Dear brothers and sisters,
Word of God for the week
“He got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there.” (Mk 1:35)
Q&A: What is God’s plan for human beings?
God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness, freely created man and woman in order for them to share in his own blessed life. In the fullness of time, God the Father sent his Son as the Redeemer and Saviour of humankind, who had fallen into sin, so calling all into his Church and, through the work of the Holy Spirit, making them his adopted children and people who will share in his eternal happiness.
Opportunity for men and women this Lent
Lent is a time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Living it with others helps us be more faithful to what we have desired to live during Lent, and builds fraternity with each other. For those who wish, two separate groups are available. Men can join Fr Josh in the Exodus program, and women can join the Dominican Sisters for the Magnify program. The commitment will only be for the 40 days of Lent – which reflects the ancient Christian tradition of fasting, and the biblical example of 40 days in the desert, both of God’s people and of Jesus himself. The commitment includes meeting as a group once a week, fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays, giving up desserts, alcohol, tv and video games, a daily holy hour, exercise of some kind 3 times a week – and, for the men, cold showers. The point is not to earn salvation, but to help us open up to God’s grace, grow in fraternity, and grow in personal freedom. For those with any reason for doubt healthwise we ask you to check with your GP before joining us. More details can be found on https://exodus90.com/how-it-works/. Contact the Berala parish secretary with your name, email and phone number to register.
First Fridays School of Adoration
How do I pray? The best way to learn is to start praying. To help us to begin to pray, and to pray better, the Emmanuel Community will be helping us restart the traditional practice of a holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday evening every month. The structure will be simple: 7.45pm brief talk, 8pm adoration and benediction, 9pm tea & coffee. All are welcome, especially if you aren’t used to it or are non-Christian. Please book it in your diaries.
Welcoming the cross for a week
During Lent three parishes – Auburn, Berala and Lidcombe – will be taking turns welcoming a big wooden cross for the week. On Sunday afternoon 10 March whoever wishes will be processing with the cross (including stations of the cross) from Lidcombe to Auburn, then on 17 March from Auburn to Berala, and then 24 March from Berala to Lidcombe. For the week of 17 March Berala will be having special activities based around the cross every day until the cross leaves us to go to Lidcombe. Details coming soon.
Yours in Our Lord,
J+
