The Lord says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I dedicated you.” Always listen to an Old Friend.
RUPERTSWOOD CRICKET CLUB
The Rupertswood Cricket Club would like to invite all past and present members to help celebrate our first 20 seasons on Saturday 6 February, at 7.30 at Rupertswood Clubrooms.
Contact Michael 0417 597 721 or Warren 0413 867 725 for more details.
EMMAUS CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP
The Emmaus Charismatic Prayer Group will resume meeting at St Anne’s Church at 10.15am on Thursday 4 February. All welcome including children.
For more info/transport please contact Lambert & Elaine van der Weerden on 9744 4029.
WORKING BEE AT ST ANNE’S CHURCH
Saturday 6 February, 9am – 12noon for a general clean up inside and outside. Please bring any equipment required for cleaning and weeding and gardening.
All welcome.
THE SYMBOLISM BEHIND THE DEDICATION CEREMONY
The Anointing of the Altar
By being anointed with consecrated oil of Chrism, the altar becomes a symbol of Christ, who before all others is called “The Anointed One”; for the Father anointed him with the Holy Spirit and constituted him the High Priest who on the altar of his body would offer the sacrifice of his life for the salvation of all.
Incense
Is burned on the altar to signify that the sacrifice of Christ, which is then perpetuated in mystery, ascends to God as an odour of sweetness, and also is a sign that the prayers of the people rise up pleasing and acceptable, reaching to the throne of God. The People of God are incensed for they are the living temple in which each faithful member is a spiritual altar.
The white cloth on the altar
Indicates that the Christian altar is the altar of the eucharistic sacrifice and the table of the Lord; standing around it priests and people, in one and the same action but with a difference of function, celebrate the memorial of the death and resurrection of Christ and partake in the Lord’s Supper. The altar is prepared as the table of sacrificial banquet and adorned as for a feast. This is the Lord’s Table at which all God’s people meet with joy to be refreshed with divine food, namely the Body and Blood of Christ sacrificed.
The lighting of the altar
Teaches us that Christ is “a light to enlighten the nations” (Luke 2:32), whose brightness shines out in the Church and through it upon the whole family of humanity. (Taken from “Rite of Dedication”)
REMINDER
Reminder to all parents from schools other than the two Parish Schools: The first meeting in preparation for First Communion will be held at St. Anne’s Church on Tuesday 16 February at 7.00pm.
DEDICATION MASS AT ST ANNE’S CHURCH NEXT SUNDAY AT 10.30AM
Bishop Tim Costelloe, Bishop of the Northern Region of Melbourne, will preside at his first liturgy in our parish. In recent weeks we have described the ceremony which is very beautiful, full of symbolism and good music. After the Mass finishes about 12noon, we are invited to lunch together in the Parish Centre, please bring some lunch to share. Tea and coffee will be provided.
VOCATION VIEW
The word of God becomes the flesh of God when YOU live it in your life. Believe what you read; live what you believe. Be another Christ.
GRAPHIC ARTIST
A Graphic Artist is sought for our Parish Centenary Book – please inform the Parish Office.
PLEASE RETURN!
Two framed photos of Fr Gallivan and Fr Kevin are missing from the Historical Display room.
These are needed for display at centenary in March. Prior permission for borrowing any item must be obtained from the Parish Office.
WORKING BEE AT ST ANNE’S CHURCH
A working bee will be held at St Anne’s Church on Saturday 6 February, 9.00am to 12 noon for a general clean up inside and outside. Please bring any equipment required.
All welcome.
DEDICATION OF ALTAR AT ST ANNE’S – TWO WEEKS TODAY
The Dedication within the 10.30am Mass will begin with the blessing of the baptismal font, followed by the renewal of our baptismal vows; then the blessing of the presider’s chair; the blessing of the ambo, the Table of the Word. The readings will be specific for this occasion. After the homily, we will pray the Litany of the Saints, then the relics of some saints will be installed in the altar; our relics are Bishop St Francis de Sales, the widow St Jane Frances de Chantal and the nun St Margaret Mary Alacoque.
Then follows the spectacular ceremony of anointing and incensation of the altar. Then the Liturgy of the Eucharist commences with the Procession of gifts. After Holy Communion is distributed the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament will be inaugurated. Please all bring a plate of finger food to share for a light lunch together in the Parish Centre at 12 noon.
SCHOOL DAMAGE
Victoria Police have taken possession of very clear CCTV evidence of five youths breaking into our school at 2.30am on Friday and damaging the children’s’ sports equipment.
PROGRESS REPORT ON WORKS
- Last week the external of the permanent and temporary classrooms of O.L.M.C. School was painted in heritage colours. All classrooms have been cabled for power, data and security.
- At St Anne’s, internal painting and plastering has been proceeding in the ¾ level area.
- The steel roof of the bell tower has been fabricated
The Year of the Priest: June 2009 – June 2010
In recent years, studies have shown how happy priests are. The Presbyterian sociologist Dean Hoge:
“the level of happiness among Catholic priests is fairly high”.
In 2001, 88% said they would choose priesthood again. The Catholic sociologist Fr Greeley wrote in 2004
“priests score higher on measures of satisfaction than do doctors, lawyers, faculty members and Protestant ministers”.
92% said they would choose priesthood again.
These professional studies show that priests are not ‘unfulfilled emotional wrecks’ as sometimes portrayed.
Hoge listed three top personal problems for priests: low authority exercised in the church, too much work and thirdly unrealistic expectations by lay people.
Feel free to leave a comment below.
THE BEGGINING OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Last week those who did VCE in 2009 received their tertiary education places. Those I have spoken to are happy with their places.
This week , the school year commences – Wednesday for staff, beginning with Mass at St Anne’s on the feast of St Angela Merici. All are welcome to this Mass.
Our three schools: O.L.M.C., Salesian and St Anne’s now have major building programmes totalling about $11 million. These works will substantially improve facilities for our children.
FOUNDATIONS FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY
This Program is for those in parish ministries and other settings to enable them to learn more about their faith and to assist them in their Christian ministries. Brochures of courses beginning in February are at the Welcome Desk.
The entire life of the disciple is marked by learning and growth. Life long growth in faith is an essential Characteristic of adult catholic life. John Paul 11
CONSECRATION OF ALTAR AT ST ANNE’S CHURCH
The Consecration of the Altar at St Anne’s will be within the 10.30am Mass on 7 February with Bishop Tim Costello, Bishop of the Northern Region presiding. The ceremony is very rich and takes about one and a half hours. There will be no Baptisms that Sunday.
PROGRESS REPORT ON WORKS
At O.L.M.C School, demolition of two classrooms is proceeding where four new classrooms will be constructed with a lift included has continued.
The Bell Tower to house the restored bell at O.L.M.C. Church is proceeding well.
At St Anne’s School, plastering and other fitting out is progressing in the 3/4 Level Block.
The road marking in St Anne’s car park has been repainted. Please observe the changed markings on the road.
VOCATION VIEW
Come on, continue your Baptism by baptising others in the Holy Spirit and fire. “You are my beloved child,” says the Lord!
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 
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