element in worship and become especially so at the Easter liturgies with the lighting of the paschal candle and the use of candles to symbolise light coming into our world.  

Last weekend we were enriched by the sharing of ways in which our community prays. This weekend as we reflect the words of the gospel by filling the church with light, the only prayer we need is the simple yet powerful Christ be our light.

 
Jane Connolly, Parishioner
Sunday Readings:  2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23; Eph 2:4-10;  Jn 3:14-21.
Whilst much has changed in the past 12 months, the finance committee had indicated previously that Planned Giving Envelopes would be phased out in 2021.
 
As of July 2021, there will be no Planned Giving envelopes distributed. The original concerns were always the safety and
security of our community. Covid has added another major issue. We need to remove the multiple handling of these envelopes.
 
We ask that if you are currently donating to Mt Carmel via envelope, that you contact the Parish office by phone or email and we can assist you to swap over to a Planned Giving program via direct debit. We will do all possible to help with this change as your support is greatly appreciated and needed.
 
Thank you
 
Father Martinho Da Costa - Parish Priest
Brian Egan - Chair, Parish Finance Council
Parish Giving - Direct Debit Request Form
Mt Carmel Place meets this Tuesday 16 March outside the Carmel Community Room from 9:30-11:00am.  All are welcome.
This weekend we welcome those children on their journey to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at all Masses to participate in the Rite of Enrolment and Presentation of the Creed.
We ask the community to keep these children in your prayers.


Ashely Weightman our RCIA candidate will be blessed during the Rite of Healing and Strengthening at the 5:30pm Mass this Sunday. Please keep Ashley in your prayers as we prepare for Easter with her.
Sacrament of Confirmation for children in Year 4
Thank you to all those parents who attended Monday night's Information Session.
This weekend at all Masses is the Rite of Enrolment and Presentation of the Creed.  Please see key dates below.
Rite of Enrolment (Presentation of the Creed) Saturday 13 March
Sunday 14 March (Attend one Mass only)                           
Sat 6:00pm or
Sun 8:30am or
Sun 5:30pm
Church
Confirmation Rehearsal Wednesday 21 April 2:30pm Church
Celebration of Confirmation Thursday 22 April
Friday 23 April
5:00pm or
5:00pm or 7:00pm
Church
Due to the postponement of this Sacrament in 2020, Year 4 children will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in April 2021 and make their First Holy Communion in June 2021.
 
Sacramental Program Information for children
in Year 3 and Year 5
Children who are in Year 5 this year and did not receive the Sacrament of Eucharist (First Holy Communion) last year will receive this Sacrament in June 2021.
Please Note: Children who are in Year 3 this year will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in September 2021.
 
Please contact the parish office on 3397 1587 or mtcarmel@bne.catholic.net.au for an enrolment form and/or further information.
Year 3A and 3B Mass - Thursday 18 March 9am
Parents, carers and grandparents of Year 3A and 3B students, you are invited to join us at weekday Mass on Thursday to celebrate Eucharist together. 
Please arrive before 9am to register at the doors of the Church. You are very welcome.
Project Compassion 2021 is a practical way during Lent to support the compassionate work of Caritas Australia.
You can donate pick up a project compassion box or envelopes at the church, or you can also DONATE by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or calling 1800 024 413.
check in for Masses
On arrival at Masses PLEASE check in with QR code or sign in sheet.  Please maintain 1.5m distance in seats and during communion.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe.

Weekend Masses: Saturday 6:00pm, Sunday 8:30am & 5:30pm
Weekday Masses: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am
Rosary Group: Monday after the 9am Mass
Liturgy of the Word and Communion: Tuesday 9:00am
Sacrament of Penance: Saturday 4:30pm-5:00pm
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