Some parishioners may not be in a position to return to Masses in the church. Below are listed some resources to remain connected to Christ our Saviour through the Word of God and prayer. Please contact the parish office for parish bulletins.
The Lord’s Day
On Sundays, the chief way that Christians especially honour the Heavenly Father and receive spiritual refreshment is by partaking in the supreme act of worship: The Sacrifice of the Mass. When this obligation is temporarily lifted, one still honours the Lord on Sundays by prayer and spiritual practices such as those listed below.
The Word of God
The readings for the Sunday Mass are printed on the bulletin and we can prayerfully read and meditate on these inspired texts. Copies of the bulletin are available at the parish office during office hours.
The readings from Mass can also be found online: Universalis.
Reading a Gospel
Measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 may mean that one may have extra time at home. Some of this time could be used fruitfully by reading one of the Gospels in the New Testament. St Mark’s Gospel is only around 14,000 words long and can be read in one sitting. One sees the narrative of Christ’s words and deeds unfold. One encounters in a fresh way the incomparable character of the Man of the Cross.
Spiritual Communion
St Thomas Aquinas defines spiritual communion as, “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received Him.”
Thus, spiritual communion is an interior act of desire for Christ in the Eucharist expressed in a prayer.
Spiritual communion is a traditional practice which can be practised whenever one does not receive Holy Communion.
St Teresa of Avila writes, “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you.”
Spiritual Communion Prayer by Saint Alphonsus Liguori
My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Telecast Mass
One can also remain connected by following a telecast Mass.
Channel Ten has a telecast of Holy Mass (Mass for you at home) on Sunday mornings at 6am on TV.
Bishop Homeming is offering Sunday Mass at 8am each Sunday: Lismore Mass
There is also an online streaming of Sunday Mass at 10am AEST: Livestream Mass
Vinnies Food-drops
St Vincent de Paul Conferences of Maclean and Yamba (a charitable arm of our parish) are ready to provide food drops to parishioners isolated in their homes. Parishioners can contact the conferences Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. The contact numbers for the conferences are Maclean 0487 383 967 and Yamba 0498 960 630.
Deposit box
More than one parishioner has enquired about planned giving envelopes. Thus, a deposit box will be set up at the parish office during office hours for those who may wish to drop off envelopes. Parishioners may wish to consider swapping to online giving. Details for donating online via Electronic Funds Transfer: BSB: 032582 Account Number: 810033. (Optional Reference: Surname. Planned Giving).