Author: MtCarmel

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STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING (11th Dec)

A VOICE THAT CRIES IN THE WILDERNESS


Today, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. In the midst of our preparations for Christmas, we are reminded to stop and spend time rejoicing for what God has done for us.

It is interesting, however, to note that the writers of today’s readings are not simply rejoicing in the mystery of the incarnation. In the reading from Isaiah, the prophet rejoices because the Lord has sent Him to proclaim glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and release to prisoners.” Today’s Responsorial Psalm, the Magnificat, echoes these same sentiments. In the Gospel reading, we find John the Baptist rejoicing in the mission God has given Him. He tells those who have gathered around Him that He is not the Messiah. He tells them, “I am the voice of the one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’”

What’s more, in his letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul reminds us as the Christian Church to rejoice always. We are called to rejoice, proclaim and, as stewards, to use the many things God has given us – our time, our talents, and our treasure – to help others recognize the many good things God does for us.

 

Copyright © 2011 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

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SPEAKING PERSONALLY…………….FR KEVIN

I consider myself to be very fortunate and blessed to have been able to do study in Europe. The study tour organised by Yarra Theological Union was wonderful, far beyond my expectations. The scholars and leading figures we met were so generous with their time. We saw new modern churches in suburban Paris with a strong social welfare programs we visited the immersion font where St Augustine and his son were baptised at the Easter Vigil in 397 and the chapel in Belgium where the first Mass facing the people was celebrated in 1922. However, we can also be proud of the efforts made in Australia on liturgical renewal since the 1950’s……..Kevin McIntosh

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OUR GROWING PARISH

Hume City Council held a public information and consultation evening at the Memorial Hall last Wednesday when twenty residents attended and saw the proposals for growth. A member of our Parish Education Board and Salesian College Council was present as there is proposed a possible establishment of homes for 10000 people in Diggers Rest and South Sunbury in the next five years. The State Government will make the final decision.

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CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN

Christmas on the Green will take place on Sun- day 11 December. The event is being sponsored by the Combined Churches of Sunbury and tells the Christmas message in story, song and festivity. Please come and join in the festivities. This is a family friendly environment. It starts at 3.00pm with face painting, jumping castle, games, art and craft activities, clowns and a giant slide. Carols singing will start at 6pm with great gusto and smiles will be out in force! Please bring your own chair and safety candles will be on sale on the night. This years celebrations will focus on the birth of Jesus with a nativity scene with stable and animals. There will also be a light and sound music show.

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THE YEAR OF GRACE

Archbishop Philip Wilson, has announced the forthcoming “Year of Grace” to span the time from Pentecost 2012  to Pentecost 2013. In a letter to all Catholics he said,

“We call the Catholic people in Australia to a Year of Grace. Like the disciples a the first Pente- cost, we commit ourselves to start afresh from Christ. We invite you to join us in this journey of prayer so that this ‘Pentecost’ year will  be for our nation and all Australians truly a ‘year of grace’. Planning for the Year of Grace has already begun in every diocese in the country,  so that the Catholics   of   this   nation   may   respond   to   this   fresh invitation to ‘contemplate the face of Christ.”

For further info visit www.yearofgrace.catholic.org.au.

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FAMILY CHRISTMAS MASS IN THE RUPERTSWOOD STADIUM 7PM 24TH DEC

If there are any children in Years 1 to 4 attending schools other than Our Lady of Mount Carmel or St Anne’s, who would like to take part in the dramatisation of the Gospel at this Mass (there is always room for more Angels and Shepherds) ask Mum or Dad to ring the Parish Office on Monday 5th December to let us know. We have sent a note to children at the parish primary schools.

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YOUTH GROUP

Youth (Primary and Secondary) are all welcome to join in a Carol Singing event (singing three Carols) at the Village Green on 11th Dec.
Practice will be held at St Anne’s church on 9th Dec at 7PM untill 8PM.
Dress code and further details will be circulated by email. Please forward your email address to garnetjacob@yahoo.com
If you have any ideas to make this event more fun, please contact Garnet Jacob on 97408328/0411286428.

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STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

John appeared in the wilderness

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

We have entered the second week of Advent, and we spend our time patiently waiting in anticipation of the celebration of Christmas. But, as today’s readings remind us, we are to actively wait by preparing our hearts and minds through prayer and repentance, and by proclaiming the Good News that God became man for our sake so that He could suffer and die and then come again to bring us into heavenly glory

It is a beautiful message we proclaim. God has done so much for us and continues to do so, giving us innumerable gifts with which we can live our lives. And, much like the prophets in today’s readings, we ought to proclaim His mighty deeds boldly before all the nations.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah proclaims the end of the Babylonian exile, when God will intervene and the Jews will be able to return to Israel and, ultimately Israel will be restored. He knows God will intervene, and, as He waits for that to happen, He is active. He wants all to know of what is to come.

In the Gospel, John the Baptist is the prophet, proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. John, too, knows that God is soon to intervene in human history and send the One whom the Jews have long-awaited, and He wants all to know it.

We are privileged to know the One of whom John spoke, the Messiah whom the Jews long awaited. He has come, and, as His disciples, we are to proclaim Him to the ends of the Earth. So, as we wait to celebrate Christmas, as stewards we are called to preach the Good News – to use our time our talents and our treasure to proclaim Him boldly through the way we live our lives.

 

Copyright © 2011 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

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SUNBURY CHAPLAINCY

A special Chaplaincy Service will be held at 7.30pm on Sunday 4 December at Sunbury Baptist Church (Gap Road). At this service, we will be commissioning Alicia Drowley, the Chaplain at Sunbury Downs College and farewelling Tim Cohen who has been Chaplain at Sunbury College for two years. Tim will soon commence a full time position at Castlemaine Secondary College (the position at Sunbury College will be part time next year). We would love to see as many as possible at this special Service to support our Chaplains. Please bring a small plate of supper to share.

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SING-A-LONG

Goonawarra Nursing Home, Sunbury
Friday 2 December 2.30—3.15pm
Please come along and help entertain the residents.

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THANK YOU

The collection taken for the Catholic Deaf received $909.60, an amazing effort yet again.
The Bible Society of Australia were also grateful for your generosity as they received $1732.
Your prayers and generosity are much appreciated by those in need.

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CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS OLMC PREPS & TEACHERS

Thank you to the OLMC Preps and their teachers, Monique, Rita and Michelle for the wonderful entertainment and lunch they gave us last Thursday.
Everyone said it was one of the best days and will be remembered with much joy.
………………………Evergreens.

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MORNING TEA

Sunbury West will be hosting morning tea next Sunday 4 December after the 8.30am Mass at St Anne’s Church. Please feel  free to bring a  plate and join  us for  a cuppa and a chat.

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ST VINCENT DE PAUL

The Vinnies Christmas appeal starts this Sunday 1 December. This Christmas, Vinnies will spend time helping over half a million people and you can help too. By supporting Vinnies with a donation to the Christmas Appeal, you’ll be helping to provide services which make a real difference to people’s lives: presents for children, basics like food and clothing, practical support for struggling families and emotional support for those who have no-one to turn to. And isn’t that something everyone wants?
Please, when you’re thinking about the gifts you plan to give this Christmas, think about a gift to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal and help someone change their life. Envelopes will be available at both churches for people wanting to donate via credit card or direct debit. These can be returned this week or next week.

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YOUTH GROUP

The Youth Group has been very busy. The Youth Group have organised a picnic this Sunday 27 November at Mount Macedon, Hanging Rock from 1.30-4pm. BYO food, drinks and outdoor games.
Also, on Saturday 3 December our Youth Group will be Singing Carols with Santa at 3 Aged Care Homes at Sunbury starting at 10am from Goonawarra Nursing Home, Anderson Rd, Sunbury. Dress colorfully, reindeer and Santa hats, bring along musical instruments and sing along.
Practice on 2 December at St Anne’s Church between 7-8pm.
For more info, contact Garnet Jacob on 9740 8328 or 0411 286 428.

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LOURDES DAY MASS

Mass of hope for the sick and fragile Saturday 3 December 10.30am St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Flyers at St Anne’s Church.