St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community Springwood in Sydney, Australia | Church

St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community Springwood

Locality: Sydney, Australia

Phone: +61 2 4754 1052

Address: 168 Hawkesbury Rd, Springwood NSW 2777, Australia 2777 Sydney, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.stachurchspringwood.org.au

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25.01.2022 Welcome to the third week of Spring, the sun is shining and its a glorious day to pray and give thanks to our Lord for this sweet time and for fresh beginnings in each of our hearts. Please join with others in our community to share and grow faith, every Saturday from 11am - 12pm. Listen to the pre-recorded presentation about a topic of faith before Saturday 11am and then join an online group discussion via Zoom from 11am.... Register in advance for this meeting to receive the links for the presentation and meeting: https://tinyurl.com/saturdaysessions19Sep After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about the presentation for this week and a link to join the meeting. Saturday 19th September A Mission of Justice and Mercy: Becoming a Church for Mission 2030 Fr Frank Brennan SJ Please contact Lisa Bright on [email protected] if you cannot access the presentation to watch before Saturday 11am, or for further details or questions.

24.01.2022 Deceased Family and Friends Annual Mass Wednesday, 18th November, 7.00pm November is the month that we pray for those who have gone before us in faith and that they be embraced by God. Tomorrow night we will celebrate the Repose of Souls of family members, people who have died alone, unloved or in tragic circumstances. ... A candle ceremony will be part of the celebration of the Mass and you are welcome to place a framed photo of your loved on on to the sanctuary prior to the commencement of Mass. "May perpetual light shine upon them."

23.01.2022 Child Protection Sunday - 13 September 2020 This weekend, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Child Protection Sunday, on which we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm done by priests, religious and lay people in Church settings. The Church takes a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse. We... recommit to practices that support survivors and make the Catholic Church and its ministries the safest possible place for children and people at risk. Find out more at: www.catholic.org.au/childprotectionsunday and www.catholicreligious.org.au/safeguarding

22.01.2022 Confirmation Practice Reminder: A reminder to ALL Confirmation families that we will be holding a Confirmation practice on Wednesday, 2nd September. This practice will start at 3.30pm and will run for approx 45 mins. Please contact the Parish office on 4754-1052 if you have any questions. Thank you.

22.01.2022 Confirmation 2020 - Tuesday 8th September This evening, a beautiful group of children will be participating in a Confirmation commitment ceremony that they have been preparing for over the last four weeks. Please join us in praying for the children as they celebrate their Confirmation:... Lord, You send out Your Spirit to touch the hearts of all people, so that they may believe in You and in Jesus whom You sent. Look kindly on all candidates for Confirmation as they listen to Your voice. Open their hearts to Your Spirit and bring to fulfillment the good work that You have begun in them. As we prepare these children for Confirmation, make each of us an instrument of Your love. Teach us to appreciate what is holy in others, and to be patient with what we do not understand. Deepen our faith in the Gospel and help us to pass it on by our example. We pray that You will continue to guide us and sustain us. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

22.01.2022 Tips for Getting Active Several studies have found that exercise is a good way to help prevent, or manage, mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Research shows that keeping active can help lift mood, improve sleep, increase energy levels, help block negative thoughts and/or distract people from daily worries, increase opportunities to socialise, and generally increase wellbeing. Exercise may also change levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, endorphins, and s...tress hormones. Try to do some exercise every day, even if it is just going for a walk. Keep it simple and enjoyable. For further support, please call a trained mental health professional on 1300 224 636 or email/chat online at www.beyongblue.org.au/getsupport

21.01.2022 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

21.01.2022 Social Justice Day, Sunday 30th August 2020 This year, the Australian Bishops Social Justice Statement is titled: To Live Life to the Full - Mental health in Australia today. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the mental health of many members of our parishes, schools and communities. Understanding mental health will help us to be aware of those who need our support. The Bishops' invite us all to reject stigmatisation, to work for the transformation of social determinants o...f mental ill-health, and to call for policies and service provision that meets the needs of the poorest and most marginalised members of our community. Download the Statement at http://bit.ly/SocialJustice_2020.

20.01.2022 Parish Bulletin - Christ the King, 22nd November 2020 This is the last Sunday of the Church year before we begin our new year with Advent. On this last Sunday of the year, the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. https://stachurchspringwood.org.au//Parish-Bulletin-Last-S

20.01.2022 Mass - First Sunday of Advent We welcome you to join Fr Paul as he says Mass for this weekend, being the First Sunday in Advent. Loving God, light in me a desire to prepare for your coming, to stand in the darkness, waiting, eager and filled with joy!... https://youtu.be/YKq4GCdttU4

17.01.2022 Parish Bulletin - 15 November 2020 Dear Parishioners, Please find attached our Parish Bulletin for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. ... Go Gently. https://stachurchspringwood.org.au//Parish-Bulletin-33rd-S

17.01.2022 You are invited to visit the Well a new online platform that provides free, on-demand inspiration for families, children, young people and faith communities. Please click on this link to find out about this amazing opportunity. https://www.catholicoutlook.org/new-diocesan-platform-offe/ or view the video at https://tinyurl.com/thewellparramatta... With over 80 (and growing) videos, podcasts and other online resources, at any time of day or night, you can watch and listen to: High-energy childrens shows; Information and reflections on the sacraments; Recordings of young musicians around the Diocese leading praise and worship; Thought-provoking discussions from local and international speakers; Inspirational sharing from young people and young women. Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, described The Well as being an initiative of the various ministries and agencies of the Diocese that responds to the growing need for a strong Catholic presence online. Through our work with our youth, with our parishes, and our councils, we have understood the importance of offering a relevant and engaging online space, and what is being offered seeks to support and complement the work of our faith communities, as we work together to share and grow our faith in Jesus Christ.

16.01.2022 We welcome you to join Fr Paul as he celebrates Mass for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time and also Social Justice Sunday. This Mass also has a short introduction by Len Blahut and a Papal certificate presentation to Richard and Noelene Kemmis for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. https://youtu.be/tdI6JgScGWk

16.01.2022 Bulletin - First Sunday of Advent Please find below the link for this weeks Bulletin being the First Week of Advent. God Bless and Go Gently.... https://stachurchspringwood.org.au//Parish-Bulletin-ADVENT

15.01.2022 Mass, 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Dear Parishioners, We are blessed to have Fr Paul back with us after his break away and leading our Mass this weekend, being the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.... Go gently. https://youtu.be/wyYeflfjZxY

15.01.2022 You are invited to a participate in an upcoming national webinar, Knowing the community whom we are called to serve. In this time of COVID-19, the need to connect has become even more pronounced. This webinar, led by the National Centre for Pastoral Research, addresses these questions, and ways we can be informed and supported, drawing upon the Parish Social Profiles and in dialogue with community leaders. This event will be hosted by the Pastoral Ministry Network (formerly known as NAPPA) and supported by the Mission Planners Network Oceania and the National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR). Register at https://bit.ly/nationalwebinar_reg

15.01.2022 Fr Paul invites you to join him as he says Mass for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. https://youtu.be/nig_ILEyfQw The homily for this weekend is beautiful and very relevant. God bless.

13.01.2022 Lessons from the Long Paddock Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, Saturday, 21 November Meet Bishop Columba and Kate Englebrecht as they introduce you to the Diocese and to Lessons from the Long Paddock. Dawn is an Aboriginal woman from Bourke and her story is reflected upon in the first segment. Kate leads a reflection after it on some themes relevant to the spiritual life. Saturday Sessions: 11am-12:15 pm via Zoom - Sharing faith with a community online... Enjoy a video or reading preparation before the session and then join in discussion online where we can grow and share in faith. Register for the upcoming session on at: https://tinyurl.com/saturdaysessionsnov21 Revisit earlier Sessions at the https://thewell.org.au/series/#content4form

11.01.2022 Saturday Session - 5th December, 11am-12:15 pm Our Moral Imperative to Act on Climate Change With Pope Francis The global climate crisis will require us to transform the way we act, says His Holiness Pope Francis. Delivering a visionary TED Talk from Vatican City, the spiritual leader proposes three courses of action to address the world’s growing environmental problems and economic inequalities, illustrating how all of us can work together, across faiths and societies, to pr...otect the Earth and promote the dignity of everyone. The future is built today, he says. And it is not built in isolation, but rather in community and in harmony. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/saturdaysessionsdec5 Enjoy a video or reading preparation before the session and then join in discussion online where we can grow and share in faith. Sharing faith with a community online.

11.01.2022 OPENING A CONVERSATION ABOUT PEOPLE SEEKING ASYLUM Since August 2017 the Diocese of Parramatta, led by the Social Justice Office in conjunction with the Sydney Alliance, Jesuit Refugee Service, House of Welcome, NSW Vinnies and CatholicCare Social Services, has been undertaking an Diocesan Journey: Walking with Refugees and People Seeking Protection. ... The journey responds to Bishop Vincents invitation to Catholic communities to respond to their plight of people seeking protection with understanding and compassion. The starting point for the Diocesan Journey in most parishes is a table talk, supported and led by the Sydney Alliance in collaboration with the Diocese. The Sydney Alliance has been hosting these table talks since 2015, with thousands of people taking part. What is involved? The main activity is the table talk a conversation inside a local community about and with people seeking asylum. Table talks take between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours. They emphasise respectful dialogue and mutual sharing of personal stories around values that are important to us. At each gathering asylum seekers or refugees are invited to share their story. Members also share their stories and to ask questions of an expert. The goal is to build solidarity, to find common ground in our shared values, and build the capacity of our communities to stand with people seeking asylum. The Sydney Alliance and Diocesan Journey committee provide the following One or more asylum seekers / refugees who are prepared to share their story during table talks A suggested format for the conversation (with a focus on sharing stories and values). An expert to respond to participants questions and reflections Someone to facilitate, or co-facilitate with a local leader if desired. Participating organisations are asked to: - Provide a venue and time to gather for the table talk - Turn out members to take part in the table talk - Meet at least twice with Sydney Alliance leaders beforehand to adapt the agenda to their community and values, and at least once afterwards for debriefing and follow up - Identify and bring together a small group of leaders willing to run small groups at the table talk (with training and support from the Sydney Alliance). This project is led by the Diocesan Journey Steering Committee, as well as the Sydney Alliance People Seeking Asylum Team. The Sydney Alliance is a non-partisan coalition of civil society organisations, including the Diocese of Parramatta. To take part, contact us here: Patrice Moriarty Social Justice Coordinator [email protected] 8838 3413 or 0409 399 505

11.01.2022 Dear Parishioners We welcome you to join Fr Paul as he celebrates Mass on this beautiful Spring weekend which is also the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Enjoy our poem which we leave for you to ponder:... A Poem to Sit With You too go into my vineyard. (Gospel) In our deepest selves if we can enter there, we may discover a peace and a goodness, a forgiveness, a gentleness and a hope Christ, in our deepest selves. We may discover a desire, a most inner desire that what we want is to do Gods will and that this desire is all we can really know or be sure of about our selves. Yet it is enough. It is a grace. J. Janda https://youtu.be/ofjjZoRkOOk

11.01.2022 Incorrect Christmas Mass Time in Bulletin: An incorrect time was placed in to the Parish Bulletin last week for one of the upcoming Christmas Masses. Please update your diaries to reflect:... Sunday, 27th December: 8.00am and 9.30am Springwood Thank you

11.01.2022 Dear Parishioners, On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month we will resume our Adoration from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Everyone is welcome.... Please sign in on entry and ensure that social distance measures are taken into consideration. Please do not attend if feeling unwell. God bless.

10.01.2022 Fr Paul would be delighted if you would join him for Mass this weekend, being the last weekend of Ordinary Time, and the Feast of Christ the King. The beginning of the Mass opens with Len Blahut from Lawson Parish inviting Parishioners to prepare for Christmas through Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading). It is proposed that a series of four, small group meetings, that explore the prayerful reading of Scripture, found amongst the Advent readings will go ahead during the Advent se...ason. You may already be familiar with the practice of Lectio Divina. But if you are not, you may find that it provides you with a new and refreshing way to integrate the reading of scripture into your prayer-life. You are invited to join a Lectio group on the four Saturdays of Advent: November 28th, December 5th, 12th and 19th. Meeting at 3:00pm in the Santa Maria Hall, Lawson. Each session should take about one hour. Because of COVID-19, numbers will be limited and all safety protocols will be adhered to. Please book your place by contacting either the Springwood or Lawson Parish office. God bless. https://youtu.be/XWSe1oD8Kak

10.01.2022 Dear Parishioners, We welcome you to join Fr Paul, on this beautiful Blue Mountains weekend, to celebrate Mass for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. God Bless. ... https://youtu.be/1lR599y72r4

10.01.2022 Blessings on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Let us celebrate with joy the birth of our Virgin Mary, of whom was conceived and born immaculate and full of grace. Her birth constitutes the hope and the light of salvation for the world and her very image is the spiritual Mother of all Christians. Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary... Most lovable Mother Mary, our Father in Heaven created you with deep affection and made you worthy to become the holy Mother of His Son. You were born into a family of Saints. Pray for us today, that our joy in you and your Son, will deepen our hope, love and faith in God. Amen. As you travel on your journey of faith, may the Blessed Virgin Mary be an inspirational guide for hope and devotion, leading you ever closer to God. May you feel the warmth and light of God's unconditional love burning brightly in your soul, just as you have given warmth and light to our brothers and sisters in need through your kind-hearted spirit. God bless.

10.01.2022 Happy Father's Day Today we celebrate St Joseph as a model of purity and loving-kindness, protector of the Church, patron of the dying, of immigrants, workers, pilgrims and travellers but, above all, as a father. We give praise and thanks for Joseph, Jesus earthly father. Let us pray to St Joseph for all fathers, living and dead; for those who find fatherhood difficult; for those who have been isolated from the lives of their children; and for those whose fatherly bond is ex...pressed through love and care for others unrelated to them by ties of blood. Prayer for Fathers Pope Saint John Paul XXIII Saint Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labour and weariness. But amid the worries of material life, your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labour alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over Him faithfully as you have done. Amen.

10.01.2022 Deanery News The Spring edition of the Diocesan Catholic Outlook is now available for you to collect when you are next at Mass or online via the following link: https://www.catholicoutlook.org/. As mentioned previously, our Plenary journey has been put back a year with the first Assembly in Adelaide, October 2021 and the second in Sydney, July 2022. You can read about the delegates and Plenary working documents in pages 36-38 of the Catholic Outlook. ... Richard McMahon, Director of Pastoral Planning, explains the roles of the Diocesan, Deanery and Parish Pastoral Councils under the title 'The Voice of the People' on pages 44-45. Other news: - We welcome Father John McSweeney PP and Fr Abraham to the Upper Mountains/Katoomba Parish and we wish Fr Jolly a fruitful mission in Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens. (No news of his replacement at Glenbrook yet). - The Australian Bishops have released a 200 page response to the Royal Commission recommendations. 'The Light from the Southern Cross' aims at promoting co-responsible governance with transparency and accountability in our Church. The full report and reading guide are available on-line. - Our Deanery initiative to support the Jesuit Refugee Service and The House of Welcome has been adopted across the Diocese. Participating Parishes will be rostered twice a year to donate to support refugees. Details will be published when confirmed. Thank you and God Bless, Deanery Representatives Vic O'Callaghan and Kim Crawford

10.01.2022 Plenary Council Update The Plenary Council continues to prepare for the first session of the Plenary Council in October 2021. A national team is currently preparing a working document, known as the Instrumentum Laborum, which will be the foundation for the Plenary agenda. A calendar has been released flagging key next steps.... In the meantime, the team at the Plenary Council have developed a wonderful resource for our communities to both discern the Writing Papers developed from National Themes and to bring local actions to life. https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au//Reflection-Resourc

09.01.2022 Friday night Prayers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgWiuTbUWyU&feature=youtu.be

09.01.2022 We welcome you to join Fr Paul as he celebrates Mass for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Lord, your love is eternal. https://youtu.be/8c_HtEClzBY

09.01.2022 St Thomas Aquinas Parish needs your HELP... Are you able to spare 15 minutes prior to Mass on a Saturday night at 5pm and Sunday morning at 9.45am to help with ushering? If you are able to help, please contact our Parish office on 4754 1052 or via email on [email protected].... Thank you and God Bless.

08.01.2022 We welcome you to join Fr Paul for Mass on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. May you all be blessed with a beautiful weekend. https://youtu.be/fbsXvX4UEwI

08.01.2022 The Social Justice Office is also proud to present an online workshop dedicated to the Social Justice Statement 2020-21 on Monday 31 August from 7pm to 8.30pm via Zoom. Join with people from across the Diocese to break down the Social Justice Statement and hear from the experts on Mental Health and the everyday tools you can use in your life and ministry, what resources are available in the diocese and how we can work together. To RSVP, please contact: [email protected]

07.01.2022 Good morning, The live-streaming of Mrs Thelma Joan Murphys funeral will begin at 11.00am this morning. God bless.

06.01.2022 Change of Mass Time After an overwhelming response, we are moving our Sunday 9.45am Mass to 9.30am from Sunday, 4th October. Daylight Savings also starts this weekend. Our Saturday evening Vigil Mass will remain at 5.00pm as will our 8.00am Sunday Mass.

06.01.2022 Dear St Thomas Aquinas Parishioners It has been six months since all of us have made changes to how we worship. We thank you for the willingness and speed with which we have seen you embrace these changes, some of them difficult and possibly confusing. The positive response by the Catholic Community of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains was recently reinforced by NSW Health who are working with us through our Diocese to make sure what we do at church keeps us safe. We si...ncerely appreciate all you are doing to ensure that this happens. We have witnessed how easily the virus can spread at churches, and we support the governments regulations and recommendations. Our Parish is a registered COVID-safe organisation, and in order to remain so, we need to follow certain practices. By now you will be used to parts of our plan such as setting a maximum attendance, pre-booking at weekend Masses, recording contact details, sanitising our hands, and sitting in the marked pews. At the Saturday 5pm Vigil and Sunday 9.45am Masses, we are asking for two volunteers to help us with ushering services. Please contact the Parish office if you have 15 minutes free prior to either Mass. We are also pleased to see so many of you wearing masks. This is a practical way you can show you care for the health of others, and we would like to see our entire parish to take up mask wearing whenever you come to church. Thank you for following the advice issued so far. We are sure you will have heard this pandemic referred to as a marathon rather than a sprint. The bottom line is our concern for everyones safety, and your compliance means you are all playing an important role in keeping our community safe. Thank you and God bless

05.01.2022 Blessing of the Bells of St Patricks Cathedral - 8th September For centuries, Church bells have sounded, serving as timekeepers, calling the faithful to prayer and Mass, glorifying our religious celebrations, ringing joyously at weddings or tolling solemnly in memory of loved ones. The chime of Church bells invites us to pause and reflect, reminding us of God's presence and the intrinsic roles that our faith and the Church play in our lives. The sound of bells stirs emotions..., memories, and spirituality; expressing sentiments of sorrow, joy and hope; touching the hearts and souls of our community. The dream of installing a peal of bells at St Patrick's Cathedral dates to 1853. In 2019, the arrival from England of eight specially commissioned bells, began the final chapter in an epic 167-year quest to install a 'ring' of bells in the spire of St Patrick's Cathedral. On Tuesday 8 September at 6 pm, on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, history will be made with the Blessing of the Bells of St Patrick's Cathedral by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta. https://stpatscathedral.com.au/bellsappeal/

05.01.2022 Happy first day of spring!

04.01.2022 Holy Communion DVD - Available for Collection The DVD of each Holy Communion Mass, held on the 8th August, is now available for collection from the Parish office. Please collect during office hours: Tuesday - Friday, 8.30am-3.30pm. ... Thank you.

04.01.2022 Thought for the Week We come to know him in the daily encounter with the Lord, each day. Through our victories and through our weaknesses. We come to know Jesus as disciples on the path of life, following behind him. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, who is a great worker: he is not a union organiser, he is a great worker. And he is always at work in us: and he carries out this great work of explaining the mystery of Jesus, and of giving us the mind of Christ.... Meditation in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae February 20, 2014

02.01.2022 Diocese of Parramatta celebrates the Season of Creation The Diocese of Parramatta is celebrating the Season of Creation (1 September 4 October) by creating a video to be released on 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. We invite all parishioners to be involved. Send your photograph, video, art or poetry of your favourite nature spot in the Diocese to [email protected] by 25 September. Details can be found at https://www.parracatholic.org/socialjustice/

01.01.2022 Change of Mass Time: We are considering moving our Sunday morning Mass from 9.45am to 9.30am from Sunday, 4th October. Our Saturday evening Vigil Mass will remain at 5.00pm as will our 8.00am Sunday Mass.... Watch this space for further news to come on this change.

01.01.2022 Join over 43,000 people from over 90 countries around the world for a FREE online pilgrimage! It is a Biblical journey through the life of Jesus Christ, with Mary, through the Rosary. Each day there is a short reflection video on a mystery of the Rosary, and there are bonus talks and interviews. To register go to: https://www.parousiamedia.com/the-spiritual-rosary-pilgrim/