The Inquiry held its last two public hearings on 20 and 27 May, with Archbishop Hart and Cardinal Pell respectively. Each of the Church leaders emphasised the terrible long-term damage done to victims and their families, and the measures they had taken to support them. They renewed their apologies to them. They also outlined how they had succeeded in stopping further abuse from occurring. For further information on the Church’s response to the Inquiry go to www.facingthetruth.org.au. Please subscribe on the homepage for updates.
NO EUCHARIST WITHOUT PRIESTS
As we celebrate the feast of the Eucharist of the Body and Blood of Christ, let us
pray for the 510 priests appointed currently to serve the 1.09 million Catholics in the Melbourne Archdiocese and pray that more men will follow them in their ministry as priests to serve the increasing number of Catholics in Melbourne.
WORK ON OLMC CHURCH
Last week workers in a boom crane replaced missing slates on the roof and repaired the flashing at the very top. Electricians came another day and installed low-energy external lights which are movement sensitive. The cost of these works is $2300.00.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY SESSIONS
At this very special time with our children beginning to receive Communion, we urge all parents to allow their children to attend the Children’s Liturgy Session at 10.30am Masses.
The Liturgy of the Word is presented to the children at their level and is an interactive session, where children will participate in a discussion or do an activity based on the Gospel of the day. It is run every Sunday during school terms.
PARENTS OF CHILDREN BEGINNING THEIR SACRAMENTAL LIFE
On Tuesday 4 June at 2pm and 7.30pm, there will be the Information and Registration session for children generally of Year 3, whom their parents think are ready to begin celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation in August. These sessions are Adult Faith Programs facilitated by Fr Andrew Hayes PP.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
It would seem appropriate on this Most Holy Trinity Sunday that we focus on the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in light of a stewardship way of life. Stewardship has been defined as “the grateful and responsible use of God’s gifts in the light of God’s purpose as revealed in Jesus Christ. Christian stewards, empowered by the Holy Spirit, commit themselves to conscious, purposeful decisions.”
In other words, just as the Blessed Trinity is no accident, neither is stewardship. It is our response to God’s gifts. Furthermore, it involves us making “conscious and purposeful” decisions about how we will live our lives, and how we will use the many gifts we have received to serve God and to serve God’s purposes.
In today’s Gospel from John, the Lord proclaims that the Holy Spirit will “guide you to all truth.” Stewardship is truth; it is the way we are called to see our lives and to live our lives. It is a God-centered way of living. Catholic Christian stewardship is using the gifts God has given us, to do the work God has called us to do. One of the primary objectives of our lives is to discern and carry out God’s purpose for us. What is our personal mission? Do you hear God’s call to be truer within your faith and beliefs?
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
MAY MASS COUNT
The Christian denominations each May collect data on the numbers of Australians who take part in Sunday worship. Our collectors will be counting us at each of the May Masses.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE HOLY ROSARY
In honour of Our Lady of all Nations for the Holy Church and Priests, the Rosary will be prayed on Friday 31 May at St Anne’s Church, after 9.15am Mass.
ALL WELCOME TO INAUGURATION OF THE SHRINE OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
All welcome to the inauguration of the shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Ta’ Pinu Marian Centre, 15 Flanagans Dr, Bacchus Marsh on Sunday 26 may at 3.00pm.
WORKING BEE
A working bee will be held at St Anne’s Church on next Saturday 1 June from 9am to Noon.
Please bring tools and energy to keep our Parish looking beautiful.
ARCHBISHOP DENIS HART AT THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY
Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, appeared before the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into child abuse for over three hours on Monday 20 May. He renewed his apology on behalf of the Church for “an horrific episode in our history, the effects of which are still keenly felt today”, and explained how the Church had changed since the 1990s. For further information on the Church’s response to the Inquiry or to download a summary of the Archbishop’s statement visit www.facingthetruth.org.au. On this website you will also find:
- videos on Towards Healing and Melbourne Response, the Church’s processes for dealing with allegations of sexual abuse
- copies of statements made by those appearing before the Inquiry
- new fact sheets and frequently asked questions.
Printed copies of the Archbishops statements given last Monday are available at our Welcome Desk. Cardinal Pell of Sydney will appear tomorrow, 27 May.
Editor: I strongly recommend reading all the “right of reply” documents, particularly those from the Independant Commissioner, Melbourne Response. Click here.
HOLY HOUR ON THE FEAST OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST-2 JUNE
Next Sunday, Pope Francis will lead a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in Rome. All parishes in the world are invited to arrange a similar Holy Hour as a special moment of prayer for the needs of our Church. Our Holy Hour of silent adoration will be on Sunday 2nd June from 2.30pm to 3.30pm in St Anne’s Church.
CATHOLICCARE’S GALA BALL
The Gala Ball will be held at the Plaza Ballroom on Thursday 30 May and is the major fund raiser for Alcohol & Other Drug Family Services.
The funds raised go toward funding alcohol & other drug family counsellors in the Western Region of Melbourne.
The program is focused on restoring the wellbeing and relationships of those affected by problematic alcohol and other drug use.
Contact 9287 555 for further information.
8 WEEK STUDY COURSE
Wednesday evenings starting 5 June to 24 July. Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy.
Enquiries Fiona 0407 879 991 or www.cam.org.au/lifemarriagefamily.
Blessed John Paul II “Theology of the Body”. Why is marriage between man and woman? Why can’t priests marry? I just want to be happy…is it possible? Some of the topics discussed at the course.
Registrations close 29 May.
$40 per person.
Info on St Anne’s Noticeboard and welcome desk.
10 YEAR WINTER CELEBRATION
You are invited to join the celebration at a fundraising event. Thursday 13 June 5-8pm, Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, 362 Albert St, East Melbourne.
Please rsvp for catering purposes to Gina Bradley at 02 8912 2716 or gina.bradley@soso.org.au.
Because of your continued support Ethica Accessories is celebrating 10 years of providing opportunity for Peruvian women to earn a fair income.
Your purchase helps support the workshops.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MORNING TEA
Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou and Breast Screen Victoria invite you to a free breast health Information session on Thursday 13 June from 10.30am to noon at Maria Vamvakinou’s Office, 6/1100 Pascoe Vale Rd, Broadmeadows.
FEAST OF THE VISITATION
The Maltese Gharb Club of Melbourne invites you to celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St Elizabeth on Sunday 2 June at St Bernadette’s Catholic Community Centre, Cooke Ave, North Sunshine. Mass at 2.30pm celebrated by Mons Benedict Camilleri followed by a function in the foyer.
EARLY MASS DEPARTURES
Our Mass has four essential parts: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist and Concluding Rites of Blessing and Dismissal. With First Communion Masses, it would be respectful and excellent role modelling to our children if all parishioners were to remain to the end of all Masses. The only time Mass should be left early is in the event of an emergency, otherwise the final blessing and dismissal are missed– these to are important parts of the Mass.
……. Liturgy Team
APPLICATION TO INCREASE POKER MACHINES IN SUNBURY
Sunbury United Sporting Club in Mitchells Lane has applied to the Victorian Commission for Gambling to increase by 85% the number of poker machines at their club.
Sunbury residents may comment on this application in writing. Please visit www.vcglr.vic.gov.au or 1300 182 457 for contact details. Comments close on 29 May.
Your submission may be helped by material from the Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce whose members include Archbishop Philip Wilson Chair of Australian Catholic Bishops and the CEO of St Vincent de Paul and Catholic Social Services.
THE EMMAUS CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP
The Emmaus Charismatic Prayer Group will meet at St Anne’s Church on Thursdays at 10.00am.
All welcome, including children.
Further info or transport please contact Elaine & Lambert van der Weerden on 9744 4029.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 
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