Better World – Page 11 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury

July 12, 2013July 12, 2013

MASS FOR HEALING 18 JULY ST ANNE’S CHURCH 7.00PM

Fr Varghese Parackal a Vincentian priest has been specializing in retreats for more than 12 years. He is well known as a powerful preacher, gifted in healings and prophesy. He is currently the director of retreat centre in Perth. Along with the formal approval of Archbishops of Perth and Melbourne he is now conducting retreats and healing Masses for healing in Melbourne. On behalf of the team, we invite you to come along and experience the divine love and mercy of Jesus.

July 5, 2013

LUTHERANS AND CATHOLIC TO MARK REFORMATION IN UNITY

On 17 June, the Vatican and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) announced plans to commemorate 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 by stressing their common faith in Jesus and commitment to spread the Gospel rather than dwelling on the bitter disputes of the past. This is the first-ever attempt to present a joint version of the Reformation and “a very important step in a healing process which we all need.” Rev Martin Junge of Chile and Cardinal Kurt Koch of Rome presented a 93 page paper acknowledging faults on both sides. In an age of ecumenism, globalisation and extensive secularisation, past feuds are now forgotten and we need to work together “and jointly rediscover the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for our time.”

July 4, 2013

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” With these words, Jesus sent His disciples to the far ends of the earth to evangelize and bring the faith to the many people they encountered. Blessed John Paul II delivered a homily directed to that exact statement in November 2004.

As is the case with sermons given by the Pope, that message was meant for all of us. John Paul II made it clear that all of us were the laborers. He also explained that the world was still filled with souls who had not heard nor understood the message. Perhaps centuries had passed, but we still needed to be “heralds and witnesses” to the faith, as there is a “sense of need for Christ” rising up from the people of the world.

In Matthew’s relating of this incident, Matthew quotes Jesus as saying, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send our laborers.” The point is clear to us as stewards of the Church: first, we must recognize our role as evangelizers, as laborers in the harvest, by living out our faith as examples of Christian witness; second, we need to pray, consistently and constantly, for as John Paul II went on to say in that homily, “Prayer moves the heart of God.”

June 28, 2013June 28, 2013

PARISH CONCERT

PARISH CONCERT

Well we had our Parish Concert, “A Banjo Sandwich“. Mind you a banjo was one of the few things Father Andrew Hayes didn’t actually play. He played keyboards, guitar, ukelele, mouth organ, whistle and others but not a banjo. The banjo sandwich came from the fact that the show started with and finished with, readings from The Bard of the Bush, Banjo Paterson.
Sandwiched between the works of Banjo Paterson were poetry and prose readings, almost all original, songs and stories, equally original, sing-a-longs and various audience participation segments.
The audience was laughing from the first minute, and probably there were a few tears shed during the reading of the “Black Saturday” poem although the part that affected me the most was the reading of “I Married a Vet“.
There was a surprisingly large turnout for a frosty winters night and I feel safe saying that everyone had a wonderful time. If fact it took Fr Andrew several attempts to get the audience to even begin to leave.
It was a packed two hours of entertainment, reflection, and community.

……………Ed

PS……if you were there leave a comment below. (Click on “Leave a Reply)

ABC interview with Fr Andrew’s Band The Stumpy Gully Bush Band here.
Website here.

June 28, 2013June 28, 2013

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

The readings for this Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time deal with the dichotomy of emotions found in Christ’s Crucifixion. It was a tragedy and an extremely sad occurrence; at the same time, as it meant salvation for us, it was a time of great joy.

The first reading from Zechariah recounts this time of great mourning, yet also as a time when the people will be given a “fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness.” In the Gospel, the Lord points to a similar contradiction when He says, “…whoever wishes to save his life must lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Our lives are filled with sadness and joy. Those who practice stewardship as a way of life focus on the joys. If we concentrate on our blessings, the crosses we must bear become less burdensome and more tolerable. The noted author and lecturer Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind, had a wonderful stewardship outlook on life. She once said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” That is our challenge as stewards — to concentrate on the good in life because that is what brings us great happiness.

June 27, 2013

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

We need some historical perspective to truly understand the first reading from 1 Kings, but once we grasp that viewpoint, there is a solid stewardship message. Elijah, like Moses and the Apostles, has been called by God to serve Him. Elijah and his follower Elisha served in the northern kingdom of Israel. Although there are some subtle pieces of information in today’s reading, the base of it is Elijah with the intercession of God calling Elisha to follow him. The cloak or “mantle” thrown over Elisha by Elijah is symbolic of him being called to be a prophet. God calls us in a similar way. Stewardship calls for us to assume the mantle of God, to follow Him, and to serve him. Like Elisha we have a vocation — the most important aspect of it is to be a disciple and a steward.

In Luke’s Gospel, we join Jesus on His final journey to Jerusalem, His passage that leads Him to His death and resurrection. The stewardship key to this Gospel nonetheless is Jesus’ call to three different persons to “follow me.” In the first reading, Elisha receives the call from Elijah, but responds basically “Yes, I will follow you, but first let me say goodbye to my mother and father.” The three people included in the Gospel respond to Jesus the same way, “Yes, I will follow you, but first let me…” As mentioned, just as we are called to some vocation, the basis of our calling is to follow Jesus — to be a disciple of the Lord. As harsh as it may seem, there are no excuses for not being a disciple. That is the point of the Gospel. Our call to discipleship, to stewardship, is not timeless; it is urgent and it is immediate. It is something we must do right now.

June 14, 2013June 14, 2013

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of stewardship to accept involves how we follow our faith — how we live out our Catholic beliefs. One of our sacraments is the sacrament of reconciliation. Today’s readings deal with that sacrament.

In the first reading from Samuel, King David is chastised by the prophet Nathan for his sinfulness. David, recognizing and acknowledging his sin, says, “I have sinned against the LORD.” He is forgiven. That same theme is followed in the Gospel of Luke, which tells the story of the sinful woman who enters the house of Simon the Pharisee to honor Jesus. Like David she recognizes her sinfulness, and Jesus says to her, “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

The good steward understands the importance of spiritual healing. The Sacrament of Penance is the Sacrament of this spiritual healing. It involves contrition, confession to a priest, absolution by the priest, and penance.

Some theologians have referred to reconciliation as “the more difficult Baptism.” None other than St. Ambrose, one of the original four doctors of the Church, drew a comparison between Baptism and Reconciliation: “There are water and tears; the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance.” We, too, need to strive to hear “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

June 9, 2013June 9, 2013

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

Stewardship is referred to most often as “a way of life.” We also often hear that a stewardship way of life requires a personal conversion of mind and heart.

In today’s second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Paul refers again to his own dramatic conversion. Yet, there is something deeper in his words. Paul wrote the letter because divisions had developed in the Church he, Paul, had established in Galatia. At the base of the disagreement was whether or not Gentiles had to conform to Jewish law to become and be Christians. Paul makes it clear that they do not.

This has a much more profound meaning for the Galatian community, and for us today as well. According to Paul, a person of faith is transformed (as he personally was) and that change means that the convert — the steward if you will — has a different motivation than she or he had previously.

The good steward does what is right because that is the way to live — a reflection of Jesus’ own life — not because of obligation or duty. The steward is not conforming to a set of laws, but to live the way Jesus called us to live. That was Paul’s message to the Galatians, and that same message applies to us.

June 8, 2013

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.

June 8, 2013

THANK YOU

Thanks to the generous people of our Parish. The amount raised from the special collection for Chaplaincy Sunday was $763.55. This money will be used to fund chaplains at hospitals, schools, prisons and anywhere they are needed.

May 24, 2013May 24, 2013

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?

May 17, 2013May 17, 2013

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

The readings for this Pentecost Sunday abound with stewardship messages and imagery. In a brief deliberation it is impossible to mention all, let alone expound upon them. Nevertheless, the second reading from 1 Corinthians includes two phrases that absolutely capture the quintessence of stewardship.

St. Paul asserts: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit.” This is tantamount to the oft-quoted declaration, “Everything we are and everything we have comes from God.” All of the readings on Pentecost emphasize the Holy Spirit — also known as Holy Ghost, Paraclete, Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, and Helper — and how this Spirit pervades our lives and imbues us with all that is holy.

St. Paul adds: “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” Benefit to whom? Certainly, it is a benefit to us as individuals, so that we can use those gifts to help God and assist others. That is stewardship — using the gifts we have received to build the Kingdom of God and to serve and comfort others.

Our challenge is to identify those gifts; channel those gifts in ways they can be shared; and, develop those gifts so they enrich all of those around us.

April 26, 2013April 26, 2013

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

Jesus calls us to “Love one another” many times in Holy Scripture. That admonition seems so simple. Yet, many of us struggle with it. It is as if the Lord says to us, “Stewardship is actually quite simple. Rather than trying to grapple with definitions and specifics, if you just do this, you will indeed be living lives of stewardship: Love one another.”

How is that love reflected in stewardship? Paul and Barnabas in the first reading exemplify stewardship by proclaiming the Good News; however, their willingness to travel so extensively and to meet so many and to work with them can be summarized with the word “persistence.” That is what our approach to stewardship needs to be persistent and consistent.

As John says in the second reading from Acts, it is time for us to make all things new. That, too, is what stewardship calls us to do, especially during this Easter season, a time when we should solidify our plans and efforts from Lent and Easter.

Finally, Jesus does more than just tell us to “Love one another” in today’s Gospel. He also reminds us that this is merely a reflection of the love He has and has shown for us. The more filled we are with the love of Christ, the more love we have, and the better stewards we can be.

April 26, 2013

POPE FRANCIS

There is a story going around Rome at the moment. A few days ago, at dawn, the time the Pope wakes up, he came out to the corridor (at Sanctæ Marthæ where he is still living), and he found in front of his door the sentry, a Swiss Guard standing with his halberd at attention.
He asked him: “And what are you doing here? Have you been up all night?”
“Yes,” replied the guard with deference and a bit surprised.
“On your feet?”
“Your Holiness, my duty since I took over from my companion.”
“And aren’t you tired?”
“It’s my duty Your Holiness; I should watch for your safety.”
Pope Francis looked at him again with kindness, went back to his suite and after a minute he came out carrying a chair: “At least sit down and rest.”
The guard rolled his eyes and answered: “Santo Padre, forgive me, but I cannot! The regulations do not allow that.”
“The regulations?”
“Orders from my captain, Your Holiness.”
The Pope smiled, “Oh, really? Well, I’m the Pope and I order you to sit down.”
So, caught between the regulations and the Pope, the Swiss Guard (so much for the halberd) chose the chair.
The Pope returned to his apartment. After a couple of minutes, the Pope came back to the Swiss Guard, still obediently seated on the chair, carrying “panino con marmellata” (Italian bread with jam) which he had prepared.
Before the soldier could say anything, the Holy Father, exhibiting his Argentinean smile, told the Swiss Guard, “With all the hours spent standing on guard you must be a bit hungry.”
The Swiss Guard had no time to object because the Pope right away wished him a good bite: “Bon appetit, brother”.
Pope Francis in such wonderful simple acts of kindness is showing us the type of “spirit-filled” living that should characterise us as Catholics. An even more poignant visual example of the Spirit of kindness at work was the way the Holy Father greeting disabled and sick people when he took recently possession of the Lateran Church… his own church as Bishop of Rome.
…….From Br Mark O’Connor– Office of Evangelisation

April 26, 2013May 17, 2013

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives his final instructions to His Apostles just prior to His Ascension into Heaven, which we celebrate today. He tells them that they are His witnesses, and charges them to go out and spread the Good News. In addition, in the first reading from Acts we learn that they are to spread this Good News, be witnesses, “to the ends of the earth.”

Nevertheless, we subsequently learn that they went back to Jerusalem (the Ascension occurred at Bethany, which is only a few miles from Jerusalem), and they prayed. In fact, they prayed until Pentecost (next Sunday, May 19). That was in many ways an act of stewardship. Jesus had cautioned them that they were not prepared for the ministry to which He was calling them. We are all called, but that does not mean we are prepared.

They prayed, and we need to pray. Scripture also notes that they “prayed with one accord.” Assuredly they prayed as individuals, but they also prayed together. As good stewards, we need to do that, too. It brings us closer to the Lord we must serve; it helps us to understand what Jesus expects of us. Prayer provides the foundation for lives of service, lives of stewardship. If we remain close to Jesus, we will never be left unprepared to be good stewards.