From the desk of Father Geoff

VIDEO HOMILIES
Visit my Youtube channel to view all my homilies and talks:  https://www.youtube.com/user/GeoffreyPlant2066

TO VIEW THIS SUNDAY'S HOMILY  (Ordinary Time, Week 27), CLICK HERE: https://youtu.be/6qpNElwq_Fg

TO VIEW THE HOMILY FOR Ordinary Time, Week 26, CLICK HERE:  https://youtu.be/NJVWXd2Go0I

INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

I’m currently working on a series of introductory talks on the Bible.  They are designed for people who are unfamiliar with the Bible, or for those who would like a refresher course.  

Talk 1 asks the basic question, “Why do we need a sacred text like the Bible?”  To watch Talk 1, click here:  http://bit.ly/1AwZDfM

Talk 2 looks at the importance of story.  Each of us has a story, and our story consists of all the people, places and events that make us the unique individual that we are.  To lose our story is to lose our identity.  To watch Talk 2, click here:  http://youtu.be/6Ze7OkLmgdA

The Christian Bible is made up of the Old and New Testaments.  Talk 3 takes a look at the Old Testament.  What’s in the Old Testament, and what kind of literature are we dealing with?  To watch Talk 3, click here:  http://youtu.be/_rnkohhp94k

Talks 4 and 5 look at the New Testament.  What’s in the New Testament, and who finally decided which books would be included in the New Testament?  To watch Talk 4, click here: http://youtu.be/Rg41oHGrOhM       To watch Talk 5, click here:  http://youtu.be/5kA0oXYmYA8

Talk 6 look at the historical background of the biblical story.  There is no text without context, so what is the historical context of the biblical story.  Click here to watch Talk 6:  http://youtu.be/Btt0P7axkNs

Talk 7 offers an overview of the four gospels.  What is a gospel and why were the gospels written?  What's in the gospels?  Click here to watch Talk 7:  http://youtu.be/etvqVeRqFxo

NEW TESTAMENT WORDS

TALK 1:  I'm currently working on a series of talks that looks at key New Testament words as we find them in the Greek New Testament.  When we read the New Testament in English we are reading it in translation.  The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the popular or common form of the Greek language spoken from around 300 BC until about 300 AD.  The Italians have a saying, Traduttore Traditore - the translator is a traitor.  There’s nothing sinister implied in that saying; it cleverly highlights the difficult task confronting any translator.  How do you express in English the full dynamism of a text written in another language, in this case the Koine Greek?  Each talk in this series will look at key New Testament word in the Greek New Testament and try to see how it was used and understood in its original first century context.  Click here to watch Talk 1:http://youtu.be/i5e9tuRiREI 

TALK 2:  The Greek Alphabet.  Since each talk in this series focuses on a key word from the Greek New Testament, it would be helpful to learn the Greek alphabet.  This talk offers a basic introduction to the Greek alphabet, as it would have been pronounced in koine Greek.  Click here to watch Talk 2:   http://youtu.be/mup7vQv4YLM

TALK 3:  New Testament Words:  Ἰησοῦς (Iesous-Jesus).   The name Ἰησοῦς (Iesous) is a Greek translation of the Hebrew name Yehoshua.  Our pronunciation, Jesus, comes to us from the Greek via the Latin, Iesus.  Click here to watch Talk 3:  http://youtu.be/c0XpsgcuJ9E

TALK 4:  New Testament Words:  Χριστός (Christos - Christ).  What does the word Christ mean, and what does it mean to call Jesus the Christ?  Click here to watch Talk 4:  http://youtu.be/ZccVrWlfhWU

TALK 5:  New Testament Words:  Ἀρχηγὸς (Archegos).  A title given to Jesus, but found only four times in the New Testament.  Click here to watch Talk 5:  http://youtu.be/9PZgedon6ik

TALK 6:  New Testament Words:  Tέκτων (tektōn).  In Mark’s gospel we learn that Jesus was a tektōn, a word that most bibles translate as carpenter.  What did it mean to be a tektōn in first century Palestine?  Click here to watch Talk 6:  http://youtu.be/YxFzvg9amks

TALK 7:  New Testament Words:  Mετάνοια (metanoia).  Metanoia is usually translated as “repentance”, but what does that mean?  Click here to watch Talk 7:  http://youtu.be/CbW47nvJ4bQ

TALK 8:  New Testament Words: Παράκλητος (paraklētos).  Jesus is called a Paraklētos as is the Holy Spirit.  We don’t have an exact equivalent in English, which is why some translations use the word Paraclete.  What does the word mean, and what is it saying about Jesus and the Holy Spirit?  Click here to watch Talk 8:  http://youtu.be/wmq_YaNjxu0

TALK 9:  New Testament Words: εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion).  Our English word Gospel is a translation of the Greek εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) which means “good news”.  Click here to watch Talk 9:  http://youtu.be/iU7VKCj7iZo

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

This talk is an introduction to Christian meditation.  Because we’re constantly thinking about one thing or another, our mind is often likened to a tree full of noisy, playful monkeys.  This form of meditation, using a prayer word or mantra, seeks to still the mind and rest in silence in the presence of God.   Click here if you’d like to learn more about Christian meditation:  http://bit.ly/1rEmC3I

WHO IS THE POPE?

When Pope Benedict resigned I prepared this talk about the election of a pope.  Who is the pope, how is he elected, and by whom?  If you’d like to learn more, click here:  http://bit.ly/1qKv83u

Walking the Camino from Leon to Santiago de Compostela

A number of parishioners joined me in 2014 to walk the Camino from Leon to Santiago de Compostela.  Click here to view a photographic meditation of our pilgrimage:  http://youtu.be/dgKS79tsH1Q 

A Photographic meditation on Gethsemani Abbey

In 2011 I made a two weeks' retreat at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky, USA.  Gethsemani was the Cistercian abbey where Thomas Merton lived, and this year is the 100th anniversary of his birth.  Clink on the link to view my meditation on Gethsemani, including my visit to Thomas Merton's hermitage in the grounds of the monastery.  The background music comes from the Benedictine monks of Santo Domingo de Silos.  Here's the link:  http://youtu.be/PyWeMwafPwA

From Atheist to Catholic

I’d like you to meet Jennifer Fulwiler.  Jennifer grew up an atheist and was received into the Catholic Church in 2007, along with her husband.  She tells the story of of her conversion in her book Something Other than God.  (You can buy it through Fishpond - $28.92, postage free).  Hear something of her story at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ9vGKfZJCE (Note: the audio is a little soft).  Another link to a lecture in which she also tells her story can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_Ab6l0q784   In these talks Jennifer talks about her personal journey from atheism to Christianity, and more specifically, to Catholicism.  You can also check out her website: http://jenniferfulwiler.com/

WORTH WATCHING!

Fr James Martin SJ has an interesting series on the saints entitled "Who cares about the saints?"  Each episode is a brief (about 10 minutes) overview of the life of a saint, such as St Francis of Assisi, or St Ignatius.  But Fr Martin also profiles the lives of other people who are not yet saints, such as Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day.  So, have a look:

Our Lady:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJgiK9PTtwg
St Joseph: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm1rUs39XWY
Pope Saint John XXIII:  http://bit.ly/1tuFnsJ
St Francis of Assisi:  http://bit.ly/1lUMFqY
Dorothy Day:  http://bit.ly/1uk4HnR
Thomas Merton:  http://bit.ly/1iTR8Yw
Mother Teresa:  http://bit.ly/1uHZy7n
St Peter:  http://bit.ly/1wfCtdh
St Joan of Arc:  http://bit.ly/1qfZb5w
St Bernadette:  http://bit.ly/1tJjVnI
St Ignatius:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZLuk_X8u0

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

Anglican Scripture scholar and bishop, N.T. (Tom) Wright presents an excellent program on the resurrection of Jesus.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqc7--CaCpM

SPIRITUALITY AND THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE: ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT ALL

A talk by Fr ronald Rolheiser OMI.  http://bit.ly/1tJjVUw

Latest News

Thinking of Becoming a Catholic?  We begin on October 10

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which adults become Catholics, has been a regular feature of parish life at St Michael’s.  It reaches a climax on Holy Saturday night during the Easter Liturgy.   Our first session will be held in the parish church on Monday, October 12, commencing at 7.30 pm.  If you'd like to be part of the journey, email Fr Geoffrey on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or just turn up on the evening.

Parish Pilgrimage to Rome for the end of the Year of Mercy

Fr Geoffrey will be leading a week-long pilgrimage to Rome to celebrate the end of the Year of Mercy.  The pilgrimage, organised by the Archdiocese, includes first class accommodation at Domus Australia, a visit to the Holy Doors in each of the four major basilicas, guided tours around ancient Rome and the Vatican Museum.    You can make your own way to Rome and meet us at Domus Australia, or you can travel with the parish.  If you are travelling with the parish we depart Australia on Monday, November 14 and return on Wednesday, November 23.  The pilgrimage costs $1990 (twin share), plus airfare. For more information, call 1800 753 959 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    Booking form available online at www.romepilgrimages.com

Pope Francis' Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation

That’s a bit of a mouthful, but Pope Francis has just released this document, titled in Latin Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), on marriage and the family.  Amoris Laetitia gathers together the contributions of the two Synods on the family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015, and draws on a long history of Church teaching.   Click here to read Pope Francis' Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on Love in the Family:  http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia.html

Social Justice Update - Teresa House Homeless Shelter

We now have over sixty people who have volunteered, which will guarantee the success of opening Teresa House on a Thursday night. Current numbers indicate that any volunteers will only need to commit to once every three months for either the dinner or the night shift, which is fantastic.
During February and March we will begin training our volunteers by having them join experienced members from other organisations.
If you wish to find out more you can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as it is not too late to get involved.  

Holy Hour for the Jubilee Year of Mercy

Join us every Sunday afternoon for a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament.  From 4.35 pm until 5.45 pm. 

Archbishop's Pastoral Letter for the Consecrated Life

Copies of Archbishop Fisher’s pastoral letter for the Year of Consecrated Life are available in the foyer of the church.  Alternatively, you can watch the Archbishop deliver his message on Youtube.  Click here: https://youtu.be/O-yDId_Wsy4

Social Justice Statement

The Australian Catholic Bishops annual Social Justice Statement for 2015-16 is For Those Who’ve Come Across the Seas: Justice for refugees an asylum seekers. For those interested you can access the statement and information on actions we can take at http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/publications/social-justice-statements#SJS2015 

Pope Francis' Encyclical on the Environment

Pope Francis has just released an Encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’.  The name of this encyclical comes from its opening words, “Laudato si’ mi’ Signore” (Praise be to you, my Lord).  In the words of this beautiful canticle, St Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home (planet Earth) is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.  “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs.”  Pope Francis makes the point that “this sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.”  To read Pope Francis' Encyclical on the Environment (Laudato Si'), click here:  http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

ROSTERS FOR SENIOR SERVERS, LECTORS, ALTAR SERVERS AND WARDENS 

The latest rosters are now available for download.  Go to "Rosters" on the homepage.

SOME INTERESTING STATISTICS ABOUT THE PARISH FROM THE 2011 NATIONAL CENSUS 

The following information about parish demographics is taken from the 2011 national census.  The total number of people living in the parish is 31,512 (36,119 in 2006). 

The Catholic population of the parish is 9,320 (10,036 in 2006) - i.e. 29.6% of the parish is Catholic (up from 27.8% in 2006).  The percentage of Catholics nationwide is 25.29%. 

Other statistics relating to the parish: No religion: 24.79%;  Anglicans: 17.54%;  Orthodox Christians: 2.7%; Other Christians: 9.8%; Non-Christian religion: 8%; Religion not stated: 7.6%.

The median age of Catholics in this parish is 35 years.  There are 3,214 Catholic families in the parish, and 753 Catholics live alone.  Forty-three per cent of Catholics in the parish have a university degree (up from 38% in 2006), and 66% of Catholic students living in the parish attend a Catholic school (down from 70% in 2006). 

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS 

All parishioners who have a parish ministry that involves working with children must obtain a Working with Children Check number.  At St Michael’s this means: Catechists, those helping with children’s liturgy, and senior servers.  People who do not have  a WWW check number will not be able to work with children.  Because you work on a volunteer basis, there is no charge.  Paid employees must pay an $80 fee.
Step 1:  This is an online process.  The website that you must go to is: www.newcheck.kids.nsw.gov.au 
Step 2:  Once you have accessed the website, click on “Start Here”.  You go to the “For individuals” section (not “For employers”), and click on “Apply”.  That will open up the online application form which will ask you for your personal details.  It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete the form.  The information you give on this form must match your “proof of identity” document (e.g. your driver’s licence).  In the section, “purpose for the check”, make sure you click “volunteer”.
Step 3:  You will receive an application receipt number, beginning with APP.
Step 4:  You must then go to a Motor Registry Office with your APP number and proof of identity (e.g. a NSW driver’s licence).
Step 5:  The parish must then verify that you have received a Working With Children Check Number.  Your check will be valid for five years.
If you have any questions, please contact the parish office.