Have you ever thought to yourself that in the Gospels, Jesus seldom teaches doctrine. Rather, the stories themselves provide examples of how we are to model our lives after him. He was a man for others, a compassionate healer, an understanding friend. As clear as such stories might be, and because we can be selfish people, the example they offer us is difficult to follow. If it is hard to follow a man who lived a human life with others, how are we to follow the example sketched by Paul in today’s second reading? 

Paul writes to the Christians in Philippi: “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus” (2:5). What attitude is he talking about? Jesus emptied himself of the pre-eminence that was rightly his as possessing “equality with God” (2:6). He did not demand that they treat him with the reverence and veneration that was due him. Rather, “he emptied himself… he humbled himself” (2:7, 8). 

Why does Paul insist on this? It seems the Philippians were having internal problems that were threatening their unity. Various forms of arrogance were tearing them apart: Don’t you know who I am? I am a celebrity. I have more money. I know the right people. And who are you? Who do you know? What can you do? These attitudes of arrogance infect our communities today. To this Paul proclaims: If Jesus, who, “though he was in the form of God” (2:6), could empty himself of such dignity for the sake of others, you certainly should be able to put aside your trivial vainglory and be “united in heart” (2:2). Can we? Something to ponder ….     In what circumstances are you arrogant? What can you do to strengthen the bonds of unity in your family? Your workplace? In our parish? Have a great week, the feast of St Francis is this week – 4th October.  May St Francis inspire us!

ST MARY’S CHURCH – FRONT LAWN & GARDENS - We have commenced repair work on our lawns from the recent lawn grub infestation. How can you help? I am glad you asked! Please keep off the grassed area in the front 4 sections of the church. If you see someone on the grass, please gently ask them to hop off the grass. We need to give it some rest time! Thanks for understanding!

FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING – The Finance Council will meet Thursday 5^th October in the Parish Office from 6:30pm.

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He Wanted To Be A Warrior Like King Arthur - Francis was enamoured with the Arthurian legends of France, and desired to be knight in the same vein. Francis even fought in two wars, one a civil war in Assisi, and the other as a mounted soldier against the city-state of Perugia. In the second battle, he was captured and was a POW for over a year.

He Travelled Into Muslim Territory To Convert The Sultan - During the 5th Crusade, Francis travelled to Egypt to convert the Sultan Malik al-Kamil. He even challenged the Islamic religious leaders to a trial by fire where he would walk through fire with them to prove the truth of Christianity. Though the Sultan did not convert, Francis and Sultan became true friends, and ten years later, al-Kamil freely gave Jerusalem to the Christians.

He Was The First Record Person To Receive The Stigmata - During a 40-day retreat, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, he had a vision of a six-winged Seraph attached to a cross. He miraculously received at the same time a painful wound of the heart, which seemed to pierce it. When the vision ended his own hands and feet bore the marks of the angelic crucifixion which he had seen in the vision.

The Franciscans Got Papal Approval After Innocent III Had A Vision - Francis’ biographer, Saint Bonaventure, recounts that Pope Innocent III had a dream in which he saw “the Lateran basilica almost ready to fall down. A little poor man, small and scorned, was propping it up with his own back bent so that it would not fall. “I’m sure,” he said, “he is the one who will hold up Christ’s Church by what he does and what he teaches.”

After having this dream, Innocent III approved the rule of Francis and the founding of the Franciscan order.

Each week parishioners and visitors drop a grocery item in one of many baskets at weekend Masses. These items are then collected each Monday and shared with many who can’t afford the basics; especially in today’s economy.

Several parishioners have asked the parish office recently, what is the best thing to place in the basket. 

If you are unsure what to contribute, perhaps pick the same item each week (toothpaste, toiletries, tinned food, UHT milk, cereal, etc …) and when you do your weekly shop grab the item as part of your weekly routine.

Parish Pilgrimage – A couple of years ago I had planned on leading a pilgrimage to Assisi, however COVID prevented this from happening. I am considering leading a Parish Pilgrimage in August 2024 “In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop”. If you are interested, please let the Parish Office know so they have your name on the list of interested people. I want to firm up some numbers before making any plans. 

In November we are encouraged to pray for those who have gone before us, family, and friends. However, it does not end there for we are asked also to pray for those who may have no one to pray for them. In this way we are joined to others in the Christian family and reminded that we are a wide community united in our belief in Jesus and his Resurrection. Pope St John XXIII wrote "The devotion to the memory of the dead is one of the most beautiful expressions of the Catholic spirit".

During November, Mass will be offered each day for those whose names have been written in the Book of Life in each church. We also have special “November Mass Envelopes” for parishioners and visitors to use. Please write the names of your deceased family members and friends clearly and place them in the collection plate. Envelopes available in churches.

Over the coming months, we will introduce our RCIA candidates to the Parish.

If you see some new faces, please (as always) make them feel welcome, and demonstrate to them the hospitality of the Ipswich Catholic Community!

A Word from Pope Francis: Let us remember who was the first canonized saint in the Church: the Good Thief. He “stole” Paradise at the last minute of his life: this is Grace. This is what God is like, even with us. Instead, those who seek thinking of their own merits fail; those who humbly entrust themselves to the Father’s mercy…find themselves first. ANGELUS, ROME, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

This week we hear from our ‘Youth’! The leaders are taking a break from writing articles this week, as we feel it is important to hear from the youth and young adults we minister too.

Fr. Stephen and I reached out to those who attended the Ignite Conference, and asked them to share their thoughts and experiences. Some of their responses are below. We ask that everyone keep our youth leaders and our youth/young adults in their prayers. 

A reminder that Friday Night Youth starts again next week; Friday, 6^th October. 

With school returning for Term 4, our youth and their families have had a much needed break away, and I am sure are looking forward to getting back together again for some games, food, and a lot of fun. I would like to take this opportunity to invite all primary school and high school youth to Friday Night Youth!

Food is provided, as are the games. So come along, bring a friend, and prepare to have some fun! On behalf of Grace, Sineli, Jean and Stewart, I am excited for Term 4 and hope you will come along and join us!

The ignite conference was a wonderful experience; it really enlightened me to open my eyes and follow the path of the Lord Jesus. I was encouraged and persuaded to embrace all the blessings he has and is going to give me. This experience provided me with the chance to meet new people like me". Joe Ronald

I embarked on a journey at the Ignite Conference to make friends, grow my faith, and become more connected to the church. In the rallies, speakers told their inspiring stories about them going through rough times and how they were connected to Jesus. There were meaningful dances, live music sung by Emmanuel Worship, and videos to show what other people experience. The first Mass was led by Archbishop Mark Coleridge, and the second Mass was led by a newly ordained Brisbane priest, Fr. Isaac from Maroochydore Parish. The workshops/keynotes were inspiring as the guest speakers spoke about how they connected with Jesus, as well as encouraged us to grow our faith. My favourite part of the Conference was the adoration on Friday night. It was great to experience the feeling of reflection, connection, and worship. I have developed friendships with my peers and value the opportunities experienced in this journey. Can’t wait for next year, Rise Up! 😊 Hannah Currey

The Ignite Youth conference was an interesting and rewarding experience. The conference provided insight into how people were able to reconnect with Jesus and our faith. This event was well planned and was relevant to the youth in our area. It had a modern twist with Rallies, music, and young speakers in which we could relate with. Emma Davies

Hi! My name is Modesta, I am Solomon Islander, currently living in Tivoli, Ipswich. I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity to have crossed paths with the Ipswich Parish and to be part of the Ipswich youth. Thanks Fr. Stephen and the team for supporting me! It has been an enriching experience to encounter Christ being present during the Adoration and reconciliation. A new beginning, a change of heart and a glimpse into a new start. A life fulfilling experience to me personally, to have been able to listen to a lot of spiritual enriching talk by Priests and conference leaders, inspired by living testimonies, graced by the Emmanuel band music, meeting new people and be able to share with was so phenomenal. 

It was so intriguing to see young youths making a personal decision by turning to God in prayer. The Holy Spirit is moving in this land especially the young generation and I look forward to actively participate and encourage younger youths to come to Ignite conference, to experience the opportunity to talk to God, encounter Jesus in the blessed sacrament, go to reconciliation and be able see Christ in others and discover what the lord has in store for you! Modesta Hasiau

I had an amazing time at the Ignite Conference. It was special and inspiring to be around lots of other Catholic youth who were excited to be together and passionate about their faith. I was surprised to see how many people attended from different backgrounds and different walks of life. The theme of Wonder resonated throughout the whole conference, through stories of how people turned to Jesus during difficult times in their lives, the workshops, and rallies, and through the beautiful music throughout the Conference. I enjoyed connecting with the youth from Caboolture, Springfield, and Kedron to share prayers and meals every day. A highlight for me was the performance by the St Mark’s Samoan Catholic Youth group on Day 3 because they showed me how I can express my faith through my own Samoan culture and my passion for Samoan dance. I left the Conference feeling more enriched in my faith, proud to be a young Catholic, and excited and more curious about what lies ahead for me on my faith journey. I can’t wait for #RiseUp2024! Mya Risati

Our new time table for the sessions will be as follows: (Age 0-3) from 9:00am and will conclude at 9:45am; (Age 3-5 years) from 9:45am for a 10:00am start and will conclude at 11:15am.  The older children will join the younger children for prayer time at 9:45am. 

Parents with a baby, toddler and older child can still come at 9:00am with all of your children as we understand that it is not always possible to juggle children in and out of cars. We would rather accommodate to your needs than see your children not returning to the Atrium. However, if you only have a child in the age bracket from 3-5 years, we ask that you come at 9:45am. We look forward to an exciting term ahead!

It is with great excitement that we will be recommencing the sessions on a Tuesday afternoon for term four. We will commence on Tuesday 10th October from 3:30pm. If you arrive early at the Atrium this is not a problem because the adults will be at the Atrium from 2:30pm, so come on in!

This term we will focus on some Old Testament work for the older children and our younger ones will experience some of the parable stories. All of the group will celebrate Advent and a Christmas celebration towards the end of the term. We look forward to greeting the children on the 10th October and if your child won't be returning during term four can you please let us know.

October is the month of the Holy Rosary. As we begin the month of October, you may was to pray the rosary, or look into a devotion to Our Lady. We will celebrate this important month with a public rosary in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 28^th at 12pm. More information next week!

Recently Deceased: Eva Douglas, Maureen Dowdle, Gloria Ryan, Samuel Dickfos, Deborah Anderson (Finlayson), Colin Parsons.

Anniversaries: Ann Heck-Norma Hogan, Fr Jim Elmore, Frances Elmore, Anne Lennon, Mary Cavanagh, Doris Lawson, John Crowson, Margaret Long, and those in our Book of Life.

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Thank you for the lovely card from those in our parish at St Joseph’s. Thank you for the prayers and kind thoughts. God Bless, Phyllis Bradley 

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