Our church is OPEN

Thank you for helping to protect our parish community by choosing to be vaccinated against COVID-19

Masks MUST be worn at all times whilst in the church

FATHER PATRICK’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION DINNER CANCELLED
With increasing numbers of covid cases, a rise in hospital admissions and the health and safety of our parishioners, family and friends of great concern, the decision has been made to cancel the upcoming 30th Anniversary of Ordination dinner on the 18th February. A full refund for tickets purchased will be available after I return from annual leave, the office reopens on the 1st February. Sincerely, Lisa Bates

Click to access bishop-brian-mascord-christmas-pastoral-message-2021.pdf

4th Sunday of Advent 2021

Dear Parishioners,
I want to thank Fr. Richard for his pastoral work during his time with us He
celebrated weekday and Sunday Masses during our lockdown and so many parishioners were able to have ‘Mass at Home.’ Fr. Richard will be going to the Campbelltown parish & we wish him every blessing & happiness in that part of the Diocese.
As we gather for Christmas we thank God for the many blessings He has shown us during this COVID Pandemic. Please have your injection against this virus & keep yourself , your family & our community safe. It is a real blessing that, without restriction, we can all gather to celebrate the Christmas Season: Emmanuel “God is with us”
I wish you & your families a blessed and safe Christmas, Fr. Patrick

Click to access 211215-addendum-notice-to-covid-19-guidelines-15-dec-21.pdf

Please pray for long time parishioner Con Kelleher who passed away peacefully on Thursday, 2^nd of December 2021. Beloved husband of the late Brigid. Dearly loved father of John. Much loved Poppy of Jack, Ivy, and Meg. Loved brother-in-law of Nancy. Con will be sadly missed by his loving family and many dear friends.

Aged 87 Years
In God’s Care

Requiem Mass for the repose of Con’s soul will be celebrated in St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Park Road Bulli on Friday, 10th of December 2021 at 11am. Following the Mass his funeral will proceed to West Dapto Catholic Cemetery, 231 West Dapto Road West Dapto.

In keeping with NSW public health orders, all attendees must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend.

1st Sunday in Advent Year C. 2021

Dear Parishioners, Welcome to ADVENT- a spiritual journey to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ into the world and into our hearts. Born of the Virgin Mary our Saviour comes to all with Love, Peace and Joy. Even as a little baby Jesus brings Hope to our troubled world. We pray that our Lord will bring relief to our nation and all the world in this Pandemic. As the Psalmist reminds us” ‘Lord all our hope is in you’.
The ‘Blessed’ Advent & Christmas booklet helps us all on this journey.
God Bless you and your families, Fr. Patrick
‘Come O Jesus, Come O Lord, fulfilment of the Father’s Word’

Sunday 14th November. Feast of Christ the King.

Dear Parishioners, What a year 2021 has been. I’d like to thank all parishioners who are helping “open up” our churches. I especially thank Fr. Richard for his beautiful Masses on the (Corrimal) parish website, his homilies are inspiring. I also thank Michael and Cristene Barnett for the recording of the Sunday Masses for St. Joseph’s during lockdown. Please get vaccinated against the COVID virus for your protection, your family and our communities. God Bless, Fr. Patrick.

St Joseph: Pray for us, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop: Pray for us.

Please pray for long time parishioner Ross French who passed away on Thursday 11th November. May he rest in Peace. The funeral for Ross will be held at St. Joseph’s on Saturday 20th November at 9:30am.

Fr. Patrick’s 30½th Anniversary Celebration Dinner:
6:00pm on Friday 18th February 2022 at the Fraternity Club Function room, Fairy Meadow. You do not need to rebook. if you have booked and can no longer attend please contact the office so we can organise a refund.

NOVEMBER – MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
In November we remember our deceased loved ones in Mass. To have Mass offered for someone dear to you, please print clearly on the envelopes provided so we can enter them accurately into the Books of Remembrance. Envelopes are available from both churches or inside your envelope packs.
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended by Pope Francis, all of our Church leaders and NSW & Australian governments Chief Medical Officers. It is imperative that we all have our vaccinations as soon as possible to enable us to reunite in our faith/church community. Vaccinations will help protect our most vulnerable parishioners, and lead us back to our new normal

Sunday 7th November 2021 (32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time) was the last Mass to be videoed and posted on our parish website until further notice. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to bring the continuation of our parish Masses into our homes, and keeping parishioners connected. Since the start of the pandemic I have videoed a total of 37 Masses that have been available on our website. I now look forward to joining everyone in person at our regular Masses. God Bless. Michael Barnett, Website Administrator

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (7th November 2021)

Dear Parishioners, It is wonderful to be welcoming parishioners back to our weekend Masses. The Sunday Obligation can also be fulfilled by attending any weekday & also participation in an online/ T.V. Mass. I again urge parishioners to be vaccinated against the COVID virus which has re emerged in some parts of the Northern Illawarra. It protects you, your family & the community against this serious illness. I thank Fr. Richard for his great work during the time of lockdown. All parishioners & families are in our prayers. We pray for all the Holy Souls in November.
May the Lord Bless you and keep you, Fr. Patrick.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (31st Oct. 2021)

Dear Parishioners, last weekend was such a joyful & blessed time for our parish communities, with Fr. Richard and myself celebrating Sunday Masses with our parishioners for the 1st time in 16 weeks. Numbers are limited in both churches so please come early to weekend Masses. You can of course attend a week-day Mass with fewer people, which will satisfy your Sunday Obligation, Viewing a ‘Mass at Home’s still an option for us.
The Catholic Weekly this week is full of inspiring stories about people and our faith. There is an appeal by Archbishop Fisher for the Afghan Refugees soon to come to NSW. It is worth reading and considering a response.
The COVID Virus is still circulating in the community and now is the time to get vaccinated. Please protect yourself and your family. We need to make sure our hospitals & all medical workers are not overwhelmed.
Next Tuesday 2nd Nov. is the Feast of All Souls & there are 5 Masses across both parishes. It’s a special time to pray with the whole church, for all our loved ones who have died. The Holy Souls need our prayers.
God Bless you and your families, Fr. Patrick

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (24th Oct. 2021)

Welcome back to our Parishes. The lockdown has eased for fully vaccinated people. We are able to have our parishioners back with us for prayer and Holy Mass. In keeping with Government guidelines there is a limit for each church, with proper social distancing & masks in use. We ask that you not congregate before or after Mass to help prevent any spread of the COVID-19 virus. If you have not been vaccinated against this virus, now is the time. It protects you, your family and our community from this illness. We are blessed to be able to gather together once more as a community thanking and praising our Loving God. St Joseph, Pray for us, St Mary MacKillop of the Cross, Pray for us and St Columbkille, Pray for us. Fr Patrick

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,
Greetings to you and your families. It looks like our time of lockdown is coming gradually to end. We have all felt the restrictions & disruptions to our normal lives. I feel we do need to give thanks to God for His blessings even in this time of Pandemic. Along with Government and Religious leaders I ask you, if possible, to get your 1st or 2nd inoculation against the COVID virus. You are protecting yourself and your family against possible hospitalisation and safe-guarding our parish and community. During this week we celebrated the feast day of St Teresa of Avila. Who reformed the Carmelite Order of nuns and priests. She, with grit and courage, opened many convents throughout Spain, calling her nuns to a new and intimate prayer life with Jesus Christ. Her call is as relevant today as it was in the 15thC. Along with St John of the Cross, who joined & supported her reforms, St Teresa shared many mystical experiences of her faith & an extraordinary relationship with the Lord. Her writings are still widely read by Christians wanting a deeper friendship with the Lord. As we continue our journey of faith let us be open to the great love that Jesus Christ has for each of us. Fr. Richard & myself continue to keep you all in prayer. In the Peace of the Lord. Fr. Patrick.

Click to access 211014-directives-covid-14-october-2021-final.pdf

Synod of Bishops:

On Sunday, 17th October, dioceses around the world will launch local preparations for the Synod of Bishops, which has the theme: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. The Catholic Church in Australia will invite the People of God to make submissions via an online portal that will open on 17th October. Those submissions will help the Bishops develop a national report to support the global process leading to an international gathering in 2023. Find out more at: http://www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch

Click to access wp-1634443088439.pdf

Roadmap to opening our churches

Roadmap to opening our churches

Dear Parishioners, Welcome to Week 16 Lockdown! We are all weary of these lockdowns and not being able to be with family, friends and Parish community but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our Churches will be gradually opening up the week of the 25th October with the weekend Masses on Sat 30th & Sun 31st. It will be wonderful to welcome parishioners home initially in limited numbers.
Last week we celebrated the Feast of St Francis of Assisi who is now seen as the Patron Saint of the Environment. We all need to care for the beautiful world and environment that God has given us. Last week we also celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and we know that October is the month of the Holy Rosary.
The Rosary when said alone or with family is a special prayer in this time of Pandemic. Fr. Richard and myself keep you in prayer.
God Bless you and your Family. Fr. Patrick
Our Lady of the Rosary – Pray for us

Prayer Seminars: Experience various prayer styles – All Welcome

Week 4 Tuesday 12 October at 7pm – 8:30pm via Zoom.
The presenter this week is Sr Sue Barker SGS who will lead us in the beautiful practice of Lectio Divina. Each week a different presenter will lead us in a style of prayer that is
meaningful to them. The seminars will include information, but also the opportunity to be led by an expert in the prayer experience. These are open to anyone in the Diocese to attend any of the evenings available the prayer experience finishes on the 30th Nov. To register: https://www.dow.org.au/

With sadness, we inform you of the passing of Mary McGorry, a long time parishioner of St. Joseph’s. Please hold Mary and the McGorry family in your thoughts and prayers.

Please find below the link to Mary’s Funeral tomorrow: Friday 8th of October 2021 at 10:30am, family and friends are kindly invited to watch her service via https://jummedia.com.au/live/mary-mcgorry/

On Saturday 2nd October, St Joseph’s Parishioner, Jean Ryan celebrates her 101st birthday. Unfortunately, Jean is in Shellharbour hospital recuperating from a fall last week, where she suffered a distal fracture of her right femur. We pray for Jean’s speedy recovery, her family who cannot be with here during this time and wish her a very Happy 101^st Birthday.

Dear Parishioners,
Greetings in the Lord Jesus. As we move into the 15th week of lockdown there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Again with Church and government leaders I encourage you to get vaccinated to protect yourself against the COVID 19 Virus. The Wollongong area has seen an increase in the number of people contracting the virus. I am particularly concerned about our overwhelmed Hospital system.
Our doctors, nurses and hospital staff as exhausted with so many patients. Vaccination can help them in their important work. Being vaccinated protects our families and loved ones too.
As Parish Priest I offer each Sunday Mass for your needs and intentions. Fr. Richard and myself will continue to upload the Masses to our Parish websites. May the Lord Jesus continue to walk with us on life’s journey. St Mary MacKillop, Pray for us.
Yours in the Peace of Christ,
Fr Patrick

Dear Parishioners,
I hope you and your families are well. Greater Sydney (of which Wollongong is a part) is now experiencing the 13th week of lock down. It is not an easy time for any of us.
Fr. Richard and Myself remembering, in prayer, all your needs. We gather in prayer in the most beautiful way during the recorded Masses from St Columbkille’s and the Sunday Mass from St Joseph’s. As Parish Priest I offer that Mass each Sunday for your needs and
intentions.
Government and Church leaders are asking that to be able to “open up” our communities, we need to be getting the vaccination to protect us against the COVID 19 virus. We will be much safer and most importantly can begin to enjoy the fellowship of our Christian
community again. An increase in vaccination rates also helps our hospitals. Doctors, nurses and all hospital workers are under a great deal of pressure with the surge in COVID 19
patients. By being vaccinated we are much less likely to be admitted to hospital as a covid patient. I ask Our Lord Jesus to Bless and Keep you always, Fr Patrick
Our Lady Help of Christians – Pray for us.

PRAYER DURING THE PANDEMIC
Almighty and eternal God, ore refuge in every danger,
to whom we turn in our distress, in faith we pray,
Look with compassion on the afflicted, grant eternal rest to the dead,
Comfort mourners, healing to the sick, peace to the dying,
Strength to our healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders,
And the courage to reach out to all in love,
So that together we may give glory to your holy name.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you
In the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen

PLENARY COUNCIL 2021–3 TO 10 OCTOBER 2021
The Church in Australia will commence its fifth Plenary Council – the first in 84 years. Six themes will be focused on after responses of over 220,000 people. AGENDA: IS called to develop concrete
proposals to create a more missionary, Christ-centred Church in Australia at this time. Questions for the six themes: CONVERSION how might we better accompany one another, heal the wounds of abuse, meet the needs of the vulnerable, respond to the call of ‘ecological conversion’?; PRAYER (how might we become more contemplative, embrace the diverse liturgical traditions?; FORMATION (how might we form better leaders, better equip and form ordained ministers?; STRUCTURES (how might we better become local centres for formation, be better structured for mission?; GOVERNANCE (how might we approach governance in the spirit of synodality?; and
INSTITUTIONS (how might we see the future of Catholic education, of Catholic social services as key missionary and evangelising ministries? The full Agenda is found at http://www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au

Youth Ministry Online

Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong (CYMW) have been continuing to link in with young people via the school’s network to bring them to an encounter with the beauty of the Gospel and the Church. One of the initiatives has been LIVE online. You might like to click on the link below to get a sense of what they are doing with young people. It includes some vibrant worship and the talks given by Joel Duval and new Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator, Meg McAlister. Included to encourage parents to watch it with their family.

Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTphLF5OdSt8V_yo7ZLrVgg

Get Connected with what is on around the Diocese

Conscious that with many messages to choose from to put in your bulletins every week, I am continuing to include a short message near the top of the message suggestions that captures an opportunity for the faithful to stay connected with what is happening around the Diocese.

Every week, there are many great opportunities to be part of special events, courses, free resources and to nurture and encourage you and your family in your faith. A simple way to stay informed and connected is to invite the faithful to subscribe at https://dow.sh/stayingconnected

Prayer Seminars to experience different prayer styles:

The first six prayer seminars are as follows, and you are welcome to come to any or all of these seminars:

·         21st Sept Rachel Fleurant MGL- Centering Prayer

·         28th Sept Peter Gilmore  Praying with the Holy Spirit

·         5th October Frances Tilly on The Examen

·         12th Oct Sr Sue Barker SGS Introduction to Lectio Divina

·         19th Oct Sr. Magdalen Mather OSB on Benedictine Path to Prayer.

See the bulletin for registering details.

THE BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL
Caring for those who have cared for us.

Staying connected

Click to access bishops-appeal-2021.pdf

Dear Parishioners,
We are now heading into the 12th week of lockdown and are all suffering from ‘lockdown fatigue’. Myself and Fr Richard are struggling with this life-style as well. With the weekday Masses and Sunday Masses at Corrimal and the Sunday Mass at Bulli we are connected spiritually to you, our brothers and sisters in Christ.
This week we are remembering the tragic events of 9/11 in the United States with it’s terrible loss of innocent lives and grave world- wide repercussions.
We think of the suffering in Afghanistan and Lebanon too.
Our prayers are so very much needed at this time. I offer each Sunday Mass for your needs and intentions. I’d like to thank you for the great cards and gifts to celebrate my 30th Anniversary of Priesthood. I will try and thank you all more personally as the weeks go by.
Remember the words of Jesus Christ: “I am with you always even to the end of time.’ God Bless and keep you & your families. In His Love, Fr. Patrick.

Click to access spiritual-communion-prayer-card-and-pandemic-prayers.pdf

Click to access 210908_bm_pastoral_message_covid-19_vaccines.pdf

Here is a Message from Fr. Patrick for you all:

Dear Parishioners,

I hope you are all well and keeping safe. No one expected to be back in lockdown but this new Delta strain of the COVID virus is so contagious that this is the only way to suppress the new infections. Please have the “jab” and get vaccinated as soon as you can. Compared to much of the world in this pandemic, Australia is still so blessed.

Fr Richard is offering Mass on YouTube from St. Columbkille’s for our communities. As from Sunday 25^th July 2021, I’ll be offering Sunday Mass for all parishioners from St Joseph’s Church, Bulli via our website: www.saintjosephsbulli.com

We continue to keep Fr. Geoff, who died recently in our prayers.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers,    

Fr. Patrick

]

With great sadness, we advise you all on the passing of long time Parishioner and friend to many of you, Marie Harding.

Marie passed away on Wednesday 25^th August.

Please keep Marie and all her family in your prayers.

Trusting in God, we pray together for Marie as we say farewell.  There is sadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hope that one day we shall see Marie again and enjoy her friendship.

Now at this time we feel sorrow, but the mercy of God will gather us together again in the joy of his kingdom.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High.  Amen

Bulli Parishioner Marie Harding was laid to rest on Wednesday 1^st September. With the blessing of Marie’s family,  below is the link her funeral for those in the parish whom might have missed it and would like to prayerfully say goodbye.  RIP Marie

https://jummedia.com.au/live/marie-gwendoline-harding/

Below is a notice from the Bishop

Click to access bulletin-notices-oob-28-29-august-2021.pdf

Fr. Patrick’s 30th Anniversary of his Priesthood Mass can be viewed below, from 8:30am on Tuesday 24th August 2021.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended by our Church leaders and NSW & Australian governments Chief Medical Officers. It is imperative that we all have our vaccinations as soon as possible to enable us to reunite in our faith/church community

Click to access saint-mary-of-the-cross-story-.pdf

Click to access meet-me-in-the-middle-brochure.pdf

Click on the link below to view the Mass of Christian Burial for the late Fr. Geoffrey Allen.

11am Mass of Christian Burial for Fr Geoffrey Lawrence Allen – 1 July 2021 – YouTube

Click to access 220623-addendum-notice-to-clergy-covid-19-22-june-21-1.pdf

The Parish Leadership Team is an advisory body to the Parish Priest and has a consultative vote on pertinent issues within the Parish. It shares the responsibility for building a vibrant community that is founded in the Holy Eucharist and built on Faith, Hope and Charity. A Parish meeting was held on Thursday 11th March and the new leadership team was elected.

We welcome our 2021 Parish Leadership Team members:

Jose Perez,  Gonnie Keogh, Tony Murphy, Mark Hall and Peter Lalli.  Congratulations.

Click to access 210212-lenten-message-of-pope-francis.pdf

Privacy Policy

Click to access privacy-policy-collections-notice.pdf

On arrival at the church, you must check in with Services NSW by scanning the QR code, posted on the doors to the church.

You can download the Services NSW app here:

Service NSW Mobile App | Service NSW

• Only 65 attendees will be allowed entry (in addition to clergy and essential assistants). 
• Masks must be worn in the church. 
• Congregational singing not allowed. 
• A parish-appointed Attendance Monitor will check that all attendees have checked in as above.
• All attendees must sanitise their hands upon entry using the sanitiser provided  in the narthex.
• Entry from the narthex to the nave of the church is through the double glass doors only.
• Worshippers must only sit in allocated seating which is marked with green stickers to ensure 1.5 metre distance between worshippers.
• Worshippers can seek assistance from the Attendance Monitor if required during the Mass.
• Worshippers must not shake hands and instead offer a verbal exchange of peace.
• Members of the same household may sit within 1.5 metre distance of each other (e.g. married couple, parent with children) if they have advised their relationship with the Attendance Monitor during registration.
• The Attendance Monitor will maintain alertness to identify worshippers presenting with flu-like symptoms (cough, runny nose, etc.) and advise any worshippers with symptoms they must leave the premises.
• The Attendance Monitor will ensure worshippers do not congregate in the entrance or any area of the building.
• The Attendance Monitor will ensure staggering of worshippers as they enter the building and walk to their seats.
• Worshippers must maintain 1.5 metre distancing at all times including lining up for communion.
• Communion will be received in the hand only (not on the tongue).
• There will be no communion from the chalice for worshippers.
• The Attendance Monitor will coordinate a staggered exit of worshippers through the exit door located near the sacristy.
• Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended by the NSW and Australian government Chief Medical Officers.
•  
• Error

  This video doesn’t exist

Church/Chapels will not be open for Private Prayer under the current directives due to the significant cleaning and sanitising requirements that are involved to protect parishioners, clergy, parish staff and volunteers.

Click to access papa-francesco-motu-proprio-20210110_spiritus-domini.pdf