Could all past members of St Vincent De Paul Sunbury Conference please contact Louise Oswald on 0408-520-721 during office hours. Thank you.
AIDS 2014
Melbourne is hosting the international conference AIDS2014 Jul 20-25 at Melb Convention & Exhibition Centre. Running alongside the conference, the GLOBAL VILLAGE is a vibrant international and cultural space with exhibitions, information, people to meet, performances, documentaries and appearances by celebrities and VIPs attending the conference http://www.aids2014.org Also INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE at St Paul’s Cathedral 7pm Tue Jul 22 following Candlelight Vigil at Fed Square from 6pm.
UPDATE ON STATEMENT ON MALAYSIAN FLIGHT MH 17
16.45, 18th July Australian EST, Melbourne, Australia
The International AIDS Society, convenors of the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014), is continuing to work with the authorities to clarify how the tragic loss of Malaysian Airlines flight MH 17 impacts our conference delegates, our conference partners, and our community as a whole.
In recognition of our colleagues’ dedication to the fight against HIV/AIDS, the conference will go ahead as planned and will include opportunities to reflect and remember those we have lost.
The International AIDS Society will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. http://www.aids2014.org/
CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARISH DANCE
Let us gather together once again to celebrate with family and friends the 2nd Annual Christmas in July Family Gathering organised by ‘OLMC Youth Group’.
This time, half of the profits will be donated to support our Parish’s Overseas Humanitarian Project.
We need your assistance to advertise this event, sell tickets, arrange the hall before and after the function and to assist on the day.
Without extra hands it is difficult to organize these events on a regular basis. So please lend us an helping hand if possible.
Please read the attached flyer and circulate to family and friends.
God Bless you and your Family.
Garnet Jacob
DETAILS
On 26th July 2014 7PM to 10.30PM
DJ Music with your favourite Rock & Roll, Jive, Disco, Hip Hop..Children’s Music….
Meat Tray Raffles & Prizes to win
Surprise appearance not to be missed.
Admission by donation. Adults $15. 6 to 12yrs $10 with Pizza’s to be shared & a can of drink.
Purchase tickets by 23/07/2014 from Parish Office.
A NEW VIDEO FROM THOSE WE SUPPORT IN INDONESIA
This is the current promotion video and a quote from a paper on the latest issue, namely the supply of pediatric specific anti-HIV/Aids medication.
Children, in essence, should enjoy their childhood by playing, growing flowers, and learning. They should enjoy the sweetness of life and spend their time on things they like. Children with HIV suffer enough with a disease that is present in their bodies, with the stigma and discrimination that they received from the uneducated. It is appropriate that they get attention, especially for the treatment, care, and support related to their disease. Indonesia should not be lagging behind other countries in an effort to provide pediatric ARVs. Hopefully one day, no longer need to have a child with HIV that is resistant because of boredom and no longer want to consume drugs that have a terrible taste and and are too big to swallow.
(Natasya Evalyne Sitorus – Children of the Rainbow Lanterns)
DATES TO KEEP FREE FOR THE PARISH
OLMC Youth Group are organizing some Parish Activities. All Parishioners are invited to attend the activities and be part of the vibrant community we share.
- Saturday 26 July 6.00pm Christmas in July Parish Centre
- Friday 10 October 5pm-7pm Family Disco Night Parish Centre
- Sunday 19 October 11.15am Multicultural Day Parish Centre
- Sunday 7 December 11.15am Youth Christmas Carols Parish Centre
KINDA KINDER
Kinda Kinda will resume in the Parish Centre on 22 July after the Victoria University holidays. Parents with children aged from 0 to 5 years are welcome at this weekly program.
CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
Study Tour and Pilgrimage: “The Experience of Catholic Culture” 3 September – 3 October 2015 Ireland, Scotland, England and Italy. Tour Leaders: Rev. Prof. Austin Cooper omi AM and Dr Frances Baker rsm.
Details on College website at www.ctc.edu.au
Information Session at Catholic Theological College: Saturday 26 July at 2.00pm
RSVP & further information: Jenny Delahunt T: 9412 3314
E: jenny.delahunt@ctc.edu.au
MORNING TEA 9.30AM SUNDAY 20TH JULY
Our next Morning Tea will be after 8.30am Mass on Sunday 20
July to celebrate our Parish Feast Day. Old Town Neighbourhood will be hosting. Please bring a plate to share.
SVDP SUNBURY CONFERENCE
The St Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank all parishioners for your generous donation to our Winter Appeal. We raised $7,362 which will be used to assist the people we serve in our local community. Your support is greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for us.
PRIESTS’ ASSOCIATION ENDORSED AUSTRALIAN BISHOPS ON ASYLUM SEEKERS
Our bishops put out a statement on 8 May 2014 speaking to the entire Australian community urging respect for the rights of asylum seekers. The bishops questioned is there an underlying attitude of racism and also of the selfishness of the rich. The bishops call on parliamentarians of all parties to turn away from harsh policies to the path of a realistic compassion that deals with both human need and electoral pressure. They “call on the nation as a whole to say no to the dark forces which make these policies possible. The time has come to examine our conscience and then to act differently”. The full text is available on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference website.
The Australian Council of Priests endorsed the bishops’ statement on 14 May 2014.
TWO PEACEMAKER POPES—JOHN XXIII AND FRANCIS
Both have stepped over the barriers of ideology or religion to evoke bonds of a common humanity committed to promoting the well-being of all people, especially the poor and marginalized.
John XXIII was a stretcher bearer in the First World War and saw first hand the carnage of war and human suffering. In April 1963, he published his encyclical “Peace on Earth” (Pacem in Terris) in which he called for dialogue between different political systems to lessen the chance of another frightful war.
Pope Francis is seeking a similar path as capitalism struggles to manage gross inequalities in living standards. He used to visit the poor areas in Buenos Aires. (full text —”Eureka Street” 23 April 2014).
Inequality is present in our own country. The Business Review Weekly states the top seven richest Australians own $56 billion while 4,500,000 Australians at the other end, own $54 billion. (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
POPE FRANCIS: “I HAVEN’T DONE ANYTHING ON MY OWN”
On 30th June, in an interview with Italian daily “Il Messaggero”, the Pope was asked what was his plan. He replied
“The plan I follow is what the Cardinals have requested during the General Congregations before the Conclave (March 2013) ……. My decisions are the fruit of the pre Conclave meetings. I haven’t done anything on my own”
(English translation by Zenit 2 July 2014).
CHRISTMAS IN JULY DANCE
OLMC Youth Group will be hosting Christmas in July Dance in the Parish Centre on Saturday 26 July from 6pm.
Tickets cost $15.
Pizza and drink provided with cost of ticket.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
On Aboriginal Sunday we celebrate Aboriginal culture and their contribution to our Church. During NAIDOC Week 7th – 13th July many events celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are held where welcome to attend is extended to all. Refer to www.naidoc.org.au for details.
The NAIDOC Mass will be held at St Francis Church in the city on Sunday 13th July at 11 AM.
An art exhibition in the Pastoral Rooms beside St Francis from 7th July – 16th July has been done by primary schools FIRE carriers and expresses their journey as FIRE carriers. FIRE – Fire igniting reconciliation through education.
Binnap Partners are holding a film screening on Sunday 20th July at the Nova Cinema in Carlton.
Funds raised go to the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry. The film is ‘Charlie’s Country’, a compelling Australian film with Cannes award winning actor, David Gulpilil. Tickets $20.00. Contact Pat on 9878 7939. Bookings to be made by 14th July.
Opening the Doors Birthday Oration is on 6th August at Genazzano College. Speaker Leila Gurruwiwi from the Marngrook Footy Show. Details on Notice Board. Opening the Doors
Foundation addresses the severe educational disadvantage still being experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, by providing practical assistance so that they are able to choose and successfully maintain a positive educational environment for their children.
Please take the time to read the homily of Tamil Dominican Priest Father Pan Jordan of Pax Christi. A copy is on the notice board. Father Pan’s homily received spontaneous and resounding applause at the funeral of Tamil asylum seeker Leo Seemanpillai. It is powerful, profound and very moving. Father Pan has agreed to share this homily. Leo’s story is just one of many who once imagined they might find protection in our care.
We are grateful to Joe & Joan Koren for allowing the Parish to use their personal Message Stick at all Masses. The Message Stick acknowledges the Wirrunjeri people and shows the Sunbury “Rings” on the stick.
PREVENTING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
You would be aware of the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse in Institutions which is currently hearing of the many unfortunate cases of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and other Institutions. For those who have been impacted by institutional abuse, a special helpline exists to help the healing process begin.
It is poignantly called the “Starting Point” Helpline. The number is 1800 99 10 99. If you need help and don’t know where to start, this may be the first step you take to begin your healing. Flyers are on the St Anne’s Welcome Desk in the foyer.
FR MATTHEW BALDWIN THANKSGIVING MASS
Sunday night 29th June we gathered in St Anne’s Church in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury to join with Rev Matthew Baldwin as he celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass following his Ordination on the previous day. His friends and family had come to celebrate with him, including his Uncle John from Cessnock. Apparently the Hunter Valley is much warmer than Sunbury at 5.30 at night.
Here is a slideshow of some photos of the night.
THANK YOU ALL FROM FR KEVIN
Thank you all for your prayers, kind thoughts and lots of cards while recovering from illness. Your concern for my welfare
has helped with my recovery.….Kevin McIntosh
MARY MACKILLOP FEAST DAY
“As the Sisters of St Joseph expanded throughout Australia and beyond, Mary’s endurance, coupled with her compassion and leadership, touched many people’s lives leaving a legacy that endures today…”
Share in celebrating St Mary MacKillop’s Feastday on 8 August, 2014. Please visit the websites at www.sosj.org.au or www.marymackillop.org.au for celebrations.
SUNBURY CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEE IMPORTANT NOTICE
Hello to all supporters,
Many of you will have seen the segment on ‘A Current Affair’ this week slamming ACCESS Ministries and the work done by volunteers teaching CRE in schools. As often happens, the media got it wrong! Attached is a response by ACCESS setting the record straight.
Please note this is about SRI (Special Religious Instruction, or CRE as we know it), not Chaplaincy, but it will still be of interest to you all, I’m sure.
If you’re confused about the acronyms SRI and CRE (so was I! I still don’t know why the 2 terms!) ) – here is an explanation from the ACCESS website:
ACCESS ministries Christian Education program serves students and school communities in Victorian government schools by providing Christian Special Religious Instruction (SRI), which we refer to as Christian Religious Education (CRE).
Please feel free to forward or share this Statement (Click here for the statement) with anyone who is unclear about the role played by CRE teachers, or with anyone who has been misled or is confused by the media report. I’m going to put it on the Uniting Church Facebook page. It would be worthwhile to inform your congregations in some way too, if possible. Let’s get the GOOD news out there!!
And let’s focus on the fact that over 90,000 children in 800 schools benefited from the CRE program last year! What the TV report didn’t say much about is that parents can opt their children out of the program any time they want to – this has never changed! Clearly thousands of parents are happy about their children participating and the ‘stars’ of the TV program are a minority. Funny how the minority is always heard above the majority – people will often complain but rarely compliment, no matter what the subject!
It’s worth taking a look at the ACCESS Ministries website which has lots of useful information about CRE and Chaplaincy.
www.accessministries.org.au
Blessings to you all and thanks for your ongoing support!
Helen Hall
on behalf of the Sunbury Chaplaincy Committee
sunburychaplaincy@hotmail.com
ALTAR SERVERS
Training for Girls and Boys wishing to join the Altar Server Team will be held at 11am on Saturdays 5 and 12 July in St Anne’s Church.
New members must have received or are about to receive 1st Eucharist. Enquiries to Michael McConville 97442674
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