MtCarmel

April 1, 2015April 25, 2015

WELCOME TO THE TABLE

Our parish has a theme of “Welcome to the Table” for 2015. This theme carries forward from the theme in Advent of “Welcome at the Inn”. When we welcome others to the table of the Lord at Lent, we are serving each other. Through- out Lent, our choirs will sing “The Servant Song” as our entrance hymn. The hymn asks us to serve each other, as servants, and then to accept the service of others also. As mentioned in the ministry sign up newsletter item, many parishioners serve others in the various parish ministries. Service is all around us. We serve our families by going to work and helping them in daily life; we serve our communities in various ways also. Please remember to welcome each other to the Table of the Lord. It is there we give spiritual nourishment to each other– which is needed in these challeng- ing days. Our own Sunbury community kitchen is receiving high numbers of people who struggle to receive enough food. Maybe there is something you can identify in your life that will call you to action! Jesus acted as a servant to us all. It is our time to remember what he teaches us every week– to serve one another! Our Parish theme reminds us all that we are all welcome at church and we are all valued by our parish community.

March 29, 2015April 2, 2015

PALM SUNDAY HE SENT TWO OF HIS DISCIPLES, AND SAID……YOU WILL FIND A YOUNG DONKEY

Mark 11:1-11World English Bible (WEB)

When they came near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, and said to them, “Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs him;’ and immediately he will send him back here.”
They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him. Some of those who stood there asked them, “What are you doing, untying the young donkey?” They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go.
They brought the young donkey to Jesus, and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it. Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road. Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

March 28, 2015April 25, 2015

A “NEW LIFE IN GOD’S SPIRIT” SEMINAR

A “New Life in God’s Spirit” seminar will be held in St. Anne’s Church each Thursday evening commencing on April 16th for 7 weeks. The sessions will commence at 7.30 pm. The seminar is designed to help the participants experience God’s love in a direct and personal way. Each session lasts for about 90 minutes and will begin with prayer, followed by a talk on the topic and a time of group discussion. Participants will be given a booklet with daily readings to reflect on between meetings.
For further information and registration please contact Lambert & Elaine van der Weerden Ph. 0418 322 596 or Grace Tucker Ph.9746 3294.
Transport will be available if required.

March 20, 2015March 28, 2015

EVERGREENS….AFTERNOON TEA WITH LIVE MUSIC, SINGALONG, QUIZ AND DOOR PRIZE

EVERGREENS
What is an Evergreen? Our parish has been built and supported by many people over time. A group that celebrates the older/ retired/ young at heart are the “Evergreens” . The “Evergreens” gather to enjoy some entertainment and good company and on the 24th March, live entertainment and free afternoon tea. The first gathering for 2015 is in the Parish Centre at 1pm, as we said, on the 24th March. There will be a quiz, door prize, live music and singalong and afternoon tea. Contact Parish Office for catering purposes. We don’t want to over-order the iced vovos. (for Victorians, they are a biscuit, see below)

February 27, 2015March 20, 2015

KINDA KINDER

Kinda Kinda starts Tuesday 17 March 2015 from 9.15am to 10.15am and runs weekly during school terms in the Parish Centre at 101 Riddell Rd, Sunbury. Victoria University students lead children from infant to pre-school with fun, imaginative educational games. All are welcome to attend. The program is free to all families. Please call the Parish Office on 9744 1060 for further information (no bookings required)

February 22, 2015February 27, 2015

INTRODUCING KATHRYN HOLEWA– PARISH PASTORAL ASSOCIATE….She’s not in the photo!

Hello dear parishioner’s of Our Lady of Mt Carmel! I am delighted to be part of the parish team this year. The pastoral role I am undertaking for the team, is with a focus on the Sacramental programs for the beautiful children of our community. It is a privilege to be here and to serve in this way. I am here to join forces with the good school leaders and teachers, to enrich the lives of these children with matters of the heart, namely their faith life.
Having travelled to India, America and South America I am always fascinated by the hope and spiritual resilience of our young people. This is the hope we foster here in Sunbury, and I am delighted to join you in this mission. As community members, we share the same goal to live as fully as we can as Christians in a tumultuous world. Please join me in praying for all members of our parish family, including the young people in all of our schools. I look forward to meeting many of you individually, and sharing with you in ways we can enrich this vibrant parish.
All best wishes, Kathryn J

February 21, 2015March 29, 2015

THE WAY OF THE CROSS AT ST ANNE’S CHURCH

The Way of the Cross will be led by the Youth Group every Friday night during Lent starting from Friday 20 February to 27 March at St Anne’s Church at 7.15pm. The Rosary will be prayed followed by the Way of the Cross. All Welcome.

February 6, 2015February 27, 2015

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY NEEDS HELP IN THE VINNIES SHOP

St Vincent de Paul Society operates over 100 Vinnies shops throughout Victoria. Our shops raise funds for the Society to provide those in need with recycled clothing, furniture and other essential items.

We are welcoming volunteers to help with our good works at our Vinnies Sunbury located at 156 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain personal satisfaction from making a positive contribution to St Vincent de Paul Society and your local community.
No retail experience necessary – training provided.

If you can help, please contact: Volunteer Hotline on 1300 736 933 or Email: volunteer@svdp-vic.org.au

January 23, 2015February 13, 2015

PARISH MEETING NIGHT

The Parish Meeting Night will be held on Wednesday 11 February 2015. This is an opportunity for all the groups to meet together and also in their group to plan for 2015.

January 23, 2015February 22, 2015

MINISTRY MONTH–SIGN-UP THIS WEEKEND. YOUR GIFT TO THE PARISH

During February, our parish will be running Ministry Month. This is an opportunity for all the vibrant groups of the parish to display what their groups do for the parish and to recruit new members. Last year we had a very good result which included about 40 new members to various rosters. Please consider where you would like to be active in the parish and below are some of the roles of the various groups in our parish.

ALTAR CARE
A few of times a year those on altar care roster help by dusting and sweeping the altar, water the plants and do a general tidy up around the church.

ALTAR SERVERS
Assisting the priest at Mass as an Altar Server provides a great opportunity for young members of our community to take an active role in parish life and for their experience of the Eucharist to grow and develop. This opportunity is open to all children who are over 10 years of age. Training and ongoing support are provided. A roster is developed to suite the times that you are available.

CHURCH CLEANING
Our Churches are vacuumed fortnightly by a team of great volunteers. Occasionally there is a need for a cleaning team to prepare the Church for a special occasion. This valued work can provide the opportunity for a quiet and reflective period. You may choose to work with a small team. The work can be done at any time when the church is not in use and a roster can be arranged to suit your availability.

AV
Our Sunday Masses are supported with Audio Visual Presentations. A rotating roster has someone setting up the Lap top, turning on the screens and working through the prepared Power point, by remote control, following a running sheet. All training is provided. You would be required no more than once per month at your preferred Mass time.

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION TEAMS
Our teams hold monthly meetings are held to support families looking to have their children baptised in our parish. Meetings include an information session with the opportunity to book the date of the child’s baptism. Two teams alternate monthly. This is a great way to welcome new families into the parish.

BINGO
Every Thursday night for the past 21 years, we have enjoyed Bingo at the Sunbury Football Social Club. There is a representative team from the Parish who, while having a great time, have made many friends and raised funds for the Parish needs. You are most welcome to join the team or attend.

CHURCH LINEN
The linen used during Mass is washed and ironed and returned to the Sacristy of our Churches for use the following week.

COLLECTION TEAM LEADER
At each Mass a team leader organizes collectors from the congregation. You can choose which Mass you would like to be part of.

COMMUNION TO THE SICK
A key aspect of our parish life is the care and support of those who are not well or are unable to come to Sunday Mass . As well as maintaining and demonstrating a strong link with the Church through the reception of Communion, visits from our Ministers of Communion to the Sick also provide an opportunity for conversation, friendship and a sense of belonging. You may choose to visit people in their homes or in the residential care facilities in our area. Appropriate training and ongoing sup- port are provided and visiting times are arranged to suit your availability.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
At 10.30am Mass on Sunday during school terms, children are invited to be part of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word in the foyer of At Anne’s. We have two leaders with the group of children who coordinate the session. All resources including take home sheets, are prepared for the sessions and sent to the leaders two weeks in advance. All training is provided. What better way to share your faith with the children of the parish!

COUNTING
On a rostered basis, a team of parishioners arrange for the collections to be counted in preparation for banking. Each team is rostered approximately every 6 weeks. Counting
is usually Sunday and takes about 2 hours.

GARDENING/ MAINTENANCE
The gardening at the Church is looked after by our diligent volunteers who manage to keep the grounds and the church properties in tip top shape! If you are handy in
the garden or love working with your hands, we would love you on our team.

GIFT SHOP
The gift shop at St Anne’s Church is open after each Mass for a short time. No retail experience needed- just a welcoming smile!

LECTORS
A ‘reader’ is the person who proclaims the First and Second Readings during the Liturgy of the Word. This ministry involves more than just ‘reading’. When you stand before the assembled community the words that you will speak are not your own; they are God’s Word. It is not an exaggeration to say that you are acting as a prophet, called by God to enable God’s people to be able to hear what God is saying to them today. The Word of God which you speak sustains the life of each person present and the life of the community.
To exercise this ministry well you will need to grow in your own familiarity with, and understanding of the Scriptures; this experience will greatly enrich your own life and faith. You will need to prepare with care, and speak clearly and in such a way that your hearers recog- nise that you understand and believe what you are speaking. This is responsible, life-giving work but very rewarding.

MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
The Minsters of Communion at Mass feed the assembled community with the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation, just as the disciples did with the loaves and fish. This is the work of every Christian – to become a ‘waiter’, serving all others. It is not a work which requires us to be ‘worthy’; none of us is. It is a work that requires us to want to follow Jesus and to give life to others. You get to see all kinds of faces, all kinds of hands, all with their different stories, young and old. Give it a try; you will not regret it! Appropriate preparation on what to do and why will be provided and roster arrangements can be made to suit your availability.

MUSICIANS AND SINGERS
The great Saint Augustine said, ‘To sing is to pray twice’. Musicians and singers enrich the worship life of our community by leading and enabling the community to participate more fully in the celebration of the Liturgy. They place their unique gifts and talents at the service of the community in such a way that those who might otherwise be unable or unwilling to join in are encouraged and inspired to no longer be merely passive observers but to become more actively involved in the life and celebration of the community. If you have musical gifts you are envied by those who do not! And these gifts are given to be shared with others. We have a number of groups already serving our parish and always willing to welcome others to join them.

MASS SETUP
This Ministry involves preparing the church for the celebration of Mass. Lights, heating/cooling, preparation of the Altar and of the other items such as chalices, bread and wine etc. needed for Mass. It also involves putting things away after Mass. This ‘behind the scenes’ work of dedicated service is at the heart of the community’s life. A roster is arranged to suit the availability of those performing this work and all necessary training will be provided by other friendly team members.

OFFICE HELP
Our Parish office needs help intermittently with folding of the neighbourhood newsletter and packing of Thanksgiving Envelopes. There are 6 times per year when people are required to help with this Ministry. Good company and a cuppa is provided.

PARISH POSTIE
Our Parish is made up of 22 “Neighbourhoods” which enables our very large parish to have a more personal connection to one another. Each has a Neighbourhood Coordinator and some Parish Posties. 4 times a year our Posties deliver a newsletter to the letterbox of each of our Parish families within their Neighbourhood. You are very welcome to join our team of Parish Posties and help build our Sunbury community.

Many hands make light work. Everyone is called to Service of some kind.
Training and support will be given to all members on rosters.
Please consider service in the Parish as your Lenten Response.

January 16, 2015

OVERSEAS HUMANITARIAN PROJECT

The Care Group at the Catholic University in Jakarta continue their crucial work in caring for the children living with HIV AIDS in the slums of that city. The Parish has made a commitment to support their work for the longer term and so will be conducting a fundraising appeal on 7/8 Feb—similar to that held in March of last
year. Your generous support would again be mu h appreciated by the children. More details in the bulletin over the next few weeks.
Mick Hetherington, Frank O’Connor, Julie Reddan and Tony Kiley on behalf of the Parish Co-ordinating Team.

January 12, 2015February 6, 2015

HOW THE FAMILY CHRISTMAS MASS AT RUPERTSWOOD UNFOLDED

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January 9, 2015

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Thanks to the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for your prayers for Mariella Schembri. She is finally home after receiving her last dose of Chemo. It has been a tough journey but through the knowledge of your prayers, it has lifted her spirits and helped her through. ……Anna & Tony Tanti

January 9, 2015January 23, 2015

THANK YOU FROM ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Thanks to the generous parishioners of Sunbury Catholic Parish who supported the Vinnies Christmas Appeal in 2014. A huge total of $4281.15 was raised to help the less fortunate in our community. Thank you so much for opening your hearts and your wallets so kindly.

January 9, 2015

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BISHOP

Bishop Terry Curtin has been appointed the new bishop of our Northern Region of our diocese which included our parish. He was ordained a priest in 1971, was an assistant priest at Noble Park before beginning his tertiary teaching ministry at Mercy Teachers College in 1975, then later at Australian Catholic University. In 2008, he received an additional appointment as parish priest of Greythorn. Our previous bishop, Tim Costelloe was appointed to Perth in February 2012. Since then Fr Martin Ashe has been an episcopal vicar carrying out the duties of a regional bishop, as well as parish priest of Mernda, Whittlesea and Kinglake.

December 26, 2014January 9, 2015

WELCOME AT THE INN

Thanks to all the marvelous helpers who made these special Christmas celebrations possible. In the spirit of our “Welcome at the Inn” model, our church has been cleaned thoroughly, you may have noticed the beautiful windows! The wonderful Nativity scene has been set up and brings joy to all who see it. The lovely Wreath was put on the Sanctuary for all to see. On Thursday 18 December, the parish office was buzzing with activity as the Christmas Packs that all families will receive at all Christmas Masses, were collated. We had an excellent response from the whole parish to helping out with all Christmas Masses. From being a Special Minister, Collector, Car Park Attendant, Welcomer and Usher, to setting up the Rupertswood Stadium and packing it back up. Attending the Multicultural Day on December 7 and supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal are all ways that parishioners supported each other during this precious time, Advent, of waiting for the Saviour to be born.
It is as a community we give thanks to God for the gift of our Saviour Jesus Christ. And by sharing our own gifts with our community we can show our thanks by giving ourselves.