This is supposed to be the happiest time of the year for kids– new Christmas presents to play with, family get togethers, family outings, etc. Unfortunately, this is not the case for too many youngsters. Some children have no home, no family to care for them and live vulnerably every day. This is not what Jesus wanted for anyone, let alone these beautiful children. If you are able to help care for a vulnerable child, please think about Foster Care through MacKillop Family Services. They can be contacted on 8398 6800 or via www.mackillop.org.au for further information.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
Today’s Gospel from John includes the story of the Miracle at the Wedding Feast in Cana. The wedding feast in Cana is always the Gospel reading for this Sunday because it is there that Christ is revealed. The last sentence in John’s Gospel (Jn 2:11) is “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.” This is his first sign, and as stated, it “revealed his glory.” For His disciples, you might say this was the “clincher,” and they “began to believe in him.”
Although today is the Second Sunday in Ordinary time, “ordinary” does not mean “commonplace.” In its usage by the Church it stems from two Latin words — ordinalis, which means numbers listed in order, and ordo which means order. Ordinary Time is merely a reminder to us that the Church has order, and that we are expected to approach our faith in an ordered and consistent way.
In the second reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains and defines what stewardship really is. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” Each of us is gifted in some special way. And all of our gifts are to be used to build the Kingdom of God. If we truly believe, we need to live out our lives in the way once described by the late Archbishop Thomas Murphy, who said, “We all possess certain talents and gifts which are unique only to us. You already have what you need to start living an extraordinary life. It is up to you to let your light shine.”
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
PRESENTATION TO EX-PARISHIONER HUGH O’NEILL
Supreme Knight Australia Colin Walsh and State Chairman Victoria Maurice Skehan recently travelled to Werribee to visit former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parishioner Hugh O’Neill. The reason for Colin’s visit was to present Hugh with a certificate reconising Hugh’s 50 years as a member of the Knights of the Southern Cross. A lot of parishioners will remember Hugh who was a very active member of our Parish until Hugh and Wife Margaret moved to a retirement village in Werribee 10 years ago.
Colin found Hugh and Margaret both still going very strong with Hugh having lost none of his humour.
HUGH O’NEILL WITH HIS CERTIFICATE FOR FIFTY YEARS SERVICE TO THE KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS
HUGH O’NEILL BEING PRESENTED WITH HIS FIFTY YEARS SERVICE CERTIFICATE BY SUPREME KNIGHT COLIN WALSH (LEFT) AND STATE CHAIRMAN MAURICE SKEHAN (RIGHT)
FROM FR KEVIN
Christmas Masses
About 3000 people took part in our four family Masses, a higher number than in other years. Many leaving the Church and the Stadium commented very favourably on our celebrations. A priest in inner Melbourne told me their participants were also up and their collections were greatly increased.
Thanks for your Christmas Offerings
30% is forwarded to support the ninety-three retired Melbourne priests, as well as the archbishop and other Bishops and priests in parishes unable to support their priest. The remaining 70% is spent on the lease and running costs of a car, the running costs of the Presbytery and a living allowance for myself.
This Christmas the offerings were 61% higher than 2011 for which I am very grateful.
……Kevin McIntosh
HELP NEEDED FOR 8.30AM MASS
Parishioners needed at 8.30am Mass to set up for Mass. Training will be provided to any interested parties. We appeal to the regular 8.30am Mass goers to help as the majority of the Mass set up has fallen to one family, which is unfair.
The roster is set for one month per year. If you can help, please contact the Parish Office on 9744 1060.
PRAYERFUL CONDOLENCES
Prayerful condolences to Leanne, Alyssa and Tegan Harry for the loss of their husband and father, Peter Harry. Peter bravely fought fires as a CFA volunteer, but unfortunately died after being badly burned on 29 December while fighting fires in Gisborne. Please remember Peter and his family in your prayers, and also for all the brave people who protect us all from the horrors of bushfires. There were two fires in our parish last Tuesday extinguished by many CFA members.
FAREWELL & GODSPEED
Farewell and Godspeed to Pastor Jim Pietsch of the Sunbury Lutheran Church who after six years among us has taken up an appointment in the Lutheran Church, Wellington, NZ. Jim has been a great promoter of Biblical Studies, a member of the Victorian Council of Churches and the secretary of the Sunbury Ministers Association. Some members of our parish were at his farewell service last Sunday.
PARISH BINGO
Parish Bingo resumes every Thursday evening from 17 January in the Sunbury Football Club, Clarke Oval, Riddell Rd.
Eyes down at 8pm, Meals available beforehand.
GLUTEN FREE BREADS
The Parish is able to offer “Gluten Free” breads to be consecrated during Eucharist. If you wish to receive the gluten free host, please inform the person setting up for Eucharist.
The Minister of Communion at the central aisle will have your host in a separate pyx.
NEW GENERATION OF MISSIONARY LEADERS
Leaders of the Columban Missionary Society from around the world met recently. A young Columban priest from Korea works in China; a young Fijian priest is now a parish priest in Chile; a young Filipino priest is involved in forming students for the priesthood. So the former missionary countries are now producing missionaries.
One purpose of the Columbans was to help Churches overseas mature until they are able to evangelize to their own and then to other people. The goal has been achieved in the Philippines and Korea. Our purchasing the Columban Art Calendar supports the Columban missionaries work.
10TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF THE INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE
This Celebration will be held on Sunday 20 January 2013 at Good Shepherd Parish, 88 South Circular Rd, Gladstone Park.
Celebrations begin at 1.50pm and conclude at approx. 4pm.
CARITAS AUSTRALIA
On 13 December, Cyclone Evan hit Samoa. Four people are confirmed dead, 12 are missing, more than 4,500 are in evacuation centres and 4,000 homes have been destroyed. Please help. The Caritas Australia Pacific Emergency Appeal is now open.
You may donate through the Caritas website www.caritas.org.au, the toll free number 1800 024 413 or GPO Box 9830 in your capital city
CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL
From Monday 14 January at 9.30am to Friday 18 January 2013, a National Conference entitled “Holy Spirit Come!” will be held. This conference will feature four high powered Catholic Lay Evangelists from around the world! Each one will present encouragement and hope through a call to a renewed faith. Cost of Conference is $150 per person.
For Melbourne Youth to gather, a free event called “One”- one God, one Spirit, one Church– will be held on Friday 18 January 2013 from 7.30-10.30pm at Central Hall, 20 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Enthusiastic speaker’s and musical talent will raise the spirits of all who attend.
Info can be found on the Welcome Desk or please direct all enquiries to 9486 6544.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
Today — the Baptism of the Lord—is also the First Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus’ Baptism Feast is placed here by the Church because it is an important part of what has been revealed and taught to us during Christmas.
Last week we spoke of the meaning of Epiphany — a “manifestation” or “revealing.” Christ’s Baptism, as described in the Gospel of Luke in today’s readings, represents one of the Theophanies. An Epiphany is a manifestation, but a Theophany is the manifestation of God Himself. During this Christmas season and the week after it, we celebrate four theophanies: 1. The birth of Christ on December 25, which revealed Christ to Israel; 2. The visit of the Magi on Epiphany, which revealed Christ to the Gentiles; 3. The Baptism of the Lord, which revealed the Trinity; and 4. The miracle at the wedding of Cana, which revealed Christ’s transformation to the world. (Next week’s Gospel is the miracle at Cana.)
Jesus’ Baptism is even more than a revelation to us. If He, Who had no need of this purifying act, humbly subjected Himself to it, then we, most in need of redemption, can recognize both the importance of this sacrament, as well as recognizing how we are freed from darkness. Jesus was not Baptized because He needed it, but because we needed it.
The Baptism of the Lord marks the official end of Christmas. Most churches do not dismantle their Christmas decorations until after this Feast Day. As Catholics perhaps we, too, should follow that example — to let everyone know that Christmas does not end with Christmas Day, but with the culmination of our understanding as to Who Christ is.
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
PLEASE HELP
Vicki Ward is the wife of Reverend Gavin Ward who is the Minister at the Sunbury Anglican Church, St May’s . Vicki is currently undergoing further radiation treatment following the discovery that existing tumours in her brain have begun growing again and further tumours have been discovered.Our community is connected via the Sunbury Lay Echumenical Committee and the various Christian activities in our area. We ask pairshioners to continue to pray for Vicki and the Ward family. The Anglican community are holding a prayer vigil on Tuesday 8 January at St Mary’s Church in O’Shannassy St, Sunbury from 6pm to 10pm. All are welcome to join the Anglican community for silent prayer. The Ward family hope to join the service from 7.30-8.30pm for a directed period of led prayer.
Donations can be made to help support the financial needs of the family. Please contact the Parish Office if you are able to assist.
THANKYOU AND FAREWELL
Thank you to Val Quinn as she leaves us to move to a new home. Val has been a regular worshipper with us on Sundays and Weekdays. She has contributed to Thanksgiving and has been involved in the music ministry and Minister of Communion. Val has also driven parishioners to Church and Evergreen events and will be missed. We wish her every happiness in her new home.
AU REVOIR
Au Revoir and sincere gratitude to Fr Kevin, Fr Bert, Sr Jose` and all the lovely parishioners for their support over the last 10 years.
This is not goodbye but Au Revoir. ……Val Quinn
MELBOURNE PRIEST RETURNING
Fr Joe Ruys, former parish priest of Dallas has finished his six years on loan to the Columban Society in Lima, Peru where his Parish consisted of 110,000 parishioners and 15 chapels. He rode a motorbike around the gravel roads. He developed formation programs for leadership of parishioners and catechetical methods for parish youth groups.
Welcome back Fr Joe.
ARCHBISHOP DANIEL MANNIX
This year it is 100 years since his arrival in Melbourne in 1913 and 50 years since his entry to eternal life in 1963. On 16 March 2013, there will be a day conference at the State Library of Victoria. Keynote speaker: Professor Dermot Keogh, Professor Emeritus of History, Ireland. Cost $100, concession $70. Enquiries Melbourne Diocesan Historical Commission 9926 5677 or email archive@cam.org.au.
FUNERAL MASS FOR BR HENRY
The funeral Mass will be held on Monday 7 January at 11am for Salesian Br Henry Van der Laan at Rupertswood College Chapel. Br Henry was part of the Sunbury Salesian community in 2008. His burial will be at Salesian College in the Priests Graveyard.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 
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