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Parish Directory
CONTACT DETAILS
16 Keyes Avenue
Rosebank
Telephone (011) 788 5226/7
Facsimile (011) 788 7955
E-mail info@rosebankcatholicchurch.org.za
Website www.rosebankcatholicchurch.org.za
Postal Address PO Box 47030, Parklands, 2121
PRESBYTERY
Parish Priest: Fr. Harry Wilkinson
Deacons: Rev. Kevin Kilroe,
Rev. Jacob Modise, Rev. Brent Chalmers
Secretary: Mrs. Peggy Brauns and Mrs. Mary Rodgers
who is, with assistance, also responsible for maintenance and housekeeping.
Presbytery Staff: Mrs. Elizabeth Segone, Mrs. Sofie Kobane,
Mr. Nicky Isaacs
Sacristan: Mrs. Briij Buchanan
Choir Master / Organist : Mr. Norman Buckle
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL (PPC)
Executive Committee:
President: Fr. Harry Wilkinson
Chairperson: Mr. John Pearse
Vice – Chairperson: Ms. Liese Homan
Secretary: Mrs. Annette Kien
Membership:
Clergy: Rev. Kevin Kilroe, Deacon
Rev. Brian Walsh, Deacon
Rev. Jacob Modise
Rev. Brent Chalmers
Ex Officio: Sr. Barbara, Principal, St. Teresa’s School
Ms. Joscelyne Michaelis, Gerard Tangee: Catechetics
Mr. Francis Tala: 15h00 Community
Mr. John Sevenoaks: Communications, Peter Jackson Project co-ordination
Parish Priest Appointee: Prof. Douglas Irvine
Ms Caroline Sauzier: Genesis
Mr. Sean Richter
Ms Nora Rasenti
Ms Liese Homan
Mr John Pearse
Mr Erich Kien: Parish Finance Committee Represenntative
Mr. Bobby Brady
Mr Mike Greeff
Ms Danita De Costa: Genesis
Mr Dave Kelly
Pastoral Council Mission Statement
“We, the Pastoral Council of Rosebank Parish, in response to our Baptismal Calling and delegated by our fellow parishioners to collaborate with our priests and deacons in their pastoral work, commit ourselves to foster spiritual growth and a deeper sense of Catholic Community.
We will achieve this through worship, education, action and communication and by addressing the real needs of all groups in the parish and by extending our reach into the wider society.
PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE (PFC)
Chairperson: Charles Rowlinson
Deputy Chairperson: David Lawrence
Members: Father Harry Wilkinson (Parish Priest)
Andrew Brady
J.P.Fourie
Philip Hourquebie
Erich Kien (PPC representative)
Mark Lamberti
Mark McCreedy
Andrew Moffat
LITURGICAL COMMITTEE
Chairperson: Mr.Ivor Bailey (also represents the Extraordinary Assistant Minister of Communion)
Members: Fr. Harry Wilkinson (Parish Priest)
Rev Kevin Kilroe
Jean Breaky – Catechetics
Briij Buchanan – Sacristan
Norman Buckle – Choir
Chris Busschau – Altar Servers
Michael Callanan – Assistant Ministers of the Word
Kirsty Duncan – Youth and Young Adults
PARISH ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Adult Faith Formation
Classes for adults who are considering joining the Catholic Church or those who wish to learn more about their faith are held in the Community Centre after the 8am Mass on Sundays. All are most welcome to attend. For further information please contact the Presbytery on 011 788 5226.
For information on spiritual enrichment for adults who cannot cope with normal classes please see SPRED below.
Advertisements
Advertisements may be placed in the weekly bulletin as a service to parishioners and therefore may not include commercial adverts.
Please contact Peggy at the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7.
All advertisements are subject to the approval of the Parish Priest and the Parish reserves the right not to publish any advertisement which is not considered to be suitable. The Parish also reserves the right not to publish any advertisement if space does not permit.
AIDS Orphans Project (Peter Jackson Project)
A number of children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years who have been orphaned as a result of AIDS are cared for on a regular basis by arranging outings for them, supplying food, and assisting generally in their wellbeing.
This group are always in need of helpers for the outings and other activities.
If you feel you can help please give Sally Nicholl a ring on 082 927 4362 or e-mail her at Sally@interfix.co.za
Altar Servers
All children who have received their First Holy Communion are encouraged and urged to offer their services to the Parish as Altar Servers.
This is a wonderful way of getting to know and love God through the Liturgy of the Church.
What can be better than being right there on the Altar when the bread and wine are consecrated and become the Sacred Flesh and Blood of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
It is awesome to be an integral part of the liturgy at Mass and on special occasions such as over the Christmas and the Easter seasons.
Parents who encourage their children to participate in the liturgy as Altar Servers are doing wonders for those children’s spiritual development so give Chris Busschau a ring on Tel. 011 442 3172 (H) or 083 3783006 or leave your name and contact details for him at the Presbytery.
Baptisms
These can be arranged through the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7.
Bridge Club
A number of Parishioners meet in the Community Centre on Thursday mornings to play bridge. If you would like to join them please phone the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7
Catechism Classes
Children - Catechism Classes for children not attending Catholic Schools and who have not yet received their First Communion or have not been Confirmed are held on Sunday mornings and Monday afternoons in the Community Centre.
These classes continue between First Communion and Confirmation.
Parents should contact Joscelyne Michaelis on 083 384 3145 or the Presbytery on 011 788 5226/7 to enrol their children.
Adults - Classes for adults are held on Sunday mornings after the 8am Mass. Please contact the Presbytery for further information.
- SPRED Group: The Rosebank SPRED Group provides spiritual enrichment for children and adults who cannot cope with normal catechism classes. SPRED uses a totally different method of catechesis - a liturgical symbolic process. Parents and friends may contact Michael Howes on tel. 011 453 2493 or 082 572 9435 for further information.
Change of Address
Please advise Peggy at the Presbytery (Tel. 011 788 5226/7) of any change of address etc. so that your records can be updated.
Children’s Chapel
The Children’s Chapel, situated at the back of the Church to your left as you enter, is available to parents who are concerned that their youngsters will be distracting to other parishioners during Mass and other services. You are free to use this facility at your own discretion.
Children’s Liturgy
JAM (Jesus and Me) is held in the Community Centre for the duration of the 10h30 Mass on Sunday mornings for children from the ages of 3 to 7 years. It is a Sunday School for younger children which follows the Catholic liturgy, and encompasses the readings and the themes at Mass into activity-based learning. The group is run by parishioner volunteers, including PPC members and parents.
For any further details please contact Colette Steeneveldt on Tel. 082 9514271 or Theresa Munks on Tel. 082 8943442.
Choirs
Parish Choir
The Parish Choir rehearses each Sunday morning from 09:00 to 10:00am and leads the singing at the 10:30am Mass, except on the second Sunday of the month when they sing at the 8:00am Mass.
For aspiring choristers, an ability to read music would be an advantage but is not essential as training will be given. However, an ability to sing in tune and a firm commitment are required.
From time to time the choir also sings at weddings and other special services.
For further information, contact Norman Buckle on Tel. 011 793 5184 or 082 602 0538 or see him after the Sunday morning Masses.
Rosebank Chamber Choir
The Rosebank Chamber Choir sings at the 10:30am Mass on the last Sunday of every alternate month.
The purpose of this choir is to retain some of the vast and rich heritage of the Church’s music in the context and purpose for which it was originally intended – to praise God within the Mass.
It is essential that aspirant choristers have the ability to read music for participation in this group which rehearses only once a month, at 20h00 on the last Tuesday of every month.
For further information contact Norman Buckle on Tel. 011 793 5184 or 082 602 0538.
Community Centre
The Community Centre is available for hire for funeral or wedding receptions. For further information please contact Mary at the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7.
Confessions
Confessions are held regularly on Saturday mornings from 11am to 11:30am.
Alternatively, please make an appointment with Fr. Harry Wilkinson on Tel. 011 788 5226/7.
Converts
Should you be interested in becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church please contact the Presbytery on 011 788 5226/7.
Exposition of the Blessed Eucharist
This takes place with Benediction and a Communion Service every Wednesday evening in the Church at 18:00. All Parishioners are encouraged to participate.
Extra-ordinary Assistant Ministers of Communion
These Assistant Ministers play a very important and integral part in the life of the Parish by assisting at Mass with the distribution of the Blessed Eucharist and by conducting Communion Services in the absence of Holy Mass. They also visit the sick and housebound in order to bring the Blessed Eucharist to those who are unable to attend Mass.
This is a very special Ministry which requires much dedication and a true devotion to the Blessed Eucharist. If you feel you have the calling and attributes to fulfil this role, please contact Fr. Harry Wilkinson on 011 788 5226/7.
Extra-ordinary Assistant Ministers of the Word
These Assistant Ministers again play a most important role in the Mass with the Liturgy of the Word, the Prayers of the Faithful and announcements before and at the end of Mass. They also assist with the readings at the Communion Services.
If you are blessed with a good voice and the ability to read well, please contact Michael Callanan on Tel. 011 783 3812 or 083 399 9395 or leave your name and contact details at the Presbytery
Funerals
Should you wish to arrange a funeral, please contact the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7
Garden of Remembrance
This is situated to the right of the Church as you enter through the main doors.
Should you wish the ashes of a departed one interred, please contact the Parish Priest on Tel. 011 788 5226/7.
Grotto
The Grotto, situated between the back of the Community Centre and the Presbytery,
is a wonderful place to sit and meditate. It resembles the Grotto at Lourdes where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette and which is now visited by millions of people every year.
This has a direct association with name of our church and the Blessed Virgin Mary to whom our church is dedicated.
On 11 February 1858, in a small village in the South of France called Lourdes, Bernadette Soubirous, a young peasant girl, together with her sister, Toinette, and a friend, Jeanne Abadie, walked down to the Gave River to collect firewood. Near an elongated grotto, which everyone called Massabielle, they spotted a pile of driftwood left by the Gave. Toinette and Jeanne waded through the stream and ran off to collect the wood. Bernadette stopped to take off her stockings. While she was doing this she heard a strong gust of wind and then another. She looked up and saw a woman standing in the grotto. Bernadette described her as dressed in white with a white veil over her head, a sky-blue girdle, and a rose on each foot. Clasped in her hands was a rosary of white beads. Bernadette and the Lady said the rosary together. The Lady then beckoned Bernadette to come forward but Bernadette was too frightened to do this and the vision suddenly disappeared.
This was the first of eighteen visions at the Grotto. During the ninth apparition on 25 February 1858, the Lady asked Bernadette to cleanse herself in the spring and indicated a place in the grotto where Bernadette should scratch in the ground. Bernadette did this and a spring started to flow from the spot.
During the thirteenth apparition on 2 March, the Lady asked Bernadette to tell the priests “to come here in procession… and to erect a chapel on this spot”. On reporting this to her Parish Priest, Bernadette was told by Fr. Peyramale to ask the Lady her name. This Bernadette did on 4 March but the Lady simply smiled at her. Peyramale’s reaction on hearing this was to tell Bernadette that if the Lady wanted a chapel built she would have to identify herself and give some sort of sign such as making the roses in the grotto bloom.
During the sixteenth apparition on 25 March 1858, the Lady told Bernadette that she was the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette had no idea what these words meant but rushed to tell Fr. Peyramale, repeating the words over and over so that she did not forget them. Bernadette was practically illiterate at the time and had no comprehension of the words “Immaculate Conception”. It had to be explained to her that only the Virgin Mary could have said “I am the Immaculate Conception”.
The Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette again on 7 April and for the eighteenth time on 3 June 1858
Initially access to the grotto was closed to the public but later re-opened due to popular demand. The apparitions were investigated and ultimately the Bishop of Tarbes, in a pastoral letter dated 18 January 1862, declared that “the Immaculate Mary, Mother of God, really appeared to Bernadette” and that the apparition, “has all the characteristics of truth and the faithful have grounds for believing it certain”.
Bernadette joined the Sisters of Charity and travelled to Nevers where she remained until her death. Following years of suffering with asthma and bone cancer in her knee Bernadette died at the age of 35 on 6 April 1879.
St Bernadette was canonised on 8 December 1933.
As part of the process of Beatification, Bernadette’s body was exhumed from the little chapel in the gardens of the convent in Nevers. It was found that her body had not decayed. To this day the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette is laid out in a glass case at the chapel of the Convent of St. Gildard in Nevers, France.
Library
The Parish has a small library located in the north west corner of the Community Centre.
Should you wish to borrow a book please contact the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7
Marriage Classes
Before you may marry in the Catholic Church it is required that you receive instruction from a Priest and that the Priest certifies that you have undergone such instruction and are prepared for marriage.
Regular classes are held at the Parish and all couples contemplating marriage are very welcome. For further information please contact the Presbytery on 011 788 5226/7
Mass/Communion Service Times
06h30 Mass, Monday to Friday in the Convent Chapel unless otherwise advised
18h00 Communion Services, Monday to Friday
08h15 Mass on Saturdays and Public Holidays
Sunday Masses or Communion Services*
18h00 Saturday Vigil Mass/Communion Service
08h00 Sunday Mass/Communion Service
10h30 Sunday Mass/Communion Service
15h00 Sunday Mass/Communion Service
18h00 Sunday Mass with Youth Musicians
*Masses and Communion Services are scheduled such that a fair distribution across all Sunday services is achieved. For further information please consult the Parish Bulletin or enquire at the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7.
Mass Intentions
Should you wish to have a Mass said for any special intention, please contact the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7.
New Parishioners
Members of the ‘welcoming group’ established by the PPC are tasked with building a greater sense of community in the parish as a whole, working in conjunction with all the other activities on offer in and through the parish. Currently, the group’s main focus is on identifying new parishioners and promoting opportunities for them to become more closely integrated into parish life. We are also looking at ways to broaden the ‘welcoming ministry’, for example by way of a roster of welcomers at the doors of the church at every mass.
If you would like to join the welcoming group, please contact Douglas Irvine on 082 330 3043 or e-mail douglas@sbp.org.za
Parishioner Register
Should you be new to the Parish or should any of your details have changed please contact the Presbytery on Tel. 788 5226/7 so the database can be updated.
Patron Saint
Our Parish is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
which feast is commemorated on 8 December each year.
It wasn’t until 1854, when Pope Pius IX published Ineffabilis Deus, that the doctrine of Mary’s Immaculate Conception became official Church dogma.
The celebration of Mary’s conception has a long and interesting history in the Church. Mary’s Immaculate Conception had already become popular tradition by the time Pope Pius IX published Ineffabilis Deus. He made into official dogma what was popular belief among Catholic scholars and clergy. Also, he fully defined the dogma which, prior to Ineffabilis Deus, existed in many different forms throughout the universal church.
The Immaculate Conception is not the celebration of Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit, nor is it the miracle of the virgin birth. The Immaculate Conception refers wholly to Mary’s conception without the stain of original sin. In Pope Pius IX’s words, the Blessed Virgin Mary “in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin.”
Through Baptism, we remove the stain of original sin, but this stain was never on Mary’s soul. It was excluded entirely. She was created as Adam and Eve were, without original sin. In fact Mary is known as the new or second Eve, who became mother to the new Adam, the Saviour of all humankind.
Pledges
All pledge information is confidential the Church Bookkeeper, Mary Jane Lewis, is contactable at the Church or on her mobile, 082 887 4420 to assist those wishing to make pledges.
Prayer List
Should you wish to include any person or any intention on the Parish Prayer List, please contact the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7. The inclusion of such a person or intention is subject to the approval of the Parish Priest.
Praise and Worship Evenings
These take place every first and third Friday of the month, usually in the Community Centre, from 19h30 to 21h00. Please check the weekly bulletin for details.
Everyone, young and old, is invited to join in this hour and a half of praising and worshipping God through the gift of music.
For further information contact Stef Kruger on 073 189 0295 or just come along.
Repository
Various books, cards, rosaries and other items are available for sale at the repository at the back of the Church after weekend Masses. Marian Barenbrug can be contacted on (011) 442 9231 (evenings) or jbears@telkomsa.net to discuss current stock.
Rosary Group
Parishioners meet every weekday evening at 17:30 in the Church to recite the Rosary. All Parishioners are most welcome to join them.
Schools
We are fortunate to have in our Parish the following excellent Catholic Schools:
- St. David’s Marist Brothers College for Boys. Prep. School Tel. 011 880 4933; High School Tel. 011 788 5328
- St. Theresa’s Convent for Girls. Contact Foundation Phase Tel. 011 442 9127; Intermediate Phase Tel. 011 447 9127; High School Tel. 011 442 6235
- St. Vincent School for the Deaf. Contact Tel. 011 880 4022
Scripture and History of the Church Classes
Classes are held on a regular basis. For further details please contact the Presbytery or consult the Parish Bulletin.
Spiritual Development
Full details of Spiritual Development Plans are available from the Presbytery or on the Parish website: www.rosebankcatholicchurch.org.za
Shelter for the Homeless
The Sisters of Mercy operate a number of shelters for the homeless including one from the Immaculata Hall at the back of the Church.
There is always a need for second hand clothing and regular supplies of produce.
If you feel you can help in any way please contact Jacob Modise on Tel 011 325 0329 or 011 447 4399
Society of St. Vincent De Paul
Conference of Mary Immaculate in Johannesburg
The Society provides assistance to the poor and anyone in need regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender or political opinions.
The Society provides any form of personal help that alleviates suffering or deprivation and promotes human dignity and personal integrity.
In Rosebank the Society works closely with the Immaculata Centre to give help to the homeless and others in need in our parish. It gives food and educational assistance on an on-going basis to an orphan family in Cosmo City and takes on many other short term projects. Monthly collections on the first Sunday of each month support this type of assistance.
Special collections are held in the parish to distribute blankets in the winter and food hampers at Christmas to a number of different centres in Gauteng.
If you feel you can contribute in any way to this work, the Society can be contacted through the Presbytery or by e-mail at svp.rosebank@telkomsa.net
Sodalities
SPRED Group
The Rosebank SPRED Group provides spiritual enrichment for children and adults who cannot cope with normal catechism classes. SPRED uses a totally different method of catechesis - a liturgical symbolic process. Parents and friends may contact Michael Howes on tel. 011 453 2493 or 082 572 9435 for further information.
Stipends
It is accepted practice that the Priest officiating at a marriage or funeral be paid a stipend by those requesting such a service.
Our Parish is staffed by Diocesan Priests. While these Priests are not bound by a vow of poverty, they are responsible for such things as certain medical benefits, clothing and personal requirements. They are in receipt of a set salary from the Bishop but also rely on the generosity of parishioners. Hence in cases such as weddings and funerals, whilst the Church may require a fee to cover expenses, it is also a custom to pay a stipend to the person officiating.
For information, Priests who are members of a Religious Order and who have sworn a vow of poverty are not permitted to accept stipends on their own behalf but these accrue to the Religious Order to which they belong. Such Religious Orders are responsible for taking care of their members and accordingly rely on the generosity of parishioners.
Parishioners are therefore requested to take the above factors into account when determining a stipend or any other donation.
Three O' Clock Community
We have a number of parishioners who are domestic workers as well as others who find it impossible to come to the scheduled masses on Sunday morning and evening. Moreover there are those who have only a slight understanding of the English language and love to hear mass in their own language (eg Sotho) and sing hymns in their own language. Sunday afternoon is the only time they can meet and the 15:00 Mass and Community Service attempts to meet the needs of these parishioners.
Toilets
There are toilets available on the right hand side of the Church to the front of the Garden of Remembrance and in the Community Centre.
Vocations to the Priesthood or Religious Life
Should you feel that you have a vocation to the Priesthood or the Religious Life you are very welcome to discuss this with your Parish Priest, Fr. Harry Wilkinson.
The PPC also has a sub-committee for Vocations which can assist in addressing any questions and providing further information.
The Vocations Committee of the Diocese arranges monthly meetings for those who feel they may have such a vocation. This offers an ideal opportunity to explore your vocation, find out more about the priesthood and religious life and discuss with others who similarly feel they have such a calling. The Vicar for Vocations can be contacted on Tel. 011 402 6400.
Parish Prayer For Vocations
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of the priesthood and the Consecrated Life. We beseech your Holy Spirit to inspire men and women in our Diocese to follow the call to these vocations. Give them faith, courage and zeal so that they may follow you with joy and perseverance in living out these unique ways of life which give glory to you and service to the Church and the world.
Protect and strengthen our Seminarians, Priests, Deacons and Religious Sisters and Brothers. Help all Christians to become better disciples of Jesus, and when our earthly pilgrimage is complete, bring us to the joy of your Kingdom.
We ask this through the same Jesus, who is Lord for ever and ever.
AMEN.
Website
The Parish website can be found at: www.rosebankcatholicchurch.org.za and offers much of interest to all. The Weekly Bulletin is posted on the site to keep parishioners informed of current news and events throughout the year.
Weddings
Please contact Mary at the Presbytery on Tel. 011 788 5226/7.
Mary will advise you as to such things as legal documents required, flowers, use of the Community Centre etc.
Marriage classes can be arranged with Fr. Harry Wilkinson (See Marriage Classes above).
The Parish Choirmaster/Organist is available to help you plan the music for your wedding. Contact Norman Buckle on 011 793 5184 or 082 602 0538.
If you would like the Parish youth musicians to play at your wedding, please contact Kirsty Duncan on 082 939 1881.
Weekly Bulletin
The Weekly Bulletin is available at the Masses over the weekends. You are encouraged to take one as it contains the responses for the Mass and a host of other information. It is a also posted on the parish Website.
Young Adults Group
The Young Adults Group meets on a regular basis. If you are 18 years of age and above and would like to meet fellow parishioners and join in their activities please contact Stefan Kruger on 073 189 0295.
Check the weekly bulletin for information on forthcoming events.
Youth Musicians
A Mass at which the Youth and Young Adult musicians play and sing is held every Sunday at 18:00. If you play an instrument and/or sing why not join this group and participate in leading the parishioners in praising God through music and song.
For further information please contact Stefan Kruger on 073 189 0295 or Kirsty Duncam on 082 939 1881 or speak to one of the musicians before or after the 18:00 Sunday Mass.
Members of the Youth Musicians also hold a Praise and Worship (see above) evening on the first and third Friday of each month. If you would like to participate please give Stef Kruger a ring on 073 189 0295 or simply attend one of these evenings as advertised in the Parish Bulletin.
Youth Groups
The PPC has recently formed three groups for the youth of the Parish which meet from time to time for adult-supervised events.
JAM (Jesus and Me) caters for children from the ages of 3 to 7 years and meet every week for the Children’s Liturgy for the duration of the 10h30 Sunday Mass, in the Community Centre.
COOL (Catholics Overdosed on Life) is for children from the ages of 8 to 12 years, including altar servers.
LIFE (Living in Faith’s Embrace) is for teenagers and High School children.
The success of these initiatives depends to a large extent on the parents and they are therefore most welcome and encouraged to become involved and to assist when necessary.
For further details or information, please phone Graeme Munks on Tel. 083 2356813.
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