The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010
Brian Sharkey
a reprimand from his visitor. Brian replied that it was permissible to use pages from the bible as cigarette paper, provided he read the page before using it for that purpose. Brian Sharkey was born on February 3, 1947 in England to an Irish mother and Scottish father, a professional football player. He emigrated to South Africa in 1975 where he met and a year later married his wife Val. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in March this year. In the words of his parish priest, Fr Stan Botha, he bore his illness with “class”. In her eulogy at Brian’s funeral Mass in Milnerton, celebrated by Fr Botha, family friend Kelly Westerman recalled that in mid-November an ambulance was called because Brian struggled to breathe. “While relative chaos was unfolding around him, Brian sat patiently in his chair and waited for the ambulance to arrive. When it arrived, Brian struggled to his feet, shook each paramedic’s hand and introduced himself to them. He was taken to hospital with his hair neatly combed, wearing smart parts and perfectly polished black shoes.” On his way out, he asked his wife to hand him his missal. Brian Sharkey is survived by his wife Val and 94-year-old mother in Birmingham, England. Günther Simmermacher
W
ITH the death on November 25 of fundraiser and activist Brian Sharkey, 63, the Church in Cape Town lost a true Catholic gentleman. As a long-time director of Milnerton/Brooklyn parish’s Catholiccare outreach programme, Brian used his many contacts in the horse racing and sports fraternity to raise funds, in particular through “horse auction” events in January and July—an appropriate choice of event, as Brian was a successful horse breeder and racer. Much of the fundraising benefited the HIV/Aids organisation HOPE Cape Town, with whom the parish has a partnership. The hundreds of thousands of rand Brian raised have sustained HOPE’s clinic in Mfuleni, which Milnerton/Brooklyn parish adopted. The night before his death of cancer, Brian was still discussing parcels of sweets for the children in Mfuleni.
A man of quiet authority who led by example, it was difficult to deny him a favour. He would readily repay such favours by sharing from his stock of exquisite whiskey. The enthusiastic golfer served his Church in many visible ways— as head of its Men’s Society, catechist, Eucharistic minister, parish pastoral council member and so on—and perhaps even more so behind the scenes. Brian lived out Cardinal Cardjin’s motto “see, judge, act”. Sadly, his great efforts in helping others were not always fully appreciated by all recipients. Brian’s ministries included prison visitations at Goodwood jail, where he counselled inmates and also distributed bibles. One day an inmate confessed that he was using the pages of his bible DECEMBER—THE PRIZE, A GIFT for cigarette Dec 24 Christmas Eve. We hope that all is prepaper, expecting pared and ready for our celebrations. For Mary and Joseph their preparations went badly wrong and in desperation they had to settle for a very humble way to bring Jesus into the world. Families should not forget this as the true spirit of Christmas. Dec 25 Christmas Day. A Saviour is Born for Us, To place your event, call Claire Allen at 021 465 5007 truly a gift from God’s generosity and not one that or e-mail c.allen@scross.co.za (publication subject to space) we deserved. Celebrate as a family.
Family Reflections
Community Calendar
Liturgical Calendar Sun, Dec 19, 4th Sunday of Advent: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24 Mon, Dec 20, Bl Scubilion Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38 Tues, Dec 21,St Peter Canisius Song of Solomon 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18; Ps 33:2-3, 1112, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Wed, Dec 22, feria 1 Sam 1:24-28; 1 Sam 2:1, 4-8; Lk 1:46-56 Thurs,Dec 23, St John of Kanty Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Fri,Dec 24, feria 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:6779. Evening Vigil:Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17,27,29; Acts 13:16-17,22-25; Mt1:1-25 Sat,Dec 25, Nativity of the Lord Midnight: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3,11-13; Tit 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14. Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Tit 3:47; Lk 2:15-20. Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 Sun, Dec 26, Holy Family Sir 3:2-7, 12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23
BETHLEHEM: Shrine of Our Lady of Bethlehem at Tsheseng, Maluti mountains; Thursdays 09:30, Mass, then exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. 058 721 0532
DuRBAN: St Anthony’s: Tuesday 9.00am Mass with novena to St Anthony. First Friday 5.30pm Mass–Divine Mercy novena prayers. Tel: 031 3093496
CAPE TOWN: Holy Hour to pray for priests of the diocese, 2nd Saturday monthly at Villa Maria shrine Kloof Nek Rd 16:00-17:00. Adoration Chapel, Corpus Christi Church, Wynberg: Mon-Thurs 6am to 12pm; Fri-Sun 6am to 8pm. Adorers welcome 021-761 3337 St Pio Holy Hour. at 15:30 at Holy Redeemer, Bergvliet.
ST fRANCIS BAY: Saints and sinners charity golf challenge, 18th December 2010, St Francis Bay Golf Course, Fund raising event for building a Church in Catholic Humansdorp. To support this day as a sponsor, with prizes or donations please. Contact Mike: 082 320 4633 PRETORIA: first Saturday: Devotion to Divine Mercy. St Martin de Porres, Sunnyside, 16:30. Tel Shirley-Anne 012 361 4545.
good Shepherd, Bothasig. Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel. All hours. All welcome.
Announcing a one-day seminar to celebrate
400 Years of the Bible in English on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the Authorised Version of the Bible Friday 25 March 2011, 0900-1600 Venue: St Augustine College, Victory Park, Johannesburg Themes include: Challenges in translation Social and political uses for different translations The Bible and English language and literature Speakers include: Mr Masenyani Baloyi Dr Maria Frahm-Arp Dr Anthony Egan SJ Jointly sponsored by the Bible Society of South Africa, Catholic Bible College and St Augustine College of South Africa
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CHRISTMAS gREETINgS CHRISTMAS Blessings and greetings to Fr Sean Collins and Fr Anthony Pathe and Sr Miriam. With lots of love from Maureen Mayes. Hoedspruit, Limpopo. DA SILVA—Mary wishes family, friends, Prayer Group Bellville, the Legion of Mary, the Congregation of St Frances Namaqualand, Koelenhof and the staff of The Southern Cross a Blessed Christmas and good wishes for 2011. God bless you all. LENDERS—Brian, Jean and Laura wish all relatives, friends, priests, and religious and Mary Immaculate Queen Enthronees all the joy and love of this Blessed Christmastide. May the Christ Child and the Holy Family surround you and your loved ones with serene peace and happiness. THANK you all so much for a wonderful Catholic newspaper. It's my weekly fix! you all work so hard and bless you for that. Happy Christmas to all the staff at The Southern Cross. Maureen Mayes. YAZBEK—Mark and Juliana wish family, friends and benefactors a happy and restful Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful New year.
IN MEMORIAM ACCOM—Linnet Mavis. In loving memory of our sister who passed away on December 24, 2007. Rest in peace, Brian Jean and Laura. ACCOM—Ruby Mavis. In loving memory of our beloved mother on this ninth anniversary of her passing on Christmas Day, 2001. May you join the heavenly choirs of angels and share in the rich inheritance promised by our glorious Lord. May Our Blessed Lady shield you under her mantle and may the Holy Family surround you with eternal joy and peace. Brian Jean and Laura. BENTO—Mario. December 24, 2000. I loved you when I met you, I loved you when you died. I will love you still, even more the day I’m again by your side. Still deeply missed and forever in my daily prayers and thoughts. your wife yvonne. MARQuES—Elisa. Born 7/10/45, she passed away 15/12/2000. In loving memory of our dear wife, mother and grandmother. Ten years have passed but we shall always cherish your cheerful smile, your heart of gold and the great example you set. RIP. Forever deeply missed by your husband, children and grandchildren. MIDDLETON—Cheryl (née Cullen)—you left us on Christmas Day 2004, 6 years ago. you are in our memories, in our lives still—we miss you forever. We know you are with Our Lord, and that we shall join you one joyous day. In the meanwhile, our darling daughter, we ask that you pray for us. Love, Mom and Dad.
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PRAYERS Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to come to my urgent need and grant my petitions. In return I promise to make your name known and publish this prayer. Amen. With grateful thanks for prayers answered by The Holy Spirit, Mother Mary, St Jude and St Therese'. David and Felicity Borland HOLY St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to come to my assistance. Help me now in my urgent need and grant my petitions. In return I promise to make your name known and publish this prayer. Amen. Thank you for prayers answered. DC. PRAYER in Preparation for Examination: “O Great St Joseph of Cupertino, who by your prayers, obtained from God the grace of being asked at your examination the only questions which you knew. Obtain for me a like success in the examination for which I am now preparing, and in return I promise to make your name known and caused to be invoked in prayers. Amen. My Blessed Mother, bring to my mind the unknown and forgotten. O Little Flower, in this hour show me your power.” DC.
ful en-suite rooms available at reasonable rates. Magnificent views, breakfast on request. Tel: 082 774 7140. E-mail: bzhive@telkomsa.net KNYSNA: Self-catering garden apartment for two in Old Belvidere with wonderful lagoon views. Tel: 044 387 1052. KOLBE HOuSE is the Catholic Centre and residence for the University of Cape Town. Beautiful estate in Rondebosch near the university. From mid November, December and January, the students’ rooms are available for holiday guests. We offer self-catering accommodation, parking in secure premises. Short walks to shops, transport etc. Contact Jock 021 685 7370, fax 021 686 2342 or 082 308 0080 or kolbe.house @telkomsa.net LONDON: Single £25, twin £40 per night. house protea@hotmail.com, 021 851 5200. MARIANELLA Guest House, Simon’s Town: “Come experience the peace and beauty of God with us.” Fully equipped with amazing sea views. Secure parking, ideal for rest and relaxation. Special rates for pensioners and clergy. Tel: Malcolm Salida 082 784 5675 or mjsalida@mweb.co.za MONTAgu: Self-catering family accommodation. Views, braai, 3 beds , sleeps 5-7. Central and secure. Phone 074 190 5634. gailellis@telkom sa.net SOuTH COAST: 3 bedroom house, Marine Drive, Uvongo Tel: Donald 031 465 5651, 073 989 1074. STELLENBOSCH: Five simple private suites (2 beds, fridge, micro-wave). Countryside vineyard/forest/mountain walks; beach 20 minute drive. Affordable. Christian Brothers Tel: 021 880 0242 / cbc_stel@mweb.co.za SOuTH COAST: 3 bedroom house, Marine Drive, Uvongo Tel: Donald 031465 5651, 073 989 1074. uMHLANgA ROCKS: Fully equipped self-catering 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, sleeps 6, sea view, 200 metres from beach, DStv. Tel: HolidayDivision, 031 5615838, holidays@lighthouse.co.za
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION CAPE TOWN: Ambler’s Res–holiday or business accommodation in the heart of the Constantia winelands. Fully equipped self-catering open plan unit with secure parking (sleeps 2). R250pp per night sharing. Contact Barbara 021 712 6177 or 082 407 0856 ww.capes tay.co.za/amblersrest CAPE WEST COAST yzerfontein: Emmaus on Sea B&B and self-catering. Holy Mass celebrated every Sunday at 6pm. Tel: 022 451 2650. fISH HOEK: Self-catering accommodation, sleeps 4. Secure parking. Tel: 021 785 1247. fISH HOEK: Self-catering holiday accommodation from budget to luxury. Pensioners rate. Tel/fax:021 782 3647, alisona@xsinet.co.za gORDON’S BAY: Beauti-
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