Twenty Ninth Sunday

I came to serve not to be served!

One hard rule for life comes from today’s Gospel. “Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant.” For Christ came not to be served but to serve and to give his life for others. The recipe for everyone’s life: to give rather than get! To be there for others rather than oneself. Yet how hard it is to practise on a daily basis. We are hardwired for selfishness – it’s all about me. Add to this drama, the selfish culture of today which has been fostered over the last fifty years, on account of pop psychology in the seventies, claiming that self fulfillment came from self help therapy. Then, the nineties ushered in rampant materialism and excessive bodily indulgence resulting in pleasure addictions of our present age (alcohol, drugs, eating, porn). In spite of it all, the saints remain marvelous examples of how to reset our focus and live for others.
Perseverance in Prayer
Pray the Rosary
The family that prays together stays together
Seven Simple Rules
1. Be constant – a daily routine is essential.
2. Try to improve the quality of your prayers
3. Never doubt that God hears your prayers.
4. Avoid distractions but don’t be discouraged.
5. Listen as much as you speak.
6. Learn from others about prayer.
7. Don’t forget – NEVER give up.

APPOINTMENTS FOR 2025

Bishop Edwards makes the following appointments:

Fr Norman Banzuela OSJ as Assistant Priest, St Patrick’s Parish, Griffith, w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Thomas Brancik as Parish Priest of St Francis Parish, Yenda, Yoogali and Hanwood, w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Sean Byrnes as Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Parish, Lavington w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Christopher Heffernan as Administrator of St Mel’s Parish, Narrandera w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Neil Hernandes OSJ as Assistant Priest, St Patrick’s Parish, Griffith, w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Marco Killingworth as Assistant Priest, St Michael’s Cathedral, w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Roshin Michael IVD as Assistant Priest St Mary’s Parish, Finley, St Joseph’s Parish, Jerilderie and St Peter’s Parish, Tocumwal w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Peter Murphy as administrator of St Michael’s Cathedral, Wagga Wagga w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Cyprian Onuorah as Administrator of St Columba’s Parish, Berrigan, and St Brigid’s Parish, Mulwala w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Connell Perry as Administrator of All Saints Parish, Tumbarumba, w.e.f. Wednesday 15 January.

Fr Peter Stojovic as Parish Priest of St Brigid Parish, Howlong (with responsibility for pastoral care of some institutions in Albury yet to be finalised) w.e.f. April 21